Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 5)

• sue...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2014

For Ovarian Cysts "I started taking this on Nov 27, 2013, for ovarian cysts. I also have been having issues with acne for about 2 years. I am 21. As of Jan 14, all my cysts are gone, my acne has improved, although not resolved. I have gained only 5 lbs, but have increased a whole breast size. I have some headaches, but Advil takes care of that. My main issue is some moodiness, however, weighing the pros and cons, there are pros. All in all, it hasn't been bad at all."

• Hii...
• May 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been taking this birth control, and I can tell you that it is working for me. I used to take another birth control that made me always moody and depressed. But with this birth control, I have been the same (actually even more relaxed). I was surprised when I saw so many people talking about the side effects because I've got almost none so far. Sometimes a little headache, but that is it. My skin has been getting better, and my boobs are also getting a little bigger, so that's a plus. My weight has not changed, but I am also very active. I hope this helps people to understand that any pill you take will have a different effect on each individual."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I went on this pill 2 weeks ago because my doctor said my other brand had been discontinued. I have been on birth control for 12 years, and the brands have been discontinued a few times. I was on Tri-Sprintec, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, TriNessa and never had any problems every time they changed the brand. After 2 weeks of taking this, I have felt completely sick to the point that I’m stopping the pill altogether. I have gotten TERRIBLE headaches every day for the last 5 days and then realized it’s from this pill! My boobs are so sore I can’t even move or put my bra on without wanting to cry from the pain. My face is completely covered in acne, and my face was perfectly clear before. I am nauseous and go from having no appetite to having ridiculous food cravings where I’ll eat everything in sight. Do NOT try this pill. I am literally miserable while writing this, I should have been given Tri-Femynor, not plain Femynor."

• She...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 17, 2020

For Birth Control "I switched from Sprintec to Mili birth control pill. Sprintec made me feel like I was going crazy and made me super emotional and was the worst. I feel an improvement in my mental health since switching from Sprintec to Mili for sure though. My periods are lighter, I do get headaches, slight mood swings, and I have gained a little bit of weight since starting. My acne has cleared up almost entirely though."

• dis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 17, 2018

For Birth Control "Would never recommend this to anyone. I got constant migraines as soon as I started taking this medication. From the moment I would wake up until I went to bed, I would have this constant, horrible headache. Not to mention, I was on this for hormonal acne, and my skin has NEVER been as bad as it has been while taking this. It is so bad that I'm embarrassed to leave my house. I gained 5 pounds the first month I was on this medicine because suddenly I have the appetite of a teenage boy going through puberty now!!! I have nothing good to say about this birth control and HIGHLY suggest you be cautious while on it. I am only writing this review to warn people."

• lc1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2015

For Birth Control "On my first pack of TriNessa. I had slight nausea the first night of taking the pill and a headache the next day, but otherwise, no side effects. I haven't gained any weight or broken out at all. No crazy mood swings either! I was terrified to try this pill because of the awful reviews, but I have been totally normal."

• Anonymous
• May 26, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for 3 months, and for me, I only get pimples during the period week. I have gained weight, but only 8 lbs throughout the whole 3 months, and I have a very high sex drive during the second week. The week before my period, I am doing good, but the last 2 days, I get mood swings and cravings for food. Personally, I don't get headaches, cramps, or pain. Also, I have a light flow now, I used to have to have a VERY heavy flow."

• sno...
• August 15, 2010

For Birth Control "Being a first-time user of birth control, I was hesitant. I'm very fearful of the side effects that come with all birth controls (like heart attack and stroke), but after a brief discussion with my doctor, I realized the pros outweighed the cons and was willing to give Tri-Sprintec a shot. I'm not sexually active, so my biggest concern isn't getting pregnant, however, I have moderate acne, which I've tried treating with prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines. I also suffer from PMDD, which has made my life miserable since I was 14. Since I've completed my second week of pills, I must say I am overjoyed. No PMDD complications, and my acne is getting better. As far as side effects, I did have headaches the first three days. Everything else has been smooth."

• Chc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2014

For Birth Control "Started Sprintec about 4 months ago. During the first pack, I had almost daily breakthrough bleeding, but it disappeared after that. However, last week, I took my pill only 2 hours late, and I started spotting again as well as getting bad headaches, so definitely try to take it at the same time no matter what. Some weight gain, really bad mood swings during the first few months. Haven't gotten pregnant, so it's definitely an effective pill."

