I'm on the same bcp as you are. I am getting side effects too. I was on it before but went off be/c of the side effects and went on alesse and thats when all of the pimples and cysts happened. It was the alesse, it was bad for me. OTC is the only bcp that has worked for me. I have been on spiro going on 8 months now. And I am completely clear except for the leftover marks that are fading. Spiro is great! But like you are I'm afraid of going off of otc. I get very bad mood swings for this bcp!! Everyone can tell the difference. I don't know what it does too me. It's weird.