There are 1207 ratings for the drug: ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN in the Askapatient database.

Key to ratings for ortho tri-cyclen: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

Page: 1  2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13    Results are sorted by Age from oldest to youngest.

Rating	Reason	Side Effects	Comments	Sex	Age	Time Taken and Dosage		Date Added
				F  M
Change sort order by clicking arrow under column heading.
4	acne	My daugher was recently prescribed BC pills for acne so I thought I would do some research before giving them to her. Wow!!! I couldn't believe the comments about Tri-Nessa. I am returning them to the pharmacy right away and asking for Tri-cyclen. Thank you so much to everyone for your comments. It helped me to avoid a potentially horrible situation for my daughter.		F	56			11/9/2006
1	Birth Control	Bleeding from the get go, severe nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, gained four pounds when I can't even eat and no sex drive.	There must be a better way for women my age. My doctor told me to quit taking it. I can't wait to start feeling better again.	F	53	14 days		11/28/2007
5	birth control	I, too, was switched from Ortho tri-cyclen to TriNessa because my insurance no longer covered ortho tri-cyclen. I get severe headaches weeks 3-4. This month was the worst! Throbbing headaches and not able to do much of anything. Taking headache and migraine meds didn't help a bit. I am thankful I saw this web site. I have suffered long enough. I am getting off tri-nessa NOW. Thanks for all your helpful insight. I thought it was just me and didn't realize it was the tri-nessa. It will be worth paying the extra money for ortho tri-cyclen. Thanks for all your postings!		F	48	4 months		12/4/2008
5	Birth control	Worse cramps during period even though period was light. Breast tenderness, sensitive bladder.	This was a very good pill. There was no transition adjustment at all from the Triphaisal I was taking previously. I had absolutely no PMS with this pill. When generics came out I switched to OTC Lo, but that pill did not work at all for me. I had even worse cramps, worse breast tenderness, stomach cramping and premenstral tension.	F	48	5 years		2/21/2007
4	large blood clots	first week a little nauseated but it went away. Periods are lighter but have actually been extended by about 2 days.	I am on ortho tri-cyclen lo. No weight gain...actually have lost 10 pounds in 2 months but have also been more active in that time frame. No depression, irritability, tiredness, hunger that others complain about. As of this month because of price difference, I am trying the generic version and so far no change.	F	47	4 months		1/15/2010
3	Birth control	Ortho tri-cyclen for 10 years doc switched to ortho tri-cyclen lo a year ago major hair loss for the last year it just stopped recently. No other noticeable side affects.	Does anyone know if the hair loss is permanent or will it grow back when I quit???? Please I'm totally worried!	F	47	20 days		1/14/2008
5	Birth control, period regulation	I was on OTC Lo with no problems for 2 1/2 years.	Insurance forced me to switch so the Dr gave me and Rx for OTC regular instead of Lo. The pharmacy gave me the generic Tri-Nessa. I have been on it for two weeks. I have been feeling like I was going crazy. I have been extremely moody and irritable. I wake up feeling like I did not sleep. Just yesterday, I realized that I have been feeling like this since switching pills. I'm going to ask the pharmacy for the OTC regular instead of Tri-nessa and see if that works. If not, I will pay the extra for the OTC Lo. Thanks for all of your great comments. At least I know I'm not going crazy!	F	46	15 days		2/17/2007
3	cramps, prevent pregnancy	Moody, zero sex drive, and I mean zero.	I have been on and off birth control since the age of 18 years. Started when I was 18 took for a couple of years, and then stopped. Had to return to it to control severe cramping. I was a track runner and wonder if that contributed to my endometriosis. After I go married in my thirties, I took the pill between planned pregnancies. Hair thinned (but could be just age) and my once great sex drive has been driven into the dust. I never want to have sex..!! I would rather sleep. The only time I feel slightly normal is at the tail end of my cycle. It is awful to walk around feeling like a mummy. I often have high anxiety as well.	F	46	8 years 1X D		2/27/2010
1	regulate periods	Extreme nausea, vomiting, anorexia		F	46	7 days		11/18/2005
1	Generic Trinessa	weight Gain, anxiety and maybe the cause of a stroke	i was using the BC patch and my insurance did not cover it any more so i was told it covered Trinessa so switched, my boobs hurt, gained weight and then last saturday i suffered a stroke which my be due to this BC i have had numerous test which have come back ok i have one more test to do and if that is normal then the BC was the cause of the stroke, I dont smoke and I am only 44	F	44	4 years 1X D		3/5/2010 Email
1	acne and birth control	Trinessa made me gain weight so dramatically the first two weeks, I had to stop taking it - I felt like I was hungry all the time. It also completely killed my sex drive. I never had these problems with ortho tri-cyclen.		F	44	2 weeks		2/3/2006
1	birth control	Took TriNessa and feel like I'm dying	I've had nothing but problems since taking this drug for a month, mood swings, lack of sleep, bloating, and break through bleeding which I've never had in my life on OTC. I am going back to the regular one asap! I think this drug is very dangerous!	F	44	3 weeks		9/10/2009
5	To regulate my period	No side effects to OTC, which I was taking for years. My insurance stopped covering it so I was forced to switch to Trinessa. TERRIBLE allergy starting after just 1 pill. I thought I'm going blind swelling and burnign of the skin around my eyes got progressivly worst despite allergy meds I was taking, finally after 4 pills I figure it out. It was Trinessa!!! Don't take this pill, you are safer to pay more more OTC.		F	43	13 years		4/28/2006
5	PMDD and acne	I was on antidepressants to control PMDD and antibiotics for the acne and neither was working very well. The Antidepressants made me too unemotional about everything-very flatlined. So I asked if we could try hormone treatment. The Trinessa was great. Everything seemd to be gong fine until for some reason the Pharmacist switched it to Sprintec. He said they were the same thing. For 5 months I have thought I was going crazy. The mmods swings were awful and got worse. the acned are around my chin and neck came back and never went away. The next time I went for a refill I asked a different pharmacist and he said they were NOT the same thing. Thank God--I thought I was going crazy. So now I am back on the Trinessa-first week. and I feel better already. Although I have had a hard time sleeping the last couple of night. No one else has mentioned that so it must be stress or something else.		F	42			7/8/2007
5	Regulate periods, birth control	No negative side effects. My periods went from extremely heavy (I was in the bathroom soaked every 15-20 minutes with huge blood clots), lengthy (lasted 2-3 months at times without stopping) and painful to completely normal and predictable within 3 cycles of starting Ortho Tri-Cyclen.	Ortho Tri-Cyclen has given me my life back, I could not be more thrilled with the results. I also have tried generics (Cilest, Tri-Nessa)to save money and within one month the symptoms started to return. I will never again use any other brand, saving money is not worth my life and my sanity. Ortho Tri-Cyclen is honestly the only brand that I trust.	F	42	1 years		2/15/2005
