Why aren't more of us guys trying Avodart? - Page 4

Clark · 05-19-2004, 08:48 AM

Knichol and Poakfish - Here is my info: I have been taking 50/mg spiro per day for 2 weeks. I have also recently added back in 160 mg/day of saw palmetto. I had been taking 480/mg day of saw palmetto before the spiro, but it was causing extreme lethargy and mental fogginess, so I thought I'd try the lower dose of spiro/saw palmetto mix. The higher dose of saw palmetto, by the way, was working. But I needed to try something that had less of a "downer" effect. So far, the SP/spiro mix is also working, but with the same side effects. Reduced energy, decreased mental capacity (I compare it to a computer that has a bunch of programs open at one time -- the processing speed slows down).

Regarding potassium levels -- my derm is doing blood work to monitor this. I am 29 years old. I don't think I can really describe the condition of my skin with any accuracy -- of course most people here think there condition is "severe," and clearly I think mine troublesome enough to take a drug like spiro.

My plan right now is to continue with the spiro/SP mix and see if I can shake the side effects. Also, don't misunderstand, the improvement is certainly noticeable and quite enjoyable, but it's not a miracle and I'm doing other things. I avoid all refined sugars and dairy in my diet. I also use Tazorac and Duac, sparingly.

I'll keep everyone updated.

poakfish · 05-19-2004, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clark

Knichol and Poakfish - Here is my info: I have been taking 50/mg spiro per day for 2 weeks. I have also recently added back in 160 mg/day of saw palmetto. I had been taking 480/mg day of saw palmetto before the spiro, but it was causing extreme lethargy and mental fogginess, so I thought I'd try the lower dose of spiro/saw palmetto mix. The higher dose of saw palmetto, by the way, was working. But I needed to try something that had less of a "downer" effect. So far, the SP/spiro mix is also working, but with the same side effects. Reduced energy, decreased mental capacity (I compare it to a computer that has a bunch of programs open at one time -- the processing speed slows down).

Regarding potassium levels -- my derm is doing blood work to monitor this. I am 29 years old. I don't think I can really describe the condition of my skin with any accuracy -- of course most people here think there condition is "severe," and clearly I think mine troublesome enough to take a drug like spiro.

My plan right now is to continue with the spiro/SP mix and see if I can shake the side effects. Also, don't misunderstand, the improvement is certainly noticeable and quite enjoyable, but it's not a miracle and I'm doing other things. I avoid all refined sugars and dairy in my diet. I also use Tazorac and Duac, sparingly.

I'll keep everyone updated.

Clark, thanks for the information. My problem is that I don't have health insurance until I get a job this August. So monitoring my potassium levels would be a problem. Avodart, from what I can tell, does not have this side effect.

I do understand the mental fogginess you are speaking of. While I have never taken spiro, I did experience this when I was taking Accutane freshman year of college (8 years ago). I didn't realize it was Accutane that was causing it at the time, but as soon as I stopped Accutane, the fogginess went away. By "fogginess," I mean that I could not concentrate, I felt really low energy all the time, and I would just stare off w/ a blank look on my face basically. Looking back, I think it would be described as "depression."

Anyway, keep up the good fight. I am on 1,280mg SP/day; 260 beta sitosterol/day; and 6-9 grams B5/day. I will quit all of this when my Avodart comes in so that I will be able to pinpoint what is actually helping me.

[ removed ]

poakfish · 05-19-2004, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clark

Poakfish - Have you decided what dosage of Avodart you will be taking? In my mind this is a difficult issue, see the link below:

[url]http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?postid=974252#poststop[/url]

This points out that in the FDA trials regarding use of Avodart for male pattern baldness, a higher "load dose" is used for an initial period.

Clark, I will be taking .5mg/day. I decided on this for several reasons:

1. On hairloss message boards, it appears that they are all taking this as the normal dosage. I've also received a positive response to a message I posted over there asking for feedback from those who had acne prior to taking avodart. [ removed ]

2. The load dosage you are referring to would be about 2.5mg/day, right? .5mg/day would cost you about $80/month. Pretty costly, I'd say. I have learned that the generic form of Avordart (called Dutas) will be out shortly and will only cost 1/3 of the price of Avodart.

knichol7 · 05-19-2004, 07:01 PM

This is awesome. For anyone that doesn't know, I started this thread and I feel great about it. Poakfish has just ordered, I think it's going to work out for him, and promised to give us feedback unlike that other no name loser. Also, people are informed and more knowledgeable about their options if there reading the posts on this thread. I feel awesome!!! I feel like I'm helping people and making a difference. Now I know why veterans keep posting. It just makes you feel good to help others. Now I have to go because there is a cosmetic surgery seminar tonight. Hopefully I can get some good info on acne scarring. There is supposed to be before and after pics also. Later

poakfish · 05-19-2004, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knichol7

This is awesome. For anyone that doesn't know, I started this thread and I feel great about it. Poakfish has just ordered, I think it's going to work out for him, and promised to give us feedback unlike that other no name loser. Also, people are informed and more knowledgeable about their options if there reading the posts on this thread. I feel awesome!!! I feel like I'm helping people and making a difference. Now I know why veterans keep posting. It just makes you feel good to help others. Now I have to go because there is a cosmetic surgery seminar tonight. Hopefully I can get some good info on acne scarring. There is supposed to be before and after pics also. Later

Let us know if you learn anything interesting.

Actually, we should give some credit to Sweetjade. She posted an awesome post a while back that included a list of anti-androgen/dht blockers. On that list was Avodart. I'm glad you brought this topic back to the forefront though.