Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Hal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2019

For Birth Control "PLEASE READ THIS. Do not even consider taking this birth control. I received this through the Pill Direct Club. I have NEVER been so sick in my entire life after taking this pill for not even three weeks. I tried to get through it and hope for the best, but my stomach was in agonizing pain. Felt like I was being stabbed from the inside out. Had to call out of work for two days, would have been more if I could afford it. I could not stay off of the toilet. Constant diarrhea. Constantly nauseous. Headaches. I even thought I was going to poop in my sleep. IT IS THAT BAD. I saw the reviews on here and called to see if I could try a different birth control, and they told me they chose this specifically for me. Don’t listen to them. AWFUL PILL."

• Anonymous
• October 29, 2011

For Birth Control "My doctor suggested Kariva to me because I was previously on Ortho Tri-Cyclen (which made me extremely moody/emotional) and more recently Lo-Estrin (which gave me no sex drive whatsoever and made me completely emotionless). I was anxious to find a happy medium after going from one extreme to the other. I've been on Kariva for three months now. I've never been one to have any type of headaches of any kind, and after being on Kariva I experience headaches multiple times a day. I'm extremely tired all the time and I've gained weight in my breasts (I'm naturally a D and I've gone up to a large DD). No sex drive, extreme mood swings, acne, and increased appetite. I can't wait to get off this pill. Look for other options before taking Kariva."

• 905...
• January 15, 2017

For Birth Control "This birth control changed my life. I suffered through menstrual migraines and headaches for years, for 3 weeks out of the month, I had a headache almost every single day. I started this pill in October 2015 and have had three headaches. Amazing."

• Mmi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 18, 2019

For Birth Control "Let me tell you... this Apri birth control pill has been something terrible. I was put on it because my hormones were messed up bad, and sometimes I had a period that wouldn’t stop for a month, then I didn’t have a period for like 3 months. So my OB-GYN put me on Apri. I also have PCOS. Anyway, I have terrible headaches, my sight has gotten terrible, made my anxiety worse, no sex drive at all, and the worst thing, I gained 40 pounds in like 6 months. This pill is straight the worst thing ever!"

• Anonymous
• January 25, 2016

For Birth Control "Absolutely horrible. Been on Viorelle for 4 months now. I get severe headaches for a week, very lightheaded and dizzy. I haven't been able to get out of bed for the past 2 days, my body feels very weak, I can't get my exercise in, I feel very down. I feel this way every 3 weeks. I want to tell the entire world not to take these pills. I'm fine all month until the 3rd and 4th week, and then I experience all this. Awful. I can't wait to let my doctor know on Monday and can't wait to try something else."

• Ean...
• August 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this pill for about 2 weeks, and this past week has been like hell on earth. Constant nausea, fatigue, and awful cramping!!! I started taking the pill to lessen cramps during my period because I get them pretty badly for the first 1-3 days. These have been worse than my period cramps and have been ongoing for about a week now. I’ve had bloating to the point where I look like I’m pregnant. I’ve gotten headaches on this pill too, they last for hours and feel like a dull pulsing pain. These side effects almost made me believe I was pregnant because they were so strange and came out of nowhere, but after reading some other reviews, I believe that it’s this pill. I am young, and I noticed other negative reviews have been from older women, so I thought I would have better luck. I have just been feeling awful for days. Ibuprofen has not helped either."

• P3a...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Isibloom for 4 months now, and I have not had any major side effects. I am 21 years old, so it might be because of my younger age, but I did experience nausea and headaches for the first 3-4 days. I was up a couple of times throughout the night because I take them right before bed. Other than that, my periods are so much better now, nothing compared to before. I had my periods for 6-7 days with strong menstrual cramps to where I would need a heating pad and lots of ibuprofen. Now on the pill, my periods are a maximum of 4 days, and it is super light with minimal to no cramps. I am content with this pill, and I do not plan to change out this contraceptive pill."

• Lov...
• May 14, 2013

For Birth Control "My experience with Apri has been great. I have been on it for about 5 years now. I do not get any of the side effects - no headaches, mood swings, weight gain, etc. I was recommended by 2 doctors to take 4 x 21 packs of Apri in a row, totaling 3 months of birth control, then stopping for a week to get my period. So this means that you only get your periods 4 times a year. This causes no health risks at all (unless you take it longer than 3 months in a row), and I have been doing this for 3 years with no side effects at all. I have spoken to 4 doctors about this, and none of them disagreed with this method. I was told to try it, and if it worked for me, to definitely keep doing it. *May not be for everyone, so please consult your doctor first*."

• Gal...
• August 6, 2010

For Birth Control "This birth control pill has its advantages in the fact that it gives you a very predictable period, and that's it. The side effects outweigh the benefits. I started getting acne at 23 when I hadn't had it for years, my skin became oily, I started getting headaches that persisted all day, my appetite increased, my sleep was disrupted, and I became depressed. The depression is the worst part. I would wake up and be horribly angry or depressed, without cause. I'm switching back to my old birth control."

• yol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2018

For Birth Control "Worse, worse pill ever!! I was on Isibloom, then insurance changed to Enskyce. It has been 7 weeks on it, and I'm spotting every day, which is horrible for sex life; I'm moody and emotional, which is not like me, and I gained 6 lbs! I'm finishing this pack and requesting my old pill, even if I have to pay more! This is not worth it, and FYI, I take it at the same exact time daily. Oh, and the headaches are daily!! Run from this brand, please."

