Reclipsen and Headaches: What Users Say

• tay...
• April 19, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on Reclipsen for 1 month as of next Sunday, and I must point out that there are some downfalls of this birth control. Reclipsen does work very well as a reliable birth control method as long as you follow the instructions that come with the medication (taking one pill once a day at the same time daily). However, since a few days after I began taking Reclipsen, I've been running into some issues concerning painful headaches and acne flare-ups. I've been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen birth control pill in the past, and I do not remember having any issues as far as headaches or acne while I was on that medication. Reclipsen is reliable, but do beware because you may receive some uncomfortable side effects when beginning this medication."

• Anonymous
• October 31, 2012

For Birth Control "I've been on Reclipsen for over a year now, and I didn't think it was that bad. I thought I had finally found my birth control, but now I have changed. I loved this pill because it really controlled my periods and cramps. I had little cramps and lighter periods, but my period wouldn't start until three days after taking the sugar pills. I've been reading other comments about headaches, and I can agree that I have had headaches every other night, but they weren't bad. I could still fall asleep. I am changing to a different pill because I didn't like how I gained weight on this pill. I gained ten pounds at least, and I've been getting heavier. It's really hard to lose the weight on this pill also. Time for a change!"

• Jai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I took Reclipsen for almost 3 weeks and couldn't even finish out the month. After the first few days, I had pretty bad nausea, so I started taking it at night, that helped. But that's when the headaches started. All within the first two weeks, my appetite went crazy (I am typically a very healthy eater). I've even gained a few pounds, I go to the gym about 4 times a week. I typically have very clear skin, but I started breaking out all over (not just on my face). I've had anxiety pretty bad, and sometimes I want to cry for no reason! My last straw, two days ago, I got my first migraine since I was a kid. I have switched to Minastrin 24 Fe, and I am really hoping it works better for me. I know everyone's body reacts differently!"

• Rec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2013

For Birth Control "Worsens depression, fatigue, increased appetite, weight gain, bloating, constant mild fever, headaches, unstable mood swings, decrease in sex drive overall but spikes in demand for sex at certain times (unstable). It did work as a birth control and did not worsen or help with my slight acne. I was on bupropion 300 mg for a few months before I started Reclipsen. It countered the positive effects of bupropion: increased energy, decreased appetite."

• rld...
• August 31, 2011

For Birth Control "This is the second month I have been on Reclipsen, I had to change from the pill I took before due to breakthrough issues. I have noticed that I have very bad headaches after taking the medication. I had severe migraines last week during my period week, even though my period didn't start until a day after the migraine. I have never had such intense side effects from taking birth control, but I don't know why else I would have such headaches. I'm starting to feel like there is no birth control out there for me. I wish there was birth control for men instead!"

• Fer...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Reclipsen for a month. I started it to see if it would decrease my flow and cramps. My mood dropped drastically when I first started. Depression usually lasts for a period of time, so I wasn't depressed. However, my mood was very low to the point that it was scary. When my period came, it felt like the worst ever. My flow and cramps were bad. I have other side effects as well, such as nausea and headaches. I'm going to see if my body adjusts to it for two more months only because I need a solution for my periods. I've been on birth control in the past, and I've never had these side effects."

• kch...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for about a week now, and I've noticed some changes. I've been spotting daily, which is annoying to say the least. I also had a headache for the first couple of days. Something else that hasn't been pleasant is the feeling of bloatedness. All of these symptoms come and go, and they're not unbearable when they are present. One thing that is confusing, however, is I was told that my libido would be decreased with this pill, and it's been the complete opposite. And so far, I have not noticed any weight gain."

• Ica...
• June 20, 2017

For Birth Control "The first month was absolutely horrible. This is my first birth control pill. The nausea seemed to occur 2 hours after taking the pill (I take it at 3 pm every day). I was also unmotivated and felt like my back ached all the time. Then it got better. I don't get headaches anymore. But looking back, I definitely gained weight, like a lot. I didn't lose my sex drive. Anyway, I'm okay now."

• And...
• August 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this bc for 4 months. Since then, I've experienced nausea every single day. I have no appetite and barely eat anything, but I still haven't lost weight. I have no sex drive (and TMI, but very dry) and I'm a raging bitch most days! I have headaches every single day, 24/7, and I'm tired constantly. My dr told me this bc is good for those with acne, but I have had horrible breakouts that I can't stop! I forgot to take my pill today and just realized that I haven't experienced any of these symptoms at all! I am the type of person who will experience every possible side effect of a medication, though, so do consider that. I still wouldn't recommend it!!"

• Rae...
• June 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been taking this BC for about 4 months, it was great until the last month when I started getting headaches, quick heartbeats, loss of sleep. I gained weight in all the right areas, so that was a plus. But I can't put up with the headaches, I'm tired all the time and total loss in sex drive (which is weird because I think about sex all the time). Made me cry here and there but no serious emotional outbreaks. I switched to Azurette, so we will see."

• rai...
• January 7, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on Reclipsen for 2 months, going on my third pack tomorrow. I do not like this pill, the first month was bad. I had so many bad headaches every week. And the second month, around the time I am supposed to have my period, was so bad."

