Viorele and Anxiety: What Users Say

• BRa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 25, 2018

For Birth Control "I started taking this birth control in the fall of 2016 and was fine the first few months. By early 2017, I started to develop anxiety for the first time in my life at age 23. Throughout 2017, my sex drive noticeably decreased to the point of nonexistence, and my anxiety worsened to the point where I was having panic attacks multiple times a week. I decided to stop taking my BC in December 2017, but now, two months later, I’m still dealing with health-related anxiety, which I’m hoping lessens soon (panic attacks usually when I’m alone for no reason, heart palpitations, mood swings). This may not be the effect on everyone, but I wanted to post this to ensure others that if you’re feeling similar symptoms, you’re not alone."

• Kat...
• November 12, 2017

For Birth Control "This drug is the absolute worst. Severe mood swings, depression, anxiety, constant gastrointestinal issues, zero sex drive, and the list goes on. Initially, I thought there was something wrong with me, but then realized that my timeline of severe symptoms matched the timeframe of being on this awful pill. I stopped taking it about two months ago and haven’t turned back. Knowing how extreme the depression is, I encourage everyone to talk openly about these side effects and encourage anyone who is on this pill and is feeling a little off to make the switch to something else immediately."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I've been on Viorele for about three weeks, and I can tell you that this has definitely caused side effects of a big spike in my anxiety, terrible mood swings, and acne. Did not work for me, hopefully, I can find a brand that works for me."

• Gig...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 17, 2016

For Birth Control "So, I took this birth control for 3 years. Did its job in terms of preventing pregnancy, but at a horrible cost. I gained over 30 lbs, had terrible nausea, mood swings, anxiety, depression, headaches, almost no libido, you name it. It wasn't until I got off the pill completely to give myself a break from the constant stream of hormones that is birth control that I realized all of the issues I was experiencing were all the pill, not me. After 2 months off of the pill, all of the aforementioned issues have disappeared. Consumer beware. Not worth it. When I do decide to go back on birth control, it will not be Viorele."

• pic...
• October 14, 2015

For Birth Control "Holy no. I do NOT recommend this birth control medication. I've been on it for three months now, and I've experienced: bloating, breakthrough bleeding (heavy), headaches, moodiness (anger), crying, increase of Tourette's tics, anxiety, 7/10 lower back pain, weight gain, increase in desire for all things sugar :( And the blister pack itself is terrible! I've never had such a difficult pack to use. I wouldn't recommend this medication whatsoever."

• Anonymous
• April 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I’m beginning to think the cause of my low sex drive, depression and anxiety, and skin rash is due to this birth control. I always thought it was just me, but after reading similar reviews, I don’t think it’s just me."

• run...
• November 17, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been taking Viorele for a little over two years. I started out with a prescription for Kariva, but CVS gave me the generic version, which is Viorele. I was really impressed at first because my face was very clear and my horrible cramps and backaches from my period went away. After a few months, I gained 20 pounds and 2 cup sizes and became very depressed and anxious. I did not know that Viorele was the cause of this until I went to my doctor. I just switched to a different birth control, and I am waiting to see if there is a difference. Overall, this was great for acne and cramping, but the depression and weight gain were not worth it."

• Hol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2020

For Birth Control "On Viorele, I had horrible anxiety and depression after only taking it for a couple of days. It’s been a little over a week now, and it’s already caused me anxiety attacks and problems in my relationships and abdominal cramps. It made me dizzy and feel out of it too. After 9 days, I’m already done, I can’t continue to take it."

• Hol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2020

For Birth Control "On Viorele, I had horrible anxiety and depression after only taking it for a couple of days. It’s been a little over a week now, and it’s already caused me anxiety attacks and problems in my relationships and abdominal cramps. It made me dizzy and feel out of it too. After 9 days, I’m already done, I can’t continue to take it."

• Lon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been taking this BC for almost 4 months now, and it's been amazing for me. I see a lot of negativity, but everyone is different. I had been previously on several different BC pills, plus before on the Depo shot, and with all the others, I had so many issues: breakthrough bleeding, acne, depression, anxiety, loss of energy, libido, and focus, foggy type feeling. On the last birth control I took, I had severe bleeding for 3 weeks, which caused me to almost pass out several times. As soon as I finished the first pack of Viorele, my symptoms cleared up. I haven't had any issues with this pill except a little acne and gaining some cup size, but I actually lost weight with this pill, which is amazing because with all the others it was impossible. I started taking BC after I had my son and was having 3-month-long periods. This BC has regulated my periods so much, and I have increased energy, focus, and libido."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2020

For Birth Control "I recently changed from Kariva to Viorele. In just three weeks, I have been constantly urinating. I got tested twice for UTI, and both came out negative. I am nauseous from this medicine and the lack of sex drive and anxiety I already feel. For the people saying that Kariva and Viorele have the same effect, as the active ingredients may be the same, the inactive ingredients are not, and it is affecting me quite differently. You can easily research the difference for more information."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I have had a terrible time with birth controls, and this one was no different, except maybe the side effects were more extreme. Not only have I gained 10-20 pounds, but I have been extremely depressed and have had horrible nightmares. It took me a while to figure out that it was my BC, and I stopped immediately. My period was pretty regular, and I did not get pregnant, but the mood swings, depression, nightmares, and anxiety are unbearable. Absolutely do not recommend."

