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Alesse and Nausea: What Users Say

Nausea: mentioned by 46 users (20.1%)

Based on user experiences from 229 Alesse 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 33.2%
weight gain 21.8%
mood swings 21.4%
depression 20.5%
nausea 20.1%
cramps 17.0%
anxiety 12.2%
headaches 10.9%
sexual dysfunction 10.5%
bleeding 10.0%

Reviews for Alesse

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Hot...
  • March 12, 2019

For Birth Control "Since Alesse was my first birth control I was put on, I was super nervous and anxious about how it would affect me. Now being on it for 3 months, I can happily say I’ve not been negatively impacted. The first week was rough, with nausea and increased anxiety. But after the first week, any symptoms went away! I feel like myself, and I’m super happy I’m not pregnant!"

9 / 10
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20 Report
  • Ivy...
  • March 31, 2015

For Birth Control "This has been my first form of birth control, and so far, so good! I researched reviews on this one, which freaked me out. Turns out, I had nothing to worry about. I haven't had any nausea, headaches, or mood changes. I have been on it for about 2 weeks, so things could change, but I like it a lot so far. Also, the type of hormones in this pill does provide the lowest chance of more serious side effects like blood clots. This was something that was nice to know since I was so worried about those chances (even though I had no reason to be). Everyone is different, but just give it a chance! It's not as bad as you think it might be, and if it is, you can always change pills! Hope this helps those who are worried about starting BC :)"

9 / 10
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26 Report
  • Ale...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 29, 2016

For Birth Control "Just quit Alesse after 4 months. I tried to tough it out, but it just wasn't working. I was always hungry, then I would eat and feel constantly nauseous and bloated. I had no energy and felt tired, always wanting to eat sweet stuff. Didn't really gain much weight, just water weight around my hips and boobs (those were constantly sore as well), such bad mood swings and depressed and anxious often. Got lots of headaches, acne got worse (cystic acne on my chin, back, and chest), and lower sex drive. This is my first day without birth control (period will start in a few days), and I can honestly say that I feel so much better, which is weird because Alesse is 'ultra low dose hormones.'"

3 / 10
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13 Report
  • Sun...
  • October 25, 2018

For Birth Control "I took this pill for 2 months and a half, never have been so sad and depressed, always nauseous after taking the pill, never had so many fights with my boyfriend because of the crazy mood swings. I don't recommend it at all. Also, had awful sleep patterns, slept awfully for all those months."

2 / 10
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9 Report
  • Mel...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 10, 2019

For Birth Control "Avoid this birth control if you can. This was my first time going on birth control, and my doctor prescribed it because it apparently was a good 'starter birth control.' But the side effects were terrible. I had the common ones, headaches, nausea, etc. But the worst of all was that it gave me TERRIBLE anxiety, on top of depression. I got into a really dark place and was getting around 1-3 anxiety attacks per week. I also experienced terrible leg cramping, to the extent that I paid the hospital a visit because it was so bad, and there was the fear that it may be a blood clot. There are so many better birth control options out there."

1 / 10
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12 Report

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  • Mis...
  • August 8, 2014

For Birth Control "First time, first month on Alesse 28! This first month on Alesse has been really something. I have had really no side effects except the odd feeling weird until about 4 days ago. I started bleeding with 5 days left on the pill and feeling nauseous with a headache here and there, fatigued, and achy everywhere! While I'm still able to eat, I have no energy and feel like crap all the time... Will this get better going into the second month? The cramps start off heavy then get lighter, it's really off and on, but for my period right now, it's a bit lighter than before, but I haven't seen a big difference yet? Is this because it's only the first month? Just wanted to share my experience because it's really been something!"

4 / 10
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16 Report
  • Cle...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 11, 2020

For Birth Control "When I started taking Alesse, the only side effects were feeling a bit nauseous for the first few days. I’ve now been on it for a month and a half, and I’ve noticed increased mood swings, sadness, and irritability that I never experienced before taking Alesse. I’m also starting to experience a bit of depression (not sure if it’s related to birth control). I’ve gained a bit of weight and feel bloated, appetite has increased majorly. At times, I also feel like my sex drive is lower. I’m going to continue until the 3rd pack, if I see no improvement, I consider switching to a non-hormonal birth control."

6 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • March 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I was skeptical after reading the many negative views, but now I'm on month three, and here's what I have to say (every body is different, ps): The first month was hard. I broke out and got back acne. I was exhausted to the point of fatigue (and a real weird eye twitch). I had a few moments of intense nauseousness and a couple headaches. My first period week was rough - my energy levels depleted immensely, and I was an emotional crybaby. My boobs grew a lot, which was fabulous. And I even noticed my nails and skin (I have really dry, dry skin) and hair all strengthen and become healthier. By month three, everything subsided, and I feel back to normal, with healthier nails even ;) Give it time - at least three months to see if it works!"