• Mal...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 31, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Tri-Lo-Sprintec for a little over 6 months now. After trying the progestin-only pill, which caused side effects such as anxiety, depression, nausea, and headache, I then was switched to Sprintec, which caused abnormal bleeding for nearly three months. I love Tri-Lo-Sprintec! It took a while for my body to adjust. I had some weight gain. No other major side effects. It tremendously helps with irregular, heavy, painful periods and all other PMS symptoms. My mood is also much more stabilized on it. Everyone is different. Do not let the reviews from others scare you from trying this one. You'll eventually find one that works for you! This one just happened to be the one for me."

• Sar...
• September 6, 2014

For Birth Control "I am now on the last week of my second pack of Tri-Previfem. I started using this medicine only for birth control, and it has caused many side effects. The first few weeks, I had severe headaches, and since I started taking it, I have noticed weight gain. Also, my breasts have definitely become bigger and are always very sore. The first month of taking it, my period was much heavier than usual and lasted longer. I have noticed I have been more depressed as well. However, for the purpose of birth control, I haven't gotten pregnant. But I think I will be switching to a different one soon."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I was nervous to start this after reading such horrible reviews! I got this from Planned Parenthood and am about to start my fourth pack. This is the only birth control I've ever been on, so I have nothing to compare it to, but so far it has been very good! No pregnancy, haven't had too many side effects. My periods have gotten shorter and lighter. No spotting in between. The only side effects I have noticed are some slight vaginal dryness, but nothing too bad. I did get a few headaches and nausea here and there during the first pack, but again nothing too bad. My body seems to have adjusted fine, and I'm so happy for the lighter periods! I started my first pack the Sunday after my period ended, so this worked out well."

• CHa...
• January 17, 2019

For Birth Control "My insurance had made me switch from Tri-Nessa to Tri-Sprintec. At first, I had the typical transitional side effects, such as nausea, cramping, and irritability/emotional for the first few days. I continued to take it, and I noticed the symptoms got worse, I expected the emotional part to go away. I started having headaches and nausea/stomach pain every time I took it. Had continuous spotting. The days that I wasn't bleeding, I felt super bloated. In my first month, I missed three pills and had unprotected sex. Had a weird feeling in my stomach like I was super bloated, like I was full. Took a pregnancy test, it came back negative. About three months later, I was trying to have sex with my boyfriend, and it was super swollen with vaginal dryness, which I had never experienced before. It stayed swollen for the next few days until I called my doctor. The doctor told me my body must be super sensitive and to stop taking it. The side effects were really horrible for me, and I will not take it."

• Anonymous
• January 19, 2010

For Birth Control "Pros: Didn't get pregnant, acne became less severe, period was light and very predictable. Cons: Horrible headaches for 3 months in the beginning, weight gain, increased incidence of spider veins, mood swings. Overall: It worked, I did not get pregnant. However, the side effects worried/bothered me, so I stopped taking it and have since gotten a prescription for a lower dose BC pill called Mircette."

• CP1...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 29, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on birth control for 6 years. I went on it because my periods were painful and made me very sick two days out of the month. I was on a generic brand of Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and when insurance started to cover the name brand completely, I switched to Ortho Tri-Cyclen. During the first couple of years on birth control, my periods were much better and predictable, but I would feel nauseous when I started taking my pill again after my period. Once my body got used to being on the pill, the nausea stopped. In spring 2015, after being on Ortho Tri-Cyclen, my insurance out of the blue stopped covering it, and that is when I switched to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. This is the best BC I have been on. I haven't gained weight, and the only side effect is headaches."

• Ove...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This is supposed to be my second month on Estarylla, after not taking birth control for over 8 years. I’ve never experienced mood swings (although I’m naturally moody) on any birth control until now. Estarylla has made me so depressed, I constantly had headaches (and I very rarely get headaches), and the bleeding this month was insane. I was passing blood clots the size of my fist and went to the ER because I was so worried. They said everything was fine, and I wasn’t prescribed anything to stop or slow the bleeding... but I know that this isn’t normal. Gonna find a new birth control because Estarylla is not the answer for me. I started taking it because I was having bleeding between periods for a few months, and I wanted to be more regular. This did regulate my cycle, but I’d rather be irregular than have the massive amount of bleeding that I did on my cycle."

• Anonymous
• August 24, 2011

For Endometriosis "Tri-Sprintec has worked so well for me. I have been on it for two years now. It has gotten rid of my horrific cramps, cleared up my skin, shortened my period from 7 to now 4 days, gave me larger breasts, and I have even lost weight without changing my diet or exercise. The first pack I had lots of headaches, but they went away after the second pack. I recommend this to anyone."

