Ortho Tri-Cyclen (Birth control) Reviews

Ok listen, I had horrible acne from the age of 12. We tried everything, I mean everything, shots, differin, cetaphyl, glucolic acid, salicylic acid, accutane...nothing worked. Then we decided to do Ortho-tri-cyclen. I opted to get the generic version, Trinessa, thinking it was the same thing, but NO.

If you read one thing in this post, read this: You shouldn't comprimise where medication is involved, especially when it has such emotional ramifications. Yes, often generic medicine really is the same, but not always.

Trinessa was a huge mistake for me. This is what happened almost immediately:
- acne got much worse
- weight gain
- severe moodswings
- depression

Then I switched to the actual brand Ortho-tri-cyclen. After a month my skin was clear. The moodiness and depression stopped. I lost some of the weight but still not all of it. Ortho might have something to do with the extra weight that I still carry, but I'm not sure. I'm 19, and I'm so happy to have clear skin (with the exception of some faint scars) and being able to leave the house without wearing foundation that I don't want to switch, even with the weight. I'm just working on compensating with extra excercise etc. If you have terrible skin that doesn't respond to anything, Ortho might be a good step to take. Only a few people gain weight from it, if any, I don't know anyone who's taken it for skin and hasn't seen positive results.

**Oh, also, Orth Lo doesn't do anything for skin, just birth control. Look it up.

Ortho TriCyclen worked really well for me when I was about 15. Then my clinic switched to Desogen, which worked equally well seemed to affect me less in terms of my mood. I never gained weight on either of the pills. I stopped taking all pills when I was 16 1/2 and now, at age 18, I'll be going back on Ortho TriCyclen. By coincidence, I'm going to a wedding in less than two weeks, and I really hope my face clears up. It was never really bad until I strayed from the path of sobriety (oops) and it got really messed up, all those toxins in my body. I've been clean now for almost six months and I wish it would get better. Here's hopin'!

I have always had mild acne, but nothing a little makeup couldn't cover. I was on regular Ortho Tricyclen for about 6 months and while it cleared up my skin, it made me nauseous and at the start of each new pack of pills, I would inevitably vomit that evening. I stuck with it for about 9 months and then tried Ortho Evra, the patch. That did not make me sick but did not do as good of a job clearing up my skin. About 5 months ago, I went on Ortho TriCyclen Lo and my skin has gotten worse and worse. Also, my hair seems to be thinning and I know that this is a side effect of most birth control pills. My doctor just prescribed me Lo/Ovral so I'll see how that goes.

i have been on the pill for about 2 and half months..i have to say that the pill worked for me..i havent had any acne..i havent gain weight..i actually lost weight..its probably one of the best choices i made to go on Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo..

I used to take Ortho Novum 777-28 and stopped about 5 years ago because that was giving me night sweats (at only age 25) I never had bad acne before stopping. It seems like I wake up with a new "friend" almost every day or every other day. I tried EVERYTHING- saw a dermatologist, Antibiotic cream, Proactive, salacylic acid, benzoil, scrubs, masks, all products ranging from scrubbing to gentle. I even tried that ridiculous 3 day apple fast/enema wonder sold on the internet. I finally called my MD and he put me on Ortho lo. I have always had regular periods until now. I am on day 23 of my period! I am nauseous and crabby/tired. I don't feel myself. I don't notice any results on the acne yet, but it is only month 1. I will give it two more packs, unless my period doesn't stop at all. Please tell me it will work! I don't know what else to try after this! I am 31 and don't want to be on BCP high doses d/t clotting risks. The risk goes up after 35. I just want my acne to go away. I am risking my health because of vain reasons, so it better be worth it! What the heck to movies stars use? You can still see raised areas on a person's face, even if they are the right color.

I took Ortho Tri-Cyclen for 3 years before going off birth control all together for a year. After going off the pill, I lost 15 pounds in 2 months (all of which had been gained while taking the pill) and somehow became a much happier, less moody person. Only problem was, my skin got a bit worse, and my periods became unbearable. I went on Yasmin 8 months ago to alleviate the more serious PMS symptoms and have had no side effects whatsoever. My weight is the same, my periods are good, and my skin is perfect. I highly recommend Yasmin over Ortho-Tri-Cyclen.

My skin only looked great when i was actually pregnant - oral contraceptives never worked for me. My body evidentally knows the difference!

PLease no one take this pill!! Well the Lo formula anyways. I started taking it about 2 weeks ago and the very next day my face started breaking out on my cheeks like crazy, and my forehead was covered in little ones you cant really see, but I know they're there. Its the only thing I can think of thats making me break out because I have had clear skin for so long. Its pointless and such a waste. If your having problems with your skin, then get off of it and mention the cream called Benzaclin to your Derma. Its the best treatment and since its benzoyl peroxide it will simply clear you up and dry your breakout wether than making you breakout worse before taking effect like most creams. Also Nuetrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser. Its for sensetive skin and wont clog your pores or irritate you. This combination has worked AWESOME for me. I hope this helps anyone!

I took this pill in order to not be on my period while on vacation in the Carribean. I was on it for 7 weeks. My face was covered with pimples around my mouth (never have had a problem) and probably gained 10 lbs, so honestly I would have rather been on my period, even have a string hanging out of my suit than all bloated, feeling fat, and covered in pimples. I have been off a week and feel better!!!! Not to mention NO SEX drive at ALL! It sucks.

I have been taking Ortho Tri Lo for almost 2 months now and my skin has never broken out so much in my life! I honestly don't know whether to stop taking the pill or give it a few more months. Something that is suppose to clear up your skin...interesting :(