Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol and Depression: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Kat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I regret ever taking this. Took it for 7 years. Everything was great while on it, but I lost about 40% of my hair volume (telogen effluvium) and had severe cystic acne for 6 months after it. On top of that, it messed with my humor. I felt angry and sad for months. It's now 1.5 years since I stopped it, and even though the condition has improved, I still have a long way to go. I had to cut my hair short, and I'm trying to fix the scarring from the acne."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2014

For Acne "I've been taking Yaz for three months for adult acne that was unresponsive to just about every skincare, formulation, medication, cream, and makeup on the market. I had tried everything but the pill (Yaz) for several years due to becoming depressed and irritable on other contraceptive pills previously. This is the only thing that has worked! I'm so happy. The first six weeks made my skin much, much worse, but now I'm clear for the first time in years. My breasts are fuller also, which is a bonus."

• cc2...
• September 28, 2017

For Birth Control "DO NOT TAKE THIS IF YOU WERE SWITCHED FROM GIANVI. I was on Gianvi for a year and had no issues at all, and my pharmacy switched me to Nikki last month. Since I switched, I have bloated, felt depressed, and have acne (and I have never had more than two zits in my entire life). Do not let your pharmacy switch you to Nikki! I am going to try non-generic Yaz and see how that goes. I do not usually write reviews, but these last few weeks on it have been miserable!"

• Cas...
• January 12, 2020

For Birth Control "I've only been on this for a few days, so I don't have much to say about it, but all I can say is I suffer from depression and anxiety and was on another brand of birth control and felt so, so depressed, it made it so much worse. My gyno switched me to this one, and in the matter of only 3 days of taking it, I can say I feel happier than I normally did without any type of bc. My bloating also stopped after switching to this one, the other one I was taking made me feel heavy, depressed, and tired. The only thing I've noticed about this one so far is my breasts are a little bigger, but I can't complain about that because I love that!"

• I...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 7, 2020

"It’s been almost 2 years on the pill (Yaz). I started taking Yaz because of my period and acne. I would bleed so heavily I could never control it, horrible back pain and cramps. I also had acne so bad I hated going anywhere. After about 6 months to a year being on the pill, my acne cleared up, and I just was getting small pimples every once in a while. I gained weight in my butt, sides, and thighs. Now, being on the pill for 2 years, I have realized how much it has affected me emotionally. Every month at the end of my pack, I get very depressed and cry for reasons I can’t explain. The depression and crazy mood swings affected me, my parents, and my boyfriend. I’m not myself, and I’m not sure what to do. I feel like if I talk to my doctor about it, I’m gonna have to be taken off the pill, and what if my acne comes back and my period gets bad? At this point, I don’t care. I’m tired of not being me and feeling depressed. Any help?"

• Umb...
• October 6, 2014

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I've been on Yaz for over 3 years now. It's the only birth control I've been on, and it's been amazing. I suffer from severe PMDD, and I was placed on it. So far, my PMDD is not fully gone, but it has helped my life tremendously. My period used to be 8 days long and extremely heavy. Now it's around 5 days and very light. I used to get severe cramping, and now I rarely cramp. I also had mild acne, and it's virtually gone now, except for the few I get right before my period. For physical issues from my period, it has been really successful, but for the emotional issues, it has helped mildly. I still get the panic, anger, and depression up to a week before my period, but it has calmed down. Also, no pregnancy scares at all or weight gain."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2019

For Acne "I have had the worst luck with side effects from birth control pills. I'm talking insomnia, severe cystic acne, becoming an emotional wreck with anxiety and depression; you name it, and it probably happened to me. Yaz (generic Loryna) was the best one I've taken. I'm sleeping (which is huge for me), I'm not biting everyone's heads off or crying hysterically, and my acne has cleared up, which was my main concern. I have tried 5 different birth control pills, and Yaz is working amazing for me. I gave it 9 stars because I do have some occasional chest pain when I take this pill. I'm not sure if it's caused by Yaz or what, but it seemed to start when I started this pill. I'll continue to update everyone on my progress!"

