Spironolactone User Reviews & Ratings

• Cas...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 3, 2021

For Acne "I wrote my experiences a while back about how I was doing so great on 200mg a day spironolactone for 2 years. It took almost 6 months for my skin to completely clear up in the beginning. Then, I started having bad breakouts again for over 6 months. I finally found out the reason I started breaking out again. I read online on the spironolactone site under the drug and food interactions that table salt, in large amounts of all things, can decrease the medication's effectiveness. Spironolactone makes me crave salt badly, and in the past, I was using sea salt which didn't cause any issues with the spironolactone. I started using table salt again, and that is why my face went nuts. When I switched back to using sea salt, my bad acne went away, and I now have clear skin again. Just sharing this in case others might be having problems and they are eating lots of table salt."

• Hai...
• March 8, 2020

For Alopecia "I actually can’t believe it’s taken me, I don’t know how many years to find this medication! Long story short... 5 years of non-stop hair loss and thinning… 4 years on minoxidil… 10k spent on PRP and mesotherapy and nothing was working for longer than a week or two… I would call it a good hair week. Currently, I am 28 years old and single because of how low I felt about myself and how the hair loss affected my mental health. After going to see my maybe 5th private derm, she recommended trying spironolactone as a last resort as I had actually tried everything!!! I held 0 hope BUT 5 months in my parting has got 1.5mm thicker, thicker hair strands and the last 4 weeks I have had minimal hair shedding. I don’t want to get too excited as it might just be a ‘good hair month’ but if this continues I can honestly say this drug has changed my life and my mental health :)"

• ozf...
• April 21, 2021

For Alopecia "Started Spironolactone for acne 3 years ago. Helped my acne, and although I always had thick hair, I never really noticed a big difference except my hair was drier over the years. THEN I STOPPED SPIRONOLACTONE!!!!! My once beautiful thick hair is almost completely gone. Exactly 3 months after stopping (and yes, I tapered down), my hair came out in clumps. Now 8 months later and still shedding handfuls, I wish I never ever started. Please, please only take it if you understand you will be taking it for life, or you will end up practically bald after it. Please post if you are experiencing similar issues."

• Ban...
• February 27, 2020

For Acne "Finally stopped taking this. Had been experiencing terrible side effects for 6 months. I talked to my dermatologist about this. She continued to say, 'I've never heard that side effect from a patient so it's probably something else.' Ridiculous anecdotal evidence, especially because all of the symptoms I experienced were listed for the med. I have stopped seeing this doctor. The med caused EXTREME fatigue, weakness. There were many times when all I could do was lay on the couch. It was miserable to get through all the days at work. Huge stomach issues, dizziness, vision disturbances, and sleep problems. Absolutely no sex drive and huge mood disturbances. I stayed on it for so long because it was effective and improved my acne 100%. It was a hard choice to stop, but I realized my overall health and well-being is WAY more important than how my skin looks. Also, an important lesson I learned is always trust your body and doctors are not always right."

• Rig...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 18, 2015

For Alopecia "As a female, and years of taking an anti-migraine pill caused massive hair loss. Over time, it started coming out by the handfuls. I went to the dermatologist, and he prescribed spironolactone. I have low BP, so 25mg at first, then 50mg. Not only after a few weeks, my hairbrush didn't need a daily cleaning. My hair loss stopped completely, and my regrowth is tremendous! I had lost about 1/3 of my hair, my parts were wide. Now I have my luscious locks back, and without breakage. No more tears!"

• sau...
• May 21, 2021

For Acne "I told myself that if this drug worked for me, I would write a review in the hopes of helping someone else. A quick backstory: I'm 39, and for the past two years, I have been dealing with hormonal acne. My acne was on my lower jaw and down my neck. I took every supplement and spent thousands on face products to find the right mix that would 'fix' my skin. Finally, in February of 2021, I went to the dermatologist. The doctor took a look at me and said, 'I want to put you on this drug, Spironolactone, it's a miracle drug.' On 2/12/21, I started on 50mg in the evenings. I stayed on 50mg until 3/17/21, when I upped to 75mg. I had some breast tenderness for the first few weeks, but that was it. I started seeing improvements in my skin within the first week, and then the painful spots on my neck that would stay for months started to just go away. My skin never purged, and I never had any other side effects. Fast forward to today, 5/21/21, and my skin is pretty much clear. I will take this forever if I need to."

• Eni...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 27, 2019

For Acne "I first started experiencing hormonal acne when I was 22 years old (28 now) and tried lots of things, but finally found spironolactone and found it to be REALLY helpful in clearing my skin...for about a year and a half. Then I started getting more and more breakthrough acne. I had always gotten a zit or two around my period, but this was different. I eventually quit taking it because I thought, 'why bother?' I tried going the diet and holistic medicine route, but eventually became so ashamed and frustrated that I went back on spiro about 1.5 years ago...now same thing. Randomly, out of nowhere, I have intense breakouts all over again. I am still taking 100mg- never missed a dose. Has anyone else experienced this? Where the drug was working wonderfully and then BOOM just stopped working?"