5	perimenopausal symptoms	Ortho tri-cyclen was great. NO PROBLEMS!!!	Do not switch to Tri-Nessa!!! I have been on it one month and I am losing my mind! Crying all the time - bloated - sooooo depressed!!! Do not want to do anything - no energy!!! Stay AWAY from it!!!	F	42	6 years		5/6/2005
1	ovarian cysts	weight gain (6pnds.), bloated, fat tummy, bleeding daily, cranky and I'm usually VERY mild mannered, YEAST INFECTION followed by a bladder infection.	It's the worst BC I've ever taken!	F	42	4 weeks		12/1/2009
5	polycystic ovary disease	No side effects with brand-name Ortho Tri-Cyclen. I had side effects with generic Tri-Sprintec - missed periods, spotting for an entire month.	I was switched by my insurance company from Ortho Tri-Cyclen to Tri-Sprintec. This month, I was switched back to brand name (thank goodness!!!) and realized I had been having side effects with the generic. My rosacea was even worse on the generic! DO NOT TAKE GENERIC if you can avoid it! They should take it off the market!	F	41	10 years		6/9/2005
5	regulate periods, birth control	I just wanted to comment on TriNessa - I wish I'd read these opinions before ***PLEASE READ THIS*** After 6 months of taking TriNessa I found myself in the emergency room. I was dx w/a blood clot extending from my armpit down to my wrist. I had to give myself injections in my stomach for almost a month, I've been put on coumadin(blood thinner), I had to be out of work for almost a month due to the risk of an embolism. I am fairly young and healthy with no family history of blood clotting problems. It turned out to be the TriNessa ... please do not ignore any pain in your calves/legs, arms, or chest (including difficulty breathing) - I am still not out of the woods 6 months later. I wish I'd explored my other options and would have found this site invaluable.		F	41	6 months		2/9/2007
3	Birth control	Low libido. Foggy thinking, indecisive, less analytical. Felt like a Stepford wife. Spotting in the first two weeks, but eventually went away.	Benefits: Flawless skin.	F	41	1 years		8/25/2007
1	birth control	headache swelling extremely tired moody bloating constant bleeding	I just started taking this 14days ago..I have never felt so bad my blood pressure is starting to go back up and I have been bleeding for 14 day's I ache severely and have gained about 3lbs my eyes are puffy and I just can't get enough sleep my head won't stop hurting.	F	41	14 days		6/12/2009
4	regulate /acne	I have had good results with OTC and Tri-Sprintec. My acne cleared up, regular periods-- felt great!	My pharmacy switched me from the generic Tri-Sprintec to Trinessa. Big mistake!! I had huge mood swings. I ranged from severely depressed, not wanting to get out bed, sleeping , crying jags , and ANGRY to feeling OK on the off week. My poor husband and kids thought I was crazy. I thought I was crazy!! My acne returned with a vengeance. Not just on my face but on my back, chest where I never had any!! I have taken BCP's on & off for many years and NEVER had this type of reaction. I kept trying to figure out why I felt this way and the only that changed in my life was the change of BCPs to Trinessa. This website confirmed my suspicions.thank you! I spoke to my pharmacist and he is going to reorder Tri-Sprintec for me. I have been on/off BCPs for many years and have NEVER EVER felt the way Trinessa made me feel. This should be taken off the market!! I was only on Trinessa for 2 months. I have taken OTC in the past and Tri-Sprintec for 6 years with NO difficulty.	F	40	2 months		2/10/2009
1	birth control, control a heavy peri	My dr. prescribed OTC but the pharmacy filled Trinessa. Nausea, headaches, breathrough bleeding during the 3rd active pill week, tender breasts, major moodiness, difficulty sleeping, night sweats, absolutely no sex drive.	I had taken ortho novum 7/7/7 for 15+ years and never had any of the problems I'm experiencing now. But after the birth of my son 2 years ago, I was prescribed OTC. Can't say whether I would've had a better experience with OTC but I can say that Trinessa has been a nightmare. My husband says that I am a totally different person and I do feel different. I'm moody, irritable, short-fused, and impatient. My face hasn't broken out like this since I was a teenager. I'm nauseous the first 2 days back on it and the fatigue is miserable. My hair comes out in handfuls in the shower. And sex is out of the question. I just went to my dr. this week and requested a new bcp and hopefully will have better results. I wish I would've seen this 1-1/2 years ago so I could've requested OTC instead of Trinessa.	F	40	18 months		8/9/2007
1	horrible periods	I REALLY DON'T NEED TO HAVE BIRTH CONTROL, BECAUSE I AM NOW A FAT, EVIL BITCH EVER SINCE I STARTED ORTHO-TRICYCLEN, NO MAN ALIVE WOULD WANT TO HAVE SEX WITH ME NOW. I HAVE A WHOLE YEARS SUPPLY OF IT NOW AND I CAN'T CONTINUE TAKING IT. I HAVE GAINED 10 POUNDS IN 2 MONTHS, I CAN'T STOP EATING I STARVE ALL THE TIME. I AM HATEFUL AND EVIL !!!!!!!!!!!	GOING IN THE TRASH CAN	F	40	2 months		3/8/2005
1	birthcontrol	Sick to my stomach within hours. This last all day and night on and off.	I've only been on this for 4 days. everyday all day and night my stomach feels yuck!!!! I'm eating crackers the entire day in hopes that I wont get sick....I will be contacting my DR. first thing Monday morning for a different medication.	F	40	4 days 1X D		3/7/2010
5	Clearing up acne and side effects	On OTC I experienced no side effects at all I was on it from 1998 to 2004. But like most of the women when my health insurance plan suddenly only wanted to use Generics. So I wound up on Zovia then TriNessa.	I have been on TriNessa for two years and couldn't figure out why I had sudden rages, crying jags,hair cropping up after having paid for electrolysis three years before And 50lbs when I haven't changed my eating habits. Well thank you ladies for making me see I'm not suffering from aging but my form of birth control pill. I'm going back to OTC immediately. TRINESSA IS A GENERIC PILL NIGHTMARE. I'm switiching insurance companies because mine was a difference of $30 for TriNessa and $80 for OTC for a three month supply. But OTC is worth it.	F	39	7 years		12/24/2006 Email
4	early menopause	bloating	Besides some bloating tri-sprintec has been fine. EVERYONE is different! Please stop telling people what they should or shouldn't take. Sometimes you have try different ones until you find one that is right for you. When it comes to hormones one size does not fit all.	F	39	6 days		10/30/2007
2	Prevent pregnancy	Weight gain. Lack of sex drive. Vaginal dryness.	I have taken OTC in the past with no problems. I went off BCPs for about a year. When I started taking them again, I was perscribed Trinessa. Since then , I have no desire for sex. I know BCPs can cause side effects but, since I had no problems in the past and the formulation is supposed to be the same, I didn't suspect that my low libido was due to the Trinessa. After taking Trinessa for a year, I decided not take BCPs due to my age and health risks. I only found this site because I googled "how long will it take me to get my period after I quit taking Trinessa?". It was only then that I realized the Trinessa could be behind my lack of interest in sex. It has now been 2-3 months since I quit taking the meds and my sex drive has not returned. PLEASE, if anybody knows... HOW LONG AFTER YOU QUIT TAKING TRINSSA DID THE SIDE EFFECTS GO AWAY?	F	39	1 years		2/1/2009 Email
