Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Kim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ll just start by saying if I could rate this drug -10, I would. I was on this pill for 2 months, and in that time, I developed severe depression, didn’t want to leave the house, had the worst anxiety and self-worth issues. I felt so low and even had such dark thoughts. My first period after starting the pill was the worst experience of my life, the pains were excruciating. The pain woke me up in the middle of the night, and it was so bad that I was contemplating going to A&E. I couldn’t even stand up straight, and I’ll also mention that I have a high pain tolerance, and periods never usually affect me. I initially went on the pill to clear my acne, and it did clear a little, but I’m not sure if it was Yasmin or other medication that helped. Since coming off the pill, I’ve had such bad headaches and unbelievably dry eyes, which sting, cause blurry vision, and are very annoying. I also had a lot of hair loss on my temples. I was only on this for a short time, and all of this happened."

• gir...
• May 19, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on Gianvi for over a year now, and I love it. I lost some weight, but with that, my breasts also got a bit smaller. The headaches I was getting on my previous birth control are completely gone, and I get my period for 2 days, and it's extremely light, compared to my 2-week long extremely heavy period. On my previous birth control, I gained some weight, my breasts got huge, and I got terrible headaches, but none of that with Gianvi. I know a lot of people have terrible side effects, but honestly, I love Gianvi. (I was previously on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo.)"

• gol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2020

For Birth Control "Nurx switched me from Nikki to Loryna with no warning, due to a lack of availability of Nikki. Ok, I decided I would try Loryna. What a mistake. I have never experienced such bad anxiety and headaches in my life. I do not recommend switching!"

• Anonymous
• January 5, 2021

For Birth Control "My doctor prescribed Yasmin (later Yasmin Plus) 3 years ago for severe dysmenorrhea, and for the first time in my life, I had mild and regulated periods. But a few months in, it all went downhill. Headaches, low energy levels, intense weight gain, cup size increase, hair loss, and pretty much chronic bloating and constipation. I also started losing interest in daily activities, was short-tempered, and developed severe anxiety, borderline depression. I consulted both a psychiatrist and a psychologist. I was placed on fluoxetine (antidepressants) for over a year. It's been a month since I quit Yasmin (I'm also off fluoxetine), and my mental health has improved. I have swollen legs now, and my body feels weird. Hoping to get back to normal soon. I'm yet to see my periods post the pill, and I'm working so hard to get rid of this weight."

• Lin...
• June 25, 2014

For Birth Control "My experience on Zarah was absolutely horrible. At first, things were good. I never carried water weight, and my periods lightened up. All of a sudden, in these last couple of months, my body has been going haywire on it. Everybody swears I could be pregnant, but I'm not. I have gained 20 lbs, even though I watch my diet and stay active. My acne has not cleared up, I spot 2-3 times a week, crave spicy foods a lot, sweets make me nauseous, and I stay with headaches and constant mood swings. My OB-GYN switched me back to Safyral because I was never bloated and, in fact, lost all my excess weight. The only side effect I had was that my periods were a bit heavy the first 2 days. So my OB-GYN tried me on Zarah. I would much rather deal with heavy periods."

• mik...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 3, 2021

For Acne "I’ve been taking Yaz for about a year, and I like it so much better than other birth control packs I’ve tried. With Yaz, the first 6 weeks were awful. The worst acne I have had in my life, so much of it was cystic or just extremely painful. From what I read, that’s normal for a lot of people, and I’m so thankful I stuck through it. My skin has never been clearer. My periods are normally extremely heavy, painful, 9 days, and I only have one or two days of moderate flow on Yaz. A major bonus. I did notice over the last five months that I have started to break out on my chin and neck, only on the placebo days of the pack, but skipping them fixed that issue. I’ve not had issues with mood or libido on Yaz, no spotting, headaches, really no other side effects. I recommend sticking through for a few months. I’ve seen a lot of reviews that said they stopped taking it after a month for that reason, so if you’re going to try it, try and commit to it."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2019

For Acne "I started taking this because I would get one or two cystic pimples near the time of my period that would lead to bad scarring. I figured I would give Gianvi a try since it is known for treating hormonal acne. I have only been on it for two months. Although I have read that it can take at least three months or longer to fully adjust, I am going to stop taking it. I’ve tried a few different birth control pills before, but this one has been the worst for me. I have experienced irregular bleeding, bad headaches that can last days at a time, weight gain, and the worst acne I’ve ever had in my life. All of these symptoms have made me depressed. Maybe I should’ve waited another month to see, but it wasn’t worth it to me. Everyone reacts differently, so you have to try it out for yourself. I’ve read that some girls had their skin clear up in two weeks. Sadly, I did not have a positive experience on this birth control."

• jan...
• May 6, 2016

For Birth Control "Worst pill ever. This pill has caused me to be extremely moody. My boobs have gone from a 34B to a 36C, and I'm tired all the time. I get headaches a lot. Would not recommend getting on this pill to anyone."

