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Ortho Tri-Cyclen User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

Ortho Tri-Cyclen has an average rating of 5.7 out of 10 from a total of 266 reviews on Drugs.com. 39% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 32% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Ortho Tri-Cyclen

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Anonymous
  • April 18, 2012

For Birth Control "I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen for over a year. It did what it had to do, which was to prevent pregnancy. During the use of the birth control, I had mild spotting in between periods, as well as some cramping. But I became very depressed and emotional. Anything would set me off. I would be happy one moment, then I would start crying. Now I've been off for two months, and my family and friends can tell the difference."

6 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • November 30, 2015

For Acne "I have dealt with acne since I was 15. Throughout high school, it was here and there. After high school, it got worse and worse. I am now 21 and just finishing my second month of being on Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and my acne has increased since using (which I was told and aware of). I was very hopeful, but I'm starting to get discouraged and starting to dread looking at my face every day. I'm going to continue using it and hope for the best. I really hope this works for me."

3 / 10
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  • Rab...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 7, 2018

For Birth Control "My first pills I took were regular Ortho Tri-Cyclen. I switched due to bleeding between cycles to another pill. The pill worked for a while until I had more breakthrough bleeding a year in. They then switched me to this. I had no irregular bleeding. But over 6+ months, my partner and I noticed a big change in my moods. I already struggle with depression and anxiety, and it wasn't for 8 or so months that I had a full-on mental breakdown unlike I have EVER had. I started thinking about it, and I really have a low-stress life at the moment, so I looked for triggers. Then I thought about the fact that this is a tri-phasic pill, which means constantly changing hormones from week to week. I feel like that hormonal swing could possibly be that trigger. I immediately set up an appointment and switched to a monophasic pill, and my mood has changed tenfold. Not a good pill for people with already touchy mental health in my opinion."

6 / 10
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  • Lex...
  • January 31, 2016

For Acne "I've had issues with acne since around middle school and have literally tried everything from different topical creams to antibiotics. Unfortunately, antibiotics were not a safe long-term fix, so I initially started taking Beyaz and was on that BC for about 4 months. My acne did not improve that significantly, so my dermo switched me to Ortho Tri-Cyclen about 3 months ago. I think that you should be aware that your acne will probably get a little worse before it gets better. I had a horrible breakout like 2 months in, and I got super frustrated, but now my acne is so much better on my face and chest, so I think it's working! I have also been taking spironolactone as well."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • March 3, 2010

For Birth Control "I began Ortho Tri-Cyclen at 18. The first two or three months, I was extremely emotional and would spontaneously sob for no reason on the Saturdays prior to getting my period. After a few months, I adjusted and had a good experience with this pill. My periods were generally 5-6 days long. I've since begun Alesse/Aviane for insurance reasons. I've experienced some hair thinning, which may or may not be caused by the pill. My periods are light and last 3-4 days. But I am considering switching back to Ortho to see if this helps with my hair."

7 / 10
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  • mcl...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 23, 2019

For Acne "After battling severe acne for around two years, I was prescribed Ortho Tri-Cyclen by my doctor as I was weary of trying Accutane (due to the side effects). When I first started this pill (mid-June), my face broke out the worst it had ever before. I was so upset and felt so defeated, but I continued to take it in hopes that the reviews of it working after a few months were true. Well, two months later, my face is the clearest it's been in SO long. I finally feel comfortable enough to go out without makeup. I went from having thirty zits covering my face to four or five. And even then, these are calming down. I can't wait to see the results from more months of taking the pill. There were some side effects (depression, anxiety, nausea), but they lasted about two weeks and for me were bearable as I would tell myself, 'it's just the medicine'. I also switched skin care products to Vivant Skin, which have also worked wonders."

8 / 10
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  • Mic...
  • November 29, 2016

For Acne "I'm sure I'll have a different opinion on the pill months from now, but so far I've been taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen just over a month. My dermatologist prescribed this to me for my acne. I've never had any problems with my skin until I was 23 (my age now). Since September, my left cheek was the worst I've seen! Cystic acne all in one cluster, but nowhere else! The weirdest thing. My doctor also prescribed me Minocycline to help with the acne and regulate my hormones (with b/c). So far, all the cysts have gone down and are now flat, but I am left with acne spots. I really hope they do not scar. I've also been putting on tretinoin cream to help with inflammation and scars. Does anyone have any suggestions on acne spots/lightening treatment? Thx!"