2	PMS Symptoms	Breakouts, Cystic Acne (became worse over time), Weight Gain, Major Appetite Increase, Mild Depression, Heart Burn, Irritable, Residing Feelings of Anger	So odd how pills effect each woman do differently. I guess it depends on what our personal hormone levels already are? I was on Nuva Ring 5 yrs before this. Switched to this, because of no sex drive on Nuva Ring and hyper pigmentation on face with Nuva Ring.	F	39	9 months 1X D		2/13/2010
2	Birth Control	5 pound weight gain in 19 days, cramping, extreme fatigue, depression, bleeding for 2 weeks straight.	This actually makes no sense because I was on the pill when I was younger and had no real issue. Off for about 5 years. Just started out 2 mos. ago again, first with Tri Sprintec and had consistent cramping, bleeding and fatigue. I asked my Dr. to switch me to Tri-cyclen LO thinking the lower hormones might help and I thought I was better for about a week. All of a sudden the symptoms returned with a vengeance as the hormones increased. And I gained 5 pounds! (I weigh myself consistently and track what I eat and exercise.) I definitely noticed an increase in appetite as well, but not enough to account for 5 lbs! (Mostly in the boob and booty area...nice). The big problem, though, was just how tired, depressed and bloated around the belly I became. I suppose maybe some people adjust to this, but I am going to find a non-hormonal contraceptive. I don't want my body to adjust to this. It's not normal!	F	39	60 days		1/21/2010 Email
1	birth control	i've had horrible headaches and naseau daily since i've taken it.. didn't put it together tilll just now when i decided to google side effects.. i also feel like my skin is drier thus making my wrinkles pronounced :( annd my hair is noticeably falling out more.. I feel Tired and reluctant to get dressed or do annything. Im moodier than normal... and IM IN LOVE.. i wasn't feeling moody 3 weeks ago... and now i've been crying alot.. and although im tired .. i wake up in the middle of the night and dont sleep well.	I'm going to stop taking this drug asap. it feels like im poisoning myself. no wonder why u don't get pregant. who knows what else its doing to my body.. and i've only taken this for 3 weeks.. i can't imagine long term affects..	F	39	3 weeks		1/7/2010
1	birth control	GENERIC VERSION CALLED TRINESSA Breast Sensitivity, Irritability, Yeast Infections are happening almost every month at taking the 10th or 11th pill in the cycle. My hair dresser freaked out that I lost so much hair during the washing process! I am losing a lot of hair. Saw my family doctor, everything tested fine, thyroid, diabetes, am not anemic. I am a healthy 39 year old woman that teaches yoga and has been taking this generic version for a little over 6 months. Think I'm going to quit taking it, the yeast infections are out of control, not to mention, I'd rather not go bald!!!		F	39	6 months		3/6/2006 Email
1	for 11 days	very nervous, irritable, awful thoughts, anxiety, many headaches and a general malaise. i was very upset about the stupidest little things. I tried to exwercise as much as possible to expel the demons in my head, that helped, but not for long. I am stopping today, after 11 days and throwing away the rest of the packet, it is POISON!!!	don't take it, there are other ways to avoid pregnancy. In my case its because I have endometriosis and taking th epill helps with avoiding cysts, but I will go back to Allesse, the low dose that I used to take before.	F	39	11 days		9/25/2009 Email
4	Birth Control	I had no problems with OTC except for a little break-through bleeding midcycle. I have been on TriNessa for almost a year due to Rx plan reasons, and I have felt terrible for months. Unbelievable cramping (weeks long) and weight gain (10 lbs)without any change in diet. Really bad night sweats too - I'm only 38! Went to the MD and nothing was wrong! No depression or terrible mood swings. I don't smoke.	I am going back to OTC today - can't wait =:) The pre and post cramping and nausea has been unbearable! If you're symptoms have changed due to Trinessa, even if it is only a guess, revert back to OTC. It is worth a try and going by what these other ladies are saying, it will work wonders! Demand it and tell your doctor!	F	38	19 years		1/22/2006 Email
3	ALL REASONS	RIGHT HAND GOES NUMB- NUMBNESS DOWN THE RIGHT ARM-NEEDLES IN HAND (COMES AND GOES)- ALOT OF ACNE- NEVER HAD ACNE BEFORE-ON MY FACE AND NECK. WEIGHT GAIN USE TO 115 NOW (3MOS LATER) 121. NO MOOD SWINGS/STRANGE BEEDING OCCURANCES. DRY EYES.	LIKE THE FACT THERE IS NO MOOD SWINGS- THIS IS THE ONLY PILL SO FAR THAT HAS KEPT ME BALANCED.	F	38	3 days		11/23/2004 Email
3	Birth control	Migraine, severe headaches, zits, weight gain	I've only been on for a couple of months. I'll give it another month, but the headaches were brutal. I actually had to get a prescription for them. One night, about 5 days before my period, I had a migraine (the only migraines I'd had before were during my second pregnancy) and then I had severe headaches for almost two weeks after. If it happens next month, I'll go off.		38	2 months		6/25/2008
3	birth control and acne	Break through bleeding - it does help your skin, but, the brown bleeding off and on is so irritating. I switched to another pill and had no interim bleeding, but, broke out so I switched back and within two weeks, brown bleeding again. Not worth the facial benefits!		M	38	1 years		11/5/2008
3	Birth Control	Mood swings, Headache, Joint Ache, Hair loss.	I take since two years this Pill and because I loose more and more Hair I STOP. I would be bald when I'm 40. The mood swings are terrible, for the headache and joint pain I need pain medications. I believe now it is the time that my husband has to take the responsibility of birth control. Every day since 20 Years to pop in hormones is enough....	F	38	2 years		4/12/2007
2	Birth control, regulate my period.	Headaches, feeling flushed in my face, weight gain, tender breasts.	I've been on OTC in the past, was prescribed Mircette and didn't start it due to the reviews on this website. Unfortunately, OTC didn't help me feel any better. I'm not starting the new pack tomorrow morning. My period this month was longer than when I'm not on the pill. I can't find a BCP that doesn't give me very bad headaches!! I never had this problem when I was younger. I guess my almost 40 year old body is telling me to stick to condoms!	F	38	1 months		12/23/2006
2	Birth Control	Switcht (8 month ago) from Ortho Tri-Cyclin to Trinessa now I feel moddy and depressed, loosing more hair as normal, and I have bleeding between the period (my period bleeding has also changed it is more irregular), I actually lost weight on Trinessa and I have more skin problems. I will start this month with Ortho Tri-Cyclin again. If I have still problems I will go for a Sterilization by Laparoscopy. Never had Problems with Birth Control Pills in Europe.		F	38			11/14/2006
2	Birth Control	Switcht (8 month ago) from Ortho Tri-Cyclin to Trinessa now I feel moddy and depressed, loosing more hair as normal, and I have bleeding between the period (my period bleeding has also changed it is more irregular), I actually lost weight on Trinessa and I have more skin problems. I will start this month with Ortho Tri-Cyclin again. If I have still problems I will go for a Sterilization by Laparoscopy. Never had Problems with Birth Control Pills in Europe.		F	38			11/14/2006
