Orsythia and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Ktg...
• September 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for 2 1/2 months now. It's been downhill since 3 days after I started taking it. I've experienced headaches more often, weight gain (10 lbs), water retention and bloating, my mood has changed radically. I snap all the time for no good reason, irrational agitation, irritability. My anxiety has spiked, I've had multiple anxiety attacks since starting this pill (I am also on an anxiety medication and have been for a year and a half, and it's helped with my anxiety levels wonderfully until I started Orsythia). I'm almost at my breaking point with it. I'm going to finish out this month and switch to something else. The only positive thing I can say about Orsythia is that it has prevented pregnancy. Would not recommend."

• Sam...
• August 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I saw negative reviews on Orsythia, but decided to try it anyway. I wish I hadn't. I was so anxious and had the worst mood swings. I would get so angry over little things I wouldn't give a second thought to normally. I snapped at my boyfriend, friends, and family practically once in every conversation when I used to be so calm and light-hearted. I eventually thought enough is enough and switched to Junal Fe and finally back to my normal self. Orsythia also made me completely repulsed by food, so I lost about 12 pounds, but I'm barely 5 foot 2, so 12 pounds is a huge difference. The only positive is that I didn't get pregnant."

• Ter...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 15, 2016

For Birth Control "The only reason I even give this two stars is because I never had an issue with pregnancy on this pill. I started with Aviane (which I had no side effects and generally felt great) and was switched to this by my pharmacy. Since then, things have gone downhill. I had very mild anxiety before going on the pill, Aviane did nothing to it, but Orsythia has amplified it to the point where I've really struggled with my anxiety and mood swings. A few days before my period, the smallest things will set me off into episodes of weeping and panic. I've gained some weight (5 pounds). Experienced nausea every so often (more than Aviane). Worst is the cystic acne on my chin. While my periods have been lighter and shorter, cramps have gotten worse. Terrible."

• Jes...
• February 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on Orsythia for about a year. It did its job in that I did not get pregnant, but I had to quit taking it because of the awful side effects. Weight gain was minimal but definitely occurred. After about 6 months, my acne became worse than it has ever been, but even that wasn't the worst of it. Orsythia brought my anxiety to an all-time high, and I was experiencing awful mood swings. All of these symptoms practically disappeared within 2 months after quitting it. I did not have anxiety before taking Orsythia, and now, even though it has been almost a year since I quit (haven't taken another birth control since), I still have bouts of anxiety from time to time. I believe my anxiety was triggered by this birth control."

• Hrm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2018

For Birth Control "This is by far the absolute worst birth control. It does its job at preventing pregnancy, but everything else is just awful. A week into it, I was ready to stop taking it! I had awful headaches and strong cramping and stayed nauseous. I gained a good bit of weight immediately, my face broke out and I was like, it's just side effects, it will go away when it gets in my system good. So I continued to take it. I stopped after completing the first pack. I had felt like a crazy person, my anxiety was through the roof, I was having mood swings, I didn't care about life, I went into an awful depression, and I was like, nope, can't do this, I knew it was the meds. So I stopped and little by little my stomach pains went away, the headaches were gone, my face started to clear up and I started my period again a week later and all the swelling went down, my mood swings, everything. But I have currently been bleeding nonstop, extremely heavy for 2 weeks now, no pains or anything."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 21, 2018

For Birth Control "Oh my God. Worst birth control ever. My insurance switched my birth control about a year ago. I have experienced such horrible anxiety, it is unbelievable. At first, I thought it was just me, but no way. I was even put on anxiety medication, which has not helped me at all. It has almost ruined my relationship. Yes, my periods are shorter and my cramps are finally gone, but it’s not worth it. I am switching immediately. Oh, and yes, it does a great job protecting against pregnancy. But like I said, I’d rather feel sane and keep my relationship."

