Larissia and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• kay...
• December 6, 2019

For Birth Control "I was originally prescribed Orsythia, on it for maybe 5 years, until it was recently switched to Larissia, another generic (pharmacy change). I have always been an emotional person, and I feel as if my hormones have always been somewhat of a problem, but it would typically be around the time of the month. Once the pharmacy switched the pills, I feel as if my mood swings increased. I am filled with anger. The things that once made me happy no longer feel happy to me. I also gained weight. I’ve always been self-conscious, and when I gained weight, it made me not feel myself. I’d rather lay in bed alone and sleep than do things I love to do because I don’t feel good or look good. I went to my doctor a few months ago asking for something for my moods. I told her how I feel, and I’m currently on an antidepressant and a mood stabilizer. I don’t recommend."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 12, 2019

For Birth Control "My pharmacy switched me from Orsythia to Larissia. I was on Orsythia for 2 years with no side effects. After switching, I noticed I gained weight, had constant fatigue, and mood swings. I didn’t think to blame the pill at first, but it all makes sense now. These side effects only happened after I switched to Larissia. I’m hoping to switch to another brand."

• Ris...
• February 12, 2020

For Birth Control "This is the absolute worst birth control I ever took. Weight gain to the max. And not to mention, I have been having the most insane night terrors religiously. My eyes are sensitive to lights. I feel tired always and so depressed. My doctor switched me to this one because they called in the wrong pill and told me it was fine to take for a month. I truly do not feel like myself at all. I am stopping it immediately. DO NOT TAKE EVER!"

• May...
• March 8, 2020

For Birth Control "The worst birth control pill ever. Was on IUD before and decided to switch because I felt it was better for me in the long run. Been on it for 2 months and noticed that switching was the worst decision I have ever made. The IUD worked great for me. No side effects and no weight gain. When I switched to Larissia, I gained 10 lbs in 2 months, and I can’t seem to get the weight off. The less I eat, the more I gain, and I was never like that. My anxiety level has been out of control as well. I’m always fatigued and groggy. Though it was all in my head, but after I saw all the reviews, I’m definitely stopping it."

• Anonymous
• November 20, 2020

For Birth Control "This is my first birth control I have ever taken. The first month I took it, everything seemed fine, but then my period was almost 3 weeks long and felt never-ending. But I’m pretty sure that was breakthrough bleeding. I was more excited about the weight gain because I have been a pretty skinny person my whole life. The first month I gained a few pounds, but now, the 3rd month, I have no appetite and I’m dropping weight like crazy. Not to mention, before taking this, I have always been a laid-back, chill person, and this BC makes me have terrible mood swings. I almost feel like a completely different person in my own body, and not in a good way. It almost makes me think I’m going crazy. Lastly, ever since I started it, I noticed my periods come 3-4 days late, and I’ve never had that problem in the past. I wouldn’t recommend this birth control if you don’t want to lose yourself, but it protects against pregnancy great."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2020

For Birth Control "Oh my goodness. This drug has been awful for me. The only good side is that my acne has cleared up. I am going to be switching to something else, as this pill has made me gain 20 pounds, have migraines (never had before), be super fatigued and groggy, mood swings, extreme back pain and chest pain, breast tenderness all the time, and extreme anxiety (which I am diagnosed with panic disorder and have been on something to help me deal/cope, and this drug has made me fall into the same bad anxiety spells). Maybe it works for others, but oh boy, I am excited to stop taking this pill."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I have had no bad experiences with Larissia so far, and I've been taking it for two years. First off, it cleared up my acne tremendously, and my skin has been so much better. My periods are so light now and only last around 3-4 days. The cramps I get are either nonexistent or not bad at all. I have not gotten pregnant either, and I have had sex without a condom numerous times, and this pill saved me from getting pregnant. I have gained quite a bit of weight in the past two years, but I never thought it was related to Larissia. I am a college student, and even though I exercise frequently, I assumed the weight gain was simply the freshman 15. I am still in good shape and am healthy, but my muscle mass and fat mass are definitely higher than before. I don't know if this is related to Larissia at all, but even if it is, it is the only negative side effect I've had with the drug. I would recommend it."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 22, 2020