8 / 10
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11 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 11, 2014

For Birth Control "Almost done with my first pack of Alesse. This is the first birth control that I've been on, and the experience hasn't been too great. I had extreme nausea the first three days, extreme anxiety for three days after that, and painful breasts that followed and have not stopped. My breasts have also grown a bit (but that's more of a good thing). I'm hoping that the side effects will eventually go away, but so far it has been a negative experience. I'm scared to switch to other pills in fear of the symptoms being worse."

3 / 10
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16 Report
  • Sus...
  • November 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 19, and this is the first birth control I've ever tried. I started taking it 3 months ago for contraceptive purposes. The first week was a nightmare. I had the absolute worst stomach pain, cramping, bloating, and nausea I've ever had in my life. I was crying my eyes out because I felt so awful, and I couldn't sleep at night. I kept taking it, and that side effect went away after a week. I had a little bit of spotting over the first month, but that's long gone now. I've always had extremely horrible periods. They were so heavy, I was anemic. I had to use both pads and tampons at the same time, and I had to change them every 30 minutes. They're so much lighter now, and my formerly debilitating cramps are almost non-existent."

9 / 10
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8 Report
  • Can...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 18, 2016

For Birth Control "Alesse 28 is the first birth control pill my doctor prescribed and the only pill I have ever taken and am still currently taking. I chose to go on the pill because I believe it is the best option and the most convenient for me to prevent pregnancy while regulating my period. My average period cycle is 36-39 days and tends to be more irregular than most. I have been on the pill for almost 2 weeks now, and so far, so good. My body seems to have adjusted well to Alesse 28. The only side effects I experienced were very mild headaches and nausea during the first 2 days of starting the pill. I also experienced a little breast tenderness during the first week. But no mood swings or weight gain/loss. Overall, a great birth control pill."

10 / 10
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8 Report
  • Gin...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 15, 2015

For Birth Control "So, recently I got switched off from Aviane, which was the best birth control ever! Because I moved out of province, they didn't carry Aviane, so they put me on Alesse. I'm going on 21 years old, I'm 5'3, and I've never passed 115 pounds using Aviane. Using Alesse, I have gained almost 10 pounds in the last few months of use! This birth control has worsened my acne, caused me severe headaches, worsened my abdominal pain throughout and off my period, heavy bloating, worsened my constipation, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and rather than 5 days, my periods are 7-9. I'm glad this birth control suits most of you ladies on here, for myself, it has been the worst! Obviously not for every woman, definitely not for me! Looking to switch ASAP!"

3 / 10
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7 Report
  • Anonymous
  • August 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on Alesse a month now, and it's been absolute hell. I'm not an emotional person by any means, and I eat like a full-grown man usually, but since starting this, I haven't been able to eat at all because of the nausea and have had random uncontrollable mood swings. I've lost 10 lbs, and every time I take one of these pills, I get an instant headache. My period was hell as well, I got bad cramps for a week before and all during. This is not normal for me. My period also went from 4 days to 7, which really ticked me off. It caused my acne to get far worse and scar like I've never had before. Not only this, but my anxiety levels went through the roof, and my depression did the same, causing me suicidal thoughts, and I had ABSOLUTELY no energy."

3 / 10
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6 Report
  • kar...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 13, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started to take Alesse a little over 2 months ago, and my period has not stopped! The breakthrough bleeding is ruining my life. Every single day, I have what is like morning sickness, breast tenderness, and feel sick to my stomach. GET OFF THIS PILL. Oh, and it caused me to break out!"

1 / 10
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5 Report
  • kar...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 13, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started to take Alesse a little over 2 months ago, and my period has not stopped! The breakthrough bleeding is ruining my life. Every single day, I have what is like morning sickness, breast tenderness, and feel sick to my stomach. GET OFF THIS PILL. Oh, and it caused me to break out!"

1 / 10
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5 Report
  • Gab...
  • May 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on Alesse for 2 months now. I feel extremely tired all the time, even after drinking coffee, and usually coffee makes me wired. I constantly feel bloated even when I haven't eaten anything. Then when I do eat something, I feel like I'm about to throw up. I've noticed that I've gained a little bit of weight, especially around my tummy/hips. My mood swings are all over the place (I'll cry and get cranky over the dumbest things ALL THE TIME). Definitely would not recommend this birth control and plan to go off it ASAP."

