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Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol and Nausea: What Users Say

Brand names: Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella, Loryna, Syeda, Nikki, Gianvi, Lo-Zumandimine, Jasmiel, Zumandimine, Zarah, Yaela Melamisa …show all brand names

Nausea: mentioned by 353 users (12.4%)

Based on user experiences from 2,852 Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

acne 22.3%
depression 20.6%
mood swings 20.3%
anxiety 15.2%
weight gain 13.8%
nausea 12.4%
cramps 9.9%
sexual dysfunction 9.4%
headaches 9.3%
bleeding 7.2%

Reviews for Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Sar...
  • July 20, 2020

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I went on Yaz to treat my PMDD, and I also suffered from irregular periods for five years after having amenorrhea for approx. 7 years. I wish I’d gone on Yaz years ago! It took going on this medication to realize that a lot of my issues and health complaints were caused by my hormonal imbalance, which I chose to ignore for over a decade. I am way less moody and irritable, less anxious, less fatigued, don’t get massive food cravings and hunger spells, feel the cold less (I used to always be cold), am more clear-headed, and experience less negative emotions, such as hostility and jealousy. An initial downside for me was that my boobs went up a size. I really liked my small non-painful boobs. However, I’m learning to love my new size and after finally buying some new bras, I am content. It also took some time for my body to adjust, e.g. experienced low-level nausea and spotting. However, this did eventually end."

9 / 10
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  • Han...
  • December 14, 2019

For Birth Control "2 years on Yasmin pills. 1. Beautiful, glowing, moist skin. 2. Proper period. 3. No pregnancy. Disadvantages: 1. Severe anxiety. 2. Depression. 3. Low sex drive. 4. Lost my sense of humor. 5. Nothing makes me happy and alive. 6. Morning sickness. 7. Dry mouth when I wake up from fear! 8. Lost my hair. 9. Foggy mind. 10. Lost my self-esteem. I came off the pills around a month and a half. I started doing my blood tests and started taking: - vitamin B - vitamin D - omega. Helped me a lot in recovering! I started drinking a lot of water to flush the hormones from my system. You're not alone! We all suffered from this pill. Believe me, you'll be the best version of yourself after focusing on your health. You'll be fine, give some time for your body to recover and be patient with yourself! Love yourself and don't think of people's opinion about you! You're in a temporary phase, and this shall pass with love. Stay strong! With love, H from Dubai."

7 / 10
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  • lan...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 17, 2021

For Birth Control "Honestly, I was quite scared to start taking the birth control pill for the first time after reading so many bad reviews and hearing all these horror stories about it. But I have to say, although I've only been on it for 2 months, I've had almost no side effects at all. Only on the first few days I was a bit nauseous and my breasts were tender, but besides that, it's been smooth sailing. No emotional changes, no weight gain, nothing. So don't let bad reviews about it get to you and give it a try, everybody has a different reaction to it."

9 / 10
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  • Jen...
  • February 27, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this pill for more than a decade. No issues. Slight nausea and a mild yeast infection when starting it, but those went away after the first few weeks, and after that I had 10 years of light periods, clear skin, nice hair, and stable mood. Sex drive was slightly reduced, but not enough to cause problems. I went off Yasmin for a few years to try the Paragard and honestly it’s been frustrating. Sex isn’t as much fun because I’m bleeding or PMSing for three quarters of the month, plus my periods, while not medically problematic, are annoyingly irregular - and they come with seven days of insomnia. Being on the pill put a stop to that for me. Yes, there have been a few benefits of being off it, but on balance, my natural hormones are not the magical fairy tale I keep seeing touted on the internet. I’m not saying everyone should take Yasmin, but if you’re thinking about taking it and are anxious about side effects, know that for some of us it ends up being fine."

8 / 10
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  • Lan...
  • February 6, 2020

For Acne "3 months ago I was scrolling through the comments on this website in hopes of finding hope for my hormonal cystic acne. I was diagnosed with PCOS after going to various doctors for my horrible acne that was painful, all over my jawline and especially my chin. It scarred horribly and took forever to go away. I was then prescribed Yaz. When I first started, I could count for 10-20 cysts on my face. 3 months later, I don’t even have 1 active cyst on my face. The only reason I’m not giving this a 10/10 is the first month was terrible. I was constantly nauseous and even threw up a few times. It also caused an initial breakout that was worse than anything I experienced before (even though my doctor insisted it wouldn’t get worse.) Besides that initial purge and nausea - I don’t have anything but good things to say. I’m finally getting my confidence back with clearer skin. This was amazing for me. I hope it works for you as well."