• Anonymous
• February 16, 2021

For Birth Control "I started taking it to regulate my period a year ago, and it has been a rollercoaster of a year. About 5 months after taking it, my mood swings started to get really bad, I always had headaches, my cramps were bad, and I started to have symptoms of anxiety and depression. I used to be so full of energy and always happy, now my mood swings are 24/7 and I have 0 energy whatsoever. Definitely going to switch birth control pills. I don't recommend Yaz."

• Jen...
• June 3, 2017

For Birth Control "Yaz gave me horrible mood swings, depression, headache, sickness, leg cramps, hair loss, slow foggy brain, etc. I lost 1/4 of my hair. I'd feel so much headache to the point my brain became foggy when I tried to work. I couldn't read and think as fast as I could before I took the pill. It hurt my work performance and gave me horrible headaches and body cramps. My leg hurt really badly, possibly due to a blood clot. I quit it but got 5 big endometrial polyps while using Yaz although something else might have caused them. I had surgery to remove them a few months ago, and I have been sick and weak ever since, became anemic, and couldn't work for months. I get super dizzy from anemia at work now. My body isn't like it used to be."

• HGa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 3, 2018

For Acne "I am currently in my 6th month of taking Yaz, and if I'm honest, my acne has gotten worse. Worse than what it was prior to starting Yaz. I am so disappointed as I went on to Yaz with high hopes. I have cystic acne all around my chin and my forehead, not to mention my skin and hair are oilier than ever, which doesn't make sense as Yaz is supposed to decrease the body's oil production. I am at a point where I am about to seek help from a dermatologist. Aside from Yaz not having a single positive impact on my acne, it has been great otherwise. No nasty side effects such as weight gain, headaches, nausea, etc. I am willing to keep going with Yaz until the new year, but if no change is seen by January, I will be changing pills."

• Yaz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 27, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve used this medication for about a year and a half, and lately, over the course of the last 6 months, I noticed I am insanely depressed. I have never been depressed and have no reason to be depressed. The depression, irritability, cramps, headaches, and aches come rushing in a day or two before my period is coming, then different symptoms subside. Usually, the cramps and headache go away, but I’m stuck with everything else the duration of my period, which is about 5-7 days. I thought this was just a part of life, but after a while, I don’t want to believe this has to be my life just because of a period every month for the next 10+ years. So I’m going to try something different. Everybody is different, but this was my experience. I didn’t have hair loss or weight gain/loss, nothing else was affected, just the things I mentioned above. I’d say try it, but if you start feeling depressed and moody, blame it on the Yaz."

• ros...
• June 29, 2020

For Acne "I have been taking the generic for Yaz for exactly 10 days. I'm 3 days into my pack of pills. I cannot give an adequate or detailed review, but I did notice some initial side effects. I've been getting headaches and stomachaches, so much so they often leave me sleep-deprived. I also noticed my breasts are much fuller, with, from what I can tell, at least half a cup size. Are developments like this normal? As for acne-my skin previously always had hormonal breakouts. Nothing I could do would get rid of these super weird, cystic chin pimples. It would leave me cripplingly insecure because I took such good care of myself. I felt so alone, and still do about my acne. Where I was previously getting the worst bits of breakouts, my skin has become a little enraged by these new hormones. I believe it's purging because it's in conjunction with where I already experienced acne."

• mac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2022

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I've only taken it for a month so far, but I do notice a positive effect. My PMDD made me near suicidal, crying a lot, etc., to the point where I would just isolate myself from others to hide it. I didn't notice any of those problems this first month on this pill. I didn't even bloat or have oily skin like I used to. The first few days were weird, just adjusting to a new med. I got headaches for a couple of days. I've had consistently weird dreams and issues sleeping while on Yaz. I've had more of an appetite, but that may just be from going to the gym more recently. I didn't notice any real weight gain. If weird dreams are the price to pay for this drug, it's worth it. My mental health is definitely in my control now. I hope this drug continues working."

• Moo...
• November 8, 2016

For Birth Control "Did what it was supposed to do, i.e., I didn't get pregnant and I was sexually active the whole time I was on it. Also, I don't believe I had a single zit for the whole year and a half I was on it. Nice! However, I experienced a lot of very annoying headaches while taking Ocella. They were stubborn too, wouldn't go away if I took an Aleve. Also, weight gain definitely happened. I went up 2 full cup sizes and 'filled out' in general. I would say about 8 lbs or so. (With little to no change in my diet/lifestyle.) Also, I feel that Ocella increased my anxiety and depression. It also affected my sex drive and level of lubrication. Everyone's body is different, hard to say if symptoms were from Ocella or unrelated."

• squ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 10, 2018

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "Switched from Lo-Ovral to Nikki about 2 weeks ago without placebo pills in between. The only side effects I've been experiencing are being a lot more thirsty due to the diuretic effect of this pill. The first few days I had minor headaches. I've had mild acne my whole life, but I haven't had a breakout all week. My anxiety/depression symptoms are basically gone, and I haven't had a breakdown yet. When I was on Lo-Ovral, I had about one a month."

