Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo and Depression: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• March 9, 2010

For Birth Control "Taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo made me moody, depressed, and anxious. I had cramps a week before and a week after my period. I was like a different person. I have returned to Ortho Tri regular, and I am back to my normal self."

• Anonymous
• February 4, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for a few years off and on. It's very effective at clearing my skin and keeping me not pregnant, but I have gained fifteen pounds, my periods are a little longer but on time. I had depression with another birth control pill and switched back to this, and after a year or so I noticed the weight gain back. It's okay though, but my self-esteem isn't as great due to weight gain."

• Myn...
• April 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I had been off birth control for about 6 months, but the acne and PMDD symptoms were unbearable, and I had met a guy. So, I go in and talk to my doctor, and she prescribed me this. It was different than I was used to. I've never taken a triphasic pill before, nor a 28-day cycle one. After the first two days, I became severely depressed. I started crying over nothing. After a week, my acne was cleared up, but I had awful breakthrough bleeding. After two weeks, still bleeding, cramping (taking ibuprofen 5 times a day), no energy, acne is back and cystic in some spots, and an emotional wreck. Third week, I was in a dark, dark place mentally, worsened acne, and all of the above issues still remained. On the inactive week, I had bleeding so bad I contemplated adult diapers and had to call out of work due to the escalation in pain from the cramps. Had testing done; not pregnant, no STDs, no pelvic inflammatory disease, no cysts, etc. I took this pill religiously at 6 pm every day and was not on any other meds."

• Anonymous
• March 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this since I was 15, now 19, but at first, I didn't experience any symptoms except the daily discharge... But in the past year, my mood swings are horrible, my period cramps have gotten worse, I feel very depressed, and my sex drive is at an all-time low! Other than that, it works good for not getting pregnant. I hate the way it is making me feel. I recently have stopped taking it in hopes that I will return to the normal me, and started bleeding four days after not taking it."

• d p...
• December 21, 2009

For Birth Control "I was on this medicine for three months as my first time on birth control and ended up suffering from severe depression, making school and work very difficult. I returned almost completely to myself when I got off the medication and have no more negative thoughts. I didn't get pregnant, though, so that's a plus."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 29, 2012

For Birth Control "I can say that the only positive effect about this pill is that it prevented pregnancy. As long as I ate right before or after taking the pill, I would not get nauseated. My periods never became lighter, and I still had cramps. I did not develop acne or notice any weight gain, however. The reason why I stopped taking this pill was because I had overwhelming mood swings and depression. I also noticed a decrease in my sex drive."

• Emi...
• December 23, 2013

For Birth Control "I started off by taking regular Ortho Tri-Cyclen, which helped some with my acne, but I also became severely depressed, so I went off it. After a year and a half of not taking birth control at all, I began taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for acne, and after 4 months, my skin is MUCH clearer. If I do get pimples, they are much smaller and more shallow than before and go away quicker. I am pleased!"

• Two...
• April 19, 2016

For Ovarian Cysts "This pill made me feel horrible to the point I was depressed and had mood swings. My parents noticed, and so did my boyfriend because I wanted to strangle him. I would cry on the days I took the 7-day non-normal pills in the case. Thank God the doctor changed my prescription, and I feel better. To think such a tiny pill can change me into a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."

• Ell...
• February 24, 2017

For Birth Control "I started this pill with the intent of settling my hormonal acne, and it worked WONDERS! My skin is very clear, and my periods are right on time and light. However, I am switching to a different pill as a trial because of the emotional side effects this has given me. My mental PMS is much worse, and I find myself very depressed often. I've also gained 5-10 pounds, and it's harder for me to lose weight, but nothing significant. I've also noticed a slight decrease in sex drive, if that's what you're into. However, there are ups and downs to all birth controls. If the next one I try isn't good, then I am definitely going back to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo because it's overall been reliable."

• llc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2018

For Birth Control "I’m 22 and have been taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen for 2 and a half months, and it’s been horrible. I know you're supposed to wait at least 3 months, but I can’t. I tried to ride this out, but I just can’t anymore. I got on it because I have acne, and acne medication did not work. I constantly have foggy brain, can’t think, depression, irrational thoughts, horrible headaches, and severe anxiety. My anxiety is so bad now that I start shaking, sweating, nauseous, and feeling faint in some social situations. And my acne is worse. I decided today that I’m done being miserable. I just want to feel like myself again."