• all...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 8, 2018

For Birth Control "I was on this medication for over a year and had an overall great experience with this medication. Before being on the pill, I had 4-5 day-long periods that were EXTREMELY painful. I would have to pop 3-4 Midols to get out of bed! After starting Viorele, I noticed that the length of my period maybe lessened by just a day, but it was not painful! Cramps were still there but bearable. Don't have to take any pain meds for the cramps anymore. Also LOST about ten pounds, have no acne (had minimal beforehand), have a VERY regular period. The only con for this brand of BC is that I experienced regular headaches/migraines that I never used to experience before, but I was able to deal with them for the most part."

• 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."

• Bea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I’m giving Enskyce a 4 as a rating because I have been on this pill for almost 3 months now, and I have terrible headaches. I get headaches every day. They are very dull, yet they still occur every day, and it interferes with my daily life. It has done a great job at preventing pregnancy and clearing up my acne. Sometimes I also get stomach pain and tend to get somewhat constipated. I usually have my period on the 3rd-4th day of taking the placebo pills, and they have become a lot lighter, but my cramps are still terrible to the point where I am unable to get up off the couch. I truly do not recommend this birth control, and I would ask your doctor to switch you to something else."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2018

For Birth Control "I never give reviews, but this is the worst birth control pill I’ve been on besides TriNessa. This one is absolutely worse, though. This specific one gave me horrible headaches for the first two packs and made me extremely emotional. I’m a very sweet person, and it takes a lot to get me angry. Now I get so annoyed and angry extremely easily. I shouldn’t have the angry feelings I have and did not have them before I started this prescription. Do not recommend at all!"

• 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!"

• anu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I literally have been on this birth control a week, and either I'm pregnant, or the symptoms for this have already started to affect me. I have frequent headaches, I'm bloated, and my boobs are super tender. I'm hoping this all goes away and will continue to update as I continue the medication."

• Sg1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2019

For Birth Control "I have to say, so far, so good! I was diagnosed with endometriosis and had to find the right hormone therapy post-surgery. I have had so much success in 2 months on Apri. I have been skipping the placebo pills and skipping my periods (instructed by my MD). I have had 0 spotting. I had headaches the first week for sure, but that passed! I tried a few other pills before my surgery that really upset my stomach and cycle. This pill has been a lifesaver!"

• Anonymous
• March 8, 2019

For Birth Control "Since the time I have been taking Apri, I have been facing various problems like intense chest pain, problems in concentration, nausea, headaches, extreme mood swings, acne, dizziness, fluctuations in the quality of vision."

• apr...
• January 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I like this Apri birth control pill a lot! I was quite surprised running across all these negative reviews. I understand everyone has a different experience with Apri and is affected everyone differently. Personally, I’ve had no problems, although it’s only been a few weeks of being on it. If anything, my mood swings (from when I was BC free) have gone down DRASTICALLY. I feel much more chilled out and content. No cramping, headaches, etc., but slight anxiety. I have noticed a little weight gain, but this is something that isn’t that big of a problem for me or detrimental. I was initially taking Depo, which caused me to bleed every day straight for 3 months (the same amount I normally would at the start of a period, except EVERYDAY) and suffered from cramps from time to time and nausea. My doctor switched me over to Apri, and so far I have little to no complaints. My skin has been consistently clear and I don’t feel fatigued."

• Ban...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I literally was convinced I was one of the prettiest women on Earth until I started taking this pill. It messed with my confidence so much I cried about my body and face daily. I have never been this insecure in my life, and I have never been this sad in my life. I also have constant headaches, nausea, and I cannot stand any types of sounds overlapping without getting overwhelmed."

• 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."

• Kit...
• June 16, 2018

For Birth Control "I started taking it in December 2017. I felt fine, minor headache here and there. Early February it all went downhill. I always had the lingering headache but dismissed it. I developed hypertension 150/110, high heart rate (130s), palpitations, clammy hands and feet, and extreme migraines in late February. The walk-in clinic dismissed it as migraine. My PCP disregarded it as 'anxiety'-related hypertension. I also developed mood disorders from taking this pill (my doc wanted me on Zoloft). It caused my vitamin D to drop horribly, causing depression-like symptoms coupled with anxiety. My cortisol levels were also high. I saw an endocrinologist who told me to STOP taking it as I had adverse effects that were causing me these horrible symptoms. It's been 1 month since I have stopped, and my anxiety is still lingering. I regret ever starting this medication. It did give me amazing short, painless periods, but my hormones went wonky. I also gained 15 lbs. Take at your own risk."

• Lis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2016

For Birth Control "This birth control is amazing! I was definitely skeptical about it reading all of the mixed reviews, but I cannot really complain. The first month I started, I had a week of migraines and a strenuous and painful menstrual period. But after that week, the migraines were gone and I literally had no cramps, headache, nausea, or any menstrual signs. My period only lasted 4 days, I'm in the best moods ever. I cannot say this medication affected my sexual desires. But the medication did lighten my discharge, which I am very thankful for. CVS did try to switch me to the generic brand, but I could not take the risk. Literally, it's great!"

• Mar...
• December 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 19 and have been on this pill for 4 months now and have realized many changes. Some pros are that my acne has cleared up and excess hair slowed its growth rate, but the cons outweigh the pros. I have terrible mood swings, headaches, and nausea when I never had that before. My sex drive is nearly non-existent. My periods are more controlled, but they are very heavy and leave me very tired. I have gained 15 pounds in 4 months despite getting 2 hours of exercise almost every day. I thought this pill would help my hormones level out and help my depression, but it has made my relapses far between but much more intense when they happen. Overall, it gets the job done, but if you can, try a different pill."