• esn...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I started Yaz a year ago, and all was fine for the first few months, but I started getting so moody, so I decided to stop. Then, after 4 months, I started again, and it’s been the worst decision of my life. The only benefits are no pregnancy and less pain on my period. My mood swings have been crazy and unending, and my anxiety and depression are following me everywhere. I’m losing contact with myself, and I don't know who I am anymore because I feel so numb. I have lost interest in people I know I love, and I’ve become lazy. I have decided that I will stop today."

• Hel...
• April 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on this pill for 4 years before it started causing severe emotional problems. I was always a level-headed, even-keeled kind of person. Things didn’t really upset me much. But by my 4th year of taking Yaz, I was having weekly panic attacks, depression, obsessive and paranoid thoughts, and I had zero self-esteem. I ruined a few relationships because I was suspicious of the people in my life. I knew something was seriously wrong with me, but I had no idea it could be my pill. It wasn’t on my radar. Then I came across a forum of women going through the same thing, and they were taking Yaz. I stopped taking my pill for 3 months, and I felt great. It was like the clouds parted. I didn’t have a single panic attack in those 3 months! I had my Dr. switch me to a different generic brand, hoping that might help. Well, I could only stand to be on it for 1 week... I had 2 panic attacks in the span of that 1 week. Pills went in the trash, and I haven’t looked back."

• Hel...
• April 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on this pill for 4 years before it started causing severe emotional problems. I was always a level-headed, even-keeled kind of person. Things didn’t really upset me much. But by my 4th year of taking Yaz, I was having weekly panic attacks, depression, obsessive and paranoid thoughts, and I had zero self-esteem. I ruined a few relationships because I was suspicious of the people in my life. I knew something was seriously wrong with me, but I had no idea it could be my pill. It wasn’t on my radar. Then I came across a forum of women going through the same thing, and they were taking Yaz. I stopped taking my pill for 3 months, and I felt great. It was like the clouds parted. I didn’t have a single panic attack in those 3 months! I had my Dr. switch me to a different generic brand, hoping that might help. Well, I could only stand to be on it for 1 week... I had 2 panic attacks in the span of that 1 week. Pills went in the trash, and I haven’t looked back."

• Sop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2021

For Acne "I was put on Yasmin 3 months ago for my acne as well as a use of contraceptive. Over the past three months, my skin had gotten so much worse. Big cystic spots around my jawline and cheeks, as well as small under-the-skin pimples. I've suddenly started to realize myself changing with depressive moods, anxiety, emotional wreck, weight gain, and generally not myself. I will not be taking my fourth month packet, as the hope for clear skin is just not worth this feeling. My advice: don't take this pill."

• Yas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2017

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I've been on Yasmin for about a month and a half now. I didn't experience any side effects for the first two weeks of taking it, and then gradually I started feeling more moody, irritable, and depressed. My sex drive also went away around the time it would normally be in overdrive. I haven't gotten any acne from this pill, nor weight gain. I did notice that I wasn't nearly as crazy just before my period like normal, so it has helped with actual PMDD so far. I'm now halfway through my second month on it, and it actually seems better so far. My sex drive has improved, and I haven't been moody or depressed. Still no acne or weight gain. I think this pill just takes time to adjust to your body for some people."

• Sam...
• December 12, 2019

For Birth Control "Yasmin ruined my relationship! When I first started the pill, I loved it, my skin eventually improved, and my skin was sooo clear! My boobs looked amazing too. Well, that’s the only positive thing I can say about Yasmin. When it comes to my mental health, it literally made me crazy! I’m naturally a very calm, happy, and collected person. But these pills made me cry in front of my ex over small things. We couldn’t hold a serious conversation without me crying, I could get moody over small things, and then I couldn’t snap out of it, which made things worse. I’ve felt extremely anxious, paranoid, and depressed. My added anxiety has made me feel more insecure about myself. I have no energy to do my old activities that I used to enjoy. I feel lazy and like I can’t fully be in sync with my feelings. Basically, if you want great skin, go for it! But don’t be surprised if you suddenly get added depression, tears, and anxiety. I’m off them now, and I am already happier."