2	Birth Control	Switcht (8 month ago) from Ortho Tri-Cyclin to Trinessa now I feel moddy and depressed, loosing more hair as normal, and I have bleeding between the period (my period bleeding has also changed it is more irregular), I actually lost weight on Trinessa and I have more skin problems. I will start this month with Ortho Tri-Cyclin again. If I have still problems I will go for a Sterilization by Laparoscopy. Never had Problems with Birth Control Pills in Europe.		F	38			11/14/2006
1	Acne	Chronic loss of libido even after going off Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. Chronically raised SHBG levels, severly diminished testosterone levels (free and total).	I have been off of Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for eight months. My libido has never returned and in fact has gotten worse. My testosterone level is less than half of what it was 7 months ago and my Sex Hormone Binding Globulin levels are twice as high. It's emotionally devistating me - taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo was the worst mistake I have ever made in my life. My life will never be the same. My doctor KNEW about this side effect and didn't tell me and it was not mentioned in the brochure.	F	38	9 days		3/20/2006 Email
1	Pregnancy prevention	ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN **LO** - side effect mimicked pregnancy because I was pregnant!	Do not use Ortho Tri-Cyclen LO. I am average weight and height, took the pill religiously at 7AM every morning (even weekends - set my alarm), took no antibiotics, vitamins or herbs of any kind, and got pregnant while taking the 2nd pack. The side effects were exactly those of pregnancy, so I didn't even *think* to get tested until I noticed that my midsection was getting a little too pudgy. This pill cannot be trusted!	F	38	5 months		4/6/2005
5	clear skin	Breakthrough bleeding during month two for the first week. So we will see what happens during month 3.	Okay, here is the deal. I am a nurse. Ortho Tri-cyclen has TWO generics: Trinessa AND Tri-Sprintec. Orthocyclen has a generic also, called SPRINTEC. Please do your research online using a reliable database, such as CVS, and do not post information about pills that you do not understand. It is not fair to the lay person.	F	37	45 days		12/2/2008
5	regulate	ortho tricyclen is great! trinessa sucks!!!don't do it!!	Over the last year I have gained 40 pounds! I look and feel horrible. I thought I was going into early menopause because I have no desire to sleep with anyone. I thought that the pain in in my breasts was complications of implants I got a couple of years ago so I learned to live with the pain. I am a singer and my appearance is my living. My audience does not recognize me so I have resorted to playing beer joints instead of casinos and social functions because I am so embarrased of my appearance. I tried adkins diet and gained weight. The gym... gained weight starving, six small meals everything gained more weight. My bro in law asked me what kind of bc I was taking. It hit me that the insurance company had switched me to trinessa. I can't believe I could have remedied this situation a year ago and not had to suffer these horrible circumstances wondering if my life was over as I had always known it. I am paying 45 a month for a gym membership I would not need if they would not have switched me. Ortho is great! Trinessa will change every aspect of your life for the worse.	F	37			8/14/2005
5	endometriosis, regulation of period	Slight nausea first few months of taking it.	Otho Tri Cyclen was great, last summer pharmacy switched me to Tri Nessa, have had horrible mood swings, extreme anger, depression, dizziness, anxiety. I am so glad I read this website, I thought I was going crazy. Now I realize it was the Tri Nessa, I am calling my Dr in the morning and having her switch me back to Ortho Tri Cyceln, I don't care how much extra I have to pay!!	F	37	6 years		8/12/2005 Email
5	birth control	some weight loss; some nausea in the beginning	i like it. when i stopped this pill i started gaining weight. this pill clears my skin	F	37	4 years		11/15/2006
4	acne, ovarian cysts, pelvic pain	Weight gain, more migraines than usual	This drug did help with acne, ovarian cysts and decreased the pelvic pain I was experiencing all month long. It also decreased menstrual cramps and had a lighter flow. I had to go off of it due to increased migraines so they switched me to ortho tri-cyclen lo. The lo decreased my migraines somewhat but didn't help with acne.	F	37	5 years		2/3/2008
3	Birth Control	Bloating, Tender breasts, progressively more painful migranes, Mood swings until I switched to Ortho lo approximately 1.5 years ago. Bloating and tenderness has continued. Migranes primarily during placebo week.		F	37	8 years		2/6/2005
3	Discontinued Tri-Phasil 28 in 2007	Tried OTC-Lo as gynocologist said was comparable to Tri-Phasil 28 which I had been on since I was 21 yrs old. I gained about 10 lbs and had 2 periods a month. After 4 months, they switched me to OTC regular and lost 10 lbs quickly. I seem to be more regular but have had some naseau in mornings and sometimes become very moody and rude my husband says for no apparent reason. I feel almost pre-menopausal and have an anal itch that has started. I also feel it makes my stomach more acidic and gasy if such a word and have had 2 painful stomach aches with lightheadedness and cold sweats in last 4 months and ate nothing out of the ordinary.	OTC regular seems to be keeping me regular and have not experienced any hair loss. I am just trying to figure out if all my side effects are normal or am I having pre-menopausal experiences at 37 years of age. I have a history in my family on my mom's side of early menopause before 40. Ugh! This is very frustrating and wish Tri-Phasil still existed as never had any of these experiences till the switch to OTC! : (	F	37	6 months		6/6/2008 Email
3	preparing for marriage	mood swings, nausa, emotionally drained, tired	I am so very glad that I found this site, because I had no idea what in the world was going on. I was just snapping at my BF like crazy for no reason. I didn't want to be bothered with him at all. I just know that he thought that I was going crazy and I'm glad now to know that it's really not me, but these pills. I'm going to give it a whole month to see if this goes away, because I hate feeling this way, but to know it's the meds make me feel much better...	F	37	13 days 30 1X D		4/2/2010
2	Large cyst, irregular bleeding	one sided headaches, breakthrough bleeding, anxiety, depression, constant feeling of "doom and gloom", nausea, no interest in sex	this was this first time I ever took birth control after having my period for twenty-six years! I wish I never did this...the headaches (if this is the cause or it is extremely ironic that they started after taking this!) are driving me nuts, and I feel like all I think about is death/dying/cancer...I hate this feeling. I have suffered from depression before, and was mildly depressed before I started, but now-it is scaring me...who wants to consciously feel this way all the time??? and the periods are still irregular and spotting right now for the past week because I missed two pills over the holiday...ugh. Do guys ever deal with anything similar to this crap?	F	37	5 months		11/30/2009
