Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Headaches: What Users Say

• INS...
• January 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for the past 8 years. I absolutely love it! After having tried 2 different types of birth control pills before I found this one. This is the one for me, it cleared up my acne within a month of taking it. I've had no weight gain or weight loss, no headaches, normal cramps, and a shorter period (4-5 days)."

• Con...
• December 1, 2014

For Birth Control "The positive I had on this medication was having great, clear skin. But the negatives very heavily outweigh the positives. I've been on this for a month and a half and already have to stop taking it. I get constant headaches, my mood swings are off the wall (affecting my boyfriend and I's relationship), nausea, difficulty concentrating, irrational thoughts, and depression. Switching off of this immediately. If you are prone to depression, DO NOT take this pill!"

• new...
• December 6, 2009

For Birth Control "I am currently on my second month on Ortho, and it works great. The side effects I have had are: I lost a couple of pounds since starting it, my breasts are pretty sensitive, and I will get occasional headaches. Other than that, it worked great. I followed the exact instructions by starting the pill on the first Sunday of my period (my period began on a Sunday) and didn't have unprotected sex until after the 7 days. I started my period on the 2nd green pill, and it lasted for 3 days."

• Jay...
• July 6, 2014

For Birth Control "I had an okay experience at first, the only positive thing was that my periods were lighter. The cramping was awful, though. I constantly had a headache caused from the estrogen levels, so they switched me to something not so high. I was on it for 3 months before they switched me to Aviane."

• Jax...
• February 13, 2014

For Birth Control "First time on birth control, and I started with this one mainly because I had terrible cramps and period side effects. Doctor recommended Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and I have been using it for 4 months now. Can't complain about the pill. My face has significantly become clearer. Still have pretty bad cramping though. My period now lasts about 4-5 days versus the 6-7. I also had weight gain. Gained 15 lbs in a matter of 3 months. I am 5'8 and normally weigh 115, so for me, it wasn't a big deal. I definitely felt my breasts a lot heavier too. I rarely suffer from headaches, and this pill made me get one almost every other day, which was annoying and uncomfy. Had to switch due to breakthrough bleeding though, either Azurette or Lutera."

• Sar...
• September 28, 2015

For Birth Control "At first, I was quite terrified to start Tri-Cyclen based off of these reviews, however, my doctor thought it would be a good fit for me. First of all, this birth control does what it promises-no babies have been conceived! It seems that many users complain of weight gain, I have actually experienced weight loss. Starting Tri-Cyclen, I weighed 148 pounds, currently, I am 143. I have not experienced bloating, nausea, or abdominal discomfort either. Tri-Cyclen helped to make my periods lighter and relieve my cramps associated with my period, which has been great. I have noticed that I receive more headaches than usual, which I am associating with this medication. This is why this birth control is receiving a 9/10 for me, otherwise, I love it so far."

• lea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2020

For Birth Control "I first started using this birth control a month ago, and it gave me really bad headaches. I never had acne before, but since I have been on it, I’ve gotten little bumps on my forehead and under my eyes. It also gives me really bad mood swings."

• Kat...
• March 28, 2016

For Birth Control "This birth control had given me side effects from the start: moodiness, weight gain (ten pounds), headaches, nausea. It did clear my skin, which is what I went on it for, however, eight months into taking it, I was admitted into the hospital with bilateral blood clots in my lungs. I understand this may just be specific to my case, but just because it is a low-estrogen birth control does not mean clots cannot happen. Please be aware, and if the risk of clotting runs in your family or you are at all concerned, please talk with your doctor before you take this pill."

• AZ ...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 15, 2019

For Ovarian Cysts "I've been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen for about 20 years. Works great. I called Janssen manufacturer to confirm it is no longer being manufactured. :-( I have been switched to Tri-Sprintec. This medication is AWFUL. I have filed a complaint with CVS Caremark stating this is NOT a generic to Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Per Janssen Manufacturing, there is NO generic for Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Tri-Sprintec has induced extensive bleeding, cramps, headaches, hot flashes, mood swings, and the list goes on. Do not recommend. CVS Caremark recommended Leena and Ortho Novum 777, they aren't even close to being generics as they have different progestins in them. There has to be a replacement. If one is found, can someone let me know? Thank you!"

• Emi...
• December 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I was put on this birth control after I had been on a progesterone-only pill, which made my usually clear skin break out horribly. Once I started taking this pill, my skin cleared up. My periods are shorter, and my cramps are less severe. I have had weight gain, but that's more due to my lack of exercise and being in college. I sometimes get headaches during the placebo pill days, but those are easily combated by Advil."

• Kbe...
• January 8, 2017

For Birth Control "The first week was fine, then after that, I started getting headaches. Then comes the nausea in the morning, and then I throw up non-stop. With all that, I get diarrhea and dizziness, lack of energy, and appetite. I stayed in bed all day today. It's horrible, the worst I've ever taken."

• Clj...
• August 19, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on Tri-Lo in high school, and I was fine with it, but my life now is so miserable. I am always depressed, and every time I eat, I just feel sick to my stomach. I have no motivation to get up in the morning, and I'm always tired no matter how many hours I sleep. I have headaches like nobody's business. I highly recommend talking to your doctor before getting on this."

• Mod...
• March 30, 2016

For Acne "This is my 3rd week on this BC pill! So far, I've been quite moody, but nothing that has gotten out of control. I've cried for no reason, but I'm naturally an emotional person, so this doesn't surprise me, haha. No weight gain, some headaches, and fatigue, but nothing intolerable. I had to take Tylenol like 2 or 3 times, and everything was fine. HOWEVER, I am having a mini cystic constellation on one side of my chin :( hoping this will be better and won't happen again. I also got a random cyst on my forehead. I normally only break out on my cheeks."

