Spironolactone for Acne User Reviews (Page 3)

• Blinkme
• July 21, 2014

"I wanted to love spironolactone. It cleared up my hormonal acne within a month and never let me down. I thought I had finally found the perfect solution to my problem. But after taking it for about a year, I suddenly gained almost twenty pounds. All of the weight gain was in the thigh and hip areas, places I had not experienced weight gain before. Nothing had changed in my daily routine. I work out almost every day, and a healthy diet is just part of my lifestyle. I visited the doctor a few weeks ago, and she recommended I stop taking it and see what happens. So far, I haven't been able to lose much weight, and my acne is already starting to resurface. I've already tried Accutane once and don't want to do it again."

• Jen
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 29, 2019

"Had I found spironolactone years earlier, I would have saved thousands and thousands of dollars on facials, every new acne product at Sephora, etc. In my late thirties, I started getting hormonal acne on my chin and neck. It went away for a while and then got crazy bad in my early forties. It sucked so much. Nothing like getting wrinkles and huge zits at the same time. Tried everything, and then my sister told me about spironolactone. Went to my dermatologist, who said yes, that is what I should be on, and now my hormonal acne is gone. Why it took my sister so long to tell me her secret, no idea. But thank goodness she finally told me."

• Anonymous
• May 14, 2014

"It may take a month or so to really notice the results of spironolactone, but if you have oily skin that gets worse depending on your menstrual cycle, this will probably do the trick. My skin is very clear right now, clearer than it ever got with doxycycline or minocycline. I'm very pleased with this medication."

• Starb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2016

"Like a couple of other users have mentioned, I started out on a small dose, and this drug cleared my acne within two weeks. I am 43 and have been on this medication for 4 months, after 20+ years of failure to control my acne. I have tried everything. I had moderate acne with constant blemishes and cyclical nodular breakouts. I was also always red and so oily that my face would look wet. Now my skin looks like I've never had a pimple. I take 50 mg a day and recommend talking to your doctor about starting on a low dose like this. I have had zero side effects and am nothing short of thrilled with the results."

• MVae
• October 13, 2019

"Please reconsider before starting this. Helped my acne, side effects are not worth it. I had no idea how lucky I was before taking this, just to feel no pain. Now I am 10 months off of this drug and I am still in pain every day. Was on it 6 months 25 mg 2x a day. In Jan, started feeling side effects: brain fog, fatigue, dizziness, loss of libido. Then chest pains/intense anxiety. Asked my dr if I could quit cold turkey? She said sure. Then...the next two weeks were so bad. Severe anxiety, panic attacks, tremors, short of breath, stomach pains, nausea, diarrhea, depression, irregular heart beat, arm numbness, chest pain, all day every day. Ears ringing, sleep problems. Lost 25 lbs. Horrible. No drs had any advice, answers, or wanted to help. Ever since then the symptoms remain, but SLOWLY get better over time. Today I am better but still have chest pain, ear ringing, and digestive issues every day. Please do research, know the effects it could have. I would take acne any day over this."

• JDS_79
• November 29, 2014

"Small acne began when I was 12. It wasn't long after I began to have cystic acne. The pattern of breakouts was within the T-zone - forehead, nose, chin, but I rarely got them on my outer cheeks. Makeup made them worse, my skin was bad and really oily. All over-the-counter cleaners, medications, and a couple advertised on TV did nothing to help clear my skin. I gave up. But during my mid-20s, I decided to see a dermatologist. She prescribed this to me, and now my face is clear. People can't believe I suffered from acne, it's so clear, and makeup is finally used to accentuate my features rather than hide acne breakouts. People I knew asked what I was doing because it was that drastically visible. For me, it's a miracle."

• nori
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 10, 2019

"This drug spirolactone basically cured my hormonal acne. Took a few months for it to take effect. Once it did, my acne went away. The best part though, is that after a couple years of taking the drug, my dermatologist suggested I try a lower dose, I did so and it continued to work, so I decided to lower again and again until I tried without and my acne NEVER came back!!! I personally never had a single side effect from the medication but it exceeded all expectations for me. I even recommended it to my friend who has cystic acne and it has helped her tremendously."