• Sig...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 4, 2015

For Acne "I had acne along the chin and forehead since I was a teen. At 20, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, and my acne only got worse over the next five years. Nothing seemed to help, neither a dermatologist's skincare routine nor significant diet changes. At 25, I begged a dermatologist to prescribe spironolactone and was 100% clear after three months. In the beginning, I had stomach discomfort but stuck it out, and it went away after a month or two. I'm six months in and feel like I'm almost taking for granted how much easier life is with a clear face! This stuff is gold to me. Just wanted to write a review in hopes that some other PCOS girls can find this sooner than I did."

• Amb...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 26, 2019

For Alopecia "Spironolactone has been an absolute miracle drug for my PCOS symptoms. My dose is that I take one 100mg tablet per day. Cramps in my ovary area stopped overnight, acne on face and chest cleared up in a week, and I gained a heap of energy after about a month which has remained with me ever since. My alopecia stopped after about 3 months, and my hair started to grow back. Added bonus: decreased appetite and weight loss - I've lost 10kg this year, of which I would easily attribute 5kg to this medication alone. The only side effect was I fainted once when I first went on it (blood pressure adjustment at the start). I never want to come off this drug, it has completely improved my life for the better."

• fee...
• April 7, 2016

For Alopecia "I'm a 56-year-old female. I started experiencing hair loss about 2 years ago, due to alopecia. When it got to the point that I was wearing either a wig or a hat every day to hide my hair loss, I decided to go to the doctor. So 3 months ago, the doctor put me on spironolactone, 100 mg once daily, and also Rogaine 5%. I've done them both faithfully every day. To make a long story short, today I have a full head of hair. Just returned from the doctor and she was amazed at how fast it worked on me. I'm sold on it now!"

• JLe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2020

For Acne "I originally made an appointment with my dermatologist with the sole purpose of getting put on Accutane. However, I left in tears that day when I found out my insurance does not cover it and it's just too expensive out of pocket. My dermatologist prescribed me Spironolactone and I was iffy about it. I came home and read people's reviews for it and its use with acne and honestly was scared to death due to everyone posting that their skin got worse for a while. I tried it though. Thank goodness! My skin cleared up within 2 weeks. I am so very thankful. I know everyone's experiences will not be the same, but if you're on the fence about taking it, I would at least try it. I almost didn't and I was becoming so self-conscious about my skin that I was becoming depressed. It has been a game changer for me!"

• mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 3, 2014

For Acne "Cystic acne has cleared up. Hair on legs/arms grows more slowly. Hair on head doesn't get greasy. Bust has increased from 34B to 34C. Weight has dropped 10 lbs with no lifestyle changes. No anxiety, depression, mood swings, etc. Took approx. 3 months to start seeing these results. Very happy with progress so far."

• Anonymous
• November 1, 2019

For Alopecia "I hit pre-menopause, and my formerly thick head of hair literally started falling out in clumps. Spiro arrested the loss, and my hair regrew over a year+ time. Then, I tried to go off Spiro a couple of years later, as I am on BHRT and stable now. Big mistake, after I tapered off, exactly 3 months later, my hair started coming out at a shocking rate. It is awful, I am sick to my stomach every time I wash my hair. I pick up a massive fist-sized hairball. I can just touch my head, and hair comes out. It is everywhere, all over the house, my clothes... I am back on Spiro (200mg) and praying every day for the loss to slow. I have lost nearly half my hair volume in 4 weeks :-( I wanted to post as a warning for anyone who stops Spiro...try slowly reducing over a year and in increments. Give it a good 3 months before assuming you are okay. I should have done this more gradually to avoid now losing so much hair."

• Mam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2020

Aldactone (spironolactone) for Acne "If you suffer from anxiety or depression, avoid this medication. Even at a low dose, it sent my anxiety through the roof, resulting in really dark thoughts. I’ll take bad skin over my mental health any day."

• Cin...
• February 16, 2015

For Alopecia "Dermatologist prescribed this for hair loss. I've been on it for 3 months and I have dramatic hair regrowth! I am so thrilled with what's growing right now. Only side effect is I get dizzy if I stand up too quick. Other than that, I'm thrilled."

