Tri-Lo-Sprintec and Depression: What Users Say

• txg...
• July 30, 2019

For Birth Control "60 days of awfulness. I was on Orth Tri-Cyclen Lo for 14 years before switching to Tri-Lo Sprintec. I don't believe it was an equivalent generic. I’m a strong, independent, hard-working, successful, and happy woman who is very driven — motivation was the first to go. I gained 12 lbs in 1 week. I was irritable, emotional, anxious about everything. I was depressed and had dark thoughts (which I knew was crazy) but couldn’t think straight enough to know I needed help. I had zero sex drive, felt bloated and horrible. Nothing mattered (relationship, career). I realized I wasn’t alone. After stopping Tri-Lo Sprintec, I started thinking clearly, the hazy brain fog was gone. I switched to Aviane - I'm 3 weeks in with zero side effects. I’m feeling myself again. Not everyone has extreme reactions to Tri-Lo Sprintec, but if you’re on here looking for answers - talk to your doctor. I have submitted this to the FDA and Teva as a formal complaint."

• Sam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 21, 2021

For Birth Control "Do not let these reviews scare you! Birth control is not a one-size-fits-all and literally just depends on your body. This is the first pill that hasn’t caused negative side effects like depression, mood swings, or any other mental health problems that I’ve experienced with other pills. The only side effect I experienced was acne for the first 3 months, but that could have been due to stress or other factors. My skin eventually cleared, and I have had no other problems with this pill!"

• kat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I was hesitant to try Tri-Lo Sprintec after hearing its bad reviews. I had switched from pill to pill, trying to find the best one. I was using the pill to treat bad cramps and horrible acne. First, I was on Falmina (a generic of Aviane), which made me break out even more. Then I switched to Nikki, a generic of Yaz. It helped with skin but made me severely depressed, so I switched to Tri-Lo Sprintec... and never looked back. I’ve had fantastic skin ever since (even better than on Yaz!), haven’t gained any weight, and haven’t had any bad PMS or hormonal mood changes. I haven’t exhibited signs of depression as a result of the pill. I had minor headaches in the beginning, but they did not last long and don’t happen anymore. I absolutely love this pill. It’s improved my sex drive, mood, and skin substantially, and I am so thankful—I feel better on this pill than any other! LOVE THIS! Don’t listen to every single review—give it a try, it might be right for your body."

• Luz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 19, 2021

For Birth Control "Tri-Lo-Sprintec was the first birth control I’ve ever been on. At first, I wasn’t too sure about it. The first few months were rough. I’m talking depression I’ve never experienced before. I was crying over nothing, had tons of anxiety, and was suddenly super insecure. It was such a dark time in my life, I legit thought I was going crazy, and my poor boyfriend supported me through that nightmare. I stuck through it, however (idk why), and surprisingly it all went away one day. It lasted about 3 months, but after that, I had no bad side effects - no weight gain, no acne, and it really helped me out with my period pain. I used to curl up in bed and cry because of how bad my cramps were, and on this pill, it was finally manageable. I still experienced a little pain, but it felt like what a 'normal' cramp was supposed to feel like compared to what I used to go through. Honestly, overall a good experience, but I had to go through a nightmare to get there, and it really depends if you think it’s worth taking the risk."

• Aly...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2021

For Birth Control "My experience being on this pill is by far some of the most traumatic experiences of my life. I started it when I was a senior in high school (about 2 years ago), and I immediately was thrust into an extremely dark depressive episode, which had aftereffects that lasted for about 3 months-just because of how deeply scarring this episode was. I was extremely happy, positive, and stable with some mild anxiety that I was quite good at managing, with no history of depression or ideations of self-harm/suicide. However, starting this pill had me thinking some of the darkest and scariest thoughts of my life, and after I stopped taking it, I almost immediately (a day or two after) felt a tangible difference in my thoughts and feelings. A couple of days ago, I decided to try it again, just in case maybe it would affect me differently-but it did the exact same thing unfortunately, and I was thrust into another very scary depressive episode with extreme anxiety. Please be very careful."

• Lor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I started taking Tri-Lo-Sprintec about 3 weeks ago and almost immediately began noticing depression creeping in, subtle dizzy spells, and extreme brain fog and forgetfulness. I had my suspicions it was related to the pill, but decided to give it a little longer to see if maybe it was just stress. Well, I still feel weird as anything, and now after reading these reviews, it’s clear to me it’s the pill that’s the culprit. I’m so sick of this. When are they going to come up with a birth control pill for men!!!"

