Spironolactone for Acne User Reviews (Page 5)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2015

"I have never written a review for anything, however, I felt it imperative that I comment here on what spironolactone has done for me, with the hope that it will help others. I read the reviews here before going on spiro, and all the positive comments were my incentive for trying it. I truly felt like all hope was lost. Spiro has been the ONLY thing that has worked on my extreme, disfiguring cystic acne. For 2 years, I tried everything under the sun (Proactiv, 2 different antibiotics, topical ointments, gels, creams...). None of it helped, and a lot of it made my skin worse. (The antibiotics made me so nauseous that I was vomiting, unable to drive, even fell over.) I have had NO side effects, which is unheard of for me. Started working after 1 week."

• Cla...
• February 13, 2017

"I had horrible cystic acne on my chin - I'm talking 20 huge cystic pimples on my chin at any given time - no amount of makeup could cover it up. It was causing me major concern and depression. My derm put me on Accutane that worked fairly well (aside from bloody noses and extremely dry skin), but as soon as I finished Accutane, my acne came back with a vengeance. So I went back to my dermatologist and she put me on spironolactone. She told me the pills could take up to 2-3 months to take any effect, but here's the thing: it worked straight away! I'm telling you - I took 2 pills! One on Sunday, then another on Monday, and by Tuesday my pimples were almost gone! I honestly think this is some sort of miracle pill... it's changed my life."

• Som...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 3, 2020

"I was on spiro for several years. It helped but didn't completely clear my skin. I still had cystic nodules that were painful and scarred. A new dermatologist upped my dose to 200 mg/day. I'm 5'5" and 115 lbs. The side effects were bad before, I always had to pee in the middle of the night, but they were significantly worse with the higher dose. I couldn't remember anything. The brain fog was unbelievable. I wasn't on any other medications, so I knew it was the spiro. I decided to stop taking the medication in order to return to graduate school (needed a sharp brain for that). My acne is 100% back, but at least I can sleep through the night and remember what I've read."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2012

"Only used it for 2 weeks, and people are already like... WOW... it's crazy how much better your skin looks. I know I won't see the full effects for another few months, but I have noticed that my face is not nearly as oily. It's more normal now, before, by the end of the day, I used to be able to use 5 of those Clean & Clear oil-absorbing sheets! My redness has gone down a lot too, my acne was crazy. Not all over cystic, but it looked like a rash but wasn't rosacea. And now it's getting better! Yay! I am excited."

• AP2...
• December 16, 2019

"I had really bad hormonal acne that started in my early 20s. I tried facials, chemical peels, maca powder, fish oil pills, and every other 'natural' remedy you could think of. Nothing worked or made it worse. I was told to stop eating dairy, which I did for 2 years. Started lo-esterin birth control. I also tried benzoyl peroxide creams, retinol creams, etc. Helped, but still had rampant upswings of acne right after my period. Went up on the estrogen level of my BC, had the same issue. At this point, I was willing to do ANYTHING. My PCP suggested one final option before going to the derm, and that was spironolactone. I didn't see results until about 2-3 months after taking it. My skin is clear now! My side effects were urinating frequently, nausea, and leg cramping. It always helped if I ate something to avoid nausea, and I started drinking A LOT more water, which helped with the cramps. Overall, I'm so happy I tried this medication out and am much more confident than I was in the past few years of my life."

• myo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2017

"Because I wanted results and I wanted them fast. I turned to all of the natural products to cure acne, like apple cider vinegar, rose water, and tea tree oil, etc. Honestly, I can for sure tell you I was making my skin worse. I was heavily exfoliating every night and then putting hella oils on my skin, and I didn't even know I was ruining it. My skin got super bad around finals and then didn't really get much better until spring break, but then it bounced back and was worse than ever. It was the worst it's ever been at the beginning of summer, so I went to the derm finally and got this stuff, and no joke, I haven't seen a zit on my face in so long. It's just scars, and my skin is glowy. Just honestly try this, it works 10/10, fam."

• ros...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2022

"This medication made me feel the most tired that I have ever felt in my entire life. I was only on 25 mg for 3-4 weeks. Felt like I was hungover and in a daze. My body ached from fatigue, and I could hardly get off the couch. Napped on and off all day. Mental health took a nosedive because I was so tired. I have never experienced such fatigue, and I have been on many meds that cause this level of drowsiness (including antipsychotics and literal sleep meds). I was also so thirsty and had to pee all of the time (i.e., getting up like 3-5 times a night, getting bad sleep as a result). No matter how much I drank, it would not quench my thirst. Not sure what a higher dose would've done for my acne, but I would try Accutane before this."