• Lau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2020

For Alopecia "I read all these reviews before taking spironolactone, and I was nervous about side effects, but I'm so glad I started. 50mg/day taken before bed, 23 years old. I'm two weeks in, and the first couple of days I had really bad dehydration, lightheadedness, fatigue, and a little nausea. Once I started drinking water, I felt better, and back to normal in 48 hours. Peeing every half hour, but that got better as well. Now, my appetite has slightly decreased, and I can't eat a lot at once without feeling nauseous. Occasional diarrhea--balance your fiber and drink a lot of water! But it's worth it because I have inch-long hairs growing on my scalp!!! After two days, my hair felt thicker and didn't shed as much. My face is slightly less oily, and my breasts are slightly bigger, which is a good thing for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 6, 2014

Aldactone (spironolactone) for Acne "I have been taking Aldactone for adult hormonal acne for almost 2 years, and I cannot even put into words the HUGE difference it has made. In my early 20s, I began getting horrible cystic acne all over my chin and entire jawline area. I had used every product available, including Proactiv, expensive designer department store lines, Retin-A, birth control, etc. NOTHING helped! I'd have 5-15 painful nodules at once, each lasting 2-3 weeks and most scarring. My self-esteem was ruined, I was ashamed. Finally, at age 28, I went to a dermatologist and started on Aldactone 100mg/day. I saw noticeable improvement within a week and was totally clear in one month! Increased to 150mg/day after 3 months and have had flawless skin since. Truly a LIFESAVER medicine."

• Bai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2020

For Acne "Have been on this medication for a little over a month - started at 50 mg. About a week ago, my derm bumped up my dosage to 100 mg. Days later, acne was worse than when I started, after reading, I see skin purging is common... thank goodness. I do not want to give up so quickly, but was getting very discouraged. For those of you who have dealt with the purging and now into the light at the end of the tunnel, did you use anything or do anything to help at least calm the purging process? Thank you! :)"

• Anonymous
• September 26, 2008

For Hirsutism "I have taken spironolactone for almost 3 years now and have been extremely pleased with its effect on my hirsutism. I used to bleach my facial hair regularly and had dark hair on my arms. Now the fine hair on my face is blonde and hardly noticeable, and the arm hair is very light and thinner."

• Cho...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 30, 2022

For Acne "I am a 52-year-old African American female who suffered from hormonal acne. I bought lots of expensive acne creams that only dried my skin along with breakouts. I decided to go visit a dermatologist! She prescribed spironolactone 100 mg. I was told improvement would likely occur after about three months of taking them. Well, after about six months of taking them, my skin and body cleared. If you are just starting to take it and not seeing any results, KEEP using it!!! It works!! You are beautiful!!"

• Hou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2017

For Hirsutism "Started spiro 2 weeks ago. I am already noticing a huge difference in facial hair growth. I was plucking over 200 hairs a night and not getting even half the hair. The side effect of stomach ache has had some serious moments, but I'm told it will pass soon. The embarrassment of the facial hair and scarring from ingrown hairs has stopped me from socializing and made me a house mouse. I'm thrilled to see results after only 2 weeks and I'm confident time will continue to improve the condition."

• Mud...
• August 20, 2015

For Alopecia "I have been using spironolactone for the past 6 months. I take a total of 75mg per day (1-25mg in the morning and 2-25mg in the evening). The first month or so, I did not see any changes. By the second/third month, my hair was shedding; however, I also started to see hair growing in areas that I had none. At the six-month mark, the sprouts of hair I saw in the third/fourth month are approximately 1/2 inch long. Now, I do not see my scalp or that shiny scalp that you see on balding men. Periodically, I have experienced scalp soreness. Overall, I am very pleased with my hair growth."

• Bee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 7, 2019

For Alopecia "Girls, I know everyone is different, but BEWARE! I started this for acne and hair loss and have been on it for 2 years. I went from 25mg, 50mg, 75mg to 100mg. At first, all was good, I was loving my skin, but no notice in my hair. I actually noticed it was getting drier. Two years on, my hair has never been so dry, breaking, and falling more, you can see my scalp. Plus, acne is coming back. It has caused extreme weight loss, purple veins all over the back of my legs, and muscle and bone pain so bad that it hurts to walk. I had to quit my job. Mind you, I was a healthy 27-year-old female. Be careful! Oh, and your hair falls so bad when you stop it."

• Sar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 22, 2019

For Hirsutism "I’ve been using spironolactone for nearly a year now for facial hair. I started out at 25 mg. I increased to 50 mg and noticed the darkness going away. Increased to 100 mg and the coarseness has gone away. Now I’m taking 200 mg and it’s AMAZING! I’ve gone through electrolysis, laser, plucking, and now waxing. I was waxing every week, now I can go 2 weeks. Even the hair on my arms is lighter. I told my doctor it’s a miracle medication. I recommend everyone to try..."

• Pco...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 30, 2016

For Alopecia "I've been taking spironolactone for 6 months due to hair loss from PCOS. The first 4 months my hair continued to shed. There were many times I panicked and wanted to stop taking it, thinking it would just get worse (dose of 100 morning and night). I'm so happy I pushed through, I now have a lot of new hair growth and the shedding has stopped."