1	birth control	I've been on and off this pill for years and have never really put together the side affects until now because my hair has been rapidly falling out! Not to mention the INSANE moods and iritability that have made me feel completely out of control. I'm so upset that I didn't realize this sooner- I thought it was "just me"...it's not. It's this AWFUL pill!!!		F	37	2 years 1X D		4/14/2010 Email
1	pregnancy prevention	painful breasts, severe mood changes, bloating, weight gain from water retention.	In spite of the fact that I am a marathon runner and eat a very healthy diet, I gained weight while taking this pill. I believe is most of the weight gain is water retention, as even my face got kinda puffy and my shoes do not fit right. My breasts hurt, which makes running very uncomfortable - that was a show stopper for me. I was also cranky as hell - borderline homicidal, even. I am usually a very mellow and upbeat person. I have decided to discontinue taking this pill, and seek other alternatives.	F	37	1X D		3/11/2010 History
1	Birth Control, Regulate Periods,	HORRIBLE mood swings, cramping, clotting, and weight gain! I could not imagine why I was always in such a wicked mood. Mad at everyone & everything, not thinking at all that it was related to the Ortho. I gained 5 pounds of water weight which made me bloated & uncomfortable all the time. One week of every month, I felt great...the rest of the month I felt horrible.	I wish I hadn't wasted the 2 years or more that I was on it...and wish I had seen this website earlier or I would have told my Dr. to give me something else. I have switched to YAZ effective July 08, and it is AWESOME! Highly recommend! Lost the weight, no bloating, no cramps, lighter period, and more important...none of those damn mood swings!	F	37	2 years		9/12/2008
1	Birth Control	Weight gain, nausea, headaches, fatigue, anger/irritability, depression, lack of motivation, breast enlargement, breast tenderness, night sweats, dizziness, insomnia.	I have been on birth control since I was a teenager. As an adult, I was on OTC for a long time before being switched to Trinessa about a year ago due to insurance reasons. The OTC worked great for me. The Trinessa, on the other hand, has been terrible. I never know what I'm going to get from month to month. Some months are fine, with a little water weight gain like clockwork about 10 days prior to menstruating Some months, however, are OUT OF CONTROL. Headaches that won't go away or intense fatigue...having to sleep and sleep and sleep, or no desire to go anywhere or do anything or see/talk to anyone. This month I had breast enlargement from almost the very first pill and have subsequently gained about 10 pounds in two weeks. This is unheard of as I work out *daily* and watch what I eat. It simply feels like the hormones in Trinessa are off, from month to month. With their recall last year, they certainly don't seem very reliable. I am throwing it all in the garbag	F	37	1.5 years		7/7/2007
5	Birth control, cramps and acne	No adverse side effects experienced with Ortho Tri-Cyclen; I love it! There has been no weight gain and my skin is as clear as it has ever been.	I recently decided to switch to Tri-Nessa to save a little money. I only took Tri-Nessa for one month and it was the most horrible experience. I experienced unexplained crying spells, moodiness, cramping throughout the month and constant hunger, which resulted in gaining 5 pounds in one month. I was so relieved when I found this website and realized that I was not going crazy and that others experienced that same adverse affects. I am immediately switching back to Ortho Tri-cyclen.	F	36	10 years		1/10/2005
5	acne	minor fluid retention	I have taken many different types of birth control pills over the years and ortho tri-cylen was by far the best. When it became a generic recently and I saw how much ortho had become I gladly switched. It took awhile for me to figure it out but generic form called Trinessa has dramatically effected my life and not in a good way. I did not gain any weight while on ortho but since i've been on Trinessa in the last year I have gone up 2 dress sizes. I have never been this big in my life!!! My breasts have increased to a D from a C, it's not a good thing! My sex drive has dramatically decreased to almost inexistent. Ortho was just the opposite. For the last few months I have side effects that feel like	F	36	15 months		5/14/2005
5	Ovarian cysts, to prevent pregnancy	With OTC I had no side effects. I have been using OTC for 10 years. My skin looked fantastic, I had no hair loss and it actually made my hair thick and very healthy. BUT then I was given the generic - Trinessa.	HORRIBLE!!! Trinessa is HORRIBLE!!! I thought it was me. I thought my body was going through some weird change. I now realize it was the generic. Without my knowing my insurance changed my prescription. I did not think anything of it since I thought it was the same. When I started reading this board the lights when on. I experienced horrible hair loss with handfuls coming out every day. I then put on 10 pounds of just water in 9 days. I went off of the pill, lost all of the weight by peeing a lot and my hair loss stopped. I am seeing my Gyno tomorrow and I am going back on OTC, not the generic.	F	36	10 years		4/17/2007 Email
3	severe cramping, heavy flow	I gained 10 pounds within the first month of taking this pill. My cramps have lessened somewhat, and my flow has been greatly reduced. The cramps still require excessive quantities of pain killers, and I start to feel them coming on the Monday after I go off the pills even though my actual flow doesn't start until Tuesday or Wednesday. So, that is a bit bothersome. Also, this pill caused my flow to have fairly large clots, which I never experienced before and contributes to the painful cramping. On the upside, it has drastically shortened the actual days of flow to about three, which is the best thing I can say about this pill. I have also experienced increasing anxiety and mood swings. While you can never really be sure if that's directly related to the pill, it does seem to have intensified since I started taking this pill.	I started on birth control when I was 16. I'm now 36. I started on Demulen 1/50, 50 mcg of estrogen. Talk about harsh on a 16 year old. I've been on Ortho cept and Ortho Cyclen since then, never being really satisfied with any of them. I started OTC after reading some decent things about it online. First off, I gained 10 pounds in the first month of taking it, mostly in the boobs it seemed. I went up almost a full cup size. My husband was pleased with this. Me, not soo much. Secondly, it did reduce the flow amount and length greatly. 3 day periods, and I basically only use Lite tampons. That's the best benefit this pill had. Thirdly, it caused pretty extreme clotting in my flow, which makes the cramping worse. Lastly, I have experienced increasing anxiety, depression, and mood swings with it, unlike anything I experienced with the other pills I've been on. Bottom line, you will most likely gain weight on this pill and experience some negative mood altering effect	F	36	2 years		6/23/2008 Email
3	birth control, regulating my cycle	I've been on this for about 15 years,with the exception of going off twice with the birth of my daughters (and I lost weight when I did) I gained when going on Ortho tri-cyclen about 15 lbs, this was devasting seeing that I was only 105 at the time. Ever since I can not lose weight, even though I exercise everyday and eat well (except for a once and awhile treat) I can't lose the friggin weight. My Endocrinologist said it could be because of the male hormone in my pill and suggested going on Yasmin, but with everything in the news about the health problems associated with Yasmin, I don't know what the frick to think.		M	36	15 years		10/20/2009
