Tri-Lo-Sprintec and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• January 14, 2010

For Birth Control "As far as effectiveness, I did not get pregnant while taking this medication. However, I experienced so many side effects I eventually stopped taking it and switched back to Ortho-Tri-Lo. I experienced problems with mood swings, irritability, anxiety (racing heart and anxious feelings for no reason), depression, cramps, spotting, headaches, decreased sex drive, weight gain, breast/nipple tenderness, and vaginal irritation. All of these are side effects I had never experienced with Ortho, so I switched back and have little to no side effects. It definitely was not worth the money saved because it made me feel like a crazy person, and I really did not have control over my emotions. I would experience all extremes, especially anger and crying."

• Lun...
• August 27, 2020

For Birth Control "I started on the pill when I was around 20 years old. I was taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo and never had an issue. A year or two later, I switched to Tri-Lo-Sprintec, I believe because my insurance only covered generic at that point (I just now discovered that Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo was discontinued.) I was taking this for about 3 years and didn’t notice any big changes or side effects. My ‘periods’ were regular, and I still had cramps, but nothing out of the ordinary. Last year at 26, I stopped taking the pill and went off birth control altogether. Here we are a year later, and I decided to get back on the pill. I started on Sunday, and the next day, I felt nauseous. I took it again that morning, not thinking anything of it. My symptoms progressively got worse throughout the day. I’ve been sick with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, stomach cramps, and headaches for at least four days now. The only thing I’ve been doing differently is taking this pill. I’m never touching BC again."

• Kan...
• May 14, 2019

For Birth Control "Like many others, I switched to Tri-Lo-Sprintec birth control after Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo was discontinued. I had a previously bad experience with this, but I decided to give it another try since I really didn’t have any other options. Worst mistake ever! I have been on it this time for almost 4 months, and I stopped after the first week of my new pack because I just can’t take it anymore. My skin has not been affected by this medication, but the bloating and weight gain are awful! The only time I feel halfway normal is during the last week with the placebos, even with my period. Oh, and those have been much worse since taking these pills... heavier and cramping badly. After reading other reviews, I’m starting to wonder if they’ve been the cause of my headaches as well. I’m not sure what I’m going to do instead, but I don’t feel like myself anymore while taking these, so they are no longer an option for me."

• dee...
• March 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I had used the shot and the implant. After a 2-year hiatus, I wanted to try the pill. This pill has increased my appetite. I would starve (off the pill) from stress. I had nausea the first few days, but I had it off the pill too. My stubborn cystic acne reduced. I felt some anxiety the first few days, but nothing new. My bra size went up. I get headaches sometimes, but it’s probably my caffeine dependency. I got asked if I lost weight. I’ve had worse side effects off other medicines and vitamins and stress than right now. The only reason I’m not rating higher is ‘cause I’m used to “heavy-duty” birth control. Those methods feel brutal, but I had peace of mind knowing there’d be no need to get an abortion. That’s why I can’t give it a 9 or 10. It may be right for some women’s bodies. I mean, I’m super sensitive to side effects, but I’ve been normal. So try it for a week and stop if it’s bad, don’t stick with it."

• Vic...
• November 30, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been using Tri-Sprintec Lo for about 2 weeks after switching from the NuvaRing. I have had many symptoms from it. I have been breaking out with acne on my chest and a few on my face, which I never had a problem with any acne before. I have had breast tenderness, occasional cramps, and a few headaches. I have also noticed that my hair has been shedding a lot more than usual and noticed that it is a bad side effect. I would rather have these symptoms than the ones I had with the NuvaRing. I was having something similar to hot flashes. I am going to call my doctor today and ask about it. I am going to try this one for about 2 months like I did the NuvaRing, and if it doesn't change, then I will try something else."

• Eli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2018

For Birth Control "I was very nervous to take this birth control because I was reading all these horrible reviews, and it was my first time on birth control. I'm on my second month of the pills, and I'm doing great. Shorter and super lighter periods. I used to have 2 days of full-on period, and now I only have one, barely! My skin looks amazing. The only thing I will agree with is that it does give you a strong headache, but nothing a good nap will fix. No mood swings or increased appetite. I'm going to be using these pills for a very long! :)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2017

