Xulane and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 4)

• mig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I started the patch 2 days ago. I thought it was fine and everything. My doctor didn't tell me the side effects or tell me I would have any at all. The past 2 days I haven't had any other symptoms, but this past morning I woke up, and I couldn't handle it. I tried to stay asleep, but I felt like I had to throw up. I got up and ran to the bathroom and puked for a good 10 minutes. Now I know why I had so many headaches. Glad I quit before it got worse, though. I don't like it, and I wouldn't recommend it."

• 22F...
• February 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I could even last two days with the Xulane. I had the Evra patch years ago and liked it, so I thought I'd give this patch a try. Literally, after having it on for a couple of hours, I got a migraine and then woke up to medium-severe cramps that lasted all day along with the headaches and then nausea. I literally felt sick to my stomach. After taking it off, I was able to feel a little better, no more major cramps but still feel sick. Hoping this goes away soon. I'm absolutely done with BC. Rather be celibate. Oh, and I forgot to mention I literally gained 3/4 lbs within 2 damn days."

• Sat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2015

For Birth Control "After 20 years of taking the pill, I've decided to try something different. (Why? Was forgetting to take them daily & cycles became irregular). It's been 2 months now on the Xulane patch and I'm finally loving it. I can honestly say while on the patch during the 1st month, I'd experienced excruciating headaches and an itching sensation when I'd placed the patch on the abdomen area, so I began to change areas each week. This month (starts 3rd patch tomorrow), very little headaches and irritation. I have not had sex since I've started the patch, so I'm not sure how effective it is. Another plus, the patch stays on for 7 days straight through swimming, bathing, showers & my insurance covers the whole expense."

• Kan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2019

For Birth Control "I am 21 years old and took the Xulane for 3 months. I honestly didn’t have any terrible side effects, but experienced more headaches than the pill. My period was just as heavy and painful as when on the pill. I’m not sure if it contributed to my anxiety or if that was mostly school, but I’ve been experiencing serious mood swings with crying or angry outbursts! This was the main reason I switched. I’ve always had pretty thin hair, but this may have caused a tiny bit more hair loss."

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I tried Xulane for 2 months. I started getting headaches on the left side of my head, dizziness, and worst depression. Every day I felt depressed after 3 weeks of using it. I was in a bad mood most of the time. I finally took it off a week ago, and my headaches are less. I didn't get a normal period. I don't recommend this patch. I am no longer using birth control, all of them have some side effects, sadly."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2018

For Birth Control "So I was originally on Sprintec for 4 months last year, and I hated it because of low libido, and I felt like it was increasing my chances of getting a yeast infection. I would get them every month. So I was scared to try the pill again. However, once I became sexually active, I wanted to take all precautions, so I decided to try the patch, and I’ve been on it for 2 weeks going on 3, and it’s been pretty great. I would say I had a huge headache the first day, but that could also be that I stupidly took Plan B the same day. So a lot of hormones were coursing through my body. I barely have any side effects. Sometimes I wonder if the patch is actually working because I don’t have any side effects. My sex drive seems to still be there, which is great. My only thing is that I’m noticing that I have more vaginal discharge. But other than that, it’s great. Give it a try, you’ll never know."

• Aer...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 31, 2017

For Birth Control "This is my first go with birth control. I have been on the patch for 6 months, and I am not that impressed. It has resolved some issues but also made some things worse. Before Xulane, I would get debilitating vomiting during my period, but cramps were scarce. It was heavy, and I would often get headaches. Now that I'm on Xulane, I haven't thrown up at all, and headaches are scarce, but cramps have been made so much worse. It's to the point where I wake up in the middle of the night because it hurts so bad, and I can't just sleep it off. On top of that, I'm getting two periods - very heavy 'spotting' a week before it's supposed to come and then another period the week I'm off the patch. I chose the patch because I have a hard time swallowing pills, but I think I'm going to have to reconsider this method and probably switch to pills."

• hal...
• December 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I tried it for a year. I was happy with it (except the first 2 weeks.. that sucked). Then this month, I don't know what happened, I couldn't get it the week I needed it, so I put the new one on a week late. Long story short, I had really bad cramps, dizziness, headaches, and a 6-week long period while on the birth control, which is supposed to stop it for 3 weeks at a time..."

• Lee...
• August 21, 2017

For Birth Control "I want to start off by saying I haven't gotten pregnant, so that's a major plus with this form of birth control. You tend to see a lot of negative reviews with Xulane, as well as other birth control. You'll have to give it a try because that's the only way you'll be able to tell. When I turned 18, I was put on the Xulane patch, and I loved it. After three months, I switched to an IUD (Mirena), which was the worst thing ever (seriously, I don't recommend it, especially if you haven't been pregnant before). Since I had bad experiences with Mirena that led to hospital trips, I decided to go back to Xulane. I had a few headaches here and there that I barely noticed while I started it. My acne has gotten a little worse but not bad. Would recommend."