• Ker...
• January 16, 2017

For Birth Control "Just started my second pack of this pill. I switched from Tri-Sprintec due to side effects from that, such as nausea, constant breast tenderness, and increased anxiety. I have had no side effects with Orsythia so far. My breasts did get tender before my period, but I'm used to that anyway. My period started the 3rd day of placebo pills, and I had mild cramping. My period did last for 5-7 days but was not heavy. My sex drive is pretty low, but it has been ever since I started taking any form of birth control about 7 months ago. Overall, I'm really pleased with this pill!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 8, 2016

For Ovarian Cysts "I was taking Orsythia for about 2 years, but I switched to a stronger kind, which was the biggest mistake I've ever made. Orsythia did wonders for my acne. I tend to get cystic acne, but when I was on this pill, I would break out maybe once every three months. Also, my ovarian cyst went away, and my periods weren't as painful and a lot lighter. The only thing it didn't help was my anxiety, but it definitely didn't make it worse. I love this pill, but it seems to affect everyone differently, so you won't know unless you try it."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "As I am not sexually active, I cannot state upon the effectiveness of this as a birth control, however, upon taking this, my anxiety and depression flared to the point that my therapist is suggesting medication for that. I have not experienced any odd weight gain, although my hunger signals are off (I do not get hungry nor full anymore). My acne is the same as usual, with no more or less cystic acne. I am choosing to switch birth control brands to see if it will change, but the emotional symptoms are just too much for me to handle."

• Jor...
• January 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on this for 2 years, and at first, it was great! It worked great... BUT a few months into it, I noticed I had no sex drive, heavier periods, minor acne flare-ups (I didn't have acne before), and extreme mood swings. A year into it, everyone started thinking I was crazy, so I went to see a psychologist to help my moodiness. A year and a half in, I realized nothing was helping, I was diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression. That was odd to me, being that when I was in high school, I was happy and outgoing. My family blamed my relationship for my unhappiness, but it was the pill. On top of that, I gained 30 lbs within the two years of taking it. Now I'm off that crap, and happier than ever. I'm normal me again, and my relationships with everyone improved!"

• vic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2017

For Birth Control "If you have any history with anxiety and/or depression, stay far away from this pill. I have been on Orsythia for 4 months, and it's been miserable. My anxiety is through the roof, I have panic attacks weekly, and throughout the month, I would go into a depression where I would just hate myself and be completely sad for no reason at all. I also didn't get my period during any of the 'period week' (placebo pills week), instead, I would get a period week 2-3 of my pill pack. It also made my breasts hurt for 2 months and made me have little to no appetite. I lost 20 pounds while taking this. Sharing my experience so other girls don't have to go through the same thing. I am using condoms as contraceptives now, and it is so much better."

• Ver...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on Alesse, Aviane, and Sronyx, and they were amazing. No acne, weight gain, or mood swings. I have been on Orsythia for three months. The first month, I noticed I felt strange and high anxiety with many mood swings. The second month, I had all the same symptoms with a five-pound weight gain. This month, I got vertigo so bad I could barely stand and walk. It made me feel so dizzy and so irritated that I was snapping at everybody. I called my insurance carrier and begged them to put me on anything but Orsythia, and they are going to put me back on Aviane. I've been on the pill for over 12 years straight, and I have never had a series of side effects like I did with this pill. I would not recommend this to anyone."

• Lan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on and off this pill for about a year, if not two years. It's been one of the better birth controls I've taken up until the most recent time I had a two-month gap in between packets due to my insurance. My symptoms have been so off, it's kind of scary. I've lost weight since taking the pill again, but I've been bleeding for about two weeks. I've been feeling very anxious and depressed, almost. I'm not too sure if it's all to blame on the pill or maybe my new job, but this is the first time I've felt this way. Also a loss of appetite, I'll start eating a meal and lose interest about halfway through or get a nauseous feeling. I've also noticed that my energy levels are very low."

