Spironolactone for Acne User Reviews (Page 2)

• My_li...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 8, 2015

"I've been on this medication for about six months. I'm 37 years old and I've had acne since I was 12 years old. I had tried every medicine out there pretty much. This medication has made my skin clearer than it has been since I was 12! I use it in combination with clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide face cream at night. Occasionally around my cycle I will get one or two pimples but they clear up quickly. I am so pleased to have my life and my self-confidence back! One thing I will note, my sex drive is through the roof! And I am not complaining about that, nor is my husband!!!"

• Violet
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2014

"I am a 40-year-old woman who's been struggling with mild to moderate and cystic acne in varying degrees since I was 11. I've also had very oily skin. I've been prescribed all the usual medicines: antibiotics, birth control pills, various topical creams, and really, nothing has made any significant improvement. When I turned 40, 4 months ago I decided, after doing extensive research, to ask my doctor about spironolactone. Since I'm not looking to become pregnant, she thought we could give it a try. So I've been on 50mg once a day for 4 months, and this medicine has completely changed my life. My skin is not oily anymore, and my cystic acne on my back is gone. My face is clear of acne. No side effects. But why didn't any doctor or dermatologist prescribe this for me years ago?"

• KIKI...
• May 14, 2014

"I was prescribed spironolactone 50mg for my acne breakouts around my chin and jawline, some other areas also. I use this in combination with aczone and they are a great team together. Amazing and fast results. I also have very oily skin along with big pores, and it has decreased my pores and I have very little oil now. I'm amazed and very happy."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2015

"I wanted to share my experience with others who suffer from acne because these reviews were the only thing that kept me hopeful during my initial stages of spironolactone. I'm a 30-year-old woman who suffered from back acne since the age of 21. I tried EVERYTHING (besides Accutane) to clear it up. Nothing got rid of my problem. I felt like the older I got, the worse it got. I had cystic acne all on my upper back, neck, and shoulders. It was embarrassing and humiliating. I've been on spironolactone for 3 months and I could cry, I'm so happy. The initial breakout was bad, but I stuck with it and I'm so happy I did. I'd say I'm 90% clear. If you are a woman suffering from hormonal acne, you need to try this, it's a lifesaver!"

• Emma
• December 4, 2019

"On October 30th, 2019 I started Spiro and Yaz. I had started on accutane in 2018 for minimal acne, but in September of 2019, after I started taking Lo Estrin Fe, I broke out worse than I ever did before accutane. Breakouts continued weekly, even after starting Spiro and Yaz, I broke out on Wednesdays (weird, I know) and then my skin would heal until the next week when I would breakout on Wednesday. As a 18 year old that’s insecure to begin with, this took an immense toll on my self esteem and prevented me from feeling confident. However just when I thought I was going to breakout yesterday (Wednesday Nov, 2019) my acne cleared and I didn’t have typical cystic breakouts covering my jawline, forehead, chin, and mouth. Be patient and wait out the horrible symptoms initially(the first week I was beyond nauseous and sad) but after that it has been smooth sailing. I’m sorry if you’re going through the purge, keep in mind you are still beautiful and everything heals in time!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 26, 2015

"I've been taking 100mg twice a day for about 7 or 8 years now for cystic acne (I'm 45 years old). I tried antibiotics and multiple topicals and washes prescribed by my dermatologist. Spironolactone is the only thing that decreased my cystic acne by about 80%. I also used Epiduo for spot/preventative treatment of acne on my chin but it really dried out my skin. When I got my Clarisonic 4 or 5 years ago, it was like the miracle I had been hoping for! I use Clarisonic in the mornings and just wash with a washcloth and Cerave foaming facial cleanser and use Cerave lotion for my skin care. I actually get complements on my 'beautiful' skin now! I hope you have as great of an experience as I did with Spironolactone!!!"

• Lobst...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 6, 2014

"Been on spironolactone for probably 2 or 3 yrs now. We have always had a love/hate relationship. Rest assured, spironolactone will work for most people when it comes to combating acne (all acne is caused by hormones to some degree) but like any other medication, spironolactone is not without side effects! Over the years I have decreased my dosage and sometimes tried to completely stop taking it due to: weight gain (yes you initially lose it but just wait!), thinning hair, depression, dehydration (I believe this side effect is worse for me due to other medicines I take with it), slower metabolism/fatigue, and evidence that this medicine was totally prematurely aging my skin! Initially it was 25mgs 2x a day but now I just take 25mgs a day."

