Kariva and Moody: What Users Say

• MEC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2013

For Birth Control "I was prescribed Kariva after another birth control became too expensive. I was afraid to try it out since there were so many negative reviews, but I am happy to say that this is a magical little pill (so far). I have not experienced any weight gain, moodiness, or low libido. My acne cleared up (I'm 27 and have always battled with acne) for the most part. The only drawback is some mild discharge, but nothing to worry about. I LOVE this pill!"

• Anonymous
• April 13, 2011

For Birth Control "I love this birth control pill. It's my second month on, and I haven't had trouble with any negative side effects. I used to have horrible periods (horrible cramps, puking, the whole nine yards), but now there's only light cramping on the first day. Shorter, lighter period for sure. I haven't gained any weight - if at all, I've lost a few pounds. I used to have some trouble with breakouts, but my skin is clear as can be now. The only thing I've noticed is I'm a bit moodier, but I don't want to blame that on Kariva since my relationship's going through a rough patch. Everyone's different, but Kariva definitely worked amazingly for me."

• Anonymous
• September 5, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on Kariva for three months now. It has been the first birth control I have tried, and it seems to work in the area of birth control, as I have not become pregnant. However, I have had my period for eight days every two weeks and finally figured out that my depression symptoms may have been caused by it; I've been terribly moody, depressed, and cry way more often than normal once I started taking Kariva. Sleep disruptions, loss of appetite, and lower sex drive have also been symptoms I've experienced."

• EWa...
• May 19, 2011

For Birth Control "I have been using this birth control for about 3 months. I had no serious side effects. I got bigger breasts and perhaps thicker thighs. I did not gain weight because I still weigh the same. Perhaps I was working out too much (about 3-5 per week) and gained more muscle on my thighs. There were no mood problems or spotting. I think maintaining a healthy diet and working out helps not only to maintain your weight but also to be healthy emotionally too."

• Not...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 25, 2016

For Birth Control "After reading a lot of negative reviews, I was nervous at first to start Kariva. I automatically thought it was going to be bad for me, but I have not had one bad thing to say about Kariva. It cleared my skin a couple of months after starting it, along with preventing pregnancy. Other than that, my sex drive, weight, moods, and eating habits have all stayed the same. I think it really differs from person to person because I love it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 11, 2017

For Birth Control "I have taken Kariva for about 6 months, and my boobs have gone from an A cup to a D cup, which is alarming. I have pregnancy-like symptoms very often, but I'm not pregnant. Overall, this birth control made me extremely moody and gain crazy weight."

• Anonymous
• August 5, 2011

For Birth Control "I've been on Kariva for 7 years now and have loved it! I used to have the worst periods ever, going through tampons and pads every hour, but now my periods are light and less painful. Sure, I get moody once a month, but I am a person, right? But everyone is different, and this pill has always worked for me."

• Anonymous
• November 17, 2009

For Birth Control "I've been on Kariva for 5 months now and am looking to switch. I get my period the third week of pills for several days, and then again the fourth week as a full period. Both sets of periods I get come with cramps, bloating (and several pounds of weight gain, which disappears once my period is over), and moodiness. When I asked my doctor to switch initially, she suggested I wait several months, as sometimes these effects subside, but mine have not."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 25, 2019

For Birth Control "I switched to Kariva about 1.5 years ago to help with breakthrough bleeding that I was experiencing with the prior birth control. For a few months, my period was light and only 3 days long and was expected during the inactive week. I would say I did notice that this medication made me more depressed before my period was coming, and I did gain around 8 lbs. After taking this medication for a longer time, I experienced breakthrough bleeding earlier and earlier, to the point where I ended up having a heavy two-week period as well as longer bouts of moodiness and cramping. I do experience a lot of bloating and gassiness. I have decided that I need to try another type of medication. This was great for the months that it worked properly for getting my period on time, but I could not imagine continuing this."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2020

For Birth Control "Do not recommend... Kariva made my face break out bad, and I never previously had problems with acne. It also made me feel like the Incredible Hulk (imagine severe PMS that lasts all month long). I had to stop taking it. My moods were so severe that I wasn’t even able to finish 1 month on it."

• Emi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2022

For Birth Control "I took this starting my junior year in high school back in 2014, was on it for about 6 years, then got off it, recently started it again back in December 2021, it's been 3 months taking it, my acne is cleared sometimes. I can't seem to shake the soreness in my breasts and I seem to spot a lot. I am not sure if it's because as I get older my body changes. But since I started again, I've been a little moody, tired, and when I wake up, I feel super bloated and heavy and just discomfort in my stomach. My OBGYN said to stay on the pack and after 3 packs my body should get used to it, but I feel as if it's not changing. When I started it back in 2014, I never had any problems, but now I seem to have the side effects and I am not sure if I should stay on it in hopes they stop or try something else. I have not gained weight, but in my breasts, I did."

• Anonymous
• August 13, 2020

"I went on the pill for my skin 5 years ago. I struggled with very dry skin and acne. I never noticed a change in my behavior, I do get a little moody during my period, but I feel like that’s normal. Before going on Kariva, my periods were long, painful, and heavy. I noticed once I went on the pill, I had short, light, and manageable periods. I could always expect what week/day I’d be getting my period. I’m not sure if I gained weight because I was only 14 when I started. I do always wonder if I got off Kariva if I would lose weight (although I’m already slim). I wouldn’t say this pill affects my sex drive, but again I was on the pill before I was sexually active, so I’m not sure. Overall, I would recommend this birth control for people who have dry, flaky skin. Everyone’s body acts differently, but this pill has never made me anxious and/or depressed. I would definitely recommend this to people who are starting out or people who have preexisting problems with their skin."

• Anonymous
• May 11, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for about a year, and I have lost 30 pounds. I am a little bit more moody, but I think that it is worth it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 6, 2013

"Love this. Cleared my skin up, made my period so light and my cramps disappear. I was a bit moody for the first month, but that went away."

• ltn...
• January 25, 2010

For Birth Control "I've been on Kariva for almost 5 years and absolutely loved it! No weight gain, but sometimes moody and have cramps, but that's normal."

• Ave...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 25, 2024

For Birth Control "I don't mind it, I've been taking it for around 5 years now. I had changes in the beginning with mood and weight, but it evens out after a few months. I've had no issues since."