2	acne, birth control	This review is for the generic TriNessa. I had previously used brand name Ortho Tri-Cyclen for a decade with nothing but good effects. Three years ago I was switched to TriNessa, I experienced: sudden weight gain, bloating, severe fluid retention that led to tingling in my legs and feet and broken capillaries in legs. If you are on TriNessa and are experiencing these symptoms..know you are not alone. Talk with your dr.	I stopped taking birth control pills altogether in August 2005. I am working to lose the TriNessa weight and then I hope to go back on Ortho Tri-Cyclen. I use other generic drugs and have never experienced such a difference. I don't work for or speak for anyone associated with Ortho McNeil. I just want to get the message out about TriNessa's side effects. I hope this helps someone.	F	36	3 years		11/18/2005
1	Prevent pregnancy	Mood swings; extreme fatigue and mental fogginess some days, then others, almost manic	I had a baby and 6 weeks later went on this bc instead of my Loestrin which I had taken the prior 10 years, because of promises of clearer skin. I thought I had postpartum depression for the following 8 or 10 months! Some days I could cycle within hours between total feelings of hopelessness and tears to almost manic happiness and elation. Some days, I couldn't even do a load of laundry--I would try to psych myself up to do it, then drop back on the couch. All while trying to care for a baby! My marriage of 12 years almost ended. Finally, I called my doctor's office and asked the nurse if she could switch my bc Rx. She said she had the same experience on Ortho-Tricyclen but for 13 years. Hormones and women's bodies are not an exact science, unfortunately. I just had a bad experience on Yasmin and Yaz, but quit after 3 months. Please--if you have mood issues, fatigue issues, etc., think about your birth control pill FIRST.	F	36	9 months		8/15/2006
1	birth control	dizziness, panic attacks, throat tight -- difficulty swallowing	I was taking the generic -- tri-lo sprintec -- and would NEVER recommend this drug to ANYONE. Made me feel like I was losing my mind, like I couldn't possibly work feeling this dizzy and awful!	F	36	56 days 1X D		3/3/2010 Email
1	Birth Control	Weight gain, headaches (migraines), feelings of depression, anger and extreme irritability, no sexual desire and/or arousal, extreme PMS symptoms and bloating, and no energy.	I have never taken the brand name Ortho Tri-Cylen but I have taken both generics of Tri-Nessa and Tri-Spintec. I HATE them both!! I would NOT recommend either of them to anyone. The only other BCP I have taken is Ortho Novum 7/7/7 which I had taken for years before being put on the Ortho Tri-Cyclen 3 years ago after the birth of my last child. I loved those and had no problems whatsoever on them. I recently saw my OB/GYN about this very issue and was told that it is very unlikely that the Ortho Tri-Cyclen (or any other BCP) would cause thse symptoms. However, she said she would gladly switch me back to the Ortho Novum 7/7/7 if that was my wish. I am considering trying the Mirena IUD as I have heard good things about it but I may just stick with what I know and go back on the triple 7s. The sad thing is that it has taken me 2 years to figure out what has been causing my weight gain (25-30 lbs), headaches, bloating, depression, loss of sexual desire and irritability and anger problems. I never knew that oral contraceptives could cause these types of extreme problems until I watched Dr. Drew's sex show one night. It really opened my eyes. I will be glad to finally get back to normal again. I have not been myself at all since taking the Ortho Tri-Cyclen.	F	36	2 years		7/1/2005 Email
1	Birth control	I have found myself to be a person that can not tolerate hormonal birth control. I was on this medication for about a year and a half when I went off because I felt it was making me more irritable, anxious, and also making my eyes dry. Two weeks later, the stuff really hit the fan. I began having horrible, long, uncontrollable panic attacks. Along with this, my heart rate went up and would not go down. I was diagnosed with tachycardia by a cardiologist who said my troubles all stemmed from having been on and then going off of the Pill. In trying to deal with all the chaos my body was going through due to my natural progesterone production being compromised by taking the Pill, I was put on Ativan (which is another horrible, dangerous drug which it took me 16 months to wean off of [after 4 months of use]). I was also put on Celexa (SSRI), which I am about to start weaning from. I can't count the thousands of dollars in doctors bills over the last year and a half, that I would not have ha		F	36	16 months		3/23/2009 Email
1	prevent pregnancy	Massive Hair Loss!	Been taking ortho for over 6 months, just turned 36 and going bald! I have taken birth controll pills before I had children in my 20's and never experienced hair loss. They did mess up my cylce and it has never been the same even after years of no BC. I am devestated with this hair loss and will never add these hormones to my body again! There are other ways!	F	36	6 months		9/25/2007 Email
5	contraceptive	I took the original ortho tricyclen for 10 years with no side effects (it was wonderful!), then went off to have my first child. When it was time to start back on birth control after my baby was born, I decided to try the generic brand since it was half the cost (I couldn't believe the ortho brand was up to almost $50, and my insurance pays nothing for BC pills). I've been taking trinessa for about 4 months now, and I've been gaining weight like crazy, have huge sore breasts and have terrible headaches and mood swings during the 2nd half of my cycle. I've thought I was pregnant every month on this pill, because the symptoms are so similar! I'm so glad it finally occurred to me that it could be my pills, and this website has confirmed it. Trinessa is going into the trash today.	The Ortho brand is the only way to go. I will bite the bullet and pay the extra cost for the brand name from now on.	F	35	10 years		5/9/2005
5	Birth Control	Two weeks on Trinessa and I was ready to drive to the mail-order pharmacy that sent it to me instead of Ortho TriCyclen and hold someone hostage to get the Ortho. My mood was swinging from raging bitch to hopeless thoughts of suicide. DON'T TAKE TRINESSA! IT'S TOO MUCH RISK!		F	35	14 days		8/23/2005
5	Birth control-regulate periods-acne	No negative side effects.	DO NOT TAKE TRINESSA, THE GENERIC FORM OF ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN!! I switched just to save a few bucks and it was soooo not worth it! I had night sweats, irregular periods, acne, spotting, etc. I talked to my Doctor, who specializes in internal medicine, and she said that the generic form is not EXACTLY the same. She said that they are the same drug but have a different make-up. I switched back to ortho tri-cyclen a few months ago and my periods are back to normal, complexion is improving, and I have no more night sweats. Do yourself a favor and stick with the name brand. I read on some previous posts that some people are paying between $50-$100 for their monthly packs. I have never heard of them being that expensive! Even without my insurance, mine would only be around $38-$40 at Wal-Mart.	F	35	6 months		6/23/2006
