"as far as effectiveness, i did not get pregnant while taking this medication. however, i experienced so many side effects i eventually stopped taking it and switched back to ortho-tri-lo. i experienced problems with mood swings, irritability, anxiety (racing heart and anxious feelings for no reasons), depression, cramps, spotting, headaches, decreased sex drive, weight gain, breast/nipple tenderness and vaginal irritation. all of these are side effects i had never experienced with ortho, so i switched back and have little to no side effects. it definitely was not worth the money saved because it made me feel like a crazy person and i really did not have control over my emotions, i would experience all extremes especially anger and crying."