Switching BCPs... Please help! - Birth Control Message Board

bella1829 · 08-23-2007, 02:01 PM

Ok, so I was on Kariva (Mircette generic) for about 2 weeks and I stopped immediately because I was very depressed and had no appetite. I then started Tri-Sprintec (which I believe is the generic for Ortho-Tricyclen) and was on that for about 8 months. I recently came off of it because I was severly depressed and very emotional (crying for everything). I'm trying to find a new pill, I'm on it as birth control and also to help with my cysts.

The only problem is, I am very small and cannot afford to lose weight and I feel as though some pills cut my appetite away completely. I also suffer from chronic headaches and migraines and have heard that certain kinds of birth control pills can make those worse. I've been researching Alesse and Levlite (those are the next pills I will ask my doctor about). I'm at a loss right now, don't know what to do.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I'd appreciate any input at all. Thank you ladies!!

Raynie · 08-23-2007, 04:04 PM

Well, pills are very subjective to each individual. One will be great for one person, but horrid for another. What i've found (IMO) is that doctors tend to just give you what they are supposed to be pushing/marketing at the time. So you have to drill them with questions so that they will match your symptoms with a particular combination of hormones. There is a website that does this, but I don't remember if we can post links here or not. I personally like the high dose, monophasic pills. They keep my skin clear and I have control over when and how often I want to have my period (I often skip a month or two, any longer my "pms" increases). I've heard that when you try a new pill, you need to give it at least three months to allow your system to adjust to it.

I tried the generic form of Alesse and it gave me the worst heartburn I ever had.

kittywitty · 08-24-2007, 10:50 AM

Bella -

I'm currently not on the pill, however, I, like the pp, preferred the higher dose (estrogen) monophasic pills when I was on it. I found that I had fewer side effects on them. Such pills would be: Ovcon 35 or Brevicon. I was on both of these pills in the past and didn't have any major problems with either. I was depressed on them, though. However, I found out, after doing my own extensive research, that all birth control pills deplete B vitamins and hence make us depressed, moody, etc. I started taking a B complex vitamin and I felt better soon after. As for the appetite and headache thing, I agree with the pp in that it's a very individual thing, and unfortunately, trial and error until you find the right one.

Cheerleader4 · 08-24-2007, 03:35 PM

bella1829:
I am on Alesse at the moment. I personally don't like it but since I've been on it I have gained 10 pounds, so it may not make you loose weight.
The main downside is the depression and moodiness. I am considering going off birth control totally, because I can't handle how it has changed my personality, but does anyone know of a pill that may not change your moods as much or make you gain weight??

bella1829 · 08-28-2007, 06:34 PM

Thank you for your posts ladies. Does anyone else have an opinion on Alesse?