6 / 10
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  • Klo...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • June 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm sad that I'm switching to another pill as I have been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen for so many years. No mood swings, no PMS, no depression, I feel the same every day. My complexion has never been so clear. Very light periods, no cramping."

9 / 10
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  • Lea...
  • June 15, 2017

For Acne "I switched to Ortho Tri-Cyclen from Seasonique because I started getting acne. This completely cleared up my skin in a matter of weeks. However, I ended up with breakthrough bleeding for 2 weeks, followed by a heavy period with painful cramps during the placebo week. It also got me extremely nauseous and dizzy. I'd rather have a little acne than have to deal with those side effects."

5 / 10
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  • Not...
  • April 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been taking Tricyclen since I was 15 (I'm 18 now) solely for my heavy period. At first, I was taking the 28, and it wasn't a high enough dosage (no idea how it works there), and I switched to 21. The heaviness stopped immediately. I never had any side effects, which was a plus. The only thing I have to say as a con is migraines. It just started recently, probably the last 6 months. Other than that, the medication is working! I recommend it to anyone who wants to get rid of acne as well. I also used it for acne, and it disappeared within the month."

9 / 10
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  • 27 ...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 4, 2016

For Acne "3rd month, 3rd post. I am happy to report that getting 1-2 pimples every single day has stopped! I am so happy. I originally started this pill to get less breakouts/no pregnancy. I went from getting 2-3 pimples before my cycle breakout to getting 2-3 every day the moment I started this pill. It has been very difficult, but I accepted that the pill is a shock to your system and it takes months for your body to adjust, so just stick it out. I am on my 2nd week of month 3, and I have only gotten ONE new pimple. All the red marks left on my face from the constant breakouts are almost completely gone. Not to mention, I have always considered myself very emotionally aware and stable, but this pill has mellowed me out to a whole new level. Love it!"

3 / 10
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  • 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."

2 / 10
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  • Mol...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 6, 2018

For Acne "I was previously on Trinessa prescribed by my dermatologist as my acne wasn’t fully cleared up. I just had a couple of bumps on my face, nothing crazy. The bad thing about Trinessa for me was that I was hormonal and depressed, and I was always tired. I hated it. Then I went to my gynecologist, and she switched me to Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and so far I’ve noticed that my mood swings and fatigue improve drastically, but as far as acne goes, it hasn’t changed much. I’ve only been on it for three weeks, the right side of my face is completely clear, but the left side has a slight breakout, but that is the side I sleep on, so that might have something to do with it. So far I’m not too upset at the results, but I’m only three weeks in, so I will be sure to keep everyone updated!"

7 / 10
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  • Oli...
  • October 4, 2013

For Birth Control "I'm 24, been on it for 1 year. I have gone from 112 lbs to 127 lbs but have pretty clear skin other than during my period and the week after. Periods come the same day, same time each month and are not too heavy. My biggest problem with this pill is my absolute lack of sex drive. Planned Parenthood gave me the NuvaRing to try. Hoping it doesn't mess me up!"

8 / 10
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  • Sme...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I rated this birth control a 10, only because I have not gotten pregnant and my face is always clear. Unfortunately, I gained 26 pounds (I was 100 lb when I first started, but not complaining). I had major mood swings, I cried at anything and everything, it gave me depression, I had irrational thoughts (totally not the kind of person I am), and also recurring yeast infections along with a very low sex drive. Very effective as a contraceptive, but avoid this pill if you have a history with depression."

10 / 10
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  • 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."

5 / 10
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  • Mel...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 17, 2016

For Acne "I switched from Yasmin to Tri-Cyclen because my acne was so bad. I'm 26 years old and have been on some type of birth control since I was 18. I have had the worst experience of my life being on Tri-Cyclen. I was on it for a few months until I started to have very severe panic attacks. I didn't know what it was until after a few months of going through this hell. I stopped the pills. As soon as I stopped them, I haven't had a bad panic attack like that since, and it's been 8 months."