• Wil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 10, 2023

"Mental lifesaver! After 48 years of the most beautiful skin, I started getting terrible acne. Even through my teen years, it's like I'd never even gone through puberty, I literally never got bumps, not even during that time of the month. So to start breaking out at almost 50 years old was devastating to me. My derma said it was hormonal and prescribed spironolactone. I swear in less than two weeks my beautiful skin was back in action. I emailed my doctor, singing her praises. Fortunately, I have no side effects from taking a 100 mg pill one time per day in the evening with dinner. I never want to be without this medication if it can keep my skin in this condition."

• Swi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2022

"Gained 30 lbs over 6 months. Haven’t lost a pound 2 years later. According to primary care provider, it causes long-term hormonal and metabolic changes. He said dermatologists should reconsider prescribing. Cleared the skin for sure. But you could get fat forever."

• Ano...
• April 11, 2013

"I started getting severe cystic acne after I turned 22 and have battled it for years. I tried absolutely everything, the problem was definitely hormonal, so it makes sense to target hormones, no oil or bacteria. I take 50 mg 2x a day and LOVE spironolactone. The first few days were a little weird, but the side effects go away after 2-3 days. Just stay hydrated, the medicine is really very mild. My hormonal cystic acne improved almost immediately, but then I did have a mild breakout at 2 months. Now 3 months in, and it is truly wonderful!! Keep with it! It works wonders on hormonal acne. I now have no cystic acne or acne otherwise. If your acne is hormonal, this is the treatment! I also love not having to feel bloated all the time (no water weight)."

• Anonymous
• August 21, 2013

"I'm 30 years old. I started having really bad skin about 2 years ago from maybe stress in my life. But I tried EVERYTHING to get rid of it, and it just got worse. I finally went to a dermatologist, and she put me on spironolactone. My skin started getting better in about two weeks. I LOVED it. I've been taking it for about 6 months, and I get compliments from makeup artists and models (I'm a hairstylist) about how good my skin is. Another plus for me is my breasts went from a small B to a C! I decided to stop taking it for a week, and my breasts went small again, and my skin is getting a little oily. So I'm going back on. I only take one a day."

• Anonymous
• November 18, 2011

"I started out on a 25mg dosage and am now at a 75mg dosage. At first, spironolactone made the acne on my face, back, and chest much worse; but I stuck with it (because I was ready to do about anything to get rid of my acne), and my skin is almost completely clear now. Yes, it did take about 4 months to work, but it's totally worth it. For the first time in my life, I have no blackheads! I've been dealing with cystic acne since I was 16, and finally, at age 25, I've found something that controls it. The only side effect I noticed was that I got my period the day after starting spironolactone, but it's been normal since then. Highly recommended, but you have to stick with it through the tough times at the start."

• hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2012

"I have been seeing my dermatologist for 3 years, and I have tried every common antibiotic and topical cream to no avail. I have been on spironolactone (in conjunction with Benzaclin gel, Cetaphil wash twice a day, and tetracycline, which I have been on for a year and a half) for the past month, and it has been a godsend. I recently turned 20, and my acne had never been worse. It changed from pustules to cystic nodules that would take weeks to fight back and hours spent crying in front of the mirror. I would refuse to leave the house, and my boyfriend and mother became increasingly concerned. Since beginning this medicine, my skin has cleared, and I couldn't be happier! I would definitely recommend this medicine."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 6, 2017

"I have always had annoying acne, which wasn't terrible but wasn't fixed by birth control. I quit taking birth control, and my doctor prescribed Spiro instead. I've been on it for almost two years, with only one or two little pimples per cycle. I also noticed that the switch gave me a slow, steady body change. I've lost about 15 pounds over the two years, without any other changes in diet or exercise. It made me a little thirstier than usual, so I'm drinking more water than I used to. No other terrible side effects like others have reported, though. Overall, very happy with the switch and would recommend for sure."

• Kik...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 7, 2019

"I am so, so, so, so grateful, wow! I’ve had acne since I was around like 12 until I was 18 when I started spironolactone. I was extremely sad about my acne, and it had really affected my moods and definitely my sleep (constantly thinking and worrying about it) for years on end. I was very close to starting Accutane (which I’m happy I didn’t - it’s a very intense drug) when my dermatologist recommended spironolactone. I’m extremely happy I chose to start taking it because my acne has gone from horrible to really amazing skin. I no longer feel like I can’t go outside without a full face of makeup! I know the feeling of being unsure about whether or not to start a drug, but I would really, really recommend spironolactone. I hope it helps you as it has me! It will get better! :)"

• JD9...
• March 9, 2017

"I suffered with acne as a teen and young adult. After trying literally everything from oils to natural astringents, to OTC meds and more, I finally decided to see a dermatologist. He prescribed me spironolactone and tretinoin (Retin-A cream). I was told to be patient, it could take up to three months to see results. Well, during that three-month period, my acne got so much worse. I was so depressed, and my face hurt so bad. But I stuck with the meds. After exactly three months of use (August), everything cleared up completely. It's been 7 months since August, and I've gotten maybe 3 small 24-hour pimples, and my blackheads are gone. Patience is key, but this was a lifesaver."

