I took Ortho-Tricyclen for 6 years, and my face was always clear. I switched to Ortho-Tricyclen Lo about 3 months ago because my doctor thought it may help clear up small melasma patches caused by the OTC, and I now have terrible breakouts and feel moodier than ever. Periods are more painful and last longer on the Lo, and water retention seems to be much more, as well. I can deal with almost anything, but the breakouts are terrible. Cystic acne on cheeks, and hard bumps on my forehead that do not go away - even with Retin-A Micro. I would warn anyone against switching to the Lo - I consider it to be one of the worst health decisions I've ever made.

Best solution I have found to treat my acne.
Downside, remembering to take it everyday, stroke risk (high in my family) & cost.

Ortho trycyclen is the first type of pill i've takin for birth control and I think it's pretty good. I have a strong stomach so i haven't experienced any nausea yet, and I don't think i've been moody at all from what my friends say. BEFORE i started taking the pill I used to be a real emotional basketcase but in my case it helped me out. I find myself happier than I used to, and my face is definately clearing up. I've definately had a huge increase in appetite. haha, I've been eating a lot more than usual, but at least I got a cup size bigger, because who doesn't like bigger breasts? haha.. The only problem I had with ortho tricyclen was that the first month my breasts were tender (probably because they were growing).. and I had some breakthrough bleeding. But the doctors say that breakthrough bleeding is perfectly normal the first 1-2 months because your body is getting used to the hormonal changes. 3rd month i didn't experience so much bleeding, and the break through bleeding gradually stopped. But I definately still have huge hunger cravings..

I have been on OTC Lo for 2 months and love it. I was on the depo shot for 2 years and had cystic painful acne for 2 years...why didn't anyone tell me about hormonal acne? I had no idea the depo was causing it. (kinda pissed at all the derms I went to) I tried every topical and anibiotic, finally my new gyno gave me OTC lo. I have no more acne, now just discoloration. If you have hormonal acne, try whatever birthcontrol you can until you get the results you want.

After being totally pleased with OTC for about 10 years, my mail order pharmacy swithced me to TRINESSA-IT SUCKS. I have been bleeding and cramping constantly for the two months I have been taking it. TRINESSA IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR OTC!!!!!

Depro, hated it!!! I gained more weight than the law allowed. Then the Nuva Ring, (this is fairly new)It worked fairly well until the abnormal vaginal discharges began. Of course you know that was very irritating. And then OTC, which I have just began. So far, so good....No mood swings, no change in weight or skin, but the irregular bleeding is a draw back. Especially when it occurs during intercourse. I plan to keep tryin it for awhile. I think you have to keep trying until you find what works best with your body.

Well what happened is i went on this pill(the regular one not the lo or generic) to help my mild- to moderate acne and what happened whas the first week i notied more breakouts and one side of my cheek was swollen, then after going through 2 packs of pills ive broken out completely and not the whitehead typp pimples but the deep cystic ones all over my whole face all of my cheeks my jaw line thankfully my back was spared, i saw the doctor and she was in shock, also my whole face was swollen, i went of it a month ago and i saw results imediately,skin started to improve,even though i am left with lots of red spots all over my face and scars .....the swelling went down but now my face is breaking out again and is it because of the after effect of the pill? any advice will it get worse better its just a stage??? please my vanity is far too important

Did anyone gain weight when taking ortho tryclen lo? I am normally thin but I eat right and exercise consistently.

I never took birth control until recently. I have been on ortho tri-cyclin lo for six months. I have absolutely no side effects. I am on time every month. I'm not as tired, my face cleared up. Around that time, my face does tend become a little red and irritated, but nothing compared to what used to happen.

I second the TriNessa troubles!!! I was on otc (not lo) and LOVED IT! My insurance co. switched me over w/out notifying me and I was a mess! I called them, called my doctor, got everything straightened out (they did not refund my money) and couldn't be happier to be on the GOOD generic, TriSprintec.
Stay away from TriNessa!!! Please! Also, your doctor can write DAW on your rx - it means Dispense As Written and the insurance co. CANNOT give you anything else. If they do, call your doc and scream the insurance co. Also, before you mail your rx out, make a copy w/the DAW on it for evidence. If you're at the pharmacy, you shouldn't have a problem! My acne went away again too.. With TriNessa, I broke out ALL THE TIME!