• DKM...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2019

For Birth Control "Okay, I was really nervous to take Estarylla because of all the bad reviews, and I normally take Trinessa. Anyway, after I ran out of Trinessa, I decided to put on my big girl jeans and try out Estarylla. If the pill was going to be bad for me, I was going to stop taking it and request another birth control. When I took the first pill, I had a slight headache, but I still went to all my classes. By my third pill, I think I had a little depression, but I couldn't tell if it was the pill or just my college classes being tough on me. Regardless, I still got my work and extracurricular activities done. Currently, I'm on Week 3, and I'm still alive!!! No headache, stomach pains, depression. I'm good. I think you, reader, need to be reminded that our body reacts differently to certain medications. Also, my acne isn't bad either, my face is actually clearing up. Just know every little pill is different. Good luck!"

• Don...
• October 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I loved this pill! Was on it for 14 years. I never gained weight from it or had mood swings, my period was always light and predictable. I went off the pill completely 9 months ago because I am married and 30... but I have decided that I want to enjoy some years with my husband and don't want to use condoms or worry about becoming pregnant. Dr. apt booked later this month to get back on this pill. While I was off the pill, I have been having headaches, insane PMS, cramps, my skin has become oily, and my boobs have decreased in size :-(. Hoping when I'm back on the pill this will subside again."

• Hol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2019

For Acne "I was on Trinessa for 10 years, the most recent time I went to pick up my prescription they switched me to this (with no warning). I have had the worst experience. I’m on week 3 and my face is inflamed with huge under-the-surface bumps on my cheeks. Haven’t had acne like this since I was in 7th grade & was prescribed Accutane. I am about to throw the pack in the trash and demand my old medication back... can’t take this. Also, headaches (constant) & weight gain (put on at least 8 lbs in the first two weeks)... but these issues are nothing compared to the breakout I’m experiencing."

• Ast...
• March 25, 2019

For Birth Control "After reading these reviews, I realized I have gone through the same thing as so many other people on here. I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for years and absolutely loved it. My insurance stopped covering it, and I got switched to Trinessa Lo. Trinessa Lo was great, and I didn't even notice a difference. But now, both Ortho and Trinessa are discontinued, and I was forced into switching to Tri-Lo-Sprintec. I was really hopeful it would turn out okay like it did with Trinessa. NOPE! Tri-Lo-Sprintec was awful! I only took it for a week before I had to absolutely stop taking it. 1.) I broke out in acne very badly. 2.) I got bad headaches and slight nausea. 3.) I had pretty annoying mood swings, but the worst side effect for me was the absolutely crippling depression and feeling of sadness and absolute dread. I was paralyzed with depression and sadness on this pill and cried every single day. I couldn't even give the pill a chance for a full cycle because it was just too awful."

• Sma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on Yaz for 6 years, and it seemed to stop helping with my hormonal acne over the years, so my doctor prescribed me Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. Only on the third pack now, and my period has been normal and almost no cramps, as well as helped with my acne, but is making me absolutely crazy. I can’t sleep at night, but I always feel exhausted, I don’t have any energy to do anything anymore. I have headaches, any minor inconvenience makes me cry. My anxiety is through the roof, and I feel paranoid all the time. I have never felt like this until I started taking this medication. It’s honestly a relief that other people have had these same symptoms, and I’m not just crazy. Definitely going back to my gyn to get off of this after this pack."

• Anonymous
• October 17, 2010

For Acne "I'm 16 years old and was put on Tri-Sprintec for my terrible acne condition. I'm on the 10th day and have experienced little to no side effects. Although my appetite has increased immensely, and I have become exceptionally sleepy, the pill is sort of helping my acne. I also hoped the pill could increase my breast size, but no difference (YET). I started off the pill weighing 104 pounds, I'm now 107 pounds. No vomiting, but I get headaches constantly. No mood swings, but I do feel more antisocial. I take it at night, so it does its job throughout the night. I would recommend the pill to anybody."

• Hun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2019

For Birth Control "Absolutely the worst BC I’ve been on in my 13+ years. I will refuse to accept this when I go in for a refill. This has given me horrible cramps, headache, breast pain and tenderness, mood swings, nausea, and has killed my sex drive. Definitely no way to get pregnant on this if you never want to do anything, so I guess it works in that aspect. STAY AWAY. I wish I would have known before leaving the pharmacy. I can’t wait for this to be over!"

• ASJ...
• July 31, 2013

For Birth Control "I just started on my pills, I'm 37 years old. I experienced a headache for 1 day, and noticed that my taste buds are weird to certain junk foods. Other than that, it's great. As long as you drink a lot of water, I believe everything will be fine. Everyone is different. My stomach did hurt in the beginning. I also noticed that when I try to swallow the pill, it tends to sit in my throat for a while. Very hard to swallow."