• Mik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2016

For Birth Control "I have only been taking this birth control for 3 weeks now. I used to take Cryselle, which I was on for 2 years, and never experienced any problems with it besides weight gain, which was around 20 pounds. I have been off of Cryselle for a year now, but about 2 and a half months ago, I got into a new relationship, so I decided to get back on the pill. I went to Planned Parenthood, where they prescribed me Orsythia, and the doctor mentioned to me that spotting, nausea, and feeling 'funny' were the most common side effects. Let me say that my pill was not covered by my health insurance, so I had to throw a fit at my insurance company, CVS, and the doctor. Orsythia costs me $27 a month. Anyway, about a week and a half after 'rapid starting' the pill on a Friday, I began to notice I was grinding and clenching my teeth. I put this off until I started to realize I was so anxiety-ridden that I couldn't sleep, eat, and I felt as if I was almost in a dream-like state. Not to mention, I do have manic-depressive disorder, and it is clearly stated that Orsythia can worsen symptoms in mentally ill patients. Other than the extremely severe anxiety, the pill itself is not so bad. My first period only lasted about two and a half days, I had no cramping at all and I usually cramp before and during my period. I also had unprotected sex 'exactly' 7 days after beginning the pill, so it's safe to say that it does the job at preventing pregnancy, it's just the side effects that make it so horrible."

• mkc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2015

For Birth Control "My pharmacist switched me to Orsythia after my regular birth control, Aviane, was unavailable. In the first 48 hours on Orsythia, I had terrible mood swings and anxiety. Then came the bloating, weight gain, and acne. I'm now on my placebo week, and my hormone levels have dropped so rapidly that I feel like a crazy person. Can't wait to get off this stuff next week! P.S. I would HIGHLY recommend Aviane to anyone looking for a low-dose birth control pill. I was on it for years and never had any problems."

• agi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 6, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 19. I've been on Orsythia/Sronyx for 7 months now. The first 5 months were fine, cleared up my acne, regulated my periods, and prevented pregnancy. The last 2 months have been extremely difficult. I had previous issues with anxiety and panic, which I thought I dealt with until 2 months ago, when I experienced very extreme anxiety. I thought it was work stress, but I felt I was going crazy; migraines, insomnia, weeping, nausea for weeks. It has been a while since then, and life has calmed down, but I am still not feeling like myself, and so I am contemplating switching the pill. Orsythia also gave me recurrent and niggling yeast infections, which was annoying. At the end of the day, it does its job, but if you're predisposed to anxiety, be wary."

• Lyd...
• August 24, 2016

For Birth Control "I started taking Orsythia about four months ago. This was my first experience on birth control, so I was incredibly apprehensive about the side effects, namely: migraines, birth control, and mood swings. The first two months, everything went so smoothly. These last two months, I have been shocked by the adverse effects I've experienced. I have had issues with water weight gain, which fluctuates between 3 and 5 pounds, and nausea. But the biggest issue I have found with this medication would be the anxiety and depression. At first, I chalked it up to stress. However, people around me noticed that I have not been myself. I've felt edgy, irritable, overwhelmed, confused, and sensitive. I'm finishing this month, then switching to a new pill."

• Lyd...
• August 24, 2016

For Birth Control "I started taking Orsythia about four months ago. This was my first experience on birth control, so I was incredibly apprehensive about the side effects, namely: migraines, birth control, and mood swings. The first two months, everything went so smoothly. These last two months, I have been shocked by the adverse effects I've experienced. I have had issues with water weight gain, which fluctuates between 3 and 5 pounds, and nausea. But the biggest issue I have found with this medication would be the anxiety and depression. At first, I chalked it up to stress. However, people around me noticed that I have not been myself. I've felt edgy, irritable, overwhelmed, confused, and sensitive. I'm finishing this month, then switching to a new pill."