8 / 10
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  • Coc...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 30, 2019

For Acne "I want to remind y’all that everyone’s body is different, so the side effects and bad experiences people post do not mean they will happen to you! I was freaking out because I started this Nikki birth control pill and then looked at the reviews, and everyone made it seem awful. However, my experience has been great! It cleared my acne, and the only side effect was that in the first few days after taking the pill, I would get stomach cramps that would go away, but it was all normal because my body was just getting used to hormones. I haven’t gained a pound, I'm not depressed at all, maybe a little bit more of a temper but nothing terrible, no breast tenderness but they look fuller, and no nausea. Please just don’t get freaked out about the reviews because everyone’s body reacts differently."

10 / 10
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  • Acn...
  • August 3, 2020

For Acne "Since I’m spending so much time reading through reviews on this page, I thought I would add in my experience from this pill! I am currently halfway through my second pack of a random generic for Yaz. Like a lot of you, my doc put me on this pill to help reduce acne (I tend towards blackheads, close comedones, as well as those dang cysts that stick around forever). Hate to say it, but I am definitely one of the ones experiencing worse skin, since beginning, I have had pretty constant cysts on my cheek/jaw area. Right now, I can count about 8 different spots that are very red and will linger for weeks (as well as my original congestion). I am hopeful that, like others have said, by pack 3 I will wake up with that magically clear skin. AS A SIDE NOTE: I am miraculously side effect-free other than the acne! No nausea, weight gain, moodiness, headaches, nada! I even started mid-cycle and didn’t get any breakthrough bleeding. I will update with this same name around the three-month mark."

7 / 10
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  • Par...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 30, 2013

For Acne "I was suffering from acne since 12 years. Now I am 27. I had taken various costly treatments, including chemical peeling and other cosmetic treatments. When I was 25, my skin specialist suggested Yasmin. I took it for 11 months. In the first month, I had a little bit of headache and nausea, but in the second month, there was no discomfort like that. In the third month, my face was almost clear, and by the end of the 11th month, my skin started glowing, there was not a single acne or mark on my face. Friends started asking about my glowing skin. I did not gain weight. But I stopped taking Yasmin after getting glowing skin, within one year, acne came back. Now, I am starting it again."

9 / 10
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93 Report
  • Kat...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 22, 2020

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I suffered with severe PMDD for a few years and felt completely hopeless during my mood swings. No motivation and just completely lost. I started Yaz almost 5 months ago (along with Prozac) and will never go back. I was skeptical/nervous at first because of all the mixed reviews, but was willing to try anything to get my life back. I did have some nausea and diarrhea in the beginning, but it just lasted a few weeks."

10 / 10
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  • Bry...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 30, 2021

For Acne "I have struggled with acne my whole life. I have taken everything you can imagine besides Accutane. I used to take Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo and stopped for about three years since I didn’t want to take any medication. During this time, I got off birth control, my acne and bacne kept getting worse! I never thought that I would type these words, but Loryna has worked miracles! It is only one month in, and my skin is almost completely clear (which it never has been in my life). I keep touching it to see if it’s real. I also was so worried about side effects since all four other pills I tried (other BC) made me so nauseous. I only had a little bit of nausea the first few days, but then nothing with Loryna! I also was bloated the first two weeks, but it went away and I am also the same weight! I have never loved a BC more, and I almost didn’t try it because of the reviews. I hope it helps everyone else."

10 / 10
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37 Report
  • JB3...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 1, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been experimenting with different brands of birth control for 15 years. I took every pill under the sun, including the shot but always suffered terrible side effects from nausea and vomiting, to crazy mood swings, depression, anxiety and weight gain. Yaz is the ONLY pill I've been able to tolerate. I have very minimal side effects (some breast tenderness, occasional spotting). My skin looks great, I have more energy, I haven't gained a single pound, my periods are light, I still have a sex drive, and my emotions are not all over the place. I get that everyone is different and what works for some may be a nightmare for others, but if you've not been able to tolerate any other brands I'd give Yaz a try."

10 / 10
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  • Mad...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 4, 2019

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "So, to anyone reading this, I want to first state that everyone will have a different experience, everybody is unique, and with most BC pills, you need to wait 3 months in order for your body to adjust. However, this being said, after only a week on Yaz, I began noticing drastic improvements in mood. I was supposed to be suffering from PMS/PMDD this past week as my period starts next week, and for the first two days, I was definitely an emotional wreck, but the following days, I noticed the horrible depression and anxiety I normally get for two weeks out of the month just suddenly lifted. I am also experiencing very little nausea with Yaz in comparison to other BCs I’ve taken, and the appetite increase I usually feel around this time also disappeared. I’m pretty happy so far, I’m hoping it will help with my cystic acne and that any other symptoms won’t be too severe."

