Gianvi and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Nin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on many birth controls trying to find the right one for me. I was on Apri a couple of years ago, which gave me very bad anxiety, so after that I switched to Tri-Sprintec. This pill didn't cause any anxiety, but my skin broke out so terribly on it! My third and final switch was to 'Yaz', at the pharmacy, I was handed the generic Gianvi. I spent hours reading reviews and was a little nervous to start taking these pills, but they have been great. My skin has completely cleared up, I never break out at all anymore. I had no mood changes or anxiety, nor weight gain. This pill is sensitive with regards to breakthrough bleeding, if just one pill is missed, you can expect spotting the next day. Otherwise, an AWESOME pill! Highly recommend!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 7, 2018

For Birth Control "I hate writing bad reviews, but please do not use this birth control! I have been on it over a month and bleeding nonstop, having anxiety attacks all day long while at work, intrusive awful thoughts, vision feels different and blurry, feeling depressed and moody one minute, the next I'm fine. Will not be taking any more pills on this brand. I was on Loryna (which they say is comparable), and it is not. I felt perfectly fine on Loryna and figured it would be the same on Gianvi. It’s not, I don’t want this to happen to anyone else, so please girls watch out."

• Anonymous
• September 1, 2010

For Birth Control "In my third month of taking Gianvi, I have had major mood swings, depression, anxiety, and changes in appetite varying from nausea to overeating. I have not felt like this before with any other birth control. A little with Ortho-Tri-Cyclen, but I don't think it is as bad as this. I feel like I'm at constant war with myself to keep my emotions and my feelings in line. I'm not usually an emotional person, so all these feelings are very overwhelming and frustrating. I have an appointment in a week to go to Planned Parenthood and ask for a different kind of birth control. I've decided to stop taking it today. It does work, however, I have not gotten pregnant."

• eh2...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 14, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on Gianvi for about 2 years and have recently gotten off of it. The first 5 to 7 months, I felt quite emotional/anxious, I also went up about 1 cup size, and my skin was perfect. However, it did prevent pregnancy, so I'm thankful for that. It also decreased the heaviness of my cycle. And it was free with BCBS! About 1.5 years in, I began noticing that I had vaginal dryness and my libido was super low as well. Since I was so dry, sex started becoming very painful, and it seemed like no amount of lube could help. It has been just over 2 years, and I have decided to get off Gianvi for a few months to see if my problems disappear. So far, it has been about 1 week, and I feel really good. To anyone reading this post, I suggest you always listen to your body and find an understanding provider who can help you create a plan that you both agree on. Good luck!"

• sad...
• February 24, 2020

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "This pill was great for the first couple of months. My acne cleared, which was a problem due to my PCOS, and my periods were finally regular. I could feel these mood swings coming on, but I felt like a demon. This all hit me full force after I passed the third month. I was irritated at the smallest things, zero libido, it was an out-of-body experience. My self-esteem plummeted to where I never wanted to even look at myself, severely depressed and anxious, which I have not struggled with in the past, and gained 15 pounds out of nowhere. I couldn’t go an hour without crying. One day I almost had to pull over while driving because I couldn’t breathe. The way these hormones hit me was a nightmare, I am never ever going back to the pill. I’ve done too much trial and error for this, it’s not worth my mental health/state of mind. One week off of it and I feel like myself again, thank goodness. Avoid Gianvi if you want to keep your brain the same!!!!"

• Anonymous
• September 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I was really worried about starting on Gianvi after reading all of these negative reviews. It started out fine, with no major mood shifts. But then I started on my second pack and was in the depths of despair. I have a history of depression and anxiety, so I was not sure whether it was the birth control, but it got to the point where I was in such a dark place. I decided to stop Gianvi and instantly felt better. It was like a cloud lifted off my head. People react differently to this, so I’m not dissuading someone from trying it. But just be vigilant for the side effects."

• sar...
• January 2, 2011

For Birth Control "I began taking Yaz about a year ago, and I love it. While on Yaz, I never noticed any changes in my mood or my body. However, within the last few months, I switched to the generic version, Gianvi, hoping to save some money. At first, I didn't notice any difference, but slowly, I have been getting more and more emotional and anxious... something that I have never had a problem with before. And now, I have been having a breakthrough period for the past 15 days straight while on my active pills. I am not sure if this is because of Gianvi, but I can't think of what else it could be. I will be switching back to Yaz ASAP. It is worth the extra money. I do not recommend Gianvi to anyone."