• Natal...
• April 9, 2015

"I have suffered from moderate to severe acne for years. I have always had bad breakouts that coincided with my cycle in my teen years. I assumed this would go away once I got older. However, it seemed to get worse throughout my mid-twenties. I am now 28. I would get cystic acne mostly around my mouth & chin area. I always had 4 or 5 huge red pimples. Not only unsightly, they were painful & would last for weeks. I tried everything - cleansers, masks, creams, toners, diet, antibiotics, & bc (10 ). Accutane was the last on the list...until Spironolactone appeared. My doc prescribed me the min 25mg dose per day. The 1st week I noticed a change! My skin cleared right up & I have had ONE pimple in the past 3 weeks. I am amazed. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 22, 2015

"I never write reviews, but for this medication I feel obligated to warn about the side effects. I was a healthy 22 yr old, and started getting cystic acne from the mirena. I then was put on 75 mg Spiro everyday. All was well for the first few months, and then I started noticing progressively worse digestive issues. I couldn't eat more than a handful at a time, and some days it would hurt so bad to eat that I wouldn't. I lost 25 lbs in a matter of 2 months, and was diagnosed with gastroparesis about 7 mos into taking spiro. After I stopped the meds, I was able to eat again within weeks. Be careful, and if you start having stomach issues please consider that spiro could be making you sick."

• Anonymous
• March 12, 2010

Aldactone (spironolactone) "I am almost 46, and for 30 years, I have tried everything for chronic hormonal acne (antibiotics, Accutane, all the skincare lines, Retin-A). This medication has been a miracle for me. I still get little blackheads / small pimples around my menses, but they are barely noticeable. I continue with my Retin-A treatment, which helps with that. I haven't noticed any side effects. I do watch my potassium intake (no bananas)."

• Jane
• April 29, 2019

"The year I turned 21, my acne became unbearable. I did not even want to leave the house. I would cry about it almost every day. My dermatologist prescribed me 100mg of spironolactone and tretinoin cream. The first two months were terrible. I knew I was purging, but it felt like my acne was never going to get better. It drastically affected my mood and I turned down plans left and right because I did not want to see anyone. Every morning before any of my college roommates woke up, I would run to the bathroom to cover my acne so no one would see. I even broke down in tears in front of my friends because I was so frustrated. Fast forward to 4 months later and my skin is CLEAR. I am so happy it is almost difficult to explain. My advice is to be patient. Just know that it really does take 4 months but after that, you will feel like a new person."

• Thank...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 3, 2019

"This medication spironolactone literally saved my confidence. I’m a 25 female and I didn’t have serious issues with my acne until I literally turned 25. And it was bad just along my jaw, a bit on my checks and sides of my neck just below the jawlines. It was painful and it itched! I’m so incredibly thankful that I knew about spiro before I had my first big break out so I knew exactly what to request from my doctor so to combat the cystic acne. I’ve been taking this medication for about 8 months now and am now starting to see lasting improvement. Everything everyone says about waiting at least 3 or 4 months before you give up is right!! This medication doesn’t work overnight like we all might hope. But the results are worth the wait. If there was an option to post pictures I’d share in a heartbeat! You all are beautiful and please give the medicine a chance to work! (Only negative side effects I’ve ever had was standing up too fast and getting a lil dizzy)"

• Adult...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 20, 2016

"Pay attention to the dose for researching those who have experienced negative side effects. Many (although not all) of those with those unfortunate experiences started out at high doses (100mg+) My experience has been nothing short of a MIRACLE. **Brief history* I have suffered horribly with acne since the age of 15. I am now 42. I have tried everything from toothpaste tricks to antibacterial drugs (Bactrim) to Proactive. Nothing worked. Not even Yaz. I was a mess. I would break out viciously with each cycle and have different stages of old & new acne. THIS STOPPED IT IN ONE WEEK. 25 mg, twice daily- ZERO SIDE EFFECTS. Do it at this dose & you might get the same results!!"

• boltr...
• March 9, 2020

"Started in July 2019 taking 50 mg. After 3 months (Oct 2019) switched to 100 mg per day. I had a breakout each time. Which lasted a few weeks. It definitely got worse before better. After 4 months on 100mg ( Feb 2020). I switched to 150 mg per day (100 in am and 50 at night) Had a little breakout from increasing dosage. Overall my skin is far less oily and I haven't had a painful cyst in months. I do get a few breakouts here but I think my body is still adjusting to the medication. I have not had a single migraine since I started the medication (use to get multiple a month around ovulation and period and would have to take Imatrex) I use benzoyl peroxide wash in the morning ( every couple days I use Cerave SA renewing cleanser for exfoliation) followed by Cetaphil lotion and Elta MD sunscreen. At night I wash with Neutrogena gentle hydrating cleanser followed by Cetaphil lotion. Right before bed I apply Trentinoin .025 gel."

• RCstan
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 22, 2020

"I was put on it for “hormonal acne” which is what my derm referred to it as. I only had big bumps around my mouth/chin, around my hair line, and my temples. It was nothing severe but definitely noticeable. She put me on 50 mg spironolactone a day and after 3 months there was only slight difference. She then decided to put me a dose of 100 mg a day and it worked like a charm. My skin purged SO bad for about 6 weeks and then it started clearing up. It made me extremely thirsty and made me lose my appetite because it sort of made me nauseous. But over all, it works great in my opinion"

• Mrs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2013

Aldactone (spironolactone) "I began this Aldactone 50mg. 2 weeks ago. 8 days later I had a Cyst rupture on my Ovary. (I had a partial Hysterectomy 6mths ago). Not certain if the medicines were a part that will have to wait to be seen. I immediately felt the oil dry and the cyst go away. One of the best is I feel like the redness is gone as well. I love that since 7th grade till my 38th year, years of Accutane a million times, odd antibiotics, birth control, topicals and I FINALLY FEEL FREE of my ugly red skin."

• Sam
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 11, 2013

"If you have acne that is likely hormone related (if it's not then this medicine won't help you) and you are taking spironolactone but are getting impatient, DON'T GIVE UP!! I have been taking spironolactone 50 mg/day for about 4 months and finally started seeing results a few weeks ago. It really can help you, just be patient! My life is changed because of this medicine. No more painful, incessant cysts on my chin, no more piling on makeup trying to hide my acne, no more shutting myself in my house because I don't want to see anyone. I did have a BAD initial breakout, but now that I am seeing results, it was so worth it."

• lbglow
• January 14, 2014

"I only wish I had started spironolactone sooner. It has completely stopped my hormonal cystic acne. I had suffered with large painful cysts about once monthly for the last few years (after ten acne-free years following Accutane in the 90s). After starting spironolactone I did have one really major cyst come up right next to my nose which lasted a good week or so. It arose after approximately 4 weeks on the medicine (it was so large it could have had its own zip code). Since then I have been completely acne-free for about three months. Scars are finally beginning to fade. I'm finally not facing that - "oh God, is this the start of a cyst?" trauma every month. I can plan my days without worry of my skin cycle. I am thrilled!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 1, 2015

"Spironolactone changed my life. I was 32 and had been battling cystic acne since 19, been through 3 dermatologists and every acne product on the market and had completely given up. I was at my annual gyno appointment when, out of the blue, she looked at me and asked me how I felt about my face. I immediately started to cry and told her how helpless and ugly I felt. Knowing that I was not interested in having kids, she put me on Spironolactone. It took a few months but once it kicked in, it was like someone had given me new skin. I am now 37, still taking 100mg of Spiro per day and my face has never looked better. It's soft and smooth and the redness is gone. It gave me my self esteem back. I only wish I could have found out about it sooner!"

• A Rose
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 13, 2014

"I was on spironolactone 3 months before I saw results...but once I did they were amazing! I had a lot of pimples around my chin area mostly. Since I've been on the medicine I've had the occasional zit, but it usually resolves faster and isn't huge like previous ones I would I get. I haven't noticed any improvement in the greasiness of my skin, but as long as the acne is gone I'm happy! I have found I can have reliably clear skin and feel so much better about myself overall. It's easier and faster to do my makeup and people are always commenting on how perfect my skin is now! I am definitely happy with this medicine."

• Tessie
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 24, 2014

"I am currently taking this and have been for about 3 or so months. At first I was on 25 mg which didn't do much. I started 50 mg, then 100 and saw drastic changes. My skin was always fine until I hit 23. Now at 25 my skin hates me apparently. I had cysts all along my jawline cheeks and some on my neck that left pigmentation spots. This medicine has drastically changed my skin, I have minimal breakouts, smaller and not as often. My skin is less oily and I've lost 10 pounds without trying. My skin looks 90 percent better and my leg hair doesn't grow as fast! (Yay!) downside is that it does make me dizzy sometimes and lightheaded. And I've had minimal random Heart palpitations. Other than that it worked for me, had to wait a month or so though."

• mtgirl
• September 20, 2014

"I started taking spironolactone over a year and a half ago for moderate-severe acne that had been giving me awful self esteem, I was afraid to go out, and I was so depressed I was not myself anymore. Spironolactone has given me back my life. I didn't think it would ever be possible for me to feel pretty without makeup, but I'm starting to. I did have a TERRIBLE breakout about a month after starting spironolactone that almost pushed me over the edge; it was miserable. But it cleared, and has continued to do so. It took at least 3 months to see the results I hoped for, but it has just gotten better and better. I'm just hoping this is a good solution for me long-term; I want kids someday and I know I will have to stop this med before pregnancy."

• Heather...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 22, 2015

"After suffering from cystic acne my whole life (I'm 33) and using salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide for years to manage it, I noticed my skin was noticeably aging more than my twin sister who wasn't on these products. After reading Clear Skin Forever and the dangers of those products, I took myself off and immediately broke out. The breakouts got worse for several months until I saw a dermatologist who put me on Spiro. I've been on it for almost a year and it changed my life. It takes a while for everything to heal, especially cystic acne and scarring, but my skin looks amazing now. Started noticing the benefits after a month and it's gotten continually better. Stay away from Clean and Clear and Clearasil products and see a dermatologist."

• Lishi...
• January 21, 2014

"I have been on this medication for a little over a month and it has already been incredible. I took minocycline for over 2 years and though it did improve my acne a little, it did not solve the issue. When I went to my dermotologist, he recommended I add this medication and I was very hopeful! I see that many other women have had trouble with it working until at least 3 months in, but I started seeing results with-in two weeks. The cystic acne that I would get every month that was big and annoying, not only on my face but also on my back, was almost all gone and it has not come back at all if I am faithful to take it. I would absolutely recommend at least asking your doctor about it, because it has been a life saver for me."

• 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."