8 / 10
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47 Report
  • Ell...
  • April 7, 2018

For Birth Control "Trying Yasmin for the first time and honestly, I was freaked out by all the bad reviews on the web! But a review from someone (a nurse) said everyone's body is different so you can't rely on others, and besides, people usually feel the need to write reviews when things are bad, and don't bother when it's good. So, I'm gonna give it justice. I've tried it for 2 weeks, expecting all these depression, mood swings, nausea, weight gain, loss of sexual desire, and all other things people say happen to them... to happen, but NO, nothing changed at all! All those did not happen at all! I know I only tried it for 2 weeks, but this review is to tell you all ladies out there, just try it; if your body 'matches' with the pill (like mine I guess, I hope it will continue like this), it feels amazing because you have the safety without any side effects!"

9 / 10
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43 Report
  • Anonymous
  • June 28, 2008

For Acne "I'm 31 years old. Had mild acne for years. Tried many OTC kits and prescription topicals. Naturopathic to Allopathic. I am a very healthy vegetarian, eat whole foods diet. Nothing helped. Most breakouts were under my chin or around my jaw. I was against the idea of taking a BCP for acne. I hated the idea of putting something artificial into my body. I am so happy that I gave in. My face was totally clear within 2 weeks. No negative side effects. I have finished 2 packs. Mild nausea and headaches the first week."

10 / 10
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83 Report
  • Mma...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 11, 2020

For Acne "I personally think everyone should try it! I was hesitant due to reviews, but I’ve been on it for a month, and after a year of struggling with hormonal acne, I think trying this was worth it. The first two weeks, I was a little more moody than usual and kind of nauseous, but that has gone away! My skin is clearing, but as I’ve only been on for a month, it’s not completely clear yet. I’m excited to see what a couple of months does for my skin! Birth control was my last resort, but I couldn’t get the hormonal acne to stop even after visiting the derm many times."

9 / 10
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33 Report
  • Lou...
  • October 6, 2018

For Acne "Had to comment after reading the negative reviews on here! I was on Microgynon 30 for 6 years before switching to Yasmin because of acne developing on my face. I've just finished my first month, and honestly, I'm finding it really positive! I only felt nauseous for the first day, and after that, all I have to say is positive! My sex drive has absolutely gone through the roof, the boobs are increasing in size (I'm a 32A), no weight gain, and my moods in general are so much better! The only reason I am marking this down is because I'm still waiting for more improvement to my skin, but that can take up to 6 months, so I wasn't expecting miracles after 1 month. Girls, I would ABSOLUTELY stress, take these reviews with a pinch of salt - I am in a group of 6 girls, and we must have gone through at least 12 pills in total before we all found ones that suited each of us, and like a previous reviewer has said, how many people actually bother to comment with a positive review?"

8 / 10
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37 Report
  • Rac...
  • June 29, 2009

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I developed premenstrual dysphoric disorder after having my first child and it was unbearable. Two weeks out of every month I would be terribly swollen and bloated, hungry, craving weird things, suffered from insomnia, had headaches and felt tired, and just really sick in general. I was also totally crazy and my moods would go up and down really dramatically. I just finished my first pack of Yaz and it has been AMAZING. Within the first month, ALL of my symptoms have gone away and I feel great. I have even lost some weight. I had a slight headache and nausea the first 2 or 3 days I was on the pill, but other than that, nothing at all. I was afraid to take it because of all the negative reviews, but everyone is different. Worked great for me and has changed my life."

9 / 10
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72 Report
  • Ano...
  • June 2, 2019

For Acne "I’m a bit taken aback from multiple negative feedbacks this BCP (birth control pill) is receiving. I had issues with my previous BCP, especially with acne and depression, so my doctor decided to switch me to Nikki. I love this birth control. I would get nausea for the first month; however, the following months were great! My skin cleared up, my sadness and sensitivity decreased, my weight stayed consistent, and my sex drive did not change. My period would last for 4 days max with light bleeding. A bonus: it also helped me with my ovarian cyst. I no longer feel pain in my abdomen, and it kept the cyst at bay. Although, do keep in mind our bodies react to pills differently. I hope this pill will give you the same benefits it did for me."