• mel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I began taking Reclipsen during February of 2015. Developed cystic acne. I've always had a few spots here and there, but nothing like this. I even switched to all-organic skin products, which helped a little. I developed insane headaches. I became extremely emotional and began crying at the drop of a hat, where in the past, I could count on two hands how many times I would cry per year. Worst of all, I gained 20 lbs from Feb-Oct 2015. I exercise, have a plant-based diet, and I'm 22, so my metabolism hasn't quite slowed yet. No excuse for that, and not flattering on a 5'4" frame. It prevented pregnancy (thus 2/10), but the side effects aren't worth enduring this pill. Switching to ParaGard in a week and a half. No more hormones for me."

• Not...
• June 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on Reclipsen for a month for regular birth control, period regulation, and period cramps. The first few days, I had overall body weakness and a bad headache, both of which subsided after those days. I had unprotected sex a week and a half after starting and did not get pregnant, so it's good for that, but when my period came around, the first day was awful, the worst it had been in a while. I heard you have to take it for more than a month for the cramps to ease up, so maybe next month will be better. I'll obviously also have to wait until next month to see if my period comes around the same time, but overall I'd probably recommend it to a friend."

• Kat...
• August 12, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on Reclipsen for 7 months so far, and I believe this will be my last. I started tracking how I feel every single day up to my cycle day. I started to realize recurring symptoms on the same cycle days of the medication! I'm finally throwing in the hat. Last month, my neck became sore, and my shoulders and back pain have escalated! Well, now I can't even move my neck side to side on the same cycle day. I believe this medicine has not helped my IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), has made me have heart palpitations, a few days before my period I get really deeply depressed on the same day every month and have extreme dark thoughts. I've had toothaches, headaches, strong cramps, black blood, bladder pain, extreme weight loss, no appetite, dizziness, seizures, constant anxiety, extreme fatigue, and weakness, and all these weird things over the course of the last few months. My periods wouldn't come till 4 days into the sugar pills, and I would suffer the last week of the pills, and 3 days into my period."

• Nik...
• September 16, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm on this BC because I recently found out that I have 2 cysts in my uterus. My right one caused extreme pain and caused me to be at 2 different hospitals all in the same week. (I'm 19) by the way, lol, 5'4" if that helps. Today is my first day on the pill, so far I've had a crazy sex drive and mild headache. As a side effect, I'm hungry every 30 minutes, lol. The pain from my cysts cooled down, which I love! And yeah, so far so good, I'll keep you ladies updated with more info!"

• Lan...
• March 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I started this birth control on the 1st day of my period exactly 2 weeks ago. I started to notice some extreme headaches within the first week that would not go away no matter what I did. I wasn't absolutely sure it was the pill that caused it, I thought maybe it was from oversleeping. However, here I am two weeks later bleeding and having unbearable cramps, whereas before I would bleed for 5 days with minor cramps. I just stopped taking it 2 days ago, so I'm hoping the side effects go away soon. I know birth control affects everyone differently, I just couldn't deal with the headaches. Hoping the Nexplanon side effects aren't too bad."

• Anonymous
• June 1, 2016

For Birth Control "Been on it for 2 weeks now. I don't tolerate anything well, and the first week I was very nauseous, had a few headaches, but nothing I couldn't handle. Now I've noticed that I've gained a pound, probably because it seems my boobs exploded. I was already a D, and now I'm sure I'm at least a DD. Kill me. Other than that, my sex drive is fine, maybe a little lower, but not bad. The one thing that I don't like is I'm super moody, and then I get depressed and want to eat everything. Also, some days I'm so tired and don't want to do anything."

• Anonymous
• April 26, 2016

For Birth Control "Been on Reclipsen for about a week and a half. My face is breaking out so bad, and I usually have very good skin. I feel swollen all over, especially my face and legs, and lately I have been having pounding headaches, not to mention the horrible cramps."

• Caj...
• August 1, 2013

For Birth Control "This is my second month using Reclipsen. I had no problems the first month (no weight gain, no headaches, etc.). Now, this month so far I have gained around 2-3 lbs. If I get anywhere close to gaining 10 lbs, I am done with this birth control for sure! I just keep trying to weigh my choices. I've been pregnant at least 4 times, and I gained about 2-3 lbs with each pregnancy. So, I think gaining a few pounds on birth control is okay compared to gaining it while being pregnant and having a miscarriage. So, yes, I'm okay with the side effects of Reclipsen so far."

• Tex...
• December 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I first started with Reclipsen a year ago for 2-3 months and experienced extreme mood swings. Very emotional and sensitive to everything/anything. I'm not an emotional person. I also did get frequent headaches. I decided to switch to a generic (similar to Reclipsen) which alleviated all side effects. I started taking Reclipsen again this month after my annual check-up (my doctor refilled for name brand). I'm on week 2 and I'm having the same side effects. I had a major meltdown which made me question what is really going on. I realized it must be the birth control. I'm going back to generic ASAP. I had no weight gain, cramping, nor acne issues while taking Reclipsen, only mood swings and headaches."

• jor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 20, 2014

For Birth Control "Started this pill and took it at night right before bed, woke up every morning with terrible morning sickness, dizziness, and awful headaches."

• Mom...
• July 1, 2014

For Birth Control "Bloating, headaches, weight gain! Moody, irritably. I can't stand it."

• JD1...
• February 12, 2015

For Birth Control "Severe weight gain - 20 lbs, worse acne, headaches daily, mood swings, anxiety, and starving all of the time! I had previously been on Trisprintec and will be switching back to it."