Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• Ana...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2019

For Acne "I am never one to post reviews anywhere, but I just had to for this drug for anyone out there who is still battling with acne. I’m in my mid-20s and suffered from acne for almost 3 years. I’ve tried everything and spent $$$ just to get rid of it. Birth control pills were prescribed by my derma, but the first brand that he gave me (Alesse) made me depressed and way too emotional, so I had to ditch that one. Tried to switch to another one, but I’ve suffered way too many side effects and tried two more before I landed on Ortho Tri-Cyclen. I’m on my 3rd month of using it, and I have zero acne, not a whitehead on my face right now. I’ve had a breakout in my first month of using it, mostly around my chin and jaw area, but after that batch cleared up, I haven’t worried about acne anymore. Best one I’ve tried and will be on this pill for as long as I can!"

• 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!"

• jen...
• July 27, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, but I was told that Ortho Tri-Cyclen would be free through my insurance if I switched. So I did. I never had a problem on OTCL, and my doctor said that OTC would be pretty much the same and I wouldn't even be able to tell the difference. WRONG!!! This pill is absolutely awful. I'm always pissed at everyone. I lose my cool over the smallest things. I'm crying about everything, and I'm never happy. My boobs feel like they've gained 20 pounds and are always hurting. My sleep patterns are so crazy, and I'm always tired. My boyfriend thinks this pill has made me into bridezilla. I only have 3 days left. Thank goodness. Not pregnant, but not worth all this grief. I'd much rather pay $30 a month to be happy."

• Jel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I haven't gotten pregnant on this pill, hence, I gave it a 10 for effectiveness. I have been on it for 6 months. I have gained 27 lbs on my 5-foot frame. Month one, I started noticing a decline in my sex drive. My flawless face became a pepperoni pizza. Still didn't get off the pill. The last couple of weeks, I started having this feeling of not wanting to do anything anymore. Did not want to work, nor go to school, and started doubting my feelings for my boyfriend. I started crying like a crazy person. It was just hard for me to get up. I was sleepy all the time. I am getting off this."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2012

For Birth Control "This pill made me an irritable, moody, depressed mess. I would fly off the handle at the drop of a hat and was constantly agitated. It was awful for me, and I would never take it again. It did manage to clear my skin pretty well, and also, my breasts were a little bit more full, but it was not worth the emotional issues it caused me. I recently stayed on it for 3 months as recommended to see if side effects would lessen, but they did not. The first time I ever took this medicine, I was 19 and ended up on anti-depressants because I didn't realize it was the birth control pill causing my mood swings and depression. This led to a tailspin of anti-depressant madness for the next 5 years, and not one doctor ever told me I should try a different birth control pill."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2012

For Birth Control "This pill made me an irritable, moody, depressed mess. I would fly off the handle at the drop of a hat and was constantly agitated. It was awful for me, and I would never take it again. It did manage to clear my skin pretty well, and also, my breasts were a little bit more full, but it was not worth the emotional issues it caused me. I recently stayed on it for 3 months as recommended to see if side effects would lessen, but they did not. The first time I ever took this medicine, I was 19 and ended up on anti-depressants because I didn't realize it was the birth control pill causing my mood swings and depression. This led to a tailspin of anti-depressant madness for the next 5 years, and not one doctor ever told me I should try a different birth control pill."

• Anonymous
• April 28, 2012

For Acne "I've been taking this birth control for about 7 months and have no real complaints. It cleared up my skin fairly well. I still break out a little but not as badly as I did before. It regulated my period and shortened it, and while I still get cramps, I no longer get back cramps or ones that physically make me sick. This birth control made my depression and mood swings, which I was already having, slightly worse, but nothing a higher dose anti-depressant didn't fix. My breasts were very tender for a few months, and I gained a cup size. I gained a little weight at first until I realized the pill was making me hungry, but with exercise and a balanced diet, I'm back to my original weight. Overall, I say it's worth a try."

• say...
• April 12, 2014

For Acne "I have had acne since I was 12 (I'm 21 now), and this did not clear me up completely, but my acne is definitely better, they aren't as big or painful, less cystic acne. The first week it, I was very emotional and nauseous, but when it passed, everything was fine. I also did not gain weight, nor did my hair get thinner, or I don't notice because I have naturally thick, curly hair. I do recommend Ortho Tri-Cyclen."