For Birth Control "Larissia is the worst birth control I have ever been on. I was taking it for about 4-6 months and then off it for about 3 weeks (due to issues between my gyno and pharmacy). When I was finally able to get back on it, I noticed I was starting to get horrible red acne on my cheeks, and it progressively got worse over time. I have never had acne all my life until now at the age of 23. Neither I nor my dermatologist could figure out why all of the sudden I have these horrible breakouts, but since reading all these reviews, this has confirmed it, especially since it started as soon as I was back on Larissia. NONE of the creams he has put me on are working either, so I will be switching as soon as I possibly can. This has shattered my confidence for sure, and I’m scared that I will have scars. I have also gained some weight while on it. As far as preventing pregnancy, it has been great, so I will give it that. Please do yourself a favor and do not take Larissia!!! Definitely not worth it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on Nexplanon for about 6 years before switching to Larissia. I have been on Larissia going on 3 months and feel like my appetite is uncontrollable, and I’ve gained about 20 pounds. I also have noticed I cry much easier now, and I get heavier cramps and back pain. I got off of the Nexplanon for irregular spotting, but I’ll take that any day over this BC. I understand everyone is different, but I’ve never gained weight as easily as I have this past 3 months."

• Joa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 16, 2019

For Birth Control "The pros: Larissia cleared up my acne, and I had no breakthrough bleeding or even periods (other than once in a while a very light one-day period). The cons: I gained seven pounds and developed anxiety so severe that I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Since quitting Larissia altogether, I feel totally like myself again. I had never struggled with anxiety or depression previously, and within a week or so of stopping it, I feel totally normal again and no crippling anxiety, so it’s hard not to come to the conclusion it was caused by Larissia. I previously took Orsythia with no problems whatsoever and was switched to Larissia due to pharmacy availability."

• Cas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 30, 2020

For Birth Control "At 41 yo, I recently asked my doctor to go back on a low dose BC despite having had my tubes tied after my last child’s birth. I was suffering from heavy bleeding and cycles ranging from 22 to 32 days and just wanted some predictability. I took Larissa for two packs back-to-back starting off... no real side effects to start, but by week 2, some pimples. They eventually cleared up, but by then the crazy bloating/constipation/weight gain had kicked in. My face was puffy, and I didn’t fit in a single pair of jeans despite continuing my usual workout routine and not changing my (healthy-normal) diet. I ended up gaining 12 pounds over 6 weeks, which is a lot of weight for my petite frame! After the 2nd pack, I had a period that was light, but still not worth starting another pack."

• car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2019

For Birth Control "Honestly, Larissia is not too bad. I was on Depo, which did the job, but I knew it wasn’t a long-term option. It also made me gain a lot of weight. Larissia has made me maintain my weight more. My breakthrough bleeding is barely there, and I don’t have many cramps (if any). However, I have noticed my breasts being more tender."

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 6, 2020

For Birth Control "I've been on Larissia for about 6 months now. I have gained weight, and I've noticed a drastic difference in my mood. I have always been a happy person, but while taking this, I feel sad most days, for absolutely no reason!"

• Poi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 25, 2021

For Birth Control "I have been on Larissa for almost four years now after switching from another higher dose of estrogen. My doctor put me on this because she thought it would make my cramps lighter, etc. I have been bloated and gained 30 pounds and look pregnant all the time! I recently developed hives and a horrible allergic reaction. I had tons of tests done, and my doctor couldn’t figure out what it was from. Little did I know I was slowly poisoning my body with this tiny pill every day for four years. I am finally saying goodbye to this horrible thing and hoping my life will get back on track. The symptoms got worse as the years went by: back pain, nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, and headaches. This isn’t worth it!"

• Ali...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 30, 2019

For Birth Control "Originally, I started the Larissia birth control in 2018. I stopped taking it because I wasn’t having sex, and I gained 20 pounds, plus having the worst side effects. I started taking it again and have been on Larissia since the end of January. My periods are regular, but I have very light bleeding. But I’ve also gained another 20 pounds. I’m super bloated when I eat and feel nauseous and moody a lot. So far, this birth control has been great for not getting pregnant, but the side effects are terrible."

• Don...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 4, 2021

For Birth Control "I had been on this pill for years and dealt with anger, weight gain, acne, back pain, and headaches. I stopped it and switched to another pill that kept me in the bathroom all the time, so I decided to switch back to Larissia, and that’s when I noticed how much it actually changes me. I am so angry and can’t even stand myself. After reading these reviews, I’m quitting it. Not worth the hassle, can’t lose weight at all, either always bloated, literally makes me think I’m crazy!"

