Tri-Sprintec and Depression: What Users Say

• Lil...
• June 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had absolutely no problems with Tri-Sprintec. I don't have any side effects at all. No weight gain, no mood swings, no depression, no anxiety, no nausea, same sex drive. (No increase in breast size either - I WISH I had that side effect!) I feel exactly the same taking this as I did not taking any birth control. The only difference is my periods are lighter and shorter, and my cramps are no longer severe. By the way, I was really scared to take this because of the negative reviews I read! But before you decide this is a bad pill, give it a try. Every woman's body is different, and your experience will just depend on your body!"

• Bug...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 28, 2020

For Birth Control "So I've been on this pill for 9 months. It's given me really bad mood swings, depression, etc. I almost feel manic depressive on it. The hormone levels change drastically throughout the pill pack, which is why you get mood swings. Look for a monophasic birth control instead - going off this drug now. It worked on the whole no-pregnancy bit, and my periods were very short and light. No acne either. But I'd rather not feel crazy."

• kyg...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 1, 2019

For Birth Control "My experience with Tri-Sprintec has been wonderful! I've been on it for over a year now and have never had any major complications. I switched to Tri-Sprintec from Trinessa due to my insurance, but needless to say, they both worked well for me. I lost nearly 30 pounds, and it decreased my appetite, my skin is finally clear, with occasional breakouts when my period is about to start. As far as sex goes, with me being on the pill, my boyfriend and I don't use protection, and it's kept me baby-free! The only thing negative I have to say is when my body was adjusting to it after I just got it, I was so moody and depressed, and my libido (sex drive) was low for the first month or so. Overall rating for me is 10/10! But keep in mind, everyone's body is different, so your experience may be different!"

• Evi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 30, 2015

For Acne "PLEASE READ THIS: Tri-Sprintec will cause an initial breakout for the first 3-4 months. DON'T BE DISCOURAGED! After this period, your skin will clear up like magic! I'm 20 years old and have been on Tri-Sprintec on/off since I was 18. I've had severe acne since I was about 12/13 years old and have seen multiple dermatologists since then. Nothing worked until I went to my gyno to get on birth control, and she recommended Tri-Sprintec because it helped with acne. At first, I felt mild nausea and severe depression/mood swings/etc., but as time passed, this went away. Each time I got back on the medication, I would have a terrible breakout period, but it's completely worth it. This is a great pill, and I've never had problems with it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 9, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for about a year now, and I just cannot deal with it anymore! I used to be so happy, but lately, I'm a different person, someone who is not nice. At first, I thought just I hadn't gotten used to it yet, but as more time has gone on, I am hateful, severely depressed, nauseated, very tired, and constantly just an unhappy person. It has affected my relationships with everyone, and the next chance I get, I'm switching to something else. I'm not saying it will do this to everyone, but I know it has been awful for me. One thing it has done is what it was supposed to do, it kept me from getting pregnant."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 9, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for about a year now, and I just cannot deal with it anymore! I used to be so happy, but lately, I'm a different person, someone who is not nice. At first, I thought just I hadn't gotten used to it yet, but as more time has gone on, I am hateful, severely depressed, nauseated, very tired, and constantly just an unhappy person. It has affected my relationships with everyone, and the next chance I get, I'm switching to something else. I'm not saying it will do this to everyone, but I know it has been awful for me. One thing it has done is what it was supposed to do, it kept me from getting pregnant."

• JDW...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 4, 2014

For Birth Control "I started Tri-Sprintec a month ago, not by choice but because that was the only thing the health department had in their inventory. The nurse told me it was exactly the same as the other pills. I could definitely tell a difference in myself, though, just after starting them! My emotions were out of control, and I kept going into deep depression mode! My appetite was pretty much gone too, so I wasn't eating. A good tip is to keep a journal once you start a new pill, so you can keep track of breakdowns, mood swings, and how often they're happening. I had a breakdown at work, crying in front of my boss and everything. I decided to stop the pill, and since then, I've felt great."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 17, 2019

For Birth Control "The first year of being on Tri-Sprintec, I did great. The second year has been rough. Bad anxiety, depression, and I'm just so freaking tired all the time, some days it takes everything I can do to just make it through an 8-hour shift and make it back to my bed. I've always been a very energetic person until this past year. I also haven't had a sex drive in forever, it seems like. And these mood swings, I can't even deal with. I've really been struggling the past year. Never really thought that it was the birth control doing all these crazy things to me."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Tri-Sprintec for 6 months now. The first three months were awful, but now I really love my birth control. At first, I was having awful mood swings, depression, and random crying spells. I stuck with the pill, and then after getting married in December, all my bad symptoms subsided. My acne has gone away, and I’ve never had skin this clear! My periods are very manageable, and I can control my period if I want to. So far, no pregnancy, but I’m super religious about taking my pills on time and try to use backup prevention when on antibiotics. I completely sympathize with all the ladies who have put reviews on here, but thankfully my symptoms have gone away, and I’m going to stick to this pill. Best wishes!"