• Anonymous
• April 26, 2012

For Birth Control "My body had a very bad reaction to this. I only took it for two days, and I began to experience severe side effects, including: insomnia, extreme depression, anxiety, nausea, irritability, and light abdominal pain. I felt like this pill made me into a different person. I switched to a different type of hormonal birth control pill immediately."

• Lea...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 15, 2015

For Endometriosis "I took Ortho for just over 1 year. This is the worst thing I ever did for my severe cramps caused by endo. I don't think I will ever fully forgive myself for it. While my cramps subsided completely for 8 months (and ONLY 8 months --- then they came back in full force without any change in lifestyle or medication), the side effects were a nightmare. I developed extreme pain in my breasts to the point I was barely able to wear a sports bra and totally unable to wear a regular bra. I developed severe cystic acne, which has left my face permanently scarred. My hair began to thin, and small patches fell out while I suffered from crippling depression and insomnia. I would never take BC again in any form after this experience."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2018

For Birth Control "This is the worst birth control I have tried by far. Although it cleared my facial acne, my periods became even more painful to a point where I was vomiting. Around the middle of the second pack, I started to have mood swings, and now, nearing the end of the third pack, I find myself constantly feeling depressed and on the verge of tears at any time. I can’t sleep, I have headaches, and I don’t feel like myself. I would not recommend this to anyone and am hoping that once I stop taking it, I will be able to return to the happy person I was before I started it."

• Aja...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I guess hormonal BC isn't for me. I switched to OTC Lo after being on Alesse 28 for 3 months. I was beginning to get acne on Alesse, and it was impacting my mood. My GP recommended I try this BC because apparently it's good for acne. Well...this BC made my acne worse. Literally ruined my chin with painful zits and now horrible scars. My depression has gotten worse, and my anxiety is through the roof. I have an appetite that is endless and gained so much weight. Also, my period happens before the placebo week, which is odd. I absolutely hate this pill and wish I never started birth control at all. As far as birth control, it does its job, but the side effects are not worth it."

• Cla...
• May 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I've truly loved this birth control. I used to take Alesse, and I was so depressed, and I always felt horrible, and I had gained weight. However, with Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, after 3-4 months, I noticed that I feel much happier than I did with Alesse, less pimples, less weight gain. Although I do bloat, I don’t think it’s inevitable. I’m sure if I ate right and exercised, it would be perfectly fine."

• Bre...
• February 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I personally have problems with most birth control, so I do not want to give Tri-Cyclen Lo a completely bad review, but do want to share my experience since my doctor will not believe me. Over the last year, I have been trying different birth controls, and when I first started Tri-Cyclen Lo, it seemed like the best of all the evils. I was quite nauseous and hungry all the time, but I tried to control this with really good food options and dealt with the feeling. Now, going on six months of Tri-Cyclen, I have found that I am extremely depressed, lightheaded, and dizzy all the time. The pain of nausea and hunger is constant and painful. I am at a loss of what to do since my doctor isn't listening to me."

• Shi...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 4, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I’ve been taking this pill for almost ten years. I’ve discontinued it three times for a few months, but would reinitiate treatment because it really helped with my acne and menstrual cramps. In the past few months, my acne got back, and I’d be spotting the weeks before and after my period, so I discontinued it. This was the best thing! Almost immediately, I noticed an improvement in my mood and pain tolerance. I would get mood swings, feel super vulnerable, overreact to small things, and would care what other people thought. I felt my emotions were all over the place, and I couldn’t control them. This caused anxiety and a depressed mood almost every day. I spent so much energy trying to manage my emotions! Once I stopped using the pill, I got MUCH, MUCH BETTER! I also noticed I got thinner! In conclusion, it made wonders with my acne and cramps, and I would give it a 10/10 just for that, but it’s not worth it if my quality of life deteriorates due to mood changes."

• KP2...
• June 29, 2017

For Birth Control "It took me a bit to find a birth control that worked for me, but out of them all, Tri-Cyclen Lo was the worst experience. I noticed weight gain in my stomach in the first 2 weeks to the point where my jeans wouldn't fit. I thought to myself that if this is the only problem, I will work with it. I was wrong - over the first 2 months, I became frustrated over the smallest things, lost motivation to be active, and became depressed that I wouldn't want to see anyone. I would cry myself to sleep not understanding why... this pill took over my body (emotionally) - I became a different person, and everyone in my life noticed it too. Getting off this pill was the best decision I made."

