Tri-Lo-Sprintec and Headaches: What Users Say

• Mim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 16, 2018

For Birth Control "GOD, THIS BIRTH CONTROL IS AWESOME. As my first birth control pill ever, I can say this pill has been super good to me. Much lighter periods and no cramping. No pregnancy scares. No more acne except for the occasional pimple. My sex drive hasn’t changed. No nausea or headaches. I’ve been on it since the beginning of January, and I’m more than happy with my experience so far. :))) Don’t listen to all the bad reviews!! It may work phenomenally for you."

• And...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 25, 2021

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for about a year, it works great at preventing pregnancies if taken perfectly. I haven't had many side effects except occasional headaches, but they aren't too bad. It also lowered my PMS mood swings! I really like this birth control, and I always get my period on the second day of the placebos. I say give it a try because I read all of the bad reviews and was so scared to take it, but it ended up being fine. This was the first birth control I was prescribed, and it is fine! I'm also glad I'm not paranoid about getting pregnant because I know the pill is working."

• csh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2019

For Birth Control "First of all, everybody is different, and people tend to write bad reviews rather than going out of their way to write good ones. If you want to try this pill, then you should, but I personally have mixed feelings about this birth control. I was on a different pill then switched over to Tri-Lo, which has been a better experience than my previous one. I do not experience nausea or horrible headaches. Since I've started birth control, I have gained 5-10 pounds, but I'm not sure if that is directly from birth control. I do get bloating mostly right before my period, but most women do anyway. I have always had a regular cycle, and this pill did not affect that and actually made my period much lighter with very few cramps. The only big complaint I have about this pill would be the depressive feelings and mood swings. I am not one to usually have terrible mood swings, but I definitely experience them on this pill (worse with PMS), as well as frequent tiredness and feeling unmotivated."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started this pill about a month and a half ago after being severely irregular (periods would sometimes be six months apart) and the worst hormonal cystic acne I’ve ever had. My doctor ran some blood tests and found that my hormones were out of whack. Despite the reviews for this pill, I haven’t experienced any side effects. My acne cleared up (FINALLY OMG), my periods are regular and less crampy, etc. I’m making sure to stick to a diet as I saw there is a potential for weight gain, I’ve lost 4 pounds. The only negative things I can say are 1. It made my boobs grow about a cup size and 2. Occasional light headaches. I would still recommend this pill."

• kat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I was hesitant to try Tri-Lo Sprintec after hearing its bad reviews. I had switched from pill to pill, trying to find the best one. I was using the pill to treat bad cramps and horrible acne. First, I was on Falmina (a generic of Aviane), which made me break out even more. Then I switched to Nikki, a generic of Yaz. It helped with skin but made me severely depressed, so I switched to Tri-Lo Sprintec... and never looked back. I’ve had fantastic skin ever since (even better than on Yaz!), haven’t gained any weight, and haven’t had any bad PMS or hormonal mood changes. I haven’t exhibited signs of depression as a result of the pill. I had minor headaches in the beginning, but they did not last long and don’t happen anymore. I absolutely love this pill. It’s improved my sex drive, mood, and skin substantially, and I am so thankful—I feel better on this pill than any other! LOVE THIS! Don’t listen to every single review—give it a try, it might be right for your body."

• Kat...
• May 15, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "When I went on this Tri-Lo-Sprintec pill for acne and painful periods, I was nervous. After reading the horrifying reviews and already having taken 2 previous brands of birth control that did not work well for me, I finally tried this. Tri-Lo-Sprintec has been a miracle. My stubborn, ever-present acne finally started to get under control, and I have the best skin I've ever had in my life--no joke. Also, I have less period pain and a lighter flow. I don't use it for birth control, so I'm not sure how well it works contraception-wise, but it's been great for acne and periods. I haven't experienced weight gain, headaches, or mood swings. It took my body a couple of weeks to get accustomed to it, but overall it's been wonderful and easy. I'd just like to stress that everyone's different, and each person has a birth control that works for them. No matter what the reviews say, don't be afraid to try--you may be glad you did. If I'd been psyched out by these reviews, I never would have had this amazing turnout. I love this pill!"

• pum...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 30, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill, Tri-Lo-Sprintec, for about half a year now. My first 2-3 months on the pill gave me some headaches and nausea, but soon went away by the 3rd month. It makes my period last about 3-4 days, and my cramps are not as severe. It seems great to stop pregnancy, since it hasn’t gotten me pregnant, and I have sex very often. I do have 2 negatives, though. The first 2-3 months gave me bad breakouts, but since then it has been clearing up, and I only deal with pimples here and there. The main negative is how it controlled my hunger level. I’ll be extremely hungry but then barely eat when I get the chance. Some days this doesn’t happen, but I’ve been noticing I don’t eat as much as I used to. I do get very hungry, though, as I get closer to my period. If you’d like to know health-wise to help you, I am about 5'6" and weigh 140 pounds. I suffer from depression and anxiety. My mental illness does not seem to worsen on this, and I’ve been about the same weight. The only difference I have seen is slight breast growth."