9 / 10
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32 Report
  • MSp...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 24, 2020

For Birth Control "This birth control, Nikki, has saved my life. Before I started taking it, I had severe anxiety. For over a year before, it was hard for me to go anywhere and live my life. Every time I was out, I would have an extreme panic attack and I would start to feel like I was lightheaded and about to pass out. I was so nervous to start this birth control because I’ve had bad side effects from others (moodiness, constant nausea). I didn’t know birth control could help with anxiety, but the first two days I started taking it, I could see a HUGE difference. I tried to stop taking it for the few period days, and my anxiety returned, so I’ve decided to skip my period days and continue taking it. I’m almost finished with my second pack and haven’t seen improvement in acne, and I do have sore breasts, but no other side effects. I’m sure this will improve with time. This birth control has saved my life and made me feel normal again! I recommend it for anyone suffering with extreme anxiety."

10 / 10
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31 Report
  • Sav...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 16, 2019

For Acne "I was on this medication for 3 years, and I love it. It was the first birth control I tried. I haven’t had any negative symptoms. I had gone on Loryna because of my cystic acne and for the cysts in my ovaries. I didn’t experience any nausea or weight gain. I actually lost weight on it. I used to have panic attacks almost every day, and those stopped too. I’ve recommended 3 of my friends on this birth control, and they have the same experience as me. It completely cleared my acne (it was my last thing to try before I went on Accutane), and I don’t regret it."

9 / 10
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30 Report
  • CCa...
  • May 23, 2019

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I got diagnosed with PMDD when I was 16, and I was put on Yaz the day my symptoms started to occur (ovulation), and it worked almost immediately. I haven’t had an issue since with pregnancy or PMDD. This medication does make me slightly nauseous, and since taking it, my appetite has changed a lot, and some foods I once loved now repulse me, but it’s manageable and way better than dealing with PMDD."

8 / 10
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29 Report
  • Gra...
  • March 30, 2017

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I started having PMDD when I was 24. I would be depressed and suicidal for 3 weeks every month, and I knew those feelings were not real, so I tried to fight it by exercising, yoga, massage, and oils. After 3 years, I finally decided to try birth control. I've read bad reviews about Yaz, but it's what doctors recommend for PMDD. I decided to give it a shot. The first week, I felt nauseous with migraines. But in the first month, my suicidal idealizations are gone, and I felt like I'm just having normal PMS. I'm starting my 3rd pack and really happy with the results."

9 / 10
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37 Report
  • Fin...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 10, 2021

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I am 38 years old. Got the Mirena IUD after my last child, who is now 13. The Mirena completely ruined my life. I kept BV the whole 5 years I had the Mirena, as well as recurrent yeast infections and persistent, drenching night sweats. I’m also convinced it ruined my thyroid, as I am now 2 years post-partial thyroidectomy due to a large, unexplained thyroid nodule. I went 10 years after having the Mirena removed before trying any kind of birth control. Due to PMDD and persistent night sweats, I then tried LoLo Estrin and then Balcoltra, but both caused extreme swelling in my legs. I took Yasmin as a teenager with no problems, and I have now completed my first month as a 38-year-old with no issues other than slight nausea. No PMDD, no leg swelling, no night sweats. Oh, and I’ve lost 8 pounds of pure water weight this month. Do not believe the negative reviews!! This has literally saved my life, my job, and my marriage!!!!"

10 / 10
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23 Report
  • Two...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • February 12, 2020

For Birth Control "I am going on my fifth year taking this medication. I LOVE this pill. I was prescribed Lorena by a new doctor about three years ago, and I tried that for a short time only to have the worst bleeding, abdominal pain, and headaches of my life. I went back to my doctor, got them to prescribe me Nikki again, and I’ve never looked back. This medicine has helped me so much. It has fixed my irregular cycle and completely cured my acne. When I first started it, I do remember feeling nauseous and having headaches. But I continued on it and those symptoms went away very quickly. Like I said, it’s going to be my fifth year on this pill, and I will never take anything else."

10 / 10
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  • adh...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 19, 2023

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "Okay, so I’m here for all the people who are terrified and see all these bad reviews. Keep in mind, people are more likely to share bad experiences, so just remember there are good ones too! I used to take Gianvi, and then it sadly was discontinued. CVS started giving me Nikki. It was awful. So the pharmacist looked up other generics of Yaz, and he ordered me Loryna. I figured I’d give it a go. It helps me a lot, I used to have awful cramps, nausea, and migraines before my period. I also would have awful mood swings and would lash out at my husband. I haven’t had that at all with Loryna! I also skip the placebos because my periods are so rough, and that makes my life so much easier. If you’re scared and see all these reviews, just remember, everyone’s different! Give it a try, and if it doesn’t work, it’ll be okay! Just let your ob-gyn or pharmacist know."

10 / 10
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