Spironolactone and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• April 7, 2011

Spironolactone for High Blood Pressure "This medicine did lower my blood pressure, but after being on it for about 2 months, I began to have trouble urinating. At first, I thought I was getting a bladder infection, but the symptoms would come and go, mainly occurring right after I took the pill. I decided to stop taking it for a while to see if the symptoms went away, and they did. I also had swelling of my hands, and I gained 5 pounds."

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

For Acne "I've been on spironolactone for probably 2 or 3 years 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 25 mg 2 times a day, but now I just take 25 mg a day."

• ead...
• June 11, 2015

For Acne "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."

• lun...
• September 2, 2009

Spironolactone for Primary Hyperaldosteronism "The effect on blood pressure normalization is almost magic. However, after many years of use, the drop in testosterone has been significant. The drop in libido and desire caused a relationship to fail, and the low testosterone aggravated a weight gain problem. By utilizing topical testosterone supplements, libido is much improved, and weight loss is possible again."

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

For Acne "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."

• Riz...
• January 30, 2014

For Acne "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."

• Joh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I'm a 46-year-old male and am taking spironolactone because of the nasty high blood pressure side effects of other drugs. I've been taking this for 3 months. Whilst it has lowered my BP, it's not entirely effective, I'm still around 138/90. Side effects have been bloatedness and wind, toilet 4 times per day, and occasional diarrhea, weight gain, loss of libido."

• Fat...
• January 27, 2015

For Acne "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!"

• EmR...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 27, 2014

For Acne "I'm 42 and began taking spironolactone and using Differin for adult acne about a year ago. It took almost 8 months to really make a huge difference, but I could see some changes in the inflammation and severity of my acne after about four months. My acne was worse along the jawline and under my jaw and usually manifested as deep, sore nodules that never really came to a head. I still get some breakouts, but the pimples are much smaller and more on the surface, and almost none of them are on my jawline. They also heal much more quickly. The only negative side effects I've had are increased urination and weight gain. I've put on almost fifteen pounds over the last year, mostly in the belly, hips, and thighs."

• Bli...
• July 21, 2014

For Acne "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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2013

For Acne "I started taking this medication about four months ago combined with minocycline for my hormonal cystic acne. The first month, I saw no improvement in my skin and abnormally lost 5 pounds. Now, three months later, my skin is finally completely clear, but I'm facing a new problem: the medicine has caused me to gain 10 pounds in my thighs, butt, tummy, and breasts and has given me a yeast infection that has been on and off (mainly on) for the last four months."

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

For Acne "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."

• TBr...
• July 27, 2016

For Hirsutism "Been on spironolactone for a month, 50 mg x 2 daily, for excess facial (chin) hair, with bonus acne clearing up, I'm told. My results so far, no improvement on hair. I'm trying not to give up, but I have gained weight. My legs, mostly upper thighs, are getting bigger too quickly to be me just gaining a few pounds. I can deal with fuller breasts, just not the rest of me. My dermatologist said she never heard of this and to try and stick it out 3 months at least, but I see online others experienced weight gain too, shocked she dismissed so quickly. I'll do a couple more months to see if hair improvement. Plucking and shaving every day gets old, just don't want to get any bigger in the meantime. So far, peeing yes, fuller yes, heartburn yes, hair yes."

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

Spironolactone for Acne "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."

• Ana...
• May 6, 2015

For Acne "It completely cleared my face of stubborn, cystic acne. However, I gained 40 lbs over two years, had no energy, and could sleep for 13 hours a night. I still work out regularly and watch what I eat. It seems the weight gain is happening more to people in their 30s-40s..."

• Jay...
• October 23, 2016

For Acne "I love this stuff. I've been taking it for 1.5 months for acne. I've tried everything to get my acne under control, and nothing helped. I was nervous to use it, as I read the reviews, and many people say it caused them to gain weight. I'm in a wedding in November, and I've been working hard to lose weight, so I would be really upset if these meds caused me to gain. But after 1.5 months, my skin is flawless. I go to work without foundation for the first time in my life. And I've lost 10 pounds! I've surpassed my goal for the wedding! It also really suppresses my appetite, and they taste like mint! The only con is they make me feel really sick if I take them on an empty stomach, so make sure to eat first. I didn't even have an issue with frequent urination."

• Bos...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 14, 2023

For Acne "Avoid!!! Took me 9 months and digging on the internet to discover the 25 mg dose I’ve been taking for a year is the cause of my extra 12 pounds of fluffy fat in my abdomen, thighs, and hips, also, my face has never been more round. The doctor that prescribed told me countless times weight gain was not a side effect. I’m livid with myself for not figuring it out sooner as I know my body. As part of my focus on overall health (I work out and lift heavy on a very regular schedule along with eating very clean), I do a body scan about every 4-6 months. I’ve gained 9 pounds of straight-up fat since the moment I started taking spironolactone. Oh, and some weird cellulite. I am cutting the dose in half for a week, then a quarter for a week, and then I’ll be all the way off. I hope I can lose these extra pounds faster than I gained. So frustrating."