5	Period regualtion		I just found out that TriNessa has been recalled. After reading everyone's comments I can see why. I ended up getting OTC again, was on it before but switched due to costs about a year ago. I too have had just about all the side effects listed here. More severe was depression. I really wanted to die, not kill myself but let's just say if I got hit by a bus...don't bother to send the ambulance. Eyore from Winnie The Pooh had more optimizm than I've had. I was able to combat a little with increased exercise and diet but it's come back. Now I know what's caused it. I'm a pessamist by nature but I'm usually not THAT negative. So we shall see now that I've got OTC again, $41 may be worth it. Thank everyone for telling your stories	F	35	1 years		3/19/2006
5	to clear acne and for birth control	I had been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen for about 8 years. This pill worked really well with my body chemistry. I felt good emotionally, my periods were lighter and I never experienced breakthrough bleeding. About a year ago I switched to the generic brand TriNessa. Since I have used other generic brand meds. I didn't expect there would be any difference. Unfortunately, I have been really struggling with fluid retention and swelling in my hands and feet since beginning the TriNessa. The effects were so gradual that it took me several months to understand just what was causing this. There is *something* different about TriNessa's formulation. It is supposed to have the same active ingredients but there aparently are other users like me who have experienced side effects on the generic that were never there on Ortho Tri-Cyclen. I haven't noticed more moodiness or emotional upset but the water weight difference was too obvious to ignore. Ortho Tri-Cyclen is a good pill for women wanting a low andro		F	35	9 years		9/29/2005
4	birth control		I am so glad I came across this website while researching Tri-Sprintec and Tri-Nessa. My insurance company will pay $40 for the ortho tri-cyclen lo but will pay $10 for the other two. I was thinking of switching, but after reading all these posts, not on your life. These two bc sound horrendous. I will gladly pay the $40 for the otc lo.	F	35	4 months		7/26/2006
3	Birth control	Severe fatigue in the morning and afternoon and tender breasts	I am taking the generic Trinessa.	F	35	6 days		7/16/2007
2	birth control	I took Ortho Tri for a couple of years, then switched to generic tri nessa. Do not take it. For the past 2-3 months I have been wondering why I have gained so much weight. I work out almost every day. Then I got on this site. Thanks to every one that has written in. I've already called the Pharmacy to switch back. If my insurance won't cover it I will switch to something else. People told me Yasmin helps you lose weight!!!!!!!!!!!!		F	35	10 days		4/5/2005 Email
1	Birth Control	Headaches, light-headedness, nausea, appetite change, tiredness, double the number of periods -- which became longer and heavier each time, vaginal soreness, cramps, weakness in leg muscles.	Wow, I hate this drug! I have had 4 periods in less than 2 months, and each one is worse than the last. These side-effects I listed just don't make it worth it to stay on this medicine. I realize that each new pill you take will cause some mild nausea, etc., but this is insane! I've never had trouble like this before! SO NOT WORTH IT!!!!!!!!	F	35	2 months		9/9/2009
1		nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, extreme mood swings, spotting	It took me 2 months in a row of being psycho to my new BF to realize it was the pill. Feelings of intense emotions, dread, hopelessness. I've been on the pill before but never felt like this. I'm taking myself off the pill right now to try and save a new relationship if it isn't too late! I am not a crazy person but this pill has made me psychotic!	F	35	2 months 1X D		3/1/2010
1	Birth control	Weight gain, sore breasts, depression and lack of sex drive. HATE THIS PILL! Going back to Levora!	I have had overall bloating and weight gain - it's been disastrous on that front. And I have no sex drive and am teetering about the depression front. Levora was a life saver compared to this!	F	35	3 months		12/28/2009
5		I have experienceda serious appetite change. I have very little appetite and have to remind myself to eat something.		F	34	2 months		7/11/2005
5	acne and birth control	None really on OTC, but I was switched to the generic Tri Sprintec and was miserable. Like others I've just read about, I thought I was crazy! I had major mood swings (thought about seeking professional help), cramps, and breakouts. I've switched back and am feeling much better and my skin is clear again!		F	34	5 years		4/22/2006
5	acne, birth control	None on OTC, it was the best thing ever.	I was switched to the generic Tri Sprintec and was miserable. Like others I've just read about I thought I was crazy. I had major mood swings (thought about seeking professional help), cramps, which I hadn't had in years, and breakouts. I've sucked up the money and am back on OTC, feeling better and my skin is clear too!	F	34	5 years		4/22/2006
5	acne and birth control	None really on OTC, but I was switched to the generic Tri Sprintec and was miserable. Like others I've just read about, I thought I was crazy! I had major mood swings (thought about seeking professional help), cramps, and breakouts. I've switched back and am feeling much better and my skin is clear again!		F	34	5 years		4/22/2006
5	Been switched to TriNessa	None so far. I don't understand all the negative comments about TriNessa. It is made of the exact same dosage of norgestimate and ethinyl estradial as Orth tri lo. Exact!! I don't think some people can handle birth control if it makes you have that many problems!?!?!? Severe mood swings?? I have tried 4 different types of birth control and never had crazy side effects from any of them!!!		F	34	7 days		9/6/2008
5	I'm actually going back on ortho	i would stay on ortho and not go on any other. the generic (trinessa) is ruining my marriage. No sex life, i'm extremely bithchy!!! Mood swings i can't even tell you, My husband and my poor children could. I'm surprised my head isn't turning 360.	STAY ON ORTHO DON'T GO ON THE GENERIC SAVE YOUR SANITY!!! ALSO I FORGOT I'M 34 YEARS OLD AND I ALSO LOOKED LIKE I WAS GOING THROUGH PUBERTY AGAIN ON THE TRINESSA, I ALSO HAD COLD SWEATS. ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN SAVED MY LIFE AND MY SANITY.......	F	34			5/2/2005 Email
4	birth control	i had no side effects on the ortho tri cyclen	i was on ortho tricyclen for about 3 years, i stopped and had a baby. at my 1 year post check up i was at my pre pregnancy weight!! at that time my doc put me on trinessa. After reading this board i now know why i have had No sex drive, bloating, weight gain, ( i weigh 15 pounds more than my 1 year post op check up), moodiness!!i thought i was crazy. i am getting off of it today.	F	34	1 years		4/20/2005 Email
4	BIRTH CONTORL, ACNE	DID ANYONE GO ON GENERIC TRINESSA AND GAIN WEIGHT? IF SO HOW LONG AFTER GOING OFF DID IT TAKE TO LOSE IT? THANKS		M	34			5/2/2005 Email
4	Birth Control	None. Loved it.	I am so glad I found this website! After having my daughter my doctor put me on a low dose pill. After I finished breast feeding I wanted to go back on OrthoTricyclen, the pharmacy gave Trinessa. What a nightmare I have gained 10 pounds in 4 months, started getting migraines, acne. I'm calling my doctor tomorrow to get OrthoTricyclen scrip.	F	34			6/26/2007