1 / 10
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  • mig...
  • November 7, 2013

For Birth Control "I tried BCP in college, but they aggravated my migraines. At age 23, my neurologist said that because most of my migraines occurred just before my period, Ortho Tri-Cyclen would work for me. My migraines got better, my already clear complexion became clearer, and my periods lightened. However, the first three months were tough. My breasts swelled from a 34C to a 34D+ (enough to buy a bigger bra), I was easily enraged, and I became a bit of a space cadet - but it all went away after the first 3 months. I also never got pregnant until after taking this pill. If you have migraines, talk to your neurologist about this pill."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • April 12, 2018

For Birth Control "Was on this pill for a year and went through hell. The only good thing is it kept me from getting pregnant, and I gained no weight. I started to get yeast infections, UTIs, long periods with the worst cramps, and had mood swings. All of these I have never experienced before, and I’ve been on different birth controls for about 4 years, nothing else in my life had changed to cause any of that except for taking the pill. I later on started to develop a constant urge to urinate and do so frequently, it affected my job, sleeping, and sanity. I went to doctors about it, antibiotics would not work because it wasn’t caused by a UTI. Did some research and found out many others had been suffering from the urination problem, and it has all been linked to this pill! Since then, I switched my birth control, and my urination has significantly changed back to normal. I will never take this pill again nor recommend it. If you don’t want to get pregnant, it’ll work, but totally not worth going through the side effects."

4 / 10
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  • 27 ...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 14, 2016

For Acne "I am only on my 3rd week, and I have gotten 2-3 pimples the week of my cycle since I was 13, with maybe a few more throughout the week if I was stressed. My acne has gotten very consistent, which I understand to be a normal response until your body adjusts to the hormones. I also understand that everyone reacts differently, but this BC is used a lot for treating acne and is my first time using BC. This has severely discouraged my confidence. I'm contemplating missing an important baby shower just to avoid people. I get a new pimple every single day, luckily, each one is gone within two days, but my chin and forehead are just rough. I'm just not used to not feeling confident. I sure hope it improves, or I will stop using altogether."

1 / 10
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  • sar...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 28, 2016

For Acne "I'm a 14-year-old girl, and I'm on Ortho Tri-Cyclen (which is basically the same thing, just cheaper). It's been 2 months, and it's been the same, it hasn't gotten any better. I have tiny little pimples on my forehead, which has never happened before, and more breakouts on my cheeks. But I haven't given the medication enough time, I'm gonna give it 1-2 more months, like people/doctor are saying, and report back. Side note: drink a lot of water, work out, eat healthy, sleep well, and change pillowcases. Don't touch your face, stick to a routine, don't put 10,000 products on your face, try not to stress, and smile more. If you already do all of the above, then your acne is hormonal, and it's out of control like mine, which is why I started taking birth control."

5 / 10
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  • Bel...
  • October 17, 2016

For Birth Control "I usually never write reviews, but here it goes. I've been taking this BC pill for about two years now. I've never experienced depression, anxiety, or mood swings. I haven't had a pregnancy scare or anything to be so worried about. I never seemed to have a problem remembering to take my pill because I have an alarm on my phone. Weight gain, which I'm not sure about, but I don't think birth control took a big toll on it. Being that I'm in college and in love, I think I had to be to blame for my own weight gain, lol. But overall, it's a great BC to take. My only thing is, will it truly affect my body once my fiancé and I are ready for kids or not?"

10 / 10
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  • 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."

1 / 10
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  • e19...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 13, 2015

For Birth Control "I developed a breast lump while on this pill! It turned out not to be cancer, but it was still scary. I also had lots of breast pain and tenderness. When I switched to a different brand of birth control, all the breast problems stopped. I also gained 10 lbs while on the pill."

2 / 10
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  • Jil...
  • June 28, 2014

"I really don't like birth control. However, my boyfriend and I decided to do the responsible thing, and I got on it. I've been on it for nearly 2 months, and I've already gained 5 pounds. I've been the same weight for the past 3 years and haven't had any lifestyle/diet changes since I started the pill. I blame Ortho Tri-Cyclen. I also have broken out terribly-my skin has always been pretty good (with the occasional pimple here and there), but since I've started this pill... Yikes. Cyst-like acne all over my chin and cheeks. I went to my doctor to switch, so I'm going to try and find the right pill for me. I can't continue to gain weight and break out like this, that's all I know."

3 / 10
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