Tri-Sprintec and Headaches: What Users Say

• Kai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2020

For Birth Control "This birth control for me has only really done me a few favors, and that’s being free and not getting me pregnant. However, that being said, the side effects I can’t justify. I recently turned 18 and started taking the pill. My first month was fine, but the more I take it, the worse I’m getting. I’m having constant anxiety and panic attacks. I always feel extremely worried, stressed, and overwhelmed. I’m very irritable and impatient, not to mention it gives me horrendous headaches and recently extreme nausea and vomiting. Not to get into too much detail, but just absolutely projectile vomiting everywhere. Feeling very feverish, hot, and cold sweats, not to mention for period cramps, it does nothing. My cramps feel just as bad as they were before, and my period is just as heavy and maybe even a little longer. My sex drive has definitely decreased, and sex is painful, I nearly bleed a little each time. It’s causing me to go crazy, and I have trouble even sleeping with some of the symptoms."

• Ill...
• July 4, 2021

For Birth Control "Today is my 8th day of taking Tri-Sprintec. Let me start off by saying it’s been 7 years since I’ve been on any type of birth control. I’m 31 and have two daughters, ages 6 and 2. I decided to start taking the pill again to regulate my periods and, obviously, as a contraceptive. I originally came here for the reviews on the pill’s weight gain, since I’ve been pretty bloated the last 5 days (not to mention the miserable constipation and cramping). Other than that, I used to suffer from daily headaches/occasional migraines, and I haven’t had one as of yet! My husband says he’s noticed my mood has changed for the better! My random mood swings are no more, but honestly, my headaches were the main reason for my misery. My skin has cleared up dramatically, and I haven’t been drowsy or exhausted during the day like I used to. Overall, I’d say so far, so good! I’ll post an update after I finish my 30-day pack. Lastly, I want to add I take it right before bed to avoid any nausea."

• Anonymous
• September 26, 2009

For Birth Control "This is my third type of birth control pill over the last 4 years. I've gone on and off birth control, mostly because I'm not sexually active very much unless I have a boyfriend. Currently, I'm on my 5th packet. Pros: CHEAP! $9 at Wal-Mart. No taste. Easy to swallow. Periods reduced to 4-5 days when they were lasting 7-8 days before. Cons: Bad nausea and headaches on the first 3 packets. Slight breast tenderness upon resuming a new packet. Usually only lasts for a couple of days. Delayed periods. On my old birth control, I would get them the next day after stopping a packet, but now it takes 3-4 days for it to start. Painful cramps for the first day of the period. Overall, I'd recommend it. All types of birth control will give you some of these side effects."

• 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."

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I was told Tri-Sprintec had the same ingredients as Tri-Nessa (Tri-Nessa has been discontinued), so I went with it. I’m on day 6, and it’s been AWFUL! I feel nauseous and sick all day long. My mood is out of control, and I get these horrible headaches that won’t go away. I didn’t want to believe the reviews because everyone reacts differently, but this truly is the worst pill I’ve ever been on. I don’t even think I can finish the pack, TBH. Nothing like Tri-Nessa."

• 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."

• Ano...
• October 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I switched from TriNessa to Tri-Sprintec around 6 months ago, due to the discontinuance of TriNessa. I had previously been on TriNessa for roughly 3 years with zero side effects. Once I switched to Tri-Sprintec, I couldn’t even tell the difference. These two contraceptives are the only ones I’ve ever been able to take. All others have had way too many unbearable side effects. My acne has improved. I suffer from headaches, and Tri-Sprintec has not worsened them at all. I have no gastrointestinal side effects. No tenderness. I don’t notice a difference with my mood either. The menstrual cycle is regulated well with a light to moderate flow. I highly recommend."

• BMN...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2016

For Ovarian Cysts "I was diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 14, and I'm now 23. I've been on and off different forms of BC. Tri-Sprintec is the ONLY form of BC that has helped me. My periods are regulated, I have no acne, no unwanted facial hair, and it hasn't made me gain any kind of weight. The only negative effect I've experienced with Tri-Sprintec is an occasional headache. Other than that, it works great!"