• Hao...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2013

For Acne "This is the first oral birth control I have tried, and I enjoy it. I have been on it for almost 3 months now. The first month I had some side effects: I had mild nausea, headaches, and super cravings for salty and sweet foods. I started taking this birth control to clear up my acne, I didn't see a difference until after the first pack. I notice a huge difference now, and my face is a lot more clear, but not all the way yet, but it takes time for your body to adjust. My periods have been lighter, and I don't get as bad of cramps. Recently, I have been feeling extra moody and tired, though, which I do not like, but I will wait it out and let my body adjust. Overall, I like it."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2013

For Birth Control "My gynecologist put me on Gianvi for my skin. I was so excited to have a pill that would focus mainly on my skin problem that I have been having for years. I didn't see any difference in the change of my skin. And the worst part was my mood swings. It caused major problems with my boyfriend and me fighting all the time and him seeing the change in me. It also made me feel super depressed all the time, with headaches almost every other day. After two months on this pill, I couldn't wait to switch. Now I'm on Generess Fe and couldn't be happier. Stay away!"

• KCa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2018

For Birth Control "My pharmacy switched me over from Gianvi to Nikki. Since taking Nikki, which has been for about 4 months now, my once clear skin has become a playground for acne. Not only is my skin a problem, but my periods, my horrible cramps have come back, and I never know when it's coming. One of the main reasons for being on birth control is to regulate my cycle and also help with my PMDD. I plan things around when my cycle will be, and with this I have had to miss wax appointments because my period just shows up randomly. Can't forget to add the headaches, nausea, weight gain, blurred vision, and the biggest problem being mood swings and aggression it has caused me. I have found myself becoming increasingly aggressive, and that's not me. Thank goodness I went and saw my doctor last week, and I have now been switched back to Gianvi. I can't wait to feel back to normal again."

• 123...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2020

For Birth Control "This pill was absolutely awful! It was prescribed to stop my bloating, shorten my heavy periods, and make them less painful. The first month I had all of the secondary side effects listed. I was moody, irritable, exhausted no matter how much sleep I got, had debilitating cramps, was super bloated, my skin got worse, I had to pee at least once an hour if not more times, I had breast tenderness, my breasts got larger (even though I have worked out the entire time on the pill), and I had awful headaches (I never used to get headaches and I have one almost every day)! Since the sugar pills are only 4 days, my period didn’t even start until Sunday and lasted just as long as my normal period. It was awful! I am switching pills at the end of next week, and I do not recommend this to anyone!"

• jpa...
• April 8, 2016

For Birth Control "As far as birth control... never got pregnant. That is the only plus. Horrible cramps, heavy bleeding, soaking through tampons in an hour or less, passing of large clots, headaches. Looking forward to switching off to a different BCP."

• Neg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2019

For Acne "I never post drug reviews because I am in the medical field, but man, I sure wish I would have read up on this drug before taking it. Within the first two weeks of being on this Nikki birth control, I developed back-to-back headaches and minor mood swings. Now, three weeks in, my face has gone ballistic, and I have cystic acne everywhere. This drug has started interfering with my career since I get self-conscious talking to doctors with a face full of zits. I now have to get back on Accutane to combat the side effects of this horrible drug!"

• Cla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2018

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I suffered PMT in my youth, and after years of being free, at the age of 42, the condition came back with even more severity. I was prescribed Yasmin by my gynecologist, and the first month was fantastic. I am now in my second month, and my symptoms are worse than ever. I have constant headaches, severe bloating, cramps, breakthrough bleeding, and chronic fatigue. I am hoping the third month will regulate my cycle and settle the symptoms."

• flo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2020

For Acne "I have been on Nikki for 3 months now. In the first week or two, I felt nauseous and got headaches a lot. I use it for acne, and at first, it made my acne way worse, but when I was finishing up the second pack, it began to clear up my face. Now my face is pretty clear, but I feel tired all the time and have less motivation to do anything, but hopefully, this will go away. Overall though, I think my experience so far hasn't been too bad on Nikki, at least compared to other brands."

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2021

For Acne "Loryna gives me horrible side effects. Super depressed, anxious all the time. It makes me cry every single day throughout the entire day for the whole first week. The second week got slightly better, cried less, but I can't feel happy at all! Nothing makes me happy for the entire time that I was taking the pill! It never happened in my life before. I was feeling miserable for nonsense reasons. I was aware that my thoughts and my actions were being ridiculous. However, my mood, my thoughts, and everything about myself were out of control. It also caused me to have a super difficult time falling asleep and staying asleep. It gives me super strong headaches throughout the entire time. My body gets easily numb when I stay in a pose for only a few seconds. I was restless, having headaches, strengthless, sad mood throughout the whole time that I was taking it. It started causing me heart pain in the last week even!"