4	Birth Control	NONE	I was on Orth Tri-Cyclen Lo for about a year with no side effects. I'm looking for a new pill and wondering if I should go back or try something new with lower hormone levels.	F	34	1 years		8/28/2009
4				F	34			6/6/2006
4	Heavy and long periods	A little nausea for the first week, crackers helped.	I'm taking tri-lo-sprintec, the generic for ortho lo. I had a lot of anxiety because of all these bad reviews. Apparently, only people with negative experiences write in. Granted, I've only been on it for three weeks but i've had no side effects. No weight gain, no mood swings, no shedding of hair, no migraines, no tenderness in my breasts, nothing. My period was also shorter and lighter. I have tried a lot of different birth control pills but so far, this one is great.	F	34	3 weeks		1/22/2010
3	birth control	Minor weight gain (less than about 5 pounds). Eventually, headaches and high blood pressure.	Was way better than any other oral contraceptive I ever tried, and I think I've tried all of them. No bleeding, no weird mood swings.	F	34	2 years		10/19/2004
3	birth control	I was fine with Tri-Sprintec (although after reading this site I am thinking my headaches may have been caused by it). Trinessa is being horrible for me. Have taken it for two months and was sure I was pregnant. Had to pee constantly, felt huge, had mood swings, and extreme and unusual vaginal dryness.		F	34	2 months		8/11/2005
3	Clear up acne	None yet. Last night was day one of the pill...	I have had relatively clear skin for most of my life, with occasional flare ups that always went away with derm treatment. This past few months, after a period of several years of clear skin, my skin just went out of control. I tried everything from oral antibiotics, topical medication, even laser therapy. It would clear up then come back just before my period. I've been pretty sure that it is hormone induced, so I decided to try Ortho Tricyclin. I've always been wary of the pill because when I tried it years ago I had all the major side effects. I went on depo twice, the first time was ok, but the second time it made me break out. I'm hoping my body will do well on OTC, but we'll see. Thanks to everyone for your posts. I would have taken the generics if not for all your advice. Ok, so, day one and I have moderate acne, have all my hair and weigh about 112 lbs. Let's see what happens...	F	34	1 days		11/28/2007 Email
2	birth control, bad periods	On Tri-lo, moody/irritable, some weight gain, did not reduce cramps or period very well, unlike Ortho Novum	Skin looked a little better, but not worth it.	F	34	2 years		5/29/2008
2	Birth control	Weight gain, irritability, hair loss	After 4 months and deciding to give this pill an honest and fair shot 9regardless of user comments I had read), I am extremely dissapointed. My mood swings are out of control and every little thing pisses me off. I can't even stand to be around myself. I have two daughters and find myself not being a very understanding mom. I have also had weight gain, enlarges tender breasts and am experiencing a lot of hair loss. My periods are regular, but it is not worth who I have turned into. I woould not recommend OTC Lo to my worst enemy!	F	34	4 months		4/15/2008
2	bad cramps, pregnancy prevention	irritability, diminished sex drive, bloating, pelvic cramping, extreme fatigue, depression, more acne than normal	I am currently taking ortho tri cyclen lo and hate it. I lost my sex drive and am extremely irritable and tired all the time. I also feel bloated and depressed more than normal. The first birth control pill I tried was the regular ortho tri cyclen years ago and had none of the above symptoms. I went off it for many years and when I chose to go back on to birth control, I couldn't remember if I had been on the regular or the lo version so I told them to give me lo. I will be seeing the doc tomorrow to tell her about my symptoms and go on the regular version of the pill. I'm hoping this will clear up all my negative symptoms. Thanks to everyone for their reviews. I thought I was going crazy!	F	34	36 days		1/13/2010
1	regulate period, birth control	Experienced every negative emotional side effect you could experience: deep depression, frequent anxiety attacks, unusual tiredness, irrational behavior/reactions, bouts of uncontrollable sobbing/crying with no provocation, weight gain, and mood swings.	I had originally been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen, then switched to Tri Sprintec to save some money on my prescription copayments. While I had experienced a few of the same side effects when I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen (namely depression and anxiety), it wasn't until I started taking Tri Sprintec (on it only 2 mos) that I began to feel like I was literally going crazy. I had experienced a variety of (extreme) emotional reactions (most without any provocation): uncontrollable sobbing, frequent anxiety attacks, irrational/irritable, mood swings (angry one minute, sad the next), and the feeling that I was all alone. I've always been a happy, funny and outgoing person, but this pill changed everything about me. It turned me into a person who cared about nothing, who lost her temper, her sense of humor, and total control of her emotions (and unfortunately, lost her boyfriend as a result). I probably would've lost my mind too if I hadn't made the decision to stop taking it. (I stopped taking it on a	F	34	4 years		2/15/2008
1	Prevent Pregnancy	Vaginal dryness, headaches, unable to wear contact lenses, food cravings, water retention, weight gain, irritability, mood swings, breast tenderness, loss of libido.	I was on Yasmin (Ocella) for over 2 years. The only side effect I ever experienced was when I missed a pill and had to double-up, I would feel nauseated. Other than that, everything was good. I just could not handle the price since I lost my insurance. I decided to try OTC because it was half the price. I have been taking OTC for 2 months now and the side effects are not worth it. I am going back as soon as this pack is over. With Yasmin, my periods were light and almost no cramping. My first period on OTC was HORRIBLE! Cramping started the week before, heavy bleeding. My vision is always blurry, and when I looked on their website, the inability to wear contacts is listed as a side effect. Going back to Yasmin ASAP.	F	34	2 months		8/19/2009
1	Birth Control	extreme fatigue, insomnia, extreme irritability, vaginal dryness, decreased sex drive, vomiting, weight gain, bloating	This birth control works-only because it made me have ZERO desire to have sex, I was always too exhausted to have sex because I couldn't sleep at night, and completely dried me up! I vomited frequently, had terrible food cravings (which for the most part I didnt give in to-however, I still gained 10 pounds. Never felt more bloated in my life. Never felt more irritable in my life. Was on the generic of this for 3 months, switched to generic Ortho Tri LO hoping that would help- was on it for a week and a half and took myself off because it was far worse than anything I have ever experienced. Got off the pill for a month and hoping a new kind will work better.	F	34	3 months		9/19/2009

1  2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 
Average rating for drug: 2.9. This page is printer-friendly; use landscape print with background color turned on.

Key to ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

Askapatient Drug Database Enter Drug Name:

.