• Lia...
• April 13, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This is the best birth control I've been on. No weight gain at all. And it doesn't make it hard to lose weight. My boobs have gotten bigger. My skin is so clear I get compliments on it (I used to have bad acne). And most importantly, no babies. I have sex with my SO without condoms, so I know it works. I know exactly when my period will come every month. That's a relief because I used to get my period anywhere from every 2 to 9 months apart. Only side effects are occasional nausea on the first week of each pack. And random headaches, but that's not often."

• 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."

• Ano...
• December 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm on my fourth month of Tri-Sprintec, and things are looking up!! The first month was definitely pretty torturous, I had a headache pretty much every day, and my breasts hurt so much that it hurt to walk too fast. My period came as scheduled, and I decided to keep on it. The second and third months were a breeze. Breast pain vanished, and my headaches are back to the frequency they were without Tri-Sprintec. This is definitely a pill for people that do not already have mood swings or heavy periods. I have noticed absolutely no changes to my mood, even during my bleeding week, and in general nothing has changed in my day-to-day besides dismissing a birth control alarm every morning. My skin has cleared up and is glowy, but I *think* I have noticed a larger loss in hair, like while washing or brushing it. Otherwise, a very good fit for me, someone who is very chill, never had mood swings, and doesn't have difficult periods. I just had to take away one star for that awful first month!"

• WAa...
• September 9, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "It's effective in the sense that it has done its job well, it prevented pregnancy, but I absolutely hate it. I switched over from Tricyclen due to its cost, but honestly, I'm planning on switching back. Severe cramps, headaches, and mood swings galore. The worst part of it all? I have been in my period for THREE WEEKS. It's ridiculous, I've never had issues with any other birth control. My regular period usually lasted 4 days maximum, compare that to constant bleeding for almost a month now. No thanks. Do not recommend this for anyone."

• Ray...
• December 15, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "So my gyno put me on this birth control pill for my irregular periods. I’m about to start month 3, and I’m impressed! At first, I was VERY scared to try the pill because of the negative reviews, but I gave it a shot and monitored my lifestyle closely. My first 3 weeks on the pill weren’t terrible, but I did experience a couple of negative but minor side effects. I had a couple of nights where I felt nauseous after taking the pill, and on a few occasions a headache, but nothing I couldn’t handle. I noticed I had some weight gain in my waistline, so I watched my food intake and upped my workouts slightly, and that took care of it. I’ve stayed at 133 lbs. I’m at month 3, and everything is totally normal! No depression, no insomnia, and no weight gain (thank goodness), and it’s cleared up my face! I personally love this pill, but I 100% agree that every woman may have different reactions. Also, it’s SO affordable, and that’s a big plus because I don’t have insurance."

• GSB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm 21 and got on Tri-Sprintec due to not having a period and PCOS. First day taking it, just felt mild nausea. Second day, I had body aches (as if I had a cold), weakness, bad nausea (but never threw up), headaches, and was not myself. Called to see if I could try a different birth control. The nurse just told me to stop taking it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on it now for a month, and I've been very moody, angry, and just wanting to be by myself. I've gained 5 extra pounds, but as far as acne goes, it's been clear. I've been getting really bad headaches and wanting to throw up after I eat. It seems like I've gotten all the side effects."

• Div...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been taking this birth control for about 3 months now, and my side effects are horrible! When taking it at night, it makes me feel a little nauseous, but I continued thinking it would pass. So then, after not liking the way it made me feel, I took it off and on (missed a couple of days). Well, now I have completely stopped because of the dizziness, pain in my lower right arm, nausea, and headaches. My dizziness came mostly during the night and would wake me from my sleep. This change from Tri Nessa to Tri Sprintec is the worst thing to happen to me! I have called my doctor for a change, I can't do this medication, and I've had to even stay home from work because of these symptoms."

• Ale...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2018

For Acne "Well, my experience with Tri-Sprintec: I’ve been on it for 3 weeks now, almost on my second pack. I switched from Tri-Previfem to this. This birth control gives me horrible side effects. The first two weeks, I was nauseous all the time and having headaches all the time. This birth control is stronger because I am now growing a linea nigra, believe that’s the name. But on the good side, my period is not heavy. I’ve been having unprotected sex, and so far, so good. Other than the side effects, it’s good. This, but I’m on birth control for my skin."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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
• 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."

• 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."

• 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."