• AJ6...
• October 30, 2019

For Birth Control "Tri-Lo-Sprintec was the worst birth control! I'd been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for years, then switched to Trinessa Lo. Both of those worked great for me. No adverse side effects. Suddenly, this year I can't get either, so they provide me Tri-Lo-Sprintec, the generic that's supposed to be the same. No way! I have gained weight and am always bloated. Heck, for one of the months I thought I was pregnant because my stomach was huge! Moodiness, crying, furious, sadness - you name it! Worst of all, horrible acne! The other two pills actually helped my skin, this one made my skin much worse than not being on birth control at all! I gave it time to see if my body would adjust, it only got worse. So if you feel as though the symptoms are horrible and you want to stop - stop! I regret giving this time because it has ruined my skin. The only reason I'm leaving two stars is because it does prevent pregnancy - but if I feel so hideous, I don't want my husband touching me anyway!"

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I can’t believe it took me 6 months to figure out this pill was making me lose my mind. I have been on Trinessa Lo for about 3 years, and when they discontinued it a few months ago during the winter, they put me on Tri-Lo-Sprintec. The pharmacist said that it was the same. HA. I have had insane mood swings, depression for the first time in my life, irritability, fatigue, and no libido. My good friend's mom is an OB and is getting me on a new pill. This should not be a substitute for ortho-tricyclen Lo or Trinessa Lo, it freaking sucks!"

• NYB...
• September 5, 2018

For Birth Control "My insurance switched me from Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo to Tri-Lo-Sprintec. I wasn't a happy camper that they did this, I was told it's basically the same thing. Little did I know those additives were not the same thing. I took Tri-Lo-Sprintec for 2 years, I developed anxiety and was depressed pretty much the entire time I was on this pill. I was having really depressed thoughts and felt like I was going crazy. I've never had a panic/anxiety attack until I started taking Tri-Lo-Sprintec. I've been off it since Jan 2018, and I don't have those depressed thoughts, my anxiety has immensely decreased, and I haven't had a panic attack since. Do NOT let your doctor give you this stuff. I told my Gyno I ONLY want Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo and no substitutes. Usually, insurance companies will cover this product if your doctor asked for strictly that item. Don't let your mental health decrease so insurance companies can save money. You're more important than that."

• Mal...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 31, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Tri-Lo-Sprintec for a little over 6 months now. After trying the progestin-only pill, which caused side effects such as anxiety, depression, nausea, and headache, I then was switched to Sprintec, which caused abnormal bleeding for nearly three months. I love Tri-Lo-Sprintec! It took a while for my body to adjust. I had some weight gain. No other major side effects. It tremendously helps with irregular, heavy, painful periods and all other PMS symptoms. My mood is also much more stabilized on it. Everyone is different. Do not let the reviews from others scare you from trying this one. You'll eventually find one that works for you! This one just happened to be the one for me."

• BTa...
• September 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I have had severe cystic acne for all my life. I am 22 now and have been on Accutane twice, which only fixed my hormonal area around my jaw for a year. It has been a month since being on this Tri-Lo-Sprintec birth control, and my acne has significantly cleared. The inflamed bumps have gone down, and I feel much more confident. I have read the first month would be a nightmare, so I was prepared. It was! I have major depression and extreme mood swings. I have lashed out at my boyfriend multiple times, almost causing a breakup of our six-year relationship. I have zero interest in things and slight water retention, especially in my stomach region. I have been working out to maintain my weight, but I feel swollen most of the time. I will stick out this birth control solely for the acne improvements."

• Ast...
• March 25, 2019

For Birth Control "After reading these reviews, I realized I have gone through the same thing as so many other people on here. I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for years and absolutely loved it. My insurance stopped covering it, and I got switched to Trinessa Lo. Trinessa Lo was great, and I didn't even notice a difference. But now, both Ortho and Trinessa are discontinued, and I was forced into switching to Tri-Lo-Sprintec. I was really hopeful it would turn out okay like it did with Trinessa. NOPE! Tri-Lo-Sprintec was awful! I only took it for a week before I had to absolutely stop taking it. 1.) I broke out in acne very badly. 2.) I got bad headaches and slight nausea. 3.) I had pretty annoying mood swings, but the worst side effect for me was the absolutely crippling depression and feeling of sadness and absolute dread. I was paralyzed with depression and sadness on this pill and cried every single day. I couldn't even give the pill a chance for a full cycle because it was just too awful."