• JHa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m finishing my third pack of Loryna. I’ve really struggled with giving my body the adequate time to adjust to it, but I can’t take the side effects anymore. I switched because the last few pills I tried did not clear up my hormonal acne. Loryna has helped clear up my skin, and my period is much lighter, both of which are nice. However, I also take Vyvanse for ADHD and narcolepsy, and I swear Loryna is messing with the effectiveness. I’m incredibly fatigued and sleepy all of the time now. I’m also experiencing awful headaches. I’m so depressed and anxious to where I can hardly recognize myself. My boobs have gone up a cup size, I’ve gained 11 pounds, and yes, I’m starving all the time. I have done intermittent fasting for the last two years and dropped 25 pounds, but rapidly gaining 11 pounds in under three months and struggling with my intermittent fasting, along with other side effects, is ruining my self-image and happiness."

• Anonymous
• August 3, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been taking Yaz for 1 month. My doctor asked me to try it for a couple more, so my body can get used to it, but I would rather just stop right now. I'm tired all the time, depressed, no sex drive. I had horrible cramps, worse than when I was in high school, and bad migraines the week prior to my period. I cry at the drop of a hat, and I'm really anxious. I do not like it, but I will give it one more month. We'll see."

• gui...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 10, 2012

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "This is my second day on Yaz. I have been on countless other birth control methods such as Marvelon, Tri-Cyclen Lo, Demulen, and most recently, Aviane. When I was on Marvelon, I never noticed anything while I was taking the pills side effect-wise, but my periods were unbearably heavy. On Tri-Cyclen, my period was light, but it never stopped for three months! On Demulen, I went into a deep depression that I am still getting over. And finally, on Aviane, it was great, but I gained about 40 lbs in the past year. I went on Yaz to help keep me upbeat and happy (coupled with my daily dose of Prozac) and to hopefully help me shed some weight and give me comfortable and short periods. So far, so good. High libido and no negative side effects except slight headache."

• Kan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 30, 2020

For Acne "I’ve been on Yaz for almost 2 months now. I was hoping it would clear my skin up and help me with my cystic acne, but I’m not sure. I usually get pimples 2 weeks before my period, so obviously I broke out the 2 weeks beforehand. But before that, I felt like my skin was getting a little better. I definitely am still getting breakouts, though. I’m getting my period tomorrow, and I got a few more pimples coming in, as well as this one pimple on my chin that will NOT go away. I haven’t noticed any weight gain or depression, but my boobs definitely got bigger, lol. I’m gonna do another update after month 3. I hope it will finally kick in, but I guess we will see:/"

• Fan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 21, 2019

For Birth Control "DO NOT TAKE THIS PILL. I have been on Lucette, AKA Yasmin, for 14 months. I initially went on this to control my acne as it was a real bad flare-up. My skin has been perfect, the ONE good thing. Now for the bad points - sex drive has been more or less non-existent for the whole duration. - I have experienced some excruciating migraines with temporary visual disturbances. I have also experienced enlarged veins with leg pains, which have been really frightening since this pill carries a high risk of DVT & PE. I did mention this to the practice nurse, but they still allowed me to take it? I have had, and still at this very moment, am suffering from incredible depression and anxiety. My mood is so, so low. I haven’t felt like this in my life with regards to mental health. I have no desire to socialize and have completely and utterly cut myself off. I wish I had never taken this pill, and I will never use any form of contraceptive pill with hormones ever again. Please do NOT start this pill."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking Yasmin for about 9 months now. I have been experiencing horrible depression, been in such a dark place and not caring about anything at all. I’m a very lively and outgoing person, nothing in my life is wrong, but I’m having these feelings. I don’t smoke, nor drink, nor take any other medication, so it must be the pill. I’m expecting my period in two days, and then I will never take the contraceptive pill again. After having two kids, I have pleaded with my husband to get the snip, and I’ve categorically said that I’m not going back on medication as I’m seriously losing my sanity. In a way, I hope to God that it is the pill so I stop feeling the way that I have. It’s been so, so hard, and I just want to feel happy again."

• Mea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2020

For Birth Control "I started taking the Yasmin pill two months ago because I saw how clear my friend's skin got and because I had problems with acne, but it wasn’t that severe. Within the first week of intake, my mom could already see the difference in my skin, and I got compliments from people, which really did make me happy. Until the 7-day break, it was torturous: endless anxiety, depression, confusion, mood swings. I just wasn’t great company, and it did have an effect on my mental health. The worst part is that you need help, but from where will it come