• LLG...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I was super nervous to try this pill after reading reviews because I am generally very sensitive to birth control pills, but Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo had been discontinued, and there aren’t a lot of other similar options. I was super anxious to try it, so I delayed starting my pills for almost 6 months, but when I started them, there were almost zero side effects! The only side effect I had was a minor annoying headache for about two months-not enough to take pain relievers, but just kind of an annoying ache in my head. It went away after the first period I had (after 2 packs). I had this exact same symptom whenever I started Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo too. Anyway, I would recommend this-everyone is different. I am grateful to have found this pill and have it work for me. It hasn’t diminished my sex drive or caused weight gain either, and the few breakouts I used to have actually stopped after I went on this pill. Hopefully, this review helps others!"

• Adi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2019

For Birth Control "This is my second week on this birth control, switching from the Paragard IUD. The pros about this brand are that I don’t have any mood swings (which were really terrible on other birth control methods), my skin looks flawless, and I’ve lost a few pounds (mostly from lack of appetite due to headache and nausea symptoms). I’ve also noticed a decrease in vaginal discharge that I always used to have. The cons are definitely the intense headaches that are debilitating on some days. A lot of fatigue, nausea, and lack of appetite symptoms. The side effect that concerns me the most is the chest discomfort. It almost feels like I’m short of breath with the occasional increased heart rate. It also feels like bad heartburn. It’s hard to explain. I’m going to go through the pack and see how I feel. Hopefully, these symptoms are just from my body adjusting to the pills. We will see."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Dup...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2016

For Birth Control "My insurance switched me to Tri-Lo-Sprintec about a month and a half ago without me knowing. I decided to give it a shot since it was free and I was paying $100/month for Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo previously. On OTCL for 2 years, I had no negative side effects, which was a relief after trying everything under the sun (most recently Microgestin FE, which made me incredibly depressed). The 1.5 months since I have been on TLS, ALL of these negative side effects: irritability, depression, weight gain, depression, headaches, lethargy...you name it, I have it. I am SO upset that I finally found something that worked and insurance dictates what pill I should take. I'm speaking with my doctor to fix my Rx ASAP. Not staying on TLS no matter what."

• Ver...
• May 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I wish I could give this medication a ZERO. I had been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for 8 years with no side effects. My insurance switched me to Sprintec, and I only took it for a week when my entire face broke out, which never happens to me. I had horrible headaches and developed an ulcer, which I'm not sure is related."

• yde...
• September 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I wish I could give this a negative score. I was using Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo before this was available as a generic, and my insurance company made me switch. The pharmacist ensured me the only difference was in ONE inactive ingredient, but I beg to differ - my skin is so broken out I feel like a teenager again. I have constant headaches and a migraine so bad, I went to the ER. My period is wonky, I hate it. I have an appointment at the doctor in 2 weeks, I'm going to beg for an IUD. This is the worst pill I've ever used."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2020

For Birth Control "So I was on a different BC that was the exact same thing as Tri-Lo-Sprintec except I didn’t have the same side effects. I was recommended Tri-Lo-Sprintec by my Dr. I’ve been on this one since Oct 2019 with no problems in the beginning, and here it is in February 2020, and I have been having the most worse headaches/migraines. And my breasts are constantly itchy, and they have small dry patches on my nipples. Also, my sex drive drastically dropped. So, I would not recommend this pill, it started off great and ended bad."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Trinessa Lo, then suddenly it got switched to Tri-Lo-Sprintec, and I’ve been on it since December of 2018. Now it’s February of 2019, and this pill has been HORRIBLE. I haven’t been able to eat, I’ve been having nausea so bad I was scared to eat. I gag every time I eat or smelled food, even food that I loved. Then these very, very heavy, painful headaches came, and the headaches felt like someone was beating my head with a bat. Around my period, they got worse to the point I took pain pills. The pain pills did not help at all. My body also just has been feeling so off, I’ve barely had a period. It was so light, and it starts on different days every time. I have really bad anxiety now to the point my hand will shake and my heartbeat gets higher, so I felt like I was having anxiety attacks. I have not gotten off yet, I’m waiting till my next period to come so I can get off. I do not recommend this."

• AJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2019

For Birth Control "After Ortho TriCyclen Lo was discontinued, I was switched to Tri-Lo-Sprintec birth control. I’ve used Ortho for almost 20 years and loved it so much. This generic pill is the worst! Nausea, headaches, inability to sleep, irritable, major fatigue, lots of weight gain, and the worst, seriously debilitating depression. This pill has messed me up so bad! I had to stop taking it just to feel normal again. 0/10 would never recommend this drug to anyone, not even an enemy."