• Ast...
• March 25, 2019

For Birth Control "After reading these reviews, I realized I have gone through the same thing as so many other people on here. I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for years and absolutely loved it. My insurance stopped covering it, and I got switched to Trinessa Lo. Trinessa Lo was great, and I didn't even notice a difference. But now, both Ortho and Trinessa are discontinued, and I was forced into switching to Tri-Lo-Sprintec. I was really hopeful it would turn out okay like it did with Trinessa. NOPE! Tri-Lo-Sprintec was awful! I only took it for a week before I had to absolutely stop taking it. 1.) I broke out in acne very badly. 2.) I got bad headaches and slight nausea. 3.) I had pretty annoying mood swings, but the worst side effect for me was the absolutely crippling depression and feeling of sadness and absolute dread. I was paralyzed with depression and sadness on this pill and cried every single day. I couldn't even give the pill a chance for a full cycle because it was just too awful."

• DOR...
• October 5, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Trinessa (my favorite), Lo Lestrin Fe, now Tri-Lo-Sprintec. I have had bloody discharge for the past two weeks. I have had days of depression where I feel like I cannot move from my bed. I have literally given up on eating healthy, as soon as I got on this, I do not care about anything I eat. Mentally, I'd say I'm not normal. I could sit on my bed and just start to cry. My boobs have grown... like a lot. Nausea usually kicks in at night before bed EVERY NIGHT. I have heart palpitations, and I began to feel like I need to take a deep breath, when I try to, I feel like I am suffocating and can't breathe. I understand I should be taking this for at least three months, but hell no."

• Mia...
• March 6, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started taking Ortho almost two decades ago because of my heavy and prolonged bleeding. I have never had any problems, noticeable side effects, or complications. I only had one period per month, and it didn't last more than 7 days. To my surprise, my coverage made me switch to the 'new' generic Tri-Lo-Sprintec, and the pharmacy assured me it is 'exactly the same.' It is not. I have never felt so depressed for no reason, anxious, angry, exhausted, disconnected... I don't feel like myself and feel like a crazy person. I'm having trouble focusing. I also have a weird rash on my chest and experienced sudden weight gain. I hate this pill, and it is definitely NOT the same as Ortho. Don't make the same mistake I did!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 4, 2019

For Birth Control "Have been taking this for about 8 months now. Today is the day I stop, the side effects are horrible. The first few months, I was getting a very heavy period in the middle of my pack, lasting two weeks. I decided to keep taking it to give it a fair shot and have noticed how depressed this birth control has made me. I cry extremely frequently and feel crazy, which is not normal for me, and I do not have any major changes in my life. This has also given me daily migraines, to the point I’d be throwing up at work from nausea and unable to sleep at night. It has somewhat cleared up my acne, but the side effects are not worth it. I’m done with Tri-Lo-Sprintec."

• BKa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 20, 2019

For Birth Control "After not feeling like myself for months, I decided to research my birth control (Tri-Lo-Sprintec) and see other people’s reviews out of curiosity. I was shocked to find that many people experienced the same symptoms as I did. After a couple of months of taking this pill, I experienced physical and mental health issues including depression, heart palpitations, shortness of breath that sometimes felt like I was about to have an anxiety attack, irritability, and mood swings that made me angry and later regretful, breast soreness, feeling unmotivated and extremely tired, as well as feeling weak overall, and a noticeable decrease in libido as I got into the 3rd and 4th month of this birth control. Birth control affects everyone differently, but with so many similar reviews on here, I thought I would share my input and strongly guide everyone who reads this to look into another alternative for birth control. I will be getting off of this Tri-Lo-Sprintec ASAP as I feel these symptoms are related to this pill!"

• Dup...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2016

For Birth Control "My insurance switched me to Tri-Lo-Sprintec about a month and a half ago without me knowing. I decided to give it a shot since it was free and I was paying $100/month for Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo previously. On OTCL for 2 years, I had no negative side effects, which was a relief after trying everything under the sun (most recently Microgestin FE, which made me incredibly depressed). The 1.5 months since I have been on TLS, ALL of these negative side effects: irritability, depression, weight gain, depression, headaches, lethargy...you name it, I have it. I am SO upset that I finally found something that worked and insurance dictates what pill I should take. I'm speaking with my doctor to fix my Rx ASAP. Not staying on TLS no matter what."

• Anonymous
• February 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I was taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for about 5 years and loved it until I got switched to Trinessa Lo due to having to pay cash for it. I was nervous, but fortunately, the transition was unnoticeable, and I continued to take it for 5 years. In December 2018, my pharmacy switched me yet again to Tri-Lo Sprintec, and I did not know until I got home and couldn't return the 3-month supply. Let's just say, I was right to be nervous about the switch... I HATE IT!! It's been 2 months, and I have been eating everything in sight, which in turn makes me feel bloated all the time. I've never experienced such crazy mood swings, I feel depressed and not like myself at all. I was hoping to just suffer through the 3 months and then try to find Trinessa Lo again. After looking around the Internet, I just found out it's been discontinued. Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo too!!! Now I don't know what to do because I'm afraid to try another BC and risk having worse side effects than I have right now."

• Mar...
• September 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for about a year. It does a good job at avoiding pregnancy and preventing acne. However, about 6 months in, I started to notice that I became severely depressed. I’ve been thinking really bad thoughts (self-hate/self-harm, etc.). And lately, I have been having extreme anxiety to the point where I can’t even function properly. I feel like I am going crazy because I can just be sitting down or doing anything, and suddenly I start crying for no apparent reason. I’m constantly sad all the time, and it’s extremely exhausting. I think I need to speak with my doctor to discuss getting off this birth control. I personally don’t believe the pros outweigh the cons."

• Mar...
• September 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for about a year. It does a good job at avoiding pregnancy and preventing acne. However, about 6 months in, I started to notice that I became severely depressed. I’ve been thinking really bad thoughts (self-hate/self-harm, etc.). And lately, I have been having extreme anxiety to the point where I can’t even function properly. I feel like I am going crazy because I can just be sitting down or doing anything, and suddenly I start crying for no apparent reason. I’m constantly sad all the time, and it’s extremely exhausting. I think I need to speak with my doctor to discuss getting off this birth control. I personally don’t believe the pros outweigh the cons."

• So...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2016

For Birth Control "Two months ago, my insurance informed me they no longer cover Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (that had no side effects) and would basically have to switch to the generic form, Tri-Lo-Sprintec. Being assured that it was the same thing and that keeping Ortho would cost about $150, I went ahead and took the generic. I could only make it through one and a half packs before I couldn't take the side effects anymore. I was gaining a lot of weight for no reason, constantly bloated, breaking out, fatigued, suddenly depressed for no reason, spotting, and even my period just starting for no reason! I finally finished my second pack today, but my period started a week ago. I told the pharmacy to switch me back, worst BC, not the same as Ortho Lo."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2019

For Birth Control "Like the review ahead of me, I've also experienced the horrible side effects of Tri-Lo-Sprintec and think it should be discontinued. I was crying every day in my boss's office, sad, moody, and emotional for no reason and seriously depressed and didn't feel like me. I started my period 2 weeks early, and it lasted longer than usual, and I've never had cramps or bloating until now. I hate this pill and stopped taking it. I've been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo since I was 16 (almost 20 years) and then Trinessa Lo, which both worked fab for me for years. This new drug is awful. I gave it 3.5 months and tossed it. Asking about IUD at gyno now. Good luck to others. How do we get the old drug back?!?"

• Mis...
• November 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I got put on this birth control, Tri-Lo-Sprintec, two months ago to prevent pregnancy and to clear my hormonal cystic acne. I know everyone recommends you try something for at least three months before you ditch it and move on to your next possible solution. However, sometimes it just doesn’t work that way, and you just can’t take the mental abuse some of these medications cause. I’m not writing this review to scare off anyone from trying it, I searched and searched before being bold and reminding myself that everyone’s body is different and that maybe this birth control could potentially be my solution to clear skin. It wasn’t. I now have cystic acne on my cheeks, chin, and back. Starting out, I only had chin acne. I’ve always dealt with acne but haven’t had it this bad in a long time. This birth control has also made me have two mental breakdowns, I’ve never in my life had such a breakdown before. It made me lose my sex drive and did I mention how emotional I am after being on this BC? I hate it."

• Kat...
• April 27, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on Tri-Lo-Sprintec for four months. I switched over from Ortho Tri-Cyclen, which I loved. My first period on Tri-Lo-Sprintec was horrendous. I was extremely depressed and hopeless, which I did not experience on my previous birth control. Since then, my mood around the time of my period has settled, but I get debilitating migraines consistently every month on the first day of my period. It has the same active ingredients as the name brand, but it feels quite different to me, maybe that has to do with the inactive ingredients."