• Anonymous
• June 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on Orsythia for a little over a year now, and my experience has not been good. Although I will say this birth control pill regulated my periods with little to no menstrual pain as well as prevented pregnancy. However, the side effects were awful! I had very severe mood swings and anxiety attacks. Anxiety is nothing new to me, but this medication made it so much worse. I am ALWAYS tired, no matter how much I sleep. The worst part for me was the headaches, I would get them daily, and the pain was unbearable. Some headaches would last days and interfere with my sleep. I thought there was a more serious issue due to the intensity, but everything checked out fine, it was the medication. I would not recommend this medication."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2017

For Birth Control "I have taken Levora birth control since I was 17, and I had zero troubles, but due to insurance loss at 21, I had to switch to the health department's off-brand, which was Orsythia. The first 3 months were horrible. I was told they were similar birth controls and that I may experience some changes, but they never went away or decreased. I had bad anxiety, more cramping during my period, I spotted all the time. During the 4th month, I had another period during the middle of the pack for no reason, and I was very angry and emotional, as well as sad and lazy. Things did not excite me anymore, and I just wanted to lay in bed and sleep because I was always tired. Never again."

• Sha...
• August 19, 2018

For Birth Control "Worst birth control by far. It was 100 percent effective at preventing pregnancy, but the side effects were awful. I was switched to it after taking Lutera for 3 years because the health department ran out of Lutera. First off, the first month I took it, I constantly had a yeast infection. I ended up having breakthrough bleeding and periods that lasted at least a week. The other downside. I took it for several months and out of nowhere had such terrible breast pain and nausea I was convinced I was pregnant. It was that bad. They were never sensitive at all, just achy. Then I had chest pains. Also, the weight gain was awful and made me feel like a cow. The worst part was the anxiety and emotional roller coaster. After taking it for several months, I noticed my anxiety was at an all-time high and caused me to become so stressed out."

• ejp...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 1, 2017

For Birth Control "I started taking Orsythia for unbearable menstrual cramps and stayed on it for about 6 months. It immediately regulated my period and made the cramping almost disappear, but some of the side effects made it not worth it. No weight gain or acne, but my anxiety was through the roof. I would have major meltdown anxiety attacks on a daily basis and would get incredibly emotional from the slightest amount of stress. I could not handle much of anything and was constantly overwhelmed and lethargic. My mood swings were awful and put a lot of stress on my relationship. I've been off this pill for 2 months and my anxiety is so much better. This pill does wonders for cramps, but I would not recommend it to anyone with a history of anxiety issues."

• Jil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2018

For Endometriosis "I have never felt worse in my life than the three weeks of my taking this pill. I was on Lutera for several years in college and was told after graduating that Orsythia was exactly the same. I can tell you it is not. I became nauseous to the point of being unable to eat, save for small bites of bland foods starting on day one after my first dose, lost 15 pounds (not great for someone with a history of ED), and became more anxious and depressed than ever. As someone with PTSD, GAD, and GDD, it was literally debilitating. I could not stop shaking and panicking until my placebo week, where my pain was minimal, and I felt fine after. Switched back to Lutera and have no problems. Do not take this med!"

• Bre...
• October 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I love hate this birth control, it’s not all bad, but it’s not all that great. I have been on Orsythia for a year. I used to get pimples every month before this pill, now I rarely get them. (I don’t break out normally.) So anyway, it definitely kept my skin clear. I have gained about 20 pounds since starting, and I naturally am thin, I weighed 94 lbs before, so yeah, do the math. It definitely prevents pregnancy, I’ve taken it later on some days and still kept me protected. Definitely does give you anxiety-HIGH anxiety-and depression. You choose though, other than that, I’d stay on it, but I’m switching."

• Ste...
• May 31, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking Orsythia for years. There was a brief period when the pharmacy tried to switch me to another brand, but I experienced many negative side effects and requested to switch back. I’ve always considered myself to be a high-anxiety person, but the past year or so (on and off) my anxiety has been out of control. I’ve experienced more panic attacks during that time than in my entire life. I’ve had many check-ups and even wore a heart monitor to rule out other medical issues. At this point, I feel like I’m going crazy. I don’t know why I never considered the BC could be elevating my anxiety through the years. As far as managing my cramps, this pill has been great and has given me a much lighter period. I’m curious if anyone has had similar issues? I’ve regularly experienced nausea in the past, but it seems this pill is suddenly changing for me now."