For Birth Control "I talked to my doctor about getting on the pill, mainly for birth control. I also asked to be on a pill that will help clear my moderate acne and not make it worse. I was given Tri-Lo-Sprintec. After reading the mostly awful reviews about it, I was really nervous to start taking it, but I thought I'd give it a shot and if it was awful, talk to my doctor about an alternative. I'm now on day 7 and there haven't been any major complications. The only negatives are that I get headaches and occasional nausea (not severe) and as far as my acne, it hasn't really made a change. My doctor said it will take a few months to adjust, so I'll see how things go, but so far it's not too bad. Gave it half stars because I'm only on day 7."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My period has always been light but lasted 7-10 days. The last 3-4 days, a pantyliner was all I needed. The last 2 years, it's been so much heavier, so I went on birth control because if it was going to be heavy, at least I could have the option of skipping it. I began the pill the 1st day of my period, and it was just as heavy and lasted 12 days. My next period came 8 days later, just as heavy and lasted 12 days. The next period came in 10 days, was heavier, and 28 days later, it's finally tapering down again. It's been so heavy that I've bled through a S+ tampon AND full pad in 2 hours many days in a row. Also, SO many large clots. I know it takes a few months for our bodies to acclimate to a new pill, but I just can't wait and hope it doesn't get even worse. The doctor is switching me to a monophasic pill, and I stopped taking this one 2 weeks ago. Fortunately, this and fatigue are the only side effects I've had and missed weight gain, nausea, headaches, and other problems that others have reported."

• bca...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2020

For Birth Control "Worst birth control pill I have ever taken in my life. Have a pregnancy scare basically every single month. Gives me cramps before my period even starts, and I was never like that before. Bloating is insane, there is only 1 week where my boobs do not feel sore, and I get very frequent headaches. I used to take another generic brand before this and never had these problems."

• Cry...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2020

For Birth Control "Worse pill ever. This birth control gave me hypertension that it was 167/112. I was at the ER for hours doing X-ray, blood work, and CT scan. Leading up to my visit to the ER, I had horrible chest pains, discomfort, and tightness. All my results came back normal, and once I decided to stop this pill, the next day my blood pressure went down to 122/82. So please, listen to your body. Before the chest pains, I suffered with horrible headaches, migraines on the 2nd and 4th week of the pills, also suffered from horrible anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, and loss of appetite."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I had been taking Trinessa for about 9 years until it was discontinued, and my doc switched me to this. I had a relatively easy time on Trinessa. However, switching hasn't made my skin or cramps any better, and instead has now saddled me with constant headaches. I don't know if they're just 1 on/off migraine or what, but a deep, heavy pain in the side of my head right around my period. I am at my wit's end, and this is just my second month. Gonna ask my doc to take me off and give me an IUD ASAP. Anyway, I think that Trinessa is the triphasic high-dose oral contraceptive, and the Dr. swapped me to Tri-Lo-Sprintec, which is the triphasic low-dose oral contraceptive. I think maybe I should have been swapped to the straight Tri-Sprintec?"

• Cas...
• September 9, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was on Ortho Tricyclen Lo for more than 5 years, but my insurance no longer covers it; therefore, my doctor put me on Tri-Lo-Sprintec since there was no copay. I was only on Sprintec for 2 months, and oh boy, it was bad! I received cysts, more whiteheads than before, headaches, was extra moody, fatigue, and all that negative side effects. The worst were the cramps during my period. It was very painful with heavy bleeding. I couldn't walk because it hurt that bad. The period lasted 5-7 days. I haven't been on Sprintec for 3 months, but my period has never been the same since taking it. When I was on Ortho Tricyclen Lo, it calmed my acne, shorter and lighter periods, no cramps, no fatigue. It's too bad my insurance doesn't cover Ortho Tricyclen Lo :("

• meg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2017

For Birth Control "My pharmacy switched me over to this from Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, and this is the worst thing I have ever taken. At first, I was experiencing spotting immediately after being an hour late in taking my pill. It was so bad the first month, I spotted for a week and then got my period the next with horrible cramps and headaches. I have been on it for three months now, and I have spotted every month. This month I got my period for two days over a week before I was supposed to. In addition to this, I have been experiencing crazy anger and mood swings for the first time. To the point where I got mad at my boyfriend for trying to plan a vacation with me and then cried immediately afterward. I have also had some pain in my ovaries and broke out more than ever."

• sha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 30, 2018

For Birth Control "This medicine worked amazingly from the start. I was on Norgee since I was 15 and had absolutely no problems, and then when I turned 17, my pharmacist discontinued ordering Norgee tablets and they gave me Tri-Lo-Sprintec. I was worried because I was comfortable on Norgee, so I went to every single CVS, and they stated they all don't have it, so I had to start taking it. ABSOLUTELY no change whatsoever! My skin was still good, periods were fine and regular, and I was doing well. Now I am 18 and I've started breaking out badly from this birth control, it seems like it's all coming back. I have bad headaches, and my acne is pretty bad. It's sad because I truly wanted to stay with this birth control, but it sucks and the good things didn't last. I am now about to start Tri-Sprintec because my doctor stated I might just need a higher dose for the acne. Let's see how that goes..."