• Nicknae
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2020

"Was prescribed for hormonal acne a few months ago. I would get cystic acne so bad on my chin I was receiving steroid shots monthly. My doctor finally switched me to spironolactone 150mg daily and I couldn't be happier with the results my acne is about 99% cleared up my menstrual cycles are rare and very light when they do occur. I notice no side effects and I'm loving my freedom from acne"

• eadic...
• June 11, 2015

"I'm a 28-year-old woman who switched from oral birth control to the Mirena IUD. That is the only change I can associate with a horrible bout of hormonal acne that started about 6 months after I made the switch. I had embarrassing, painful acne along my jawline down onto my neck. My skin was greasier than normal, and products that would typically keep my breakouts at bay didn't touch the cysts on my jawline and neck. I've been taking 100mg of Spironolactone for about 6 weeks now, and I've already seen great improvement. My skin isn't 100% yet, but it's obviously improving, and I assume it will get even better with time. I haven't experienced any side effects, no weight gain, dizziness, or breakout period."

• emmar
• December 10, 2013

"I have been taking Spiro for about 5 1/2 months and am only now seeing and experiencing results-so be patient! I started out on a 25 mg dosage twice a day, moved up to 50 mg after 3 months, and just recently increased to 100 mg. Do not be discouraged by the initial outbreaks. I pair it with Differin, which is a topical cream that helps with scarring, but my face has finally started becoming incredibly clear for the first time ever. The side effects that I've experienced got more dramatic as I increased the dosage but were never severe enough to quit: irregular period (sometimes twice a month, sometimes not at all, but will regulate itself after a while), shortness of breath when exercising, and I have lost about 6 pounds in the last 2 months."

• Jewel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2013

"My doctor prescribed spironolactone (50 mg per day). It seemed to work rather quickly, and I was thrilled. However, I have gained 11 lbs in one month, my hair seems to be thinning, always tired, double cycle in one month! So I have stopped as of 3 weeks ago, now my face is breaking out again, but I have lost 9 lbs and seem to have more energy. I am so frustrated! I am 45 and should not have to deal with this cystic acne."

• Rizzoma
• January 30, 2014

"I am 42 years old and have always had problems with acne. I have been through a countless array of topical, laser, and medication regimens, and this is the only thing that has worked. My skin is clear and no more oil slick. The only thing I am concerned about is the rapid weight gain... It is not a listed side effect, but I have gained 12 lbs since starting in late December."

• spiro...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 27, 2019

"Just so everyone knows- your acne will get worse on spironolactone before it gets better, especially if your up your dose fast. I was on spironolactone for 5 years and let me tell you- it was amazing. It made a tremendous difference in my skin and balanced my hormones. Its like birth control 2.0 (although it does not prevent pregnancy of course). I highly recommend it to those struggling with hormonal acne, just increase the dose slowly. Spironolactone is a diuretic and your body really needs time to get used to it. You also really have to watch your potassium. Some derms may tell you to increase your spironolactone dose quickly or they may tell you to start out on 50mgs twice daily- but trust me this is not a good idea. It will be hard on your body and hard on your skin for several months. Start on 25mgs twice daily. Stay on this for 3-6 months, then increase to 50mgs twice daily if needed."

• FatHa...
• January 27, 2015

"I have tried everything, even asked my dermatologist for Accutane after reading the horrible reviews, that's how desperate I was. She prescribed spironolactone, and after 3 months, my skin is clear! I did gain about 15 lbs, but hey, I can lose weight, whereas I couldn't clear up my skin on my own! I noticed a slight feeling of depression in the first little while, but that's gone. Also, I started out with 50 mg and went up to 100. I think if I would have waited a bit longer, I wouldn't have needed to, and that may have helped the weight gain. But I'd do it all over again!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2012

"I'm currently in my 6th week of this medication and couldn't be more pleased. For the first time since puberty, I have skin that isn't excessively oily. This in itself is a miracle, and my skin and scalp look fresh. I'm 28 and have experienced severe cystic acne for over 12 years, and no combination of OTC or prescribed treatments has ever worked for me. I can't believe I wasn't prescribed this sooner. I'm still in shock that something is actually working to clear my skin. If you have hormonal acne, please try this - you won't be sorry."

• Happy...
• December 29, 2011

"I have had acne since I was 13 (now 42), and though I have had clear periods within this time frame (after Accutane), it always ended up creeping back. I am a master at covering a pimple but was so tired of a new pimple on the horizon! The dermatologist said, 'Accutane would not be my choice for you,' and prescribed 100 mg of spironolactone. I am in my 9th week of medicine, and WOW, what a difference. My skin is clear, feels smooth, pores have shrunk, and no more grease! Well worth the patience. Wish I had been prescribed this years ago!"

