Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 5)

• 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."

• Use...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 22, 2019

For Birth Control "About to finish my first month of this Ocella birth control. I was prescribed it by my gynecologist for my acne because my Tri-Sprintec wasn’t helping anymore. So far, this has been one of the worst months - horrible headaches, chest pains, and the worst would be the anxiety I’ve experienced. I’ve always had anxiety, but this past month it has been completely out of control and crippling. I’m not sure what I’m going to do because I’ve read it takes three months for my body to get used to the BC, but I don’t know if I can take this much longer."

• RR1...
• June 1, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Yasmin about 4 years ago and seemed to be doing okay. Then when I went to get my prescription, my doctor said Yasmin was too dangerous due to blood clots, etc., so I had to go on Rigvidon (UK contraceptive pill generic of Nordette or Levora 0.15/30). Rigvidon turned my life upside down for 18 months - horrendous anxiety for no reason, the start of depression, major brain fog, socially withdrawn, and crying nearly every day. I was pill-free for around 3 years after that awful experience. I decided to go back on Yasmin recently as the pill makes my spot-prone skin (at nearly 30) so clear, improves painful and heavy periods, and obviously as contraception. However, after just two months on it, I am absolutely exhausted, constant fatigue even though sleeping well, feeling lazy, down, distant, and not interested in anything, intense headaches the day before and of my period starting, and generally feeling like I could sleep 24/7 and don't want to work or speak to anyone. I will be coming off again now as it's just not worth it!"

• 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."

• Abc...
• September 19, 2020

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I decided to take birth control to help with my PMDD; my anxiety and OCD would get much worse, and my depression would flare up, starting about 11 days before my period. I dreaded whenever I had a special event or work deadline due around that time of the month. So I decided to try birth control recently. My anxiety increased for a couple of weeks upon taking it, but this anxiety has leveled off and now I don’t notice it affecting my mood in a negative way at all. I have noticed no hair loss, weight gain, or acne, thankfully. I have been taking Nikki (generic) for about two months now, and I’m amazed by how I don’t have PMS anymore! (I decided, upon the doctor's recommendation, to take the pill continuously-skipping placebo pills-so I don’t have periods anymore; so this may be why I don’t have the PMS). Only negative side effect: breakthrough bleeding about 10 days during the first month, but it’s been much lighter and less time this month."

• 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."

• Sav...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 9, 2023

For Birth Control "I was on Yaz for about 3 years after discovering I had PCOS and had a horrible experience with it. I’ve recently switched back to Ortho Tri-Cyclen, which I was on for about 10 years and never had a problem. From the beginning of my time taking Yaz, I had breakthrough bleeding, multiple chemical pregnancies, worsening depression and anxiety, and my migraines got progressively worse. I would bleed for 8 weeks or so, receive little to no help or direction from my gynecologist, and was told my body was just adjusting - even after the initial 3-month time that your body takes to regulate. Recently, I had another issue with bleeding for 8 weeks or so, and I was fed up, so I stopped taking it, and the bleeding immediately stopped. I don’t know why I had such an adverse reaction or why my doctor didn’t suggest something different all this time, but be careful and listen to your body if you plan to take this medication."

• Bai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on Yasmin a year now, and honestly, if your doctor offers you this pill, say no. They don't tell you about the really bad mood swings you get, or the anger attacks, or the anxiety and depression, and even the nausea I get every day. I am now suffering from all of this because of Yasmin. I never knew how bad my anger was until my partner said about how bad it actually was. I've only just realized that my anger has been ridiculous over the past months. If any of you are experiencing these things, I'd suggest you stop taking Yasmin and go back to your doctors for another pill. It is dangerous."

• emm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2021

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "It’s been 2 to 3 years since I have had PMDD. I had terrible anxiety, crying spells, I felt rejected, and I had insomnia every month and never really realized it was PMDD. About 6 months ago, I talked to my mom about it, and she told me it was probably PMDD because she had the same thing. Yaz was the solution for her. So, I tried it with hope it would work for me. Unfortunately, it didn’t help me. I believe it even made it worse, I had anxiety panics during the night, which I rarely had before. Also, it really affected my libido, and I never wanted to have sex with my boyfriend. I was really feeling desperate and feeling that nothing would work for me until I tried the antidepressant Citalopram. For me, it was life-changing, I take 10 mg every day, and I have almost no more symptoms of PMDD. It has worked really great for me. So, I would say try Yaz first, because it worked for my mom and it worked for a lot of women, and if it doesn’t work, try Citalopram! It is really life-changing for me :)"