• Lyn...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 18 and have been on Tri-Cyclen since I was 16. The first 3 months of taking the pill were rough, I was always tired, gained a little weight, and had mood swings. HOWEVER, as it says on the pill pack instructions and through personal experience, as you continue to take it, all of the symptoms go away. I am back to my normal weight (I am 5'2", 108 pounds), not tired anymore, have 100% clear skin, and extremely short, painless periods. I have even forgotten to take a pill, and it never failed to work, making these great for girls who are just starting birth control. These are low dose, so weight gain is NOT a symptom!!! Most of the negative reviews are from women who are advised not to take oral contraceptives at 35 years old."

• Sha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 30, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been using this pill for approximately 2.5 years. I have never had any trouble with it, never gotten pregnant. Disclaimer: I do take it every day, hardly ever skip, and when I do forget, I double up the next day, so I think I've got myself covered. I did not experience weight gain (but I'm pretty physically active, 5'3, 120 lbs). Cramps, well sometimes but not bad, no problems with acne, no mood swings (unless I'm on my period, but that's a given). If you're young and seriously unprepared for the risk of having a child, I would recommend making sure your partner still uses a condom even if you're on birth control, trust me (3 years and it's worked for me, knock on wood)."

• Anonymous
• July 17, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen for over ten years. I have had zero issues, I mean ZERO. Since they have discontinued this product, my Kaiser pharmacy put me on Tri-Sprintec. THAT WAS INSAAAAAANE. They say it's the 'same' or a generic, but if you have been on Tri-Ortho, it is not. Massive mood swings, dehydration, my heart was racing like no other, I was low-key freaking out, etc. NOW I am being forced to try another generic, Tri-Estarylla. I will update once I have been on it for a few weeks."

• Jai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 25, 2015

For Birth Control "Best birth control!!! I have been on it for about a year and a half, if not longer. I have no complaints. I got on this because the Depo shot was definitely not working for me. Definitely glad I switched over - no random mood swings, cleared all acne within a month, no weight gain, overall it's the best birth control I've been on."

• 8-y...
• August 13, 2009

For Birth Control "I used Ortho Tri-Cyclen for 8 years, and had very few side effects. I had 7-day periods, which was unwelcome but expected. I gained 15 lbs over the course of taking the pill, but that is probably due to getting older (16y-24y). I never had any emotional problems or problems with sex drive that some users report. Overall, I had a good experience with this pill."

• jes...
• July 23, 2009

For Birth Control "I've only been taking this birth control for a month. I didn't know birth control could affect my mood so much. I was getting angry and upset for no reason. I would cry for no reason at the smallest things. Also, with extreme tenderness to my breasts and growth. I gained 5 lbs and didn't sleep well. Right now, I'm at the end of the cycle and finally feel like my old self."

• Ste...
• February 18, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 25 years old and have been taking this for over 2 years now. 2 years ago I was 145 lbs and now I am 165 and miserable. My husband and I have been dieting and exercising for the past year and a half, and I have only gained weight, never lost. I finally went to my doctor with the following symptoms: tired all the time even with 10 hours of sleep, mood swings (which affect my relationship), depression, sadness (for no reason), crying out of nowhere, weight gain and inability to lose weight, bad skin. All of those symptoms are also what people with thyroid issues have. Well, I got my thyroid tested this past week and it's normal. I read these reviews and bam! I am getting off this immediately, and I am really upset I did not read these sooner."

• ell...
• February 21, 2012

For Birth Control "I started this pill and immediately had horrible mood swings. I thought I was losing my mind, I am not a crier, and I cried almost every day for a week. I had horrible cramping, nausea, and weird sleeping patterns. Also, my anxiety increased, my breasts became severely sore, and I started to sweat a lot more. I'm switching to Aviane now, and hopefully it works better. The plus side to this pill, though, was my acne cleared up, and I didn't gain any weight."