• liz...
• May 19, 2017

For Birth Control "So I was originally on Junel FE, but that was a horror show with all the mood swings, bleeding, acne, and just horrible nausea. I lost 11 pounds on that, so beware. Anyway, once I told my doctor, she prescribed this. The first pack caused some nausea, a small breakout, and just an odd feeling. Once I got that under my belt, I've had no problems! I'm on my fourth pack starting today, and it's been great. Clear face, light periods, and doesn't make me gain weight. However, I must say around the placebo week, I get so bloated, horrible cramps, and headaches... otherwise, it's been great. So the effectiveness of it, I haven't gotten pregnant yet, knock on wood. Just keep taking the pill at the correct time, and you'll be fine!"

• Tha...
• March 24, 2017

For Endometriosis "Changed my life. The first month was a bit rough, not gonna lie, but that's normal with birth control from what I've heard (this is my first time taking it). Now, the nausea and headaches have almost completely subsided, and my once debilitating periods are manageable. I used to have 5-7 days of bleeding, with 2-3 days of debilitating cramps. I was taking an unhealthy amount of Advil just to manage (think 10 per day on the second day), and most months I had to miss at least a day of school. This past period, I took two Advil. Total. For the entire week. I got scared by all the negative reviews before I started taking it, but my advice is to power through the first month and see how the second one feels. Everyone reacts differently."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2018

For Birth Control "I started this birth control pill despite the bad reviews. I was very scared thinking I’d have a bad experience. However, I’m glad I went ahead and tried it on my own. I was previously on Levonorgestrel, and I hated it. The first few weeks, I experienced spotting. But it stopped after the first month of taking it. I haven’t experienced weight gain or headaches as I did with the previous pill. My biggest concern was weight gain. But thankfully, I haven’t gained weight. I actually think I’ve lost weight because I’ve been eating healthier and exercising more. I even feel like my breasts have grown a cup size (yay!) Overall, I really like this pill."

• TsW...
• September 29, 2017

For Birth Control "Let me start off by saying, yes, the bad reviews scared me at first, too. So much, in fact, that I feared to even use this birth control pill. I have been using this method for 3 months now, and in all honesty, it's worked fine. Granted, of course, the first week or two will be a bit rough for just about anyone. You're adding something new to your body, so you probably will feel sick, sleepy, headaches, my biggest problem was anxiety at first. But once your body has adjusted to the pills, it really has no consequences. Just make sure you read all the information, take it at the same time every day, and give it a try! I understand everyone is different, but it doesn't hurt to try! It's worked fine and has done its job great."

• Par...
• March 24, 2017

For Birth Control "I have tried different birth control pills, and this is my favorite so far. It regulated my period from everyday bleeding to a normal 3-4 days per month. I used to get really bad cramps to the point that I could not walk. I had to stay in bed for the first 2 days of my period, and this pill made them less painful. I have always dealt with anxiety, so nothing changed about it. Never gained weight, and it also took away my everyday headaches. Recently, my doctor decided to change them for Cryselle, which is giving me horrible cramps, nausea, and headaches with only 2 days of using it. I'm definitely going back to Tri-Lo-Sprintec."

• Sch...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking this pill for two months. I got on this BC pill to regulate my cycles. I was having two cycles every month, so my doctor figured it would regulate them. And all this pill has seemed to do is make them 10 times worse. I have THE ABSOLUTE WORST DEADLY CRAMPS!!!!! Not literally deadly, but just imagine the cramps. Sometimes I’m at work, and I just have to sit down because it hurts so bad. One time I fell to my knees, it hurt so badly. Not to mention I still have 2 cycles every month. Nothing has changed with regulating the cycle! I always had anxiety, but it’s way worse now. My sex drive has gone out the window, literally!! I have no desire to have sex. And I get THE WORST headaches. And I hardly ever have an appetite. My experience was the worst, but I would never tell anyone not to try it. Because everyone’s body is different, and it may work for you, so good luck!!!"

• Bre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2019

For Birth Control "While this birth control isn’t the absolute greatest, it’s not the absolute worst either. I started this pill about a month ago after my pharmacy switched me from Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (which I had been taking for 8 years and loved) because of an apparent recall. At first, I was very hesitant about taking a new pill because I was so used to my usual brand. However, I am sexually active and did not want to get pregnant. I just finished my first pack and overall, my breasts have been tender, I’ve been a bit nauseated, a few headaches more than usual; and my blood pressure is up and down. My period, however, is normal, and it didn’t start earlier than the usual start date. I plan to begin taking my second pack and allowing my body to adjust to this pill! I don’t absolutely love it, but I don’t absolutely hate it either."