• tor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 22, 2021

For Birth Control "So I started probably a year ago on Xulane patches, and my experience hasn’t been that bad. I had normal starting symptoms like nausea and headaches, and I went on it because, at the time, I was sexually active, and also my period was 8 days and super heavy. But now a year later, I have lost most of my sexual desire, and I’ve also noticed that my hair is getting thinner. I never grew up with super thick hair, but I did have nice hair even from dying it. But yeah, I’ve had an abnormal amount of hair loss compared to before I started using the patch. So if y’all are coming on here, if you’re thinking about getting it, some pros for me are it lowered my period from 8 heavy days to 3-4 medium days, not very noticeable mood swings/emotional changes, and no weight gain (even breasts as well). The cons, though, are majorly fatigued (even a year later), potential hair thinning/loss, and constant nausea. I hope this helps :)"

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 18, 2021

For Birth Control "When I first began this birth control, I had symptoms for 3 months (which they say is normal): tender breasts, headaches, mood changes, moodiness, anxiety, tiredness, and really bad breakouts with cystic acne. But to be honest, I already was dealing with hormonal acne, so I can’t be sure it was my birth control that caused it or not, bloating. After the initial 3 months, though, most of those symptoms went away. I’m now a year and 8 months into it, and my boobs are still fuller than before and have gone up a cup size. My acne is almost nonexistent except for a pimple or two before my period. My anxiety, though, is crappy, but I had anxiety. I used to get a headache every time I changed my patch, but that went away, and now it’s nausea. When I change my patch, and when I take it off, I’m nauseous for the entire next day to two days, which really sucks. I usually take Dramamine to help combat it, but it’s been going on for 4-5 months now."

• Lov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 11, 2024

"I've been on Xulane for 3.5 months now. The first patch I put on my arm, I had a headache and felt so sick I ripped it off. I read a lot about it, then started alternating butt cheeks (I'm slight in frame, so that's the fattiest part of my body), and have had zero problems since. I exfoliate the area, wipe it with an alcohol swab, let it dry, then put the patch on. I've never had one fall off, and I am active and in the water a lot (pool, lake, creek, ocean, etc). It also made my boobs grow a lot, DD to G/H cup. It's my fave birth control ever, and I've tried 4 different pill versions."

• She...
• April 16, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve had a pretty good experience with Xulane. I’ve been using it for about two years. The big thing I would say is that this patch has more estrogen in it than oral contraception, which I believe is what causes the enhanced side effects. My patch day is Sunday, and I do notice that on Sunday and Monday, I tend to have headaches and nausea. My breasts hurt more all month, so that can be irritating, but I have not had any weight gain, and my moods are relatively even. It works as far as not getting pregnant, as long as you use it correctly every time. I’m very paranoid about birth control, so I change it at the same time every week and do a quick check throughout the day to make sure it is still there. If used correctly, it’s just as effective as the pill and more so for me because I was notorious for missing days while on the pill. My periods come on time every month. I would say if you’re someone who has a hard time taking a pill every day, it’s worth a shot!"

• Tyl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 17, 2022

For Birth Control "I was only able to be able to put up with at least one week with this patch. I thought it would be like other forms of birth control, previously, I was on the Depo shot, and it never gave me problems except for prolonged bleeding. With Xulane, I experienced serious nausea and a two-day headache, and they didn’t happen until the fourth day I put the patch on for the first time. The first three days, I felt completely normal, then the patch kicked in, and I had horrible headaches. I started skipping my meals and lost my appetite from day 3 till I took it off on day 6 because I had enough. I couldn’t eat, sleep, think properly, and wasn’t even interested in sexual activities because of the pain in my stomach from being nauseous and the migraines. I was also very depressed at random times after day 2 of having the patch on, and I couldn’t stop having breakdowns. I just took the patch off today, and it’s day 6, but I failed to even last seven full days with it. Don’t try this form of birth control."

• Luc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2018

"Been on birth control to reduce the cramping and heavy periods following the birth of my 3rd child and tubal ligation. I’m 43, 5’3” and 130 lbs. Started with NuvaRing, which worked great years ago for me, but now I bled all the time with it. Switched to pills but couldn’t remember to take them each month. Doc recommended the patch. Been on it for about 6 weeks. Goes on easy and is foolproof. No issues with it sliding/coming off. However, I notice my breasts ache nearly all month. I have headaches and a lot of neck tension/pain. I’ve gained about 7 lbs and am retaining a lot of water/am bloated. My anxiety is awful-like a motor running in my chest and then intermittent episodes of depression; crying, tearfulness, and lethargy. Also, agitation. It’s just awful for me. I’m going off it and back on the pill."

• Pss...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2017

For Birth Control "First birth control has been on, so I had high expectations, and they were completely crushed. I've never had headaches in my life but had constant terrible headaches on the patch and awful mood swings. Was constantly emotional and crying and just generally felt awful all around. Within the first 2 weeks, I had already started rapidly gaining weight, and it didn't slow down at all. Within the short span I had taken the patch (3 months?), I went from maintaining around 110-113 lbs to maintaining 123-125 lbs and not being able to lose weight AT ALL!!! I was worried about weight gain, stuck to my pre-BC regime, and still gained the weight. The worst part is that even 8 months after I got off the medication, I still haven't been able to lose the weight gained."