• 29y...
• October 9, 2016

For Birth Control "I only lasted on Yasmin for 2.5 weeks. I'm a 29-year-old mommy of 1 and haven't taken birth control in about two years. Without any birth control, my periods were very regular and my acne was moderate. I'm a fitness lover, so I'm very strict with exercise and nutrition, and I keep my weight in check at all times. My OB prescribed Yasmin to treat my ovulation and menstrual cramping and moderate PMS. This pill turned me into someone else entirely. Within the first two weeks, I had acne all over my chin and under my nose. I became extremely moody, weepy, depressed, anxious, paranoid, and jealous. The anxiety made my chest tight, and it was hard to take deep breaths at times. I kept telling my husband when we would go out in public that I felt like I was walking in some sort of 'dream world'-I wasn't really there. ...And the weight gain! I spend 5-6 days in the gym every week and eat very healthy-only splurging on small cheat meals on the weekends. In one week, I gained 4 pounds without changing anything, and my stomach stayed hard and bloated looking-it looked like I was pregnant! On top of all of that, my breasts were sore, and I had breakthrough bleeding starting on week 2. I'll take cramping and PMS any day over the side effects associated with this pill."

• Lal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2020

For Birth Control "Nikki is the worst birth control I have ever used. Mood swings, anxiety, stress, and I cry for no reason. My period was 18 days late, my breast was hurting, and it felt like I was pregnant. I stopped taking Nikki, and 4 days later I got my period. Wouldn’t recommend."

• Lal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2020

For Birth Control "Nikki is the worst birth control I have ever used. Mood swings, anxiety, stress, and I cry for no reason. My period was 18 days late, my breast was hurting, and it felt like I was pregnant. I stopped taking Nikki, and 4 days later I got my period. Wouldn’t recommend."

• Slp...
• January 20, 2016

For Acne "I've been on Yaz for about 4 months now. I tried the generic Gianvi, but it was seriously like taking rage pills, so now I'm using the brand name even though insurance doesn't cover it. I started taking Yaz to help with my skin because I was breaking out really bad. I noticed a significant difference in my skin within the first month, and now my skin is completely clear with the exception of the occasional bump or two around my period. I get the typical mood swings around my period, but nothing too crazy. I have noticed I feel a little more anxious since I've started taking it, but it isn't extreme. My boobs are much more full now, which I like, but I have gained a little weight (about 3-5 pounds), which has proven hard to get rid of."

• Jil...
• March 12, 2021

For Acne "I took Yaz for a month, and it messed me up. I was getting headaches all the time, I cried at every little thing, my acne didn't improve at all, and my period never fully went away after my cycle should have been over. (Meaning I had my period and then spotted for the rest of the month.) Now that I'm off Yaz, I have horrible anxiety and panic attacks. I didn't have anxiety or panic attacks before taking the pill. I don't recommend this tiny pill, it is awful and will screw you up. I've had to have so much blood work and EKGs (testing my heart's rhythm) to see if it's a thyroid disorder or my body just adjusting after the pill. Don't do it, it's not worth all of the trouble."

• Sab...
• March 11, 2021

For Birth Control "I have been on Yaz for five months now, about to start my 6th pack. I used to be on Blisolvi-Fe, which made me extremely depressed. I got off the pill for a little less than two years and started Yaz as I got into a serious relationship. At first, Yaz was great; it cleared my acne and shortened my periods. The downsides of it are that my periods never come on the placebo days, which gives me anxiety about being pregnant. Yaz has also suppressed my sex drive a lot. This has caused many arguments in my relationship. My mood has been affected, but not as much as it was on Blisolvi-Fe. I have been tired a lot, which I’m not sure is caused by the pill, but it could be. I also feel like it has suppressed my personality and made me a little bland, if that makes sense. I want to switch pills to get my sex drive back and to lessen my anxiety and mood swings, but I do not want to gain weight, get acne, or get on a pill that will cause worse depression and mood swings."

• Tay...
• April 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I was prescribed Yaz 2.5 years ago to help treat my PMDD and help clear my acne. For the first year, I found Yaz great. I no longer got PMS symptoms, my periods were lighter, and my skin was the clearest it's ever been in my life. I didn't experience any weight gain either. However, these past 12 months, I have noticed a drastic change in my mood. I became depressed, suffering extreme anxiety, and lost complete motivation and passion for life. I cry easily, I feel helpless, I have less self-esteem, I feel more nervous around people, I'm constantly tired and lacking energy. I used to go to the gym 7 days a week, but now I can't even force myself to leave the house. I'm completely opposite to the person I was when I wasn't taking the pill. I experience constant yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. I decided to stop taking Yaz and am hoping I will go back to being the person I was before I used this pill. Please, please do your research before taking this pill!"