• Tash
• January 31, 2020

"Update2 (original post 2020-01-12) : ok! So I decided to take the 50 mg once a day. I'm over the tired feeling and feeling sluggish. I just couldn't handle two a day. I'm 3 weeks in on this medication plus my tretinoin cream every night and I am seeing a difference in my skin. My scars and pimples are fading slowly but surely and my face looks amazing with makeup now! I'm so glad I didn't quit taking this. If you feel like it's too much listen to your body and cut back if if you can't handle it. I will update again in a few weeks. Good luck to you Spiro users and hang in there it does take time."

• Boo_0
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 21, 2015

"Was prescribed this medication for hormonal acne and started at 100 mg daily. This did nothing for me, so at my 3-month check-up, the dermatologist switched me to 150 mg daily. This immediately made a huge difference in my skin, and within 2 weeks, I noticed a reduction in breakouts. I used to break out a lot during my monthly cycle, and now I get maybe 1 pimple a month. I also started using a Clarisonic brush to cleanse my skin better. You have to be patient with this medication, as not everyone reacts the same to the same dosage. You and your doctor may have to try different doses before you get it right, but once you do, it is worth the wait!"

• Sandy
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 23, 2021

"Spiro ruined my life. I had the worst side effects after my derm. recommended to increase my dosage. I was at 150 mg when I experienced extreme anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, depression, loss of appetite, and fatigue. I went up to 200 mg in January 2021 and the panic attacks and trouble sleeping increased. I got off of it cold turkey and soon enough, I was back to normal. All the side effects are gone. I will never take this again. I have told my derm. if this drug caused anxiety and he said, "that's the last thing it will do." I'm very upset that he was not well informed of the side effects of this drug. I make sure to notify everyone not to take this. It is dangerous to your mental health."

• Relie...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2018

"I had tried nearly everything when my derm gave me two options: Accutane or Spironolactone. I was undecided at first but after reading a scientific journal about the higher rate of acne relapse of accutane users who have HORMONAL acne) I decided on the Spiro. I was so anxious taking that first pill. I started on Oct. 9th, 2018. 100 mg a day. I was expecting a wait of up to 6 months before progress. It is now Dec. 9th, 2018 and I am acne free. I no longer get painful cysts on the jawline before my period. The relief is amazing. And my hair is MUCH thicker now! Everyone comments and asks what I’ve been using on it! But it’s just the Spiro. It’s truly insane how unbalanced hormones can negatively affect your body. I know everyone will have a different experience but if you have hormonal acne, Spiro is definitely worth a shot."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2022

"This drug made me go from a normal energetic and happy go getter to a person who couldn't get off the couch, couldn't parent, couldn't function, had extreme fatigue, and had severe depression, and complete hopelessness. I was crying constantly. That's not who I am or have ever been, ever. Symptoms completely resolved after 1 week of stopping, even tho dermatologist said it is unrelated"

• Extre...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 26, 2014

"Late 30s - Moderate to severe acne since puberty - hormonal and whiteheads. Tried this after problems with antibiotics and before conceding to Accutane. It took 5 months before I saw results from this medicine. The current results are fantastic. I'm so glad I stayed with it. I'm on month 7 now and have minor breakouts. Will resume Aczone and tretinoin to supplement treatment."

• Miracle...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2014

"Spironolactone cured my acne! I started getting pretty severe acne this year, and after trying minocycline and doxycycline, which did not work for me, my dermatologist recommended spironolactone. After just three weeks, my acne started to calm down, and I am currently nearing my second month of spironolactone, and my face is acne-free. Although I have oily skin, spironolactone really dried up my face and lips, so I have to moisturize constantly throughout the day. This medicine took some time to see drastic improvements, but it is definitely worth the try!"

• Anony...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 5, 2013

"Give this medication time to work. I have been suffering with acne since I was 12 years old, and I am 39 now. I started spironolactone 8 weeks ago. I would say that the bumpiness in my skin improved within the first week. But the breakout during the 2nd week and the residual mess during week 3 had me wearing turtlenecks. But after that, I saw nothing but improvement. Less and less acne, skin smoothing out, less oiliness. Now I am about 95% clear, and I only expect it to get even better!"

• Shar
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 4, 2020

"This medication spironolactone is amazing for hormonal acne. Stick with it- first three months my skin was worse. Especially around my lips. Gradually got better starting month 4. But 6 months in my skin is amazing. Only side affect is less body hair. I did have to pee extra the first couple months. Now I don’t notice any side affects except less body hair which I love."