• Mir...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 27, 2023

For Birth Control "This has been the most terrible birth control I have ever used, and I advise caution when reading positive reviews. My doctor switched me to this patch without prior discussion, and I assumed that the manufacturer endorsed it. Unfortunately, Ortho is no longer available in the USA. I have experienced severe fatigue, sickness, weight gain, swelling, headaches, mood swings, vitamin deficiencies, and extremely irregular periods with unpleasant blood colors ranging from black-brownish red to light red, which never happened with Ortho. Although the patch made my skin smoother and regulated my period, the side effects were not worth it. Claims that these generics are the same as Ortho are false, and there must be something added that causes these side effects. Ladies, please do not use this patch as it is unsafe and ineffective. I am relieved that I stopped using it; otherwise, I would be in unbearable pain with additional health problems."

• Anonymous
• February 14, 2018

For Birth Control "First month on the patch. Definitely had headaches and nausea, but I didn’t mind because it’s been helping me lose weight (very slowly, like 3 lbs a month). Had some brown spotting a few days before I was supposed to start free week, but they say it’s normal. So far, so good."

• DEM...
• January 27, 2017

For Birth Control "I absolutely love it now. I've been on the patch approximately 4 months. The first couple months I experienced emotions going haywire, minor headaches, and one period that I thought I was going to die or just felt like dying because it was horrifically painful. I also experience frequent episodes of indigestion. I honestly think your body has to adjust to the hormones because the previous two months the side effects are gone! I haven't experienced an acne blemish which was common to occur during my period. My periods have lightened, shortened, and been pain-free. I've had one incident with the patch falling off the day before replacing it. Oh, and no kids! Overall, I give it a two thumbs up!"

• Kel...
• July 11, 2016

For Birth Control "This patch worked amazing at first. Then after a few months, I would get bad headaches, double vision, dizziness, and even disgusting skin rashes at the patch site once summer rolled around. It does prevent pregnancy, but I don't see myself sticking to this. The cons outweigh the pros."

• Lan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I started the patch for my first time ever. I put it on, and I immediately felt dizzy and had to sit down. The dizziness slowly faded. I would strongly recommend this patch! I woke up this morning with no issues. I experience no mood swings so far, no breakouts anywhere, and no depression. I’m super tired and have a constant headache. It’s a mild headache that makes me want to sleep in a dark room. Other than that, it’s overall a good patch and way easier than the pills!"

• Jes...
• May 25, 2015

For Birth Control "Since day one, I've been having a bad experience. It keeps making me paranoid because my period was late and because of the patch (hopefully) it made it end super early. I have the chills, cramps, headache, nausea, and vomiting. I feel like I'm pregnant, and I shouldn't be feeling like I am. I want to be intimate with my man, but I can't because, as directed, I can't be sexually active for a week when first using it. I have to wait until Tuesday when my gyn is open to let them know what's going on. I hate feeling nauseous and throwing up."

• Nic...
• July 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on the patch for almost six months, and at first, it helped, but after the second period, it didn't work. I got really bad cramps, I was bleeding heavily like I did before, followed by every other period after that. I was on birth control, and my OB/GYN switched me to the patch because I gained 20 lbs in a year! Followed by a lecture on how to eat right. Well, switching to the patch, I lost 4 lbs! Also, I got very bad headaches from the patch, and I just couldn't take it anymore, I had to switch back to the pills!"

• Anonymous
• September 18, 2017

For Birth Control "This is my first time using birth control ever and the patch was my first choice because my stepmom has it and she recommended that I use it because she didn't want me to forget to take the pill every day. So let me tell you, the patch is good. Sometimes I used to have bad headaches a lot when I got on the patch. My headaches got worse to the point I didn't want to open my eyes. I never had bad cramps, I had them, but they weren't terrible, they were okay. When I started the patch, my cramps got so bad I would cry myself to sleep. I get back pains and a lot more than now when I'm cramping. I have mood swings all the time now, I feel very weak sometimes and nauseous most of the time. I have no skin problems. The patch is okay, sometimes I forget I'm wearing it."

• Def...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 17, 2022

For Birth Control "I was on Xulane since 2017 with a break of 6 months. It is indeed a great birth control since I did not get pregnant. In 2019, I started getting dizzy at the end of my patch-free week, like my body didn’t want me to put another one on, so I did a 6-month break. Let me tell you, only when I took that thing off me did I realize how much I’m missing. Anxiety and mood swings went away, libido and femininity came back. Blossoming, got into a new relationship and decided to go back to the patches. It was okay at first, minor headaches and spotting. A year in, I started noticing my sex drive slowly dying off. Then my desire to leave the house. Then my relationship. I took off the patch 3 weeks ago, but I’m still experiencing anxiety and feeling really down. I just hope it goes away and I become a happy horn-ball again. I’ll be honest, I do recommend the patch to prevent pregnancy since pills didn’t work for me and the ring started smelling like urine after a week in. 5/10"