• MJa...
• December 12, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Last year or so, I was having constant spotting, and so I went to the Dr. and was put on different birth control pills, none of which helped with the spotting until this one. I've had no spotting whatsoever on this one, and I've been on it for 9 months or so, and my periods only last about 3-4 days, which is nice. I've also stopped getting bad cramps, which were horrendous prior to birth control. My acne has cleared up, except for the occasional spot, but only once a month or so. I have not experienced any weight gain either, however, I do notice some slight mood changes, but it's nothing that is uncontrollable. I would recommend."

• Sha...
• July 15, 2016

For Birth Control "Been on the pill (specifically this pill) since I was 15 and now I am 28. I am more than happy with the pill. I have never had issues with weight gain (unless I am hogging into a box of cookies), no acne, mood swings, and no pregnancy scares. Extremely predictable periods that are super minor: 1 heavy day and light-regular for the other 3 days-4 day period and done. Best thing I have ever done. Period. I recommend it for sure, but obviously it won't be the same for everyone."

• cou...
• November 17, 2011

For Birth Control "I have been using this pill for almost three months now. It has worked great for preventing pregnancy and has made my periods lighter with less cramping. At first, I was experiencing some abdominal cramping, but that went away after a while. The only side effect that has caused me problems is it made me very emotional. I get depressed easily, but not on a daily basis. Usually, every one to two weeks, I go through a phase where I cry a lot and think about things from my past that upset me. Judging from what I have read, the emotional side effects go away after a while, so I want to keep taking it, and I would recommend it for anyone."

• lan...
• March 26, 2017

For Acne "I've had terrible acne for as long as I can remember, always around my chin and cheek area. I felt so horrible about myself and finally went to the doctor and was put on Ortho Tri-Cyclen. It definitely did not work right away, but I did enjoy the light periods. I'd say after three or four months, my acne started clearing beautifully, and I've been on the pill ever since. No weight gain or mood swings. I felt like my normal self. Although, maybe two months ago, I forgot to get a refill and it took a while to get it, so I obviously wasn't taking it for a week or two, and my acne went crazy again! I also started to experience mood swings and was very tired. (For anybody thinking about stopping)"

• Can...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 27, 2017

For Acne "Ortho Tri-Cyclen saved my face! I've dealt with cystic acne flare-ups for years. I experienced HUGE cysts that would distort my face. I've tried EVERYTHING to rid myself of them (even did a round of Accutane 10 years ago), but they persistently return. Seven months ago, I switched from Alesse, and it's made an incredible difference. The first four months were really rough (I broke out A LOT but noticed the cysts were actually coming to a head and draining for the first time ever). I almost gave up out of frustration, but I'm glad I stuck it out. My face has been totally manageable, just the small NORMAL occasional pimple around my period. No weight gain, no mood swings, no adverse effects. Also, loving the shorter, lighter, less painful periods."

• Sta...
• April 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen as soon as I turned 18 and used it until my husband and I wanted to conceive a few years later. I went back on it after my daughter was born. It made my periods regular, they were basically clockwork, which was awesome. I had no acne, mood swings, or breakthrough bleeding."

• sha...
• March 13, 2011

For Birth Control "Have been taking this for not even a month, and I have been super emotional. It's crazy because I'm usually laid back. I want sex more now, but I guess you can say I experience a little cramping, sharp pains every now and then. Overall, it's okay."

• Ash...
• April 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I was prescribed this as my first ever birth control because I had horrible 14-day-long periods. It got to the point where I'd end up dizzy and hyperventilating. So my doc gave me this, so far, everything has been normal except my boobs don't feel the same. I've only been on the pill for about three weeks, but my bras are all too tight now and the girls feel super heavy. Coming from a 16-year-old who's had a B cup for a while, this was a surprise. I haven't had any mood swings out of the regular, and my acne is nonexistent."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 11, 2016

For Acne "I went on the pill for my acne, and I have to say that for that, it could not be any better. I used to have horrible cystic acne, and it was constant, but after starting the pill, my face is consistently clear. The downside, crazy mood swings. I literally burst into tears for no reason all the time, and I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, which I never had before I started the pill. I can go from having the best day of my life to not moving from bed for two days in an instant, and that scares me, so I will be choosing not to take the pill anymore, as even though I love having clear skin, I don't want to sacrifice my sanity."