Sprintec and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Age...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 27, 2017

For Birth Control "Here we go again. I switched off generic Seasonale to Sprintec because I had constant breakthrough bleeding. I'm advised to take Sprintec for 9 weeks and then go on the placebos. 3 weeks after starting the actives, I start spotting. Last cycle, I bled the entire time after those 3 weeks and went through panty liners like toilet paper. The cramps were constant as well as the bleeding. I'm considering staying off birth control because I am sick of bleeding all the time. Also, Sprintec really screwed with my emotions. I cycle between being normal and being depressed, and it's putting heavy strain on my relationships. It makes me incredibly apathetic and zaps my energy, so I don't even feel like showering."

• Kit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I absolutely do not recommend this pill to anyone. I was given the RX because I have been bleeding for 10 weeks, passing several clots, and I became weak and dizzy a few days ago. They told me my other pill was not strong or good enough. This is my 2nd day, and I've thrown up nearly all day. My stomach has ached and cramped so very badly that not even the hydrocodone RX'd will ease the pain. My vision is blurry, and my head is in a constant pounding sensation. I am still weak, and I am still bleeding! Probably wouldn't even give this pill to my dog to prevent her from getting pregnant, it is not worth it, and no, it wasn't worth the money!"

• Jes...
• January 21, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have taken Sprintec in the past. After going through suicidal thoughts on a different BC, when I had to switch due to insurance, I stopped taking BC altogether. I decided to switch back to Sprintec just recently after around 3 years of being off of all BC. My bleeding will not stop. I’ve always had heavy periods with intense cramps. Taking more than enough ibuprofen for cramps, but the bleeding will not stop. It hasn’t even gotten lighter. I’m so upset. I have an event coming up, and I cannot deal with this at the moment. Should I just stop taking this BC? My event is 6 days away. Will the bleeding stop? Will it make it worse? Help."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 15, 2017

For Birth Control "Was on Sprintec from 04/16-10/16. Gave me panic attacks. I would shake violently, feel chest pains, and shortness of breath. I always had shortness of breath, and I always felt very irritated and stressed out for no reason. Periods heavy and painful. It gave me very clear skin and it prevented pregnancy. Went off the pill 10/2016, my scalp hair fell out rapidly. I was diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia, or female pattern baldness, in 04/17. This is despite the fact that I have NO family history of pattern baldness. My hair is half as thick as it was last year. Scalp is always smelly and oily. I think Sprintec messed up my hormones and now I am producing extra testosterone and, thus, more DHT, and now I have 'pattern baldness'. AVOID!"

• Lin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 11, 2019

For Endometriosis "My doctor put me on Sprintec because my periods were all over the place and I'd cramp so bad to the point of vomiting and fainting. I couldn't walk for the first three days of my period. I've been on it since July of 2018. My first month was horrible, bleeding constantly, my cramps were lasting longer than three days and almost an entire month. I had hot flashes that were bad, and so was the nausea. But here is the thing: take it at night at the same time every single night. As soon as I started that, everything was fine after the first month. My depression and mood swings disappeared. I was eating great; I went from 75 to 106 in the first two months, but after my weight went back to the normal 98 pounds. Cleared up my skin amazingly and my hair grew about a foot within the first five months of taking it. But sadly, after almost a year and a half, my doctor is switching me to Junel Fe before surgery to see if it’ll help with my cyst on my uterus and ovaries that keep erupting. Hoping that I can switch back to Sprintec after recovery from surgery."

• LJ ...
• August 29, 2017

For Birth Control "I started taking this after I had been on Tri-Sprintec for several years. I had some pretty serious mood swings with that birth control, and thankfully did not experience that with Sprintec. I was on it for three months, and in that time, I gained almost 10 pounds. I went up an entire cup size in that time, and finally got sick of dealing with the weight gain. It didn't really alleviate menstrual cramps either, but did help me with treating acne. Overall, if you don't experience weight gain, it's probably fine for you, but didn't work for me."