• lil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2018

For Birth Control "This was the first birth control I’ve ever tried, and I absolutely hated it! I took it for 2 months and got terrible nightmares every night. Also, it gave me extreme anxiety, and I suffered from heart palpitations. My mood swings were terrible, and I gained a bunch of weight. I was also bleeding for 3 weeks, but I think that’s normal for the first few months. Also, my acne got worse too. Do not take this drug with antibiotics because it gave me the weirdest delayed nervous system feeling and extreme nausea. I didn’t get pregnant, though..."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 17, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on MonoNessa for years in college, and it was great. My doctor switched me when I moved to Alabama because she said it was “too high in hormones,” even though I liked it. I’ve been on Larissia for over a year and HATE it. It made me stop having bleeding altogether, but I still get cramps, breast tenderness, and mood swings during my “period,” so what’s the point! I gained nearly 30 pounds in the year I was taking it! I’ve only been off of it for a few weeks, and I am already losing weight, so it is definitely the culprit. I think I will be trying non-hormonal birth control."

• Emm...
• September 16, 2019

For Birth Control "Great for controlling PMS/PMDD. However, severe hormonal acne around my mouth, on my neck and chin. Something I’ve never had! And I’m gaining weight. I’ve tried cutting calories or carbs, working out. Nothing helps, and it started when I started Larissia about 6 months ago. It’s not a considerable or noticeable amount to others, but enough for none of my pants to fit. Between a rock and a hard place because it’s great with my mood, but the weight gain and acne aren’t really worth it, because I end up moody about that anyway."

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

For Birth Control "This is by far the WORST birth control I’ve ever been on. My doctor switched me to this pill because it has lower hormones. What a mistake! I’ve been on it for a month and have had sharp, zappy headaches, major stomach cramps, acne on my face, chest, and back! (I have never had acne before!); major bloating, increased appetite, and weight gain. I finished the pack of pills today and will be switching back to Junel as it gave me no side effects. Don’t take Larissia!!!!!"

• Evi...
• February 12, 2019

For Birth Control "This is the absolutely worst birth control you can take. Ladies, do not take this. Please! I not only had the absolute worst acne of my life, my emotions were all over the place. I literally cried every day for 6 months straight. Gained 10 lb, which all went away when I stopped. Warning, ladies, choose something else."

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2019

For Birth Control "No. Just no. On Larissia birth control, I gained weight and am so self-conscious again after over a year of working out every day and getting my body to where I wanted it. Now I am constantly hungry, I have acne, mood swings. It is horrible. Switching ASAP."

• hbh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2018

For Birth Control "Only positive is I'm not pregnant after being on it for 2 months, and my acne has cleared up. Otherwise, I've gained 10 lbs (also have PCOS), have been extremely moody, have had horrible cramping (especially on my period), and my periods are either a week late or a week early with spotting in between. I'm going back to Ortho Tri-Cyclen. This is the worst BC ever!"

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 23, 2018

For Birth Control "I started taking Larissa about 3 months ago, and it has caused major breakouts on my face and my back. I was suffering from mild adult acne prior to taking Larissa, and when I started taking this pill, I noticed huge welts on my back, and my face was breaking out in cystic acne. I have also gained about 10 pounds in 3 months, which isn't necessarily a bad thing for me because I needed to gain a little bit, but just putting it out there as a warning. Mood swings were not too bad, but I found myself thinking very negatively, and my mood would fluctuate. This pill is not for me. My doctor has prescribed me Nikki, and I will start taking it on Monday."

• pat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 3, 2022

For Birth Control "In the beginning of taking this birth control, everything was fine. My period became more regular and predictable and less painful. But recently, I have been more manic and depressed than I ever have been in my entire life. I have never felt this low in my entire life. Granted, I still don’t cramp much, no weight gain, nor do I get much acne, but I would rather feel like myself and deal with those side effects. My anxiety has skyrocketed to the point where I no longer have been able to sleep well or go out with friends anymore. It’s affecting all parts of my life, including my appetite. Do understand birth control works differently for everyone, but I’m extremely glad I’m not the only one feeling this way while on Larissia."