2 / 10
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7 Report
  • Zap...
  • February 26, 2012

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started taking this medicine in the beginning of Nov. 2011, mainly to reduce my hormonal acne and to regulate my period. At the end of that same month, I got my period, and surprisingly, the cramps were not severe. In fact, I had never had such a peaceful period in a long time. Since then, my periods have been painless. :) In mid-December, I noticed that the severity of my acne had diminished and my skin had started to clear. At the end of Jan. 2012, I got 5 painful cysts on my face. I was extremely upset, but I decided to be patient and stick with it. My patience paid off. It is the end of February 2012, and my face looks way better. I haven't had any cysts since then. As for the side effects, just nausea when the medicine is taken on an empty stomach. I LOVE IT."

8 / 10
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8 Report
  • Lei...
  • October 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I am a first-time user of birth control, my doctor prescribed me Alesse. I’ve now been on it for two months. It has given me acne, which I have never suffered with before. Two months ago, my skin was flawless. Now I have pimples on my chin and a couple on my forehead that bleed. It gave me horrible nausea for the first two weeks to the point where I couldn’t eat. This pill sucks. Would not recommend to anyone. Two months in, and I’m not waiting the full three."

1 / 10
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6 Report
  • Why...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 7, 2018

For Birth Control "Okay, so this is the first time I have read these reviews because I was wondering why my sex drive has been unbelievably low, and I just figured it's this birth control. I have been taking it for months. I had extreme nausea anytime I thought about food, and I sincerely didn't think it was this birth control, but since other women are having the same problem, I think I've come to my conclusion. Do not take this birth control. Their website doesn't even have any information on the pill they sell."

1 / 10
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4 Report
  • Bdo...
  • December 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on Alesse for 2 months, and my experience with it has been absolutely horrible. Cramps every day, breakthrough bleeding, acne, sore breasts, frequent urination, back pain, nausea, bloating, anxiety, and depression. Probably the worst birth control someone could possibly go on!!"

5 / 10
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6 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 1, 2018

For Birth Control "Feel like vomiting every day, nausea, worsening period cramps, weight gain, vaginal dryness, decreased sex drive. I’m 18 and have been taking it for 3 months. The side effects are only getting worse and worse the longer I take it."

2 / 10
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4 Report
  • Ale...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • March 4, 2018

For Birth Control "Took Alesse for 2 years because I never bothered to get a new pill, and I’d always hope the side effects would stop. Became an emotional wreck, gained a lot of weight, however, the little acne I have cleared up. Had insane nausea, vomiting at work, home, school... gave me a lot of anxiety, etc. I’m sure that there are better options out there. Do not take this birth control."

2 / 10
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  • Adr...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • November 23, 2019

For Endometriosis "Been on Alesse for 3 years, have a bit more acne but no hair loss. I’ve had a really good experience, no spotting if I take it properly and at the same time every day, was only ever nauseous the first 3 days on it ever, know a lot of people on this pill who have had pretty good experiences!"

9 / 10
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3 Report
  • ann...
  • October 31, 2016

For Birth Control "This is my first birth control pill, and I have been using it for 1 year and 3 months. Some info: 5'4, 120 pounds, 22 years old. I started using Alesse 28 on the recommendation of my doctor because I have had irregular periods since I was 12. After several tests, I am confirmed to have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which basically gave me major cystic acne, a mild increase in body hair, and irregular periods (occurring 2-4 times a year). This pill has worked great for me: no pain, no depression/anxiety, no weight gain, light nausea a couple of times a month, no cystic acne (only occasional small pimples, but this is normal for me as I have very oily skin). I get a light period and light discharge sometimes seven days before I stop taking the pill."

10 / 10
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5 Report
  • Pup...
  • September 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I started Alesse 28 in December of 2018. I was put on it by my doctor to help regulate my excruciating periods (so bad I'm on prescription painkillers). The first 3 months, they were still just as bad as ever, causing me to miss classes, my acne, however, cleared up. Since then, they have caused me mood swings, depression, worsened anxiety, and countless baby scares. My periods are light and short, but still very, very painful. I would not recommend unless you enjoy scaring both yourself and your boyfriend every few months with random and confusing unwarranted pregnancy scares. Side effects also consist of sleepless nights, leg cramping, migraines, a non-existent sex drive, and nausea, which is great. I've been lucky not to have weight gain, but the bloating is absolutely terrible, it starts early and lasts all day. Definitely going to ask my doctor about switching pills or just going to tough it out, I would recommend painful heavy periods over this any day."

4 / 10
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3 Report

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