• KP2...
• June 29, 2017

For Birth Control "It took me a bit to find a birth control that worked for me, but out of them all, Tri-Cyclen Lo was the worst experience. I noticed weight gain in my stomach in the first 2 weeks to the point where my jeans wouldn't fit. I thought to myself that if this is the only problem, I will work with it. I was wrong - over the first 2 months, I became frustrated over the smallest things, lost motivation to be active, and became depressed that I wouldn't want to see anyone. I would cry myself to sleep not understanding why... this pill took over my body (emotionally) - I became a different person, and everyone in my life noticed it too. Getting off this pill was the best decision I made."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 24, 2018

"Before taking this pill, I was an extremely positive and happy person. I had killer cramps and I ended up in the ER, so I needed them! I started taking the generic of Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo in June 2017, and the first 3 months were okay. I did notice lots of changes in mood, and I got easily annoyed, but it wasn't drastic; I cried many times over little things. My discharge was a bit thicker, yellowish, and had a nasty odor; I thought I had infections. One night in February, I went to sleep and woke up a completely different person. I had never experienced horrible symptoms of depression in my life. My sex drive vanished, I became so dry and barely had discharge. The thoughts I had never went away, and I cried myself to sleep for 3 weeks. I finished my pack on March 3rd, and I've been off since (was on for 8 months). I still don't feel like my happy self, but each day I’m getting better, and I don't plan on taking it again! Everyone reacts differently, but based on my experience, I don't recommend!"

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 24, 2021

"I’m 45, newly married, with 1 child and don’t want any more. I also have ovarian cysts. Pros of Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo: 1. Does a decent job of stopping cysts. 2. No pregnancy scares. 3. Very forgiving if you miss 1 or 2 days. 4. Always covered over three insurance changes. CON: 1. I didn’t realize it until a recent refill snafu, which delayed a new pack, but this pill was making me crazy! I was getting meaner and meaner with my son and husband. The past year or so (in the thick of COVID), I was very anxious, high-strung, mean, tired, I’m pretty sure depressed, and gained about 20 pounds, putting me close to my pregnancy weight. After a week of being off the pill, it was like a weight and a cloud had been lifted off my shoulders. Stuff I used to go on a tirade and stress about, I just shrug off. I’ve dealt with the cysts for years before I had a diagnosis/treatment, so I’d rather put up with that than deal with the crazy. I’ll let my husband take care of the birth control on his end."

• F0s...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2016

For Birth Control "Was prescribed this pill for acne and used for over 2 months. Had minimal breakouts. The first month was perfect, but by the second month, I became extremely depressed and had terrible anxiety, to the point where I could no longer leave my house. Would not recommend for this reason."

• Rac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 17, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on this product for 3 years. I gave it a 7 not because it wasn't effective (because it was very effective, no pregnancies), but because the first year on it was awful. I was depressed and emotional ALL the time. One week out of the month maybe I felt okay, MAYBE. After a year, I would have given it a 9 (minor acne was the only issue). I loved that pill after the first year was over. I changed once because my clinic ran out of stock, NEVER AGAIN. I went emotionally crazy after I switched to a different brand. Needless to say, I switched back after that pack was used up. About 2 or so years later, I switched to the generic brand TriNessa Lo and loved it just as much."

• jul...
• March 16, 2021

For Birth Control "I went on this pill when I turned 17, and I stayed on it until I recently turned 18. My experience with this pill was honestly terrible. If you are a woman who suffers from anxiety and panic attacks like me, please find another birth control. I’ve had insomnia pretty much my whole life, but this pill kept me up all night with panic attacks. I also gained 30 lbs, had crazy PMS symptoms, and I honestly just felt like I wasn’t controlling myself. It threw me into a huge depressive episode. As soon as I got off the pill, I completely changed, I was back to my old self, and everyone noticed. I was just prescribed another pill, Lo Loestrin Fe, and I’m nervous, but hopefully this one works for me!"

• Anonymous
• June 30, 2011

For Birth Control "I was on this pill for 8 years. I never had mood swings, weight gain, or decreased sex drive. It initially helped with acne, but I developed cystic acne while taking this pill, and the pill didn't seem to help it. I thought I should switch birth controls for this reason. I switched to Ortho-cept/Reclipsen - BIG mistake. NO sex drive, mood swings, extreme fatigue, and depression. The only positive was that it has gotten the cystic acne under control. The rest of the side effects aren't worth it though, and I have switched back to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, which had none of these side effects. I definitely think Ortho is the way to go."