• Anonymous
• July 6, 2010

For Menstrual Disorders "Yaz completely changed my life for good. I've suffered from PMDD for many years; to the point that I felt I had no life because of mood swings, cramps, migraines, bloating, and terrible anxiety. I've been taking Yaz for a month now, and I just experienced my first period on it, 3 light days vs. 7 days (2 extremely heavy days). I have mild cramps still. I really love Yaz; it also has improved my sex drive!"

• 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."

• Ano...
• November 27, 2016

For Menstrual Disorders "This birth control made my life a living hell. First, my emotions went out of control. I was always moody, terribly anxious, and started to become depressed. Following this came the real reason why I am writing this review. I went on this birth control to help with my irregular and heavy periods. When the day came, I never experienced cramps so painful in my life. The only thing that I can compare it to is when I had to have an emergency appendectomy because it was about to explode. With this, my period was the heaviest it has ever been and has been going on for 2 weeks now. This pill did much more harm than good for me and I would never suggest it to someone."

• Mad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I am on month 5 of Yaz, and it has been pretty awful. My periods have been super irregular and unpredictable when I used to have a period every 4 weeks for 4 days like clockwork. My first period on the pill lasted 3 weeks, the next two came early and lasted 2 weeks, the next month I didn't have one, and this month I have had two. My sex drive has diminished to almost zero, and I have had crazy mood swings. I have never struggled with depression or anxiety until I started Yaz. Positives: my skin cleared up within weeks of starting Yaz, and I have had minimal breakouts. My period symptoms have lightened up, my cramps aren't as bad, and insomnia has gone away. Also, not pregnant. I am looking into switching, but I don't know what to switch to :/"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2012

For Birth Control "Have been taking Ocella for four months now due to polycystic ovarian syndrome. I've been experiencing elevated blood pressure, and this is causing some other ill feelings, such as nausea and shortness of breath, which immediately triggers anxiety attacks. Surprisingly, I feel fine emotionally for the majority of the time. My breast size has increased, my sex drive is up, my periods are lighter, and my skin is clearer. The negative symptoms I have been experiencing have not been frequent, they have only occurred recently. However, the severe elevation in my blood pressure is cause for concern, and I may switch next month to a new pill."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2016

For Birth Control "I have a history of mental illness, but have not been on medication for about a year and had no problems since then. After starting this medication, I started to have symptoms of depression and anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. Hopefully, I will be able to find a new form of birth control."

• Eri...
• June 18, 2020

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I'm affected by PMDD and really wanted Nikki to work. The first couple of weeks were okay, minor side effects like breast tenderness, but I was okay. Then gradually, little things started bothering me more to the point I was seething from them. I'd suddenly start crying out of nowhere. Then I'd be sad or triggered by something else. I lost interest in activities that brought me happiness and I just sat around in a miserable heap. I couldn't focus on things and sometimes I'd forget about something I had just done. I also had anxiety over the increased risk of blood clots, like there was an invisible guillotine just hanging over my head that could drop any second, and I'd be maimed or dead from it. I really wanted to get to three months hoping side effects would subside and everything would suddenly be okay, but I only made it into my seventh week before I got so depressed it scared not only me but my husband as well. When something makes PMDD sound tolerable, you know it's bad."

• Irr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2017

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I recently started taking birth control for my PMDD, and this is my second pack (Gianvi with my 1st, Loryna for the 2nd). I'm also diagnosed with GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) with panic disorder and depressive symptoms. When I was taking Gianvi, I had no anxiety or mood swings, a short period that lasted 4 days (it used to be 7-9), and my relationship with people, especially my boyfriend, was stable. It's only been my third week of using Loryna, and my anxiety and depression are back. I break out easily, I've been feeling this terrible ache in my lower abdomen, and I've been constantly arguing with my boyfriend. I'm definitely calling my doctor to change prescriptions!!!"

• Zun...
• June 8, 2019

For Birth Control "I started taking Yaz one year ago after the birth of my first child. The whole time on it did prevent conception, but I used to remain agitated, angry, and confused. Last month, before quitting, I started having silly obsessive thoughts with considerable anxiety and a low mood. The whole time on it, I had excessive tiredness. I wouldn't suggest any woman take Yaz if she has mood issues."