• Mea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve only been on the pill Sprintec for three weeks now, and I don’t know if it’s safe to say that I’m fine! The only effect I’ve had that I can say I notice is that I always want to eat now, and am easily able to cry now, and coming from me, that’s big, lol. However, today, I had to leave work early because I’m having a really bad lower backache, as if I’m on my period right now, along with mild cramps and gas. Not sure if this is because I’m a week away from placebo pills at the end of the month, but this pain is crazy. Overall, I can deal with eating more and a little sensitive (I needed that anyway), but if these period pains keep lasting with NO period, then I’m going to have to stop or switch pills because I already deal with enough pain from regular periods before these pills. *fingers crossed"

• Anonymous
• February 11, 2010

For Birth Control "I started taking this last year to help with my periods. I was having severe cramps and long, heavy periods. After the first 2 months or so, my periods are lighter and shorter, and I rarely have cramps. My only complaint is when I haven't eaten recently and then take the pill, I usually end up barfing in the middle of the night. Other than that, I really like this pill."

• kmc...
• May 19, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been on Sprintec for a month now. The first week was fine, but starting the second week, I got my period, and it still has not gone away. I have been on my period now for 20 days, it is miserable. Alongside this, I have been bloated, cramping, my skin has broken out, and my moods have been horrible. This pill was not the right choice for me, it has poorly affected my quality of life. I recommend sharing a concern like this with your doctor, as I never expected to have such a problem."

• Lai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2018

For Birth Control "So I started this birth control about 2 1/2 months ago. My cramps were so painful on this medicine. I’d get cramps 3 days before the placebo pills, and while taking those inactive pills, the pain was just too unbearable. It works as far as the birth control part, but the pain is just not worth it. The first month I was on it, I was dizzy all the time, couldn’t focus or concentrate to save my life. It was as if my brain turned to mush. If you have depression or anxiety, DO NOT TAKE THIS!"

• Jud...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on Sprintec for over 4 years now, and I would recommend it. My period is much more predictable as it comes on the second placebo pill each month. I haven't experienced any side effects besides nausea the first week I took it (temporary), and cramps the first week (also temporary). Now, I have no side effects, and I have a predictable period. My cramps have decreased, and I'm protected from pregnancy!"

• Fri...
• August 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I suffer from severe depression and anxiety, this actually curbed it for me. Instead of being depressed every day, it cut it down to a week. It balanced out my periods. But, on the down side, they were heavy for the first few days with strong fatigue and cramps. I had spotting the first month. My emotions were great the first 9 months. Once that mark hit, I started to spiral. I was overemotional and crying over just about anything. My feelings were so amped up. I stopped taking it, and I felt normal a few days later. I stopped and started a new one, which honestly made me feel absolutely nothing. I felt like a sociopath. I'm back on it, hoping for good to decent results. Just remember, everyone is different. Try it for a few months."

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

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "So I got on BCP to regulate my constant period. Within the first week, my period stopped (mind you, I had my period for 7 months straight). Through the first month, I experienced light cramping and spotting, no big deal. So when it was time for me to take the placebo pill, I noticed that I had a few bumps appear on my forehead, and I had pretty clear skin before. Day one of my period was uneventful. Day two, I was at work, and out of nowhere, I was buckled over in severe pain from cramps. I downed some ibuprofen and left work early because of the pain, barely able to drive. Today is day three of my period, and I’ve gone through a super tampon per hour for the last 24 hours, and cramping continues. I ended up taking the regular pills and not the placebo to end this period. I mean, at this point, I’d rather have my continuous periods back because never were they bad."

• end...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 14, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on Loloestrin for two years, and it was wonderful: no side effects, no periods, until earlier this year, I had severe mood issues. My doctor put me on Sprintec in April, it's been almost six months on the pill. Since taking it, I suffered from extreme nausea and bleeding irregularly, followed by cramps that didn't seem tied to my period. This pill did clear up my skin, but unless you like throwing up on the regular, losing weight (loss of appetite), and feeling nauseous all the time, don't bother with this one. I just saw my doctor to switch me off the Sprintec. Worst experience ever with a birth control."

• Kan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 10, 2020

For Birth Control "I have only taken these pills for 19 days. At first, I was so excited to eventually be skipping my period altogether. I started to get mild cramps and light brown bleeding. My instinct was this is soooooo much better! Literally, I was bragging. Two days later, I have never in my life ever experienced cramping and pain like I have. The nausea and the abdominal pain are way more unbearable than my regular period. I would rather have my regular period back any day. I can feel my ovaries, and they feel like they are about to burst. Cannot wait to call the doctor. Stopping immediately!!!"

• Kan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 10, 2020

For Birth Control "I have only taken these pills for 19 days. At first, I was so excited to eventually be skipping my period altogether. I started to get mild cramps and light brown bleeding. My instinct was this is soooooo much better! Literally, I was bragging. Two days later, I have never in my life ever experienced cramping and pain like I have. The nausea and the abdominal pain are way more unbearable than my regular period. I would rather have my regular period back any day. I can feel my ovaries, and they feel like they are about to burst. Cannot wait to call the doctor. Stopping immediately!!!"