• Nic...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 29, 2017

For Birth Control "I took Viorele for approximately 2 years. It worked great for clearing up my cystic acne, and it did its job in preventing pregnancy; however, I’ve noticed the following for the past 2 years: -NO desire to be intimate/NO sex drive. This has hurt my relationship, as I now have sex with my fiancé only once a month, if that! -UNRULY CRAVINGS, which led to 25 lb. weight gain. Currently medically diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder -moody, irritable, and short-tempered demeanor -increase in anxiety and depression. The only reason I continued to take Viorele was because it was completely free with my insurance, but it’s clearly not worth it. In my opinion, you should definitely consider another BC pill/method!"

• Pam...
• October 18, 2016

For Birth Control "Worst birth control ever, made me sick. I have headaches since day one, mood swings, anxious, was feeling terrible. So I found out that a lot of people taking this birth control are having the same conditions, so I stopped. The next day my headache was gone."

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2021

For Birth Control "I wouldn’t recommend this birth control to my worst enemy. Haven’t even been on it 2 months and have noticed severe depression and intrusive thoughts along with heightened anxiety. Also, it has made me have so much discharge that I can’t even exercise without a noise being made. The depression caused me to start getting behind in all of my college classes and has made me want to sleep 24/7. Just no. I personally am cold turkeying being off birth control for the first time in my life after this. Enough was enough."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Viorele for the past 4 months, and within that time, I have gained between 15-20 lbs. I have severe bouts of depression and anxiety, I have chronic migraines that have intensified in pain and occurrence, and the lowest libido I've ever experienced in my sexual history. Thank goodness my boyfriend is the amazing man he is, because I would have left me due to the irritability alone! The only plus about this pill for me is the regulation of my cycle, the clear skin, and the fact that I'm not pregnant. I have set an appointment to get back on the IUD."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been taking this BC for 3 months now and just had my gyno switch brands today. I have been incredibly irritable, anxious, and depressed. I feel like I'm PMS'ing 24/7. I've also experienced some pretty painful menstrual cramping. I do not recommend this brand at all."

• Ryl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2022

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Viorele for 4 months. At first, all was great. But then I started having severe side effects. First was painful, cystic hormonal acne, and I’ve never struggled with acne. Then, slow sex drive, like zero, which has impacted my relationship with my partner. I noticed I was having severe PMS, depression, anxiety a week before my period. Now it’s turned into full-blown panic attacks, which I’ve never experienced before, and it’s scary. I feel fatigued, depressed, anxious, dizzy, and weak all the time. I do not feel like myself, and it’s really impacted my life. I also gained 15 pounds, even though I eat pretty healthy and work out. I would NOT recommend this BC. It’s horrible. I can’t believe it’s even on the market. Beware!"

• gam...
• November 20, 2020

For Birth Control "This pill is AMAZING! I’ve been on it for about 3 months now and have had no problems except the occasional moodiness and anxiety. I have been losing weight on this pill as well! It makes my periods lighter, and I’ve had no problem with sex drive. I definitely recommend this pill to anyone who is looking for a new birth control."

• sad...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 30, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Viorele for the past year and a half. At first, it was great! It got rid of my cramps, it regulated my period, and it worked in respect to preventing pregnancy, but for the past 6 months, I experienced a severe decrease in my libido, almost it was nonexistent. When I did want to have sex, I experienced severe pain, which I didn't experience prior. I was agitated, and my anxiety and depression were worse. I'm now looking for a different birth control."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2022

For Birth Control "I started this BCP because I was supposed to get on Accutane, and the derm would not let me have it without being on birth control (BC). I had never been on BC before and really didn’t want to, but I was suffering with severe cystic acne, blackheads, whiteheads, etc. I’ve always had acne since middle school, but it was only about 2 cysts on my chin. My face was bad after I had twins, it was all over my cheeks, jawline, and forehead. I started this, and I tell you, within the first month, my acne was clear! I was so excited because I didn’t have to get on Accutane! But it all went downhill very quickly. I already have anxiety, but it caused me to have anxiety like I have never experienced. Extreme emotional meltdowns, depression, panic attacks, stomach, and digestive issues. It also made my periods irregular. I wouldn’t bleed for a month and then bleed for 2 weeks straight. Seriously would not recommend. I even read these reviews before trying it and should have known better."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2021

For Birth Control "This birth control option does its job, but it made me severely depressed and anxious, and I also lost a lot of weight on it. At first, there was a bunch of spotting too, and gastrointestinal issues as well, also loss of appetite. Did not work for me, but I’m glad it worked for other women."

• noe...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 27, 2017

For Birth Control "Pharmacy switched my pill from Azurette to Viorele, and that was a big mistake! I was very emotional and depressed, with severe anxiety. My appetite was low. I felt like crying every day. Never again!"

• Ups...
• March 17, 2022

For Birth Control "Took this pill for almost 2 years. I developed severe anxiety on it and 0 sex drive. Another thing, it caused me to have a blood clot in my calf. Please don’t take this!"