• Lau...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 24, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been through the mill with birth control pills. I've probably tried and quit 10 contraceptives. I LOVE this pill, though. It helps with regulating my periods since I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), and now I'm actually able to get pregnant. I might mention that I'm a decently sized woman, too. It completely stopped my acne. I've never, knock on wood, had any problems with blood clots, quickened heart rate, high blood pressure, headaches, increased appetite, decreased appetite, tenderness of breasts, or an increase in the depression I already suffer from. I would recommend this contraceptive to any woman. Get this birth control! You will not be sorry."

• Coo...
• March 13, 2019

For Birth Control "Increased depression and headaches all the time. Got rashes around my face and broke out really bad. Anxiety and mood swings off the roof. Still have cramps and gained so much weight. No sex drive whatsoever and feel nausea all the time."

• aga...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 8, 2019

For Birth Control "This drug is a life ruiner. I was on Trinessa for a while and doing fine before I randomly got switched to this for no reason. Since starting this drug, I have become nauseous, lightheaded, depressed, constipated, and extremely fatigued. I can only wear loose, flowy clothing or I will get heat flashes and pass out (I'm only 21). I have headaches regularly. Anxiety tics that I worked hard to get rid of years ago are back. I have painful cystic acne that I never had before, and I've gained weight. Taking this drug almost made me fail a semester of school, and it cost me multiple friendships because I was too fatigued and depressed to leave my room and socialize. My self-confidence is at an all-time low. It is not worth it. This drug is cruel."

• NTL...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 15, 2013

For Acne "I started taking Tri-Sprintec when I was 17. I am now 24. This was originally recommended to me by my OBGYN for acne and migraines, and it has made my skin great and migraines disappear. Occasional breakouts, but nothing major. In the beginning, I had no major emotional, weight, or period issues. My periods are still very light and last about 5 days. After a few years, my weight spiraled out of control, and I ended up gaining about 45 pounds (from 122 to 160!) and also dealt with depression, anxiety, low energy/lethargy, and increased appetite. Every body is different, which is why it is important to monitor your symptoms over YEARS. Things can change. I am now switching to a lower dose of hormones and seeing if there is a change."

• Sop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2019

For Acne "I was forced to switch over to Tri-Sprintec because they discontinued Tri-Nessa Lo. I have never had worse acne in my entire life. If I had read these reviews previously, I would not have taken it. The pharmacy said it was 'pretty much the same.' It is not, I should have been put on the Tri-LO-Sprintec. There are two different strengths of the Tri-pills, the low and the higher one. They changed me to the higher one. This medication has caused my depression and anxiety to spike in extremes. I have never experienced cystic acne until now. Full coverage makeup cannot hide the embarrassment I've been feeling in public for months. I've taken it for 3 months, and it's been 3 days since I officially stopped."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I am 34 years old. I have 2 children, one is 8 and one is 6. I switched to this birth control from Ortho. I got pregnant on this pill. I had to have an abortion because I am not able to have another baby. I was 6 weeks pregnant. I took this pill every day, I never skipped one pill. This has put me in a depression, and now I can’t get out of it."

• Anonymous
• May 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I was a huge fan of Trinessa. I was on it for a year and a half with no issues and no side effects. I stopped taking it for about 6 months because I was no longer in a relationship and just wanted to see if anything changed (weight, skin, mood) if I got off the pill. I decided to start taking it again just to keep my periods more regular and because I forgot how terrible my cramps are without birth control. I went to my pharmacy and got a refill and noticed they discontinued Trinessa and was given this Tri-Sprintec stuff instead. I’m almost at the end of my second week taking it, and it is terrible, nothing like Trinessa. I’ve had weird stabbing pains in my left breast, I’m tired 24/7, my anxiety has been awful, I’ve had no appetite, and my stomach has constantly been upset, and I’m so depressed that I barely want to get out of bed. If you were previously on Trinessa and liked it, do not get this. I’m going to have to try and find a better Trinessa equivalent now."

• Dis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I had been on Tri-Sprintec for about a year and a half to prevent pregnancy. A few months after starting to take it, I began to gain weight and became severely depressed. I would cry at every little thing, and my period cramps were worse than they were before. I couldn't sleep and had no sex drive. It didn't even occur to me that these changes were due to my birth control until I finally went to the doctor, who told me that sounds like symptoms of Tri-Sprintec. I just got an IUD placed, and I have never felt better, I have my personality back."