• Mea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2018

For Birth Control "My doctor first prescribed me lo loestrin or something like that, and it made me have brown discharge, terrible mood, and really bad cramping for almost a month! They were hesitant to switch me, but they finally put me on Sprintec, and it works great. I've been on it for about 4 months and haven't spotted, and my periods are much lighter."

• aal...
• September 3, 2017

For Birth Control "This pill is awful. I have been on it for 2 weeks, and I have been cramping horribly every single day. I've been so bloated, so tired, so moody, my anxiety is through the roof. I've been breaking out like no other. I called my doctor to switch me back to my old pill, but they said I have to finish this pack. Never taking it again!!!"

• Kam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 27, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been taking Sprintec pill for seven months now, and I have not had any problems until now. I missed my pills for December and started back in January, and now I am on my period for the 16th day. My cramps and bleeding are so bad. I stopped the pill altogether this past week, still, no luck, my period is just as bad. When will it stop!? I'm so tired and stressed out over this!"

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2019

For Ovarian Cysts "I was put on this drug after being diagnosed with PCOS. It did give me stomach upset for the first month, and my periods seem longer (a whole 7 days versus 3-5 without it), but the bleeding is less intense. It does seem to make period cramps worse for me, versus cramps while not on birth control. I feel like it has helped with the crazy hormonal mental/mood aspect, and it's helped a lot with hot flashes and sweating. I'm trying to give it 3 months (it has been about 2 months) before I give up on it, because the cramps are pretty severe to the point I get nauseous, so I'm wondering if it's the right one for me."

• 123...
• April 11, 2012

For Birth Control "I switched to this birth control after I needed to cut back my expenses. I have been taking it for about 2 years, and I have had no issues with it at all. My period is lighter and lasts only 3-4 days. I have no cramps, no bloating, etc. The only thing I notice about my period is the blood, which is a huge plus because I used to get cramps and feel crappy. I have had unprotected sex as well, and I did not become pregnant (twice). Overall, I would definitely recommend this birth control."

• mis...
• February 28, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had really irregular periods before, I would go months without getting a period, and when I got one, I would bleed heavily and for a long time. The longest was 13 days. I never had any side effects with my periods before I started taking this birth control. This is the second month I’ve been on it, and I just got it refilled for the start of the third month, which starts tomorrow. I take the pill every morning. The first month I started taking the pill, I was on my period for 3 weeks straight. I was vomiting, having severe cramps, I had depression, horrible mood swings, increased fatigue. Name a symptom, I had it. It got to the point where it was so bad, I had to stay home one day because I couldn’t move due to the amount of pain I was in. I changed my pants about 4 times that day and couldn’t walk around without a bunch of blood running down my legs. The second month was okay at first, but now I’ve been on my period for 2 weeks, and I still have all the horrible symptoms."

• Two...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 25, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Sprintec for 9 months (switched from Generess Fe). For the entire first month, I experienced horrible stomach cramps, extreme bloating to where my lower abdomen felt like a rock-hard balloon, headaches (I never get headaches), as well as dizziness. I called my doctor after two weeks and told her I couldn't handle it. She told me to finish out the month to give my body a chance to regulate. After that initial month, I have had absolutely no symptoms. My sex drive has been back to normal, and my personality is happy and normal again since switching to Sprintec! Also, my periods are regular and I have very minimal bleeding, cramping, etc. Overall, I would recommend this pill."

• Anonymous
• October 18, 2012

For Birth Control "I was recently prescribed this birth control in order to monitor my reactions for possible diagnosis of endometriosis. This is about my 3rd week, and I have noticed a drastic change in my mood. I feel constantly irritated or easily frustrated whenever I take it, and I have noticed that I have painful cramps more frequently than I used to."

• BLe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on it for a month and a half now. I skipped the placebo pills to miss my period as recommended. I started spotting on Wednesday and got horrible, horrible cramps. Now it's a full-on period, and my cramps are unbearable. I took Menstuaid, Pamprin, and ibuprofen, and NOTHING is working. I also am not myself. I'm very depressed and just want to be alone, not near people. I have no motivation. Yes, it takes 3 months to get used to a medication, but I can't be this sad for 3 months. I'm crying over everything. I've also gained weight, and I'm careful with what I eat."