• cec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2013

For Acne "I have gained about 6 or 7 pounds (i.e., half a stone or 3 kilos) in total. My reflection in the mirror is fine, but my clothes have become too tight. I feel very uncomfortable in them, and in fact, I feel uncomfortable in my own skin. Somehow, I just feel inflated. The weight gain is really around the waist, the bottom, and the thighs (and the bust, the one area I am not complaining about). I did a quick search on the internet, and quick enough, I found a number of forums discussing weight gain with spiro (in the exact same areas). Weight is a sensitive issue for me because I did struggle a bit with it in my teens/early twenties."

• Kit...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 11, 2021

For Alopecia "DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE! I swear to God, taking this medicine was a huge mistake. I've been on 50 mg Spiro for 2 years for alopecia, and yes, it did help for that, but I also gained a whopping 30 lbs! My whole body shape/fat distribution changed, I have stubborn fat on my thighs, arms, and belly, and I am not able to get rid of it. My arm fat jiggles when I move my arms, I am so mortified. I read a ton of other experiences from women with the same issue, none of them were able to get their old body back even years after going off Spiro. I've been exercising religiously and eating clean, but I can't seem to drop a single pound. Apart from that, I also started having severe anxiety and panic attacks, as well as heart palpitations and fatigue. It did not clear up my skin, and honestly, I would rather keep searching for an alternative alopecia treatment than being this heavy."

• Ger...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 17, 2017

For Acne "I am a 38 y/o female and started spironolactone about a month after coming off of 7 months of Accutane. Accutane cleared my skin while on it, but within a couple of weeks of stopping, out comes my cystic acne. My derm prescribed Spiro, and within 1 week of starting at 25 mg p/d, I experienced sore, stiff joints from my finger joints to my knees, extreme fatigue, and weight gain. I lasted three weeks before the 4 lbs. gained went any higher, and the joint stiffness got to the point where exercising started to become painful. The extreme dryness, especially the constant dry, chapped lips while on Accutane, now seems like a cakewalk compared to the multitude of side effects from this medicine. I will just have to get the cysts injected every time now."

• Eff...
• March 24, 2015

For Acne "I have battled cystic acne since I was twelve years old. I'm 33 now and finally using something effective. I take 50 mg twice per day, and over a three-month period, the breakouts have decreased. I have not experienced any weight gain or other side effects while taking spironolactone. I am also using Retin-A gel at night and wash with PanOxyl twice a day. I feel more confident now that my skin is clearer. I've tried almost every product there is, from Murad to Neutrogena, this is the first time in a long time I've experienced little to no breakouts."

• CAg...
• August 16, 2017

For Acne "Since I'm now in my 30s and always take good care of my skin, my doctor thought my acne was probably hormone-related, so she wanted me to try spironolactone, 2 pills a day. She said it takes 3 months to start noticing a difference, however, I didn't get that far to see if there would be one. I quit at the 2-month mark due to all the side effects I was experiencing. Those side effects included the typical ones, such as upset stomach, dizziness, and very low energy/drowsiness. Then more serious: upper lip numbness, rapid weight gain, cellulite, and horrible breast pain. Not worth it."

• Klr...
• July 7, 2016

For Acne "I was prescribed spironolactone for my 'adult' acne. I am now 21 years old. I've been on the medication for a little over 7 months now. Although my acne has mostly subsided, the symptoms were not at all worth it. From the first month, I experienced abnormal bleeding and spotting. I expected this since my doctor told me it's normal to happen for the first 3 months. The thing is, it never stopped. It's now been 7 months and I still wake up, peeing dark brown blood. I actually urinate quite often now as it is considered a 'water pill.' I've also gained about 10 pounds and my whole body feels swollen and bloated. I experienced intense pain in my ovaries and it was painful to have intercourse - I saw the gynecologist and the ultrasound was clear. She told me that spironolactone could be the cause, as it has been reported before. My dermatologist never told me any of this. She actually told me I could be on it for the rest of my life without any problems and it's only been about 7 months and I'm in hell. I scheduled to see a different dermatologist today. Do not recommend this in the least."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2017

For Acne "At first, I thought this was a miracle drug because it cleared up my hormonal cystic acne FAST. My skin was flawless after just one month. However, the side effects were terrible. I was so lethargic I could barely do anything, I would sleep most of the day, always lightheaded, my cycle was completely out of whack, and I gained weight like crazy. I just didn’t feel right at all. When I went back to my doctor, she said Spiro can’t be the culprit of all my side effects (mainly the weight gain), and so she kept me on it but lowered it from 100mg to 50mg. I disagreed and stopped taking it. After a week of being off of it, my energy and happiness totally returned. My skin is no longer perfect, but I’d rather have acne than be fat and lifeless."

• Thr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2022

For Acne "The good: it will give you very clear skin if you stick with it. My derm put me on this + a topical. The first couple of months were rough, but it’s been 5 months, and my skin looks better than it has in years. I used to get bad hormonal breakouts and then a few random breakouts as well, lots of PIH, and my breakouts took forever to heal. My skin looks 1000% better, but it did take a good 3.5 months to really see the difference, and now it’s blatant how much better it looks overall. It’s the first time in a long time that I feel comfortable without face makeup on. The bad: I have ZERO sex drive, and I have always had a healthy libido. I have slowly been putting on weight (1-2 lbs a month it seems), and I just feel sluggish and tired/achy/moody and bloated. I am going to ask to stop this med and pray the acne doesn’t come raging back."