• Gab...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 19, 2017

For Birth Control "First week, seriously nauseous... dizzy. Stayed on it and stuck with it. Acne. Worse than I've ever had. Long periods and cramps. Basically, enhanced everything I didn't want it to. I'd rather not be on anything. I've stuck with it for two years, but I can't handle the long periods, acne, hairy chest, and major weight gain. Like 20-pound weight gain. I work out and can't lose anything. Terrible headaches. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone."

• Mee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I've only been on this birth control for about 12 days, and it is the worst experience I've come across. I thought the depo shot was bad, but I am already experiencing depression, nausea, headaches, and insomnia. I got on this BC to clear up my acne, and it may be too soon to tell how it really works, but based on the side effects I'm already experiencing, I do not think I will continue suffering. It's too much letting this BC control all my emotions. I do not recommend it, but every female is different, so it may be great for the next person."

• ABR...
• December 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm only three months into this pill, but so far it has been nothing but good for me. I do get headaches, but they do not interfere with my daily activities so I don't mind. I've also had some breakouts but normally near my period, which is usual for me even off the pill. No weight gain yet, normal moods, I haven't missed a pill yet. My first period was really brown and black in the beginning and a light orange at the end. I'm not sure if that is normal, but who knows. Also, some vaginal discharge but not enough to bug me. Overall, it's working great!"

• ava...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 31, 2016

For Birth Control "I wrote my experience with this pill before, back when I started, and it actually worked. I've been on it for 6 months now, and let me tell you, I'm already going to the doctor to switch. Sure, no babies. That part was effective. But eventually, I ended up having cramps again (they had gone away when I first started), my acne flared up like nobody's business, my headaches are horrible and daily, and I've been suffering from depression. I never have any motivation, I burst out crying for no reason, and I get angry out of nowhere. This is very out of character for me. I'm disappointed, but hopefully, I will find a better option."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2016

For Birth Control "Pros: clearer skin, no hair loss (happened to me on another pill), minimal bloating, no breakthrough bleeding, no tiredness, no irritability, no breast tenderness, and most importantly, no pregnancy. Cons: headaches from time to time, slightly decreased sex drive, and slightly increased food cravings."

• Lin...
• June 23, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for 3 months. It's making me crazy. My periods have been 10x worse than they were before I got on the pill, and they were bad! I stay home from school every time I'm on it because I can't handle them, and I get horrible headaches while I'm on my period. My acne has been getting a bit worse, but I hear it gets better after 3 months? I am going to stick with it for another month and see how it goes, but let's just say it's hell right now."

• Dai...
• July 27, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I went on this for heavy bleeding and pain from fibroids. I had to get a blood transfusion. It helped the severe pain in my lower back and stomach. The heavy bleeding, not so much! I'm on my third pack, and the first two months had heavy or just bleeding every day of the month, and still some. Side effects I get are nausea, a lot more depression, headaches, upset stomach, gas more. I think, and I read others say they got that too. I don't know if the bleeding is breakthrough bleeding or my fibroids, but I certainly don't need any more bleeding. I have anemia now from bleeding every day."

• Anonymous
• January 19, 2011

For Birth Control "So, I have been taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen for 3 years. I gave it a 5 because I'm not pregnant, but other than that, I have nothing good to say about it. After taking it for about 6 months, I had severe chest pain, a headache almost every day, almost zero sex drive, and the worst acne I have ever had in my life. Oh, and I gained 30 lbs in the first 4 months. After the first year of taking it, all these symptoms became 'normal.' But the thing that made my doctor switch me to Apri was that I had spotting every day for 15 days before my period for the last 4 months of taking it. I am getting ready to start the new medication next month. I just hope I do not have the same side effects."

• taw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I had been diagnosed with PCOS. I haven't gotten a period in 6 months, so she thought that this could help regulate my cycle. My provider decided to prescribe this BC to me, and after taking it for a week and a half, I have experienced breast tenderness, sore nipples, and my breasts did grow a cup size. But I also experienced mild cramping, like if I'm getting my period, and headaches, nausea, and no appetite. I would not think about taking this BC again because I am starting to feel it's not for me. It works for some females, not all."

• Jul...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 22, 2021

For Birth Control "I've been on this Ortho Tri-Cyclen for about a year now, and the first week I had horrible cold sweats, nausea, and headaches. I powered through them and was fine for a couple of months, but now I am extremely depressed and wake up nauseous every day."

• Noa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2018

For Birth Control "I switched to this pill from Aubra as it made me break out, and I got headaches from it. I've only been on it for a few days, and I'm already stopping it at the end of the week. This pill makes my heart race and causes stomach pain/cramps. I just got off my period, and it feels like I'm about to get it again. I get extremely nauseous every time I've taken it. The nausea is off and on all day, I feel either super constipated or like I have severe diarrhea. I've had cramps for days straight even though I'm not on my period. One plus, my face hasn't broken out yet. Stopping this tonight, actually."

• jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 6, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm 18 years old, my period was irregular and I'm sexually active, so I decided to start the pill. I just started this birth control (first BC I've ever tried). The first 3 days when I was on this BC, I got the worst headaches. Then I started to feel depressed and was tired all the time. Within the first week of taking the pill, I got my period, and I got the worst cramps ever-worse than before I was using any contraceptive; tingling/numbness in legs, severe cramps, nausea. But now I don't feel depressed anymore and I don't get terrible headaches. My breasts feel a little fuller than normal-'normal' as in before I started using any contraceptive. I'm on my second week of taking the pill, so we'll see how it goes."