• Aba...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2021

For Acne "Initially, I was scared of trying Tri-Sprintec just because of the terrible reviews I saw and my previous experiences with BC pills (nausea, depression, diarrhea). But this pill is awesome! Apart from a few days of nausea and some initial breakouts, I had no mood swings, no weight gain. After the second week, my skin cleared up, and my boobs got slightly bigger too! All in all, great birth control. Would 10/10 recommend."

• KLi...
• January 22, 2020

For Birth Control "I was cautious in the beginning to not read women's reviews of Tri-Sprintec because I wanted to begin the experience with a fresh mind. I've only been on Tri-Sprintec for two months (just beginning pack #3), and although my doctor said it could take up to 3 packs to 'adjust,' I am not continuing with these synthetic hormones. I began taking this pill for a heavy period and cramps-neither were relieved. In fact, I was spotting for the week before my periods and a little after, too. I never get headaches, and on this pill, I had a consistent dull throbbing pain in my head. I lost my appetite for weeks at the beginning. The worst side effect is my moods-I feel completely flat. As someone who typically is energized and excited (sometimes anxious too) about life, this pill was not for me. It stunted my personality. I threw my pack away today, and I will continue seeking alternative solutions to painful periods because I'd rather have painful periods than feel this emotional numbness."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 3, 2020

For Birth Control "Tri-Sprintec was the first birth control I ever took. I was 17 years old, and I took it until I was 19. Tri-Sprintec caused me the worst years of my life. I was so depressed to the point where I could barely get out of bed sometimes. I got to a point where life was too much. I cried almost every day for the last 2 months on this pill until I couldn’t take it anymore! I went to the doctor, and she told me, surprisingly, that everything I was feeling was common taking Tri-Sprintec! She immediately switched me over to “Sprintec,” and I have not been having issues with my hormones at all. The only thing I hate about this pill is that it takes away my sex drive. I literally never get “in the mood” anymore, and it sucks. I don’t even remember the last time I was horny... but I guess you have to give to receive."

• Tan...
• November 14, 2019

For Birth Control "Started the Tri-Sprintec pill about 3 months ago, and it’s one of my biggest regrets. I should’ve listened to the reviews. I experienced horrible anxiety, my depression has been at an extreme low, crazy nervous sweats, nausea, loss of appetite, and last but not least, the mood swings. I’m usually a pretty chill person, aka not usually moody. So this was different for me. These pills really messed me up. That’s my honest review."

• She...
• January 18, 2016

For Acne "I started taking this birth control in September when my acne started to become uncontrollable. It has helped immensely with my hormonal skin issues. However, I started breaking out along my cheeks where I had never previously broken out before. I realized this area was related to stomach issues and read that birth control can kill the good bacteria in the stomach lining. If you're experiencing breakouts along your cheeks, I highly recommend taking a probiotic daily in conjunction with your birth control! It has helped immensely! My skin is looking so much better! However, each month I seem to get really depressed right before the week of the placebo pills and am hoping this side effect subsides! Just be very wary of this!"

• Nic...
• February 2, 2017

For Birth Control "I've waited out the three-month wait time of absolute hell. Since starting Tri-Sprintec, my anxiety is through the roof, which exacerbates my depression to the point of me having suicidal thoughts on a daily basis. I can't wait to see my doctor and switch to a new pill. At 25 years old, my acne had subsided from the teenage years, but since I was started on Tri-Sprintec, it has come back. I thought maybe it would just come and go around the time of my period. Nope. Still here and even more coming in. I feel like I am back to being a teenager again with this acne and crazy mood swings. I am crying over anything and everything. Maybe these side effects will go away in more time, but I can't handle this any longer to find out."

• lal...
• August 25, 2015

For Birth Control "While Tri-Sprintec is effective at preventing an unwanted pregnancy, it has the worst side effects I have ever experienced on a birth control pill. I've only been on it for a little over a week and I have to stop using it. It has given me excruciating stomach aches, nausea, fatigue, migraines, and worst of all, it is aggravating my anxiety levels. I feel like I'm on the verge of having a major panic attack since I started taking this awful pill. Not only is my anxiety getting out of control, but I also feel depressed and uninterested in everything. All I want to do is sleep. I wish my stupid insurance covered Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, that has been the best pill so far. I don't recommend Tri-Sprintec to anyone."

• Amy...
• October 8, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been taking this birth control for a little over two years now. It's been great overall, but lately, I've been extremely depressed for absolutely no reason, and my mood swings have been terrible (I go from contemplating killing someone to crying in a matter of seconds) and felt like I lost the need to live until I started thinking, maybe it's my birth control? It's like, I know that's the cause of all of this. I can't wait to get it out of my system for good."