• pol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2019

For Birth Control "If you have or had anxiety, DO NOT TAKE THIS PILL. From someone who suffers from anxiety day to day, this pill made me experience anxiety attacks like I've never felt before. Terrible depression followed, I never had a history of depression, and this pill gave it to me."

• Anonymous
• May 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on Gianvi for a month. I found myself in a spiraling depression to the point that I was crying daily. I had terrible anxiety and trouble concentrating. I couldn't focus and had trouble sleeping. I couldn't figure out why I was in such a funk until I got my period and suddenly felt better. I then googled Gianvi and discovered that this level of depression and anxiety isn't uncommon on this pill."

• Meh...
• April 10, 2014

For Menstrual Disorders "I started taking birth control to treat painful periods, and this did get rid of the super painful cramps, and I did not get pregnant while taking it, so it was effective. However, while on this, my anxiety became worse than it had ever been before, and my sex drive completely vanished. I noticed my sex drive return about one month after I discontinued Gianvi."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2020

For Birth Control "I took this birth control for about 4 months at first. I have a history of anxiety and depression, and I don’t remember having it be exacerbated when I first started, but after a couple of months on this pill, I started having extreme mood swings, irritability, crying spells, and a lower libido. I went off of it for almost 2 months and felt stable and not depressed. I recently tried to go on it again because I totally had amnesia about how horrible I felt on it towards the end, but I have felt horrible, irritable, anxious, and depressed since I started 3 weeks ago. I stopped taking it a week ago, and I feel like my body and hormones are going haywire, so I am hoping that I feel better soon. I have tried multiple oral contraception pills, and I will probably not be trying another one."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2021

For Birth Control "I got on Gianvi at 19 years old when my periods were irregular and I had horrible cramps, to prevent pregnancy and help my acne. It helped my acne a lot and I was excited to finally not worry about pregnancy at a young age. I was skeptical about side effects at first but waited three months before judging my experience at all to make sure I was used to it. I ended up staying on Gianvi for about 6 months. My experience was terrible. I would’ve taken acne over the effects it had on my mental health any day. I had crippling anxiety every day that I never experienced prior to. It eventually got so bad that I had panic attacks every day and cried and didn’t eat for 3 days. I ended it immediately and while I still suffer from mild anxiety, it’s a million times better than it was when I took this. Please be careful and pay attention to your body."

• Ind...
• August 18, 2017

For Acne "I am not one to write reviews, but I'm compelled to warn others about the serious side effects I've experienced. I took Gianvi after I took Yaz, and because both pills contain the same amount of hormones, I thought that I would have the same fine experience with Gianvi as I did with Yaz. Upon my first week into the pill, I became depressed and dealt with some serious anxiety. These mental symptoms only worsened as the days progressed, and as I approached the end of the pack, I suffered constant suicidal thoughts. Once I realized that this pill was the cause of my madness, I immediately stopped. It's been 2 days since I last took the pill, and I feel better already. Also, the pill did nothing for my moderately to severe acne."

• Ana...
• July 22, 2014

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I first started with a low hormone pill called Azurette. I was having heavy periods that lasted for a week and terrible acne, so I decided to try Yaz, and my doctor prescribed me Gianvi. The first month, my face was completely clear, and my period used to last 3 days max, but my anxiety and mood changes got worse, and my sex drive went from 10 to zero because I was very dry. I also noticed my skin got really dry too, and I looked like a 60-year-old lady!"

• Bro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 11, 2019

For Birth Control "Started taking this birth control the second week in August. After a week on the pill, I suffered an intense panic attack. Something that I had never experienced before, especially since nothing in my life had changed besides the birth control. Since then, symptoms of anxiety, crying, and depression have been on and off. My period still isn’t regular. After almost two months off this medication, I am just now feeling like myself again. Everyone is different and responds to medication differently. However, I would just be aware of these symptoms just in case."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 8, 2018

For Birth Control "The first probably 5 months of this pill was awful. My skin got worse, I spotted, and I had bad anxiety. However, it's been two years now, and I have never been happier. I haven't had a bad pimple in MONTHS, and my acne completely cleared. We stopped using condoms and have been fine, no scares. My period is only 3 days and very light, plus it starts always on the hour! It's amazing. Plus, I lost about 10 pounds from 127 to 117 at 5.4'."