• Lim...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 28, 2017

For Birth Control "Like plenty of the ladies on this thread, I went to my Gyn for Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo-and my doctor informed me this was the same, never said it was a different type of pill, and like a moron, I believed him. I began taking this pill in March 2017-it's now 11/28/17 and ladies, let me tell you a story, I have had to go on Provera 2x to stop the excessive bleeding. So now, I am changing my Gyn to someone better and will likely need to go back on Provera to stop my period and go on something entirely new. I didn't even think about the damn headaches until I read through the comments because I too have had them, I've also had a low sex drive despite my husband & I always doing it, but my desire is not there. I have been very moody too. Issa no!"

• Mar...
• February 22, 2019

For Birth Control "So I was prescribed Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, and they gave me Tri-Nessa Lo, which I've always done great on. Was on for 2 years, now the pharmacy switched me to this Tri-Sprintec Lo because my other was discontinued. I'm almost halfway in this pack, and I am having terrible mood swings, even the slightest has set me off. On top of that, I had stopped my period after being on the non-active pills for the Trinessa. Well, when I first started in this pack of Tri-Sprintec Lo, 2 days later I started bleeding bright red blood. I hate this pill but cannot get in to see my OB-GYN. I just want to feel normal again, and on top of that, I've had a nonstop headache. They are not the same as Tri-Nessa - Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. I would not recommend these to my worst enemy!"

• Str...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo since Sept. of last year (2015), and was relatively fine on it (occasional headaches, but that was nothing out of the norm). Once put on the generic in March 2016, I began having intense migraines 3-4 times a week, as well as extreme fatigue. I thought it was a side effect of a bad upper respiratory infection I'd had a month prior, so I did not seek medical attention. After two months of being on this pill with the intense migraines and fatigue, I had a minor stroke and was hospitalized for days. While I completely understand a small percentage of women are at risk of taking birth control, I can't help but be concerned that none of the headaches or fatigue began until I switched to the generic."

• Anonymous
• October 9, 2017

For Ovarian Cysts "For all of you who have just started taking Tri-Lo Sprintec and don't notice any symptoms, just wait. I was switched from Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo to Tri-Lo Sprintec in July of 2016. In May of 2017, I started getting insane headaches, to the point where I couldn't have any lights on in my office because I couldn't look at my computer screen for more. I also gained about 15 unwanted pounds over the past year. I did some research and decided to go back to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo to see if the symptoms would go away. They went away almost immediately. I don't recommend Tri-Lo Sprintec to anyone, but I do recommend Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. Yes, there is a cost, but I have taken it for 10 years and have had no problems, I think it is worth the money."

• Rae...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2018

For Birth Control "This is only my first week taking this birth control, but so far it has not been a fun ride. My stomach is all queasy, and I have had nausea every day so far. On top of that, I have had constant headaches. I know it's only been a week, but it has really been a struggle. I'm going to give it some time to level out, but I am already disappointed with this birth control. I used to take Lo Loestrin Fe and had no problems with that."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2017

For Birth Control "Used for approximately 1 month. Experienced restless nights, increased emotion-i.e., felt I was going to cry over silly things that wouldn't normally make me emotional, mood swings, increased anxiety, headaches, and increased agitation. I'm very in tune with my body and didn't feel like myself. I felt like I was 'PMSing' the entire month. Was prescribed Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo-however, my insurance only covered generics and substitutes a 'similar' product. No similar really-with the exception of both being labeled as birth control. Switching ASAP. I rated it a '3' because ultimately it did its job, and I did not get pregnant."

• eri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2018

For Birth Control "Wow, I am so thankful I heard they had changed the formula a couple of years back! My first day, I had major headaches, but the severe cramping from my last BC subsided, so I was already pleased. My mood was noticeably more at peace, and after several days, I felt way more self-confident! I did get tired and had more body aches the first week because it kick-started my period, but I had light bleeding and zero cramping! This BC seems to be great so far. I also feel my boobs swelling, meaning... perhaps my measly little A-cup will look bigger soon? No matter though, my boyfriend is so happy my moods have stabilized! I say anyone struggling with minor anxiety, mood swings, or depression should try this out."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 24, 2023

For Birth Control "This birth control worked well for me for about a year and a half. After I hit that mark, it was like my body did not agree with it anymore. I became extremely bloated and irritable, have mood swings, and have a very low tolerance for anything that annoyed me. I got a terrible headache like clockwork on the last day of the placebo pills. It may work for you, but I will be switching to something else. I did not have any pregnancy scares, so it worked in that aspect, but how it affected me mentally and physically was not worth it."

• Kri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 19, 2019

For Birth Control "Tri-Lo-Sprintec was a very effective birth control for me, no problems or side effects whatsoever, just minor headaches at first."

• Kc3...
• August 17, 2019

For Birth Control "This Tri-Lo-Sprintec pill is absolutely horrible. It gives you horrible headaches, random periods, and constant mood swings. It doesn’t help any with cramps at all. I would not recommend this pill."