Alyacen 1/35 and Migraine: What Users Say

• kan...
• February 4, 2019

For Birth Control "So I had to switch to Alyacen (ethinylestradiol 0.035 mg and Norethindrone 1.0 mg) because of an insurance change, and I was originally on Minastrin (ethinylestradiol 0.02 mg and Norethindrone 1 mg). I started that at 17 and noticed a 15 lb weight gain. I was an athlete in high school, so I can't exclusively state that it was birth control. In October 2016, I switched to Junel. I had no period on either pill. I have had a 35 lb+ weight gain. I am currently on a 1300 calorie diet and work out 3 days a week with an active job with hardly any weight loss. I have also noticed I am an emotional train wreck. I can't handle confrontation/constructive criticism. I turn into a defensive ball of anger and tears, even over very minimal things. I have no sex drive. I have had migraines and palpitations. I have felt completely out of it at times, wanting to sit and be alone, and I used to be a huge outgoing person. I even got engaged, and my fiancé has noticed a change in my sensitivity to things and, of course, my sex drive. It didn't get bad until almost 2 years on this."

• Hat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 1, 2021

For Birth Control "First of all, I would NOT recommend these pills to anyone! I have PCOS and endometriosis. I didn't even make it to week 3... even in the pamphlet, it says if you are having stomach pains to NOT stop taking it. Let's talk about the side effects I had. That very first pill had my stomach in loads of pain. I couldn't sleep at night, was very nauseous, had hot flashes like crazy. I would pour sweat, then start freezing. I had migraines. My boobs hurt the entire time. I couldn't control any of my emotions. I cried all the time, I was angry and yelling at my husband for the tiniest things! It got so bad he told me to stop taking it, so I did. IF you have anxiety or depression, do NOT take these! Again, I wouldn't recommend these to anyone!"

• rx ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2014

For Birth Control "This medication so far has worked well. I am definitely less moody on this pill, my periods have for the most part fully stopped. I do get more migraines and slight abdominal cramping during placebo week, no change in sex drive, weight, and no melasma, so I'd say this is definitely a better pill on the market for me!"

• mm1...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Alyacen for 4 years to control heavy bleeding after pregnancies, my doc said it was the best BC at treating this. It worked well for the bleeding, and I had no nausea. I'm only 30, with no medical issues, but I noticed BC tends to raise my BP. My doc wanted me to try Kariva to see if my BP went back to normal. Since being on Kariva and having headaches, nausea, weight gain, acne, I really appreciate Alyacen! In terms of weight, I actually lost 15 lbs the first year I was on it. At that time, I was really active with working out and weight lifting. My menstrual migraines and acne went away. My moods and sex drive didn't change, and it did help hair growth on my face. Hereditary - random chin hairs, boo. I do recommend it, it worked great for me personally. On Kariva for a few months, I have gained weight, but not sure it's due to lifestyle or the pill. I do know that on Alyacen I had no problems losing weight. I'd love to switch back, but my new GYN wanted me to try Kariva first."

• Amb...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 16, 2018

"First time ever taking a birth control. I was prescribed it because of my heavy periods and painful cramps. The first couple of months, I did notice an increase in appetite I had. But no weight gain. I have trouble sleeping every night for 5 months until it went away. Just when I was about to get my period, I had crazy mood swings. Just when I was 7 months in, I experienced terrible migraines that had me begging for mercy right when I was going to have my period. No migraine pill can get rid of them. I’m currently on month 9, and I'm not picking up my refill. I plan on switching to another after I didn’t experience a light period or less painful cramps."