Spironolactone
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Spironolactone is a type of oral medication called an anti-androgen that is sometimes prescribed to females. Androgens are male hormones that are present...

Spironolactone is a type of oral medication called an anti-androgen that is sometimes prescribed to females. Androgens are male hormones that are present in both males and females that lead to more acne, and spironolactone helps reduce androgens.

It is usually taken once or twice a day, around the same time(s), preferably with a meal.

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May 13, 2008

Pros:

Clears your face up, is not an antibiotic so no danger for staying on it for a long time. It is a diuretic, makes you shed water weight.

Cons:

a couple little dizzy spells, not bad at all though. You need to go off it 30 days prior to trying to get pregnant.

This is also the only thing that has ever worked for me. I actually just got back on it. YES, you will break out just as bad as before you were on it when you go off it. I went off it to try and get pregnant for 7 months and broke out really bad with cystic acne on cheeks and forhead,chest, and some on my neck! I found out my husband has fertility issues and decided to go back on it until we can get help gettting pregnant and I actually do get pregnant. Blondie........I just started Isolaz. I had my first treatment a week ago. You really don't think it helped? I've heard really good things about it. Did they tell you to extract all your zits the night after the procedure? I'm blonde too:)
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May 11, 2008

Pros:

FINALLY...clear skin!

Cons:

None

I am almost 30 years old and have suffered cystic acne sine my teens. After trying every product, drug, etc, available, including 2 rounds of accutane, I had given up hope. I cam across this site about 4 months ago and immediately approached my dermatologist regarding spironolactone. I have just started my third month of treatment at 100mg per day and for the first time in my life I have clear skin. I have had no negative side effects to this drug and would highly reccommend this to anyone.
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May 11, 2008

Pros:

smoother skin, reduced acne, not having to wash hair as much = more self confidence

Cons:

outbreaks in first couple of weeks, feeling fait, dizzy...

If your acne is because of haywire hormones then this is the pill for you! absolutely amazing!!! breakouts in the first couple of weeks but do try and stick it out and you wont regret it. im on my fourth week taking 100mg per day and i feel like a new woman. im no longer waking up to new spots but instead watching them vanish day by day. I know how it feels when you feel like you are stuck under a black cloud that just wont quit, however spiro will bring the light back into your life..well it has for me. good luck everyone.... xxxxxxx
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May 11, 2008

Pros:

It works.

Cons:

Lower sex drive, feel tired

Use it but ween your dose down after 4 or 5 months.
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May 9, 2008

Pros:

much smoother skin / starting to dry out

Cons:

steady menstruation

hi girls! been taking about 7 weeks now - started with 50 mg once a day for three weeks now on 100 mg per day starting FINALLY to see improvement , my skin is so smooth and soft i am not breaking out in usual places but smaller break outs where i havent before - i have have never had bad acne just very persistent (been on accutane once and dont want to go that route again) i was getting the cystic acne on my chin forever - everywhere else just bumpy starting now to see an overall improvement and anxious to see results in another few months. only problem for me has been last 4 weeks of consistent period - yuck!!!! no other side effects! Good luck my friends!
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May 9, 2008

Pros:

STOPS breakout right after taking it the first day

Cons:

not available in stores; prescription type

I'm a dude, and I was aware that almost all users are female. But I didn't notice or feel anything bad after a month; taking 50mg everyday. Saw result immediately. I know coz I break out very frequently. Bought spiro at "in-house pharmacy", quite cheap.
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May 8, 2008

Pros:

Clearer skin!

Cons:

More bathroom trips, more tired

I've been using this stuff for about 2 or 3 months now and the amount of cysts I get has greatly decreased. Now it seems that I only get those big, deep pimples before my period. Since my dermatologist saw that I hadn't completely cleared up and he still had to inject 2 pimples on my cheek with cortasine, he just upped my dosage from 25 mg 2x a day (morning and night) to 3 times a day (1 in the morning, 2 at night). Hopefully it will completely take care of my acne. Unfortunately, I still have a lot of annoying red marks that I have to cover up with makeup. I am using glycolic peels and finacea in an attempt to get rid of those. Hopefully by the summer time I wil be able to go to the beach without makeup on and feel beautiful! Good luck everyone on getting clear, gorgeous skin!
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May 6, 2008

Pros:

Clearer skin, weight loss

Cons:

More trips to the bathroom!

My gyn will no longer give me the regular birth control pill because I am a smoker and over 35. (please dont comment on the smoking) She switched me to the minipill which I later found out, causes acne many times. Anyway, my cystic acne seemed to be more frequent. I couldnt look people in the eye. It devastated me. So, I found this new fabulous dermatologist who got me on this med immediately. 25mg's and in three weeks the 5 cysts I had were gone (even though they probably woudl have been gone anyway) BUT, I have had only one big one since and it has now been about two months. I saw my dermatologist and expressed my disappointment in the number of whiteheads since we have been so aggressive, and she has now increased my spironolactone dose to 50mg. I am also at the end of the Isolaz laser treatment which I am very disappointed in. I have had 7 treatments at $375 and really expected to have borderline perfect skin by now. I am pretty convinced now it is really the spironolactone.
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May 6, 2008

Pros:

Skin is less oily. Acne appears to be improving.

Cons:

Slight dizziness with increased dose (150 mg).

I have been on spironolactone for the past 5 weeks. Started with 50 mg X 2 weeks, then 100 mg X 2 weeks and now 150 mg. I have moderate-severe acne. My skin has become less oily. I continue to break out but it seems to resolve faster. I see a slight improvement in my skin. Does anyone get their potassium levels checked periodically???
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May 6, 2008

Pros:

Less oil production and clear skin!

Cons:

Frequent urination at night.

I've been taking this drug for about a month now at 100 mg a day and have already seen great results. My skin is a lot clearer and I haven't had a cystic acne since my start date. My only complaint is that I've been peeing a lot more frequently at night, which can be annoying for obvious reasons. My Dr. told me that I should see significant results within 3 months. I can't wait!!
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The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

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