Ortho Cyclen and Headaches: What Users Say

• Flo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 21 years old and was on Cyclen for 3 months when I was diagnosed with blood clots in my lungs (pulmonary embolism). I have since been informed that this birth control put me at a greater risk due to its higher levels of estrogen. Luckily, they were caught in time, and I am currently being treated for them. My symptoms started out as an aching/stabbing pain in my mid/upper back that was worse when I ate. Then, a few days later, my breathing started to feel rather heavy. I was also coughing and burping a bit. I also had a bunch of other side effects during the course of taking this pill, including breast pain, headaches, nausea, and major mood swings! I don't normally write reviews, but I would feel horrible if this happened to anyone else!"

• Anonymous
• September 21, 2009

For Birth Control "I was switched to Ortho Cyclen when I began spotting on my old pill. I've been on it for about 2 months now and have had numerous side effects: acne, increased insomnia, increased headaches, nausea, vaginal dryness, and therefore painful intercourse, long period (lasted 9 days instead of the 7 you would think from the 'off' week). This is the first non-low dose BC pill I've taken. I'm not sure if it was just too much for me or if the drug itself just was not a good fit for me. The generic Sprintec is nicely priced, though, compared to Loestrin 24, which I used to take and has no generics yet. I'm hoping to switch back to my old pill - loved it!"

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I told my physician that I had an issue with heavy bleeding and very long periods, and this is what she prescribed me. I haven't been having sex, so I honestly don't know if it prevents it, but I can say this is the first BC that hasn't given me super bad side effects. I get zero headaches and slight nausea, and when I say slight, it comes and goes on some days but never stays and nothing I can't deal with. I can say though I eat A LOT. I'm 124, and before I started this BC, I ate a lot anyway, because hey, I'm a woman that loves food! It just makes me crave foods more. I also have sore boobs, but it's soreness that isn't unbearable. Also, I'm very, VERY emotional. I cry over shows on TV."

• AAB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started this pill last week as I have PCOS and horrible, irregular periods. I haven't been on birth control for over 6 years, which I believe was YAZ. I did not have these horrible side effects on. Every day since starting the pill, I have been nauseous and light-headed. About 3 days into my first week, I have had an increase in appetite and bad headaches that even Excedrin Migraine would not get rid of and has been consistent every day. I am tired every day, but I'm not able to get a good night's sleep. Oh, also, I feel like I'm on an emotional roller coaster... I'm almost tempted to stop taking the BC and just put up with the irregular periods."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2018

For Birth Control "Ortho Cyclen was the best pill for me for so many years before I had my son. I took Ortho Cyclen for about 10 years. Now, after 2 years, I went back to them AGAIN, and my body is just not taking them well. I have bad headaches, my blood pressure goes up, pain sometimes in my leg or arm, vision blurriness. I also have insomnia. I wake up at least 3 nights a week in the middle of the night, and I can't go back to sleep. With this headache and dizziness, maybe the hormones are not working well on me anymore. So, I called the doctor to ask her to please switch me to another brand, she gave me Aviane. I'm hoping this pill will work better for me. I am just tired."

• Tri...
• October 4, 2018

For Birth Control "The first 3 months on the pill, I had no problems, felt the exact same as I did before I started it (other than minor headaches sometimes). Then in the 4th month, I randomly became extremely anxious, like a light switch in my head. I was fine one day, and the next day I was having crippling anxiety. The anxiousness lasted for weeks until I decided to get off the pill to see if that was the culprit. Sure enough, I’ve been off it for almost a month, and within the first week, I felt like myself again; however, it is very effective in preventing pregnancy. Women, listen to your bodies."

• kad...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 17, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Cyclen for almost 2 years. It was good during the first year, since I’ve used it as a continuous pill, and it has been great to prevent pregnancy. Sadly, since last year, I’ve started having a lot of acne because of this pill. As soon as I’m not taking my pill, my skin becomes flawless in less than a week. On this, I am a lot more anxious and depressed - it seems to really disturb your emotions. I have an appointment to get a copper IUD inserted next week, and I can’t wait to be off hormones. Soon or later, it seems like every pill shows off their worst sides. Before this one, I tried Seasonale, which gave me the WORST headaches ever! I could not manage it, so I stayed on it for 5 months... You don’t have to go through all of this, please be careful of the side effects."

• Ama...
• October 17, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for almost two years. I had very little side effects in the beginning. For the last six months or so, my acne has worsened and I've been getting more frequent headaches. A little weight gain, but the acne has me reconsidering."