• Anonymous
• August 1, 2011

For Menstrual Disorders "I am not an emotional person, I rarely cry, and I am taking birth control mainly for menstrual cramps. While my cramps have subsided and my period is lighter and shorter, I have had extreme emotional swings and changes in appetite. I have experienced anxiety, and these conditions have worsened with each progressive month."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on three different birth controls, my first one was amazing, but they discontinued it! So I am now on Gianvi. It has been almost 5 months, and I have not stopped spotting for almost two months. It has put a huge damper on my sex life with my boyfriend. I also have noticed I am very dry, which was never an issue before this pill. I have much higher anxiety and really bad cravings as well. After reading all the reviews, I will be stopping this pill tomorrow!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2018

For Acne "I am almost done with my first month of Gianvi. I have tried just about everything for my moderate cystic acne and am sad to say it has so far gotten worse on this medication. I have a history of minor depression/anxiety but have been happy and unmedicated until starting this pill. Since starting this pill, my anxiety has skyrocketed and my sex drive has decreased big time. I am 2 days away from the sugar pill and debating whether or not to stop taking it."

• Mea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2018

"I was on Loryna for a year and a half, but then switched to Gianvi because the pharmacy was out of Loryna. A month on it was fine, but towards the end, I got severe anxiety and felt depressed constantly. I’m having crazy thoughts, doubting relationships I have, and my career path and future for absolutely no reason. This is totally unlike me, too. I had to go buy a pack of Loryna from the pharmacy, and amazingly, I’m getting better after taking 4 days of Loryna."

• Cam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2018

For Birth Control "I wish I could rate this with 0 stars. I took one pill, and it was the worst thing that ever happened to me. I took the first pill at 10 pm, and by 1 am, I couldn't breathe. The worst anxiety I've ever experienced in my life hit me, and it hit me hard. And coming from someone who has suffered from anxiety and depression and takes Prozac, this wasn't anything close to what I've experienced in the past. I've dealt with death, loss, body dysmorphia, etc. This was the worst pain I've ever felt. I said rash things to my boyfriend and almost lost my relationship. I stopped taking it, but the hormones are still in my body after 2 days. I haven't eaten for 48 hours, and I'm still extremely anxious, and my head has been flooded with intrusive thoughts. Please do not take this pill."

• CNC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2018

For Birth Control "Wow, worst generic oral contraceptive ever!!! I have been on this for three months (was on YAZ for 1.5 years prior without issues), and my PMDD is horrific for 7-10 days before/around my period. Severe depression, anxiety, panic, crying... just awful. Please request YAZ and not the generic."

• Anonymous
• November 3, 2011

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I started taking Gianvi four months ago for PMDD. I read reviews back then and was extremely worried about side effects. However, my experience has overall been very good. Almost immediately, my extreme emotions calmed down. Now I just have very minor symptoms for the few days before my period, but really nothing worse than normal PMS crankiness. All the physical symptoms are gone as well. Also, I've had moderate cystic acne for ten years, and my skin is the best it has been in a long time-not perfect yet, but steadily improving. The only side effect I have noticed is slight anxiety in the last month or two. However, it is totally manageable, and overall the benefits have totally outweighed the one drawback."

• ell...
• May 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I was prescribed Gianvi to help with my acne. I didn't notice that much of a difference in my skin, however, my mental health definitely took a big hit. I already suffer from social anxiety, but this took it far beyond that. After the first month, I noticed that anything and everything was making me cry. I would start hysterically crying, my anxiety would go through the roof, and my panic attacks increased from once in a blue moon to having one at least once a day. I felt extremely fatigued and depressed and would have episodes where I just spaced out for about two minutes... just staring at something and not even thinking about what was going on around me. Aside from my mental health, I also had severe cramping, and my period has been messed up since taking this birth control. I'm currently on my third week of bleeding and am still waiting for my period to go away."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 23, 2012

For Menstrual Disorders "At first, I thought this was great. Same as Yaz, good for menstrual regulation. However, after three months, I felt like I was losing my mind. I was moody, depressed, anxious, irritable, and felt completely crazy. My friends and co-workers started noticing my mood swings too. I stayed on the med because it was fully covered, whereas Yaz costs a significant amount more. Recently, I switched back to Yaz and couldn't be feeling better. I feel like my normal self again. I would rather spend the extra money on the name brand than ever go through that feeling again."