• blu...
• August 23, 2010

"I've been on this medicine off and on for almost a year now. After I am on it for a few weeks, my joints start to hurt really bad. I think it is because of the diuretic nature of the drug. It doesn't stop the blackheads. It also makes me get up in the night to pee. My dermatologist says he has never heard of the joint pain being a problem and refused to believe it's the spironolactone causing it. But after starting and stopping the medicine three times, I am sure it's the cause."

• Eli...
• December 10, 2015

"I decided on Mirena as my birth control of choice, and I thought I'd found my match after some bad side effects with Yaz. I loved having an IUD, and for the most part, I did not have any side effects... besides the acne. Insane breakouts that were debilitating. I thought this was behind me being 23, and as a saleswoman, it was embarrassing. I'd tried everything under the sun in my teens to no avail. My derm put me on spironolactone in September 2015, and my skin experienced a miracle. My face is glowing, I still have some breakouts around my period, but besides that, I am impressed. I've also lost weight (125 lb to 116 lb), which is amazing, and I can even see hair growth in my thin spots. This drug is a miracle, and I will preach it from the rooftops!!!!"

• Tar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 5, 2022

"Absolute best decision of my life. Mad I didn't do this sooner and suffered with acne for so many years. Truly a miracle drug for my cystic chin acne. It did take a full 4 months to work, so be patient. Once it does, it's life-changing!"

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 31, 2018

Spironolactone "This medication was prescribed to treat my hormonal acne. The side effects that I experienced outweighed any positives. I did observe my acne subside, but my skin became so dry and parched doing so. My face looked sunken in and aged. I'm only 27, and I do not smoke and only occasionally consume alcoholic beverages. My libido was nearly nonexistent. I was very dry in my genitals and could not self-lubricate for sex. My hair was also incredibly dry and brittle, and I noticed hair thinning at my scalp. My hair was coming out noticeably more as well. I was having difficulty sleeping. I gained nearly 10 pounds since starting... I eat fairly healthy and balanced. I was only on Spiro for roughly 4 months. I've been off of it for only a few days, but I swear I already feel and look so much better. I'll take some pimples and oily (but healthy) facial skin."

• acn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2022

"My doctor started me on 100 mg for mild hormonal acne, and it wrecked my skin. My skin is now 100 times worse than it was before, and I'm considering Accutane in my late 20s. This is really uncommon, but I figured it was worth putting out there just for reassurance if it happens to someone else."

• Anonymous
• August 27, 2009

"I had been on so many different types of pills and creams, from over the counter to prescription, before my dermatologist recommended spironolactone. I have only been on it for about 3 months, but am already seeing results in my skin's appearance. I definitely recommend this to anyone still looking for something that can cure their acne. I have been suffering for about 15 years, and just now I am starting to feel comfortable in my own skin. I can't wait to see its full effects!"

• Jul...
• February 2, 2011

"I think this medicine is amazing. I have always struggled with acne and have tried everything to get rid of it. I refused to take Accutane due to its side effects and drying of the skin. Also, I knew my acne was a hormonal issue, so I didn't want something that was just going to dry out my skin and come right back, plus, very dry skin will make you age quicker. With my acne, I would get acne scars that would last for two to three years. My acne is cured 100%. I'm now using 20% vitamin C serum, SPF 70, Hydroquinone 4%, Antioxidant serum, and hyaluronic acid serum, and an emollient moisturizer to help the hyperpigmentation from my acne scars. I can use all of this on my face without breaking out now. Whoo HOO!"

• Dt2...
• September 5, 2020

"I was on spironolactone when I was about 14 and going through puberty, which brought some unfortunate acne. My skin cleared, and I got off of it up until 2 and a half weeks ago when my dermatologist put me back on it at 50 mg. I started dealing with hormonal acne that was making me self-conscious. My skin purged for 2 weeks, and literally at the 2-week mark, bam, my skin cleared up so fast. Everyone is different, but please stick with it because it will get better, and you can feel confident about your skin again."

• sar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 21, 2016

"I was on every single acne medication, even Accutane, which helped for a while, and then I still would get cystic acne around my period. My doctor told me it was all hormonal acne and put me on spironolactone, and it's the only thing that has ever helped me! I'm so happy!"