When to change pills?

I've been on the pill for 4 months now, just about to start the fifth month. Overall I haven't had any major problems but there have been a few negative side effects:
-lower sex drive (the biggest and most worrying side effect IMO)
-more period pain (the pain in itself is slightly weaker but it lasts for a few days unlike before the pill)
-more mood swings (but they could also be due to stress)
-sore boobs
-generally I think I feel more .. blah. That's the only word I can think of to describe it :p:

So I was wondering if I'd have enough reason to change pills?

I don't really want to change pills because the one I'm on is by far the cheapest one and even if it's a bad reason it's a pretty big incentive for me to not change brands.

However, if I did change pills, is it likely that the change would cause more problems? Or would it be just like when you first start on the pill?

Thanks in advance :biggrin:

Reply 1

musicdreamer

Aww...I really have no idea. Does anyone know what's considered normal as far as side-effects go?

Reply 2

Helenia

starya

I don't really want to change pills because the one I'm on is by far the cheapest one and even if it's a bad reason it's a pretty big incentive for me to not change brands.

Well, but you wouldn't be paying the difference (unless you're not in the UK) - so if you need a more expensive brand, so be it.

It's entirely up to you, if you're not happy then change it. If you can tolerate the side effects, then don't.

Reply 3

starya

Helenia

Well I would be paying the difference. Atm one strip costs about 6e since it's officially prescribed for acne instead of birth control so the government pays for a part of it (my doc was so nice :biggrin:

). The most expensive ones that I know of are about 20e per strip so that'd make a huge difference.

I can tolerate the side effects but I'm not happy with them. I guess I'd love to go on a pill that wouldn't have any side effects but I'm worried that another pill would cause even more side effects and so wouldn't be worth the change.

I know it's up to me but I wanted to check if I'm being reasonable or if I'm just getting a 'normal' amount of side effects.

Reply 4

lovelee-jublee

I'm currently on my 3rd pill!!!

The first (Microgynon) gave me headaches, the second (Ovysmen) gave me pretty much the same side effects as you...mood swings, lack of sex drive etc, so now I'm on Yasmin.

I felt the same as you...the side-effects weren't unbearable, but the thought of being on a better pill appealed to me! It doesn't matter whether you're getting the 'normal' side effects, it's about personal preference and what you're happy with. For me, I was unhappy that I'd lost my sex-drive, so after speaking to my doctor we decided I'd try a different brand.

The best thing you can do is go to your GP and discuss your concerns with him/her. They wil be able to determine the best course of action!

Reply 5

Zebrastripes

I'm on my 3rd pill too. My first gave me a cyst in my breast, second mood swings, this one seems okay so far.

Just keep changing until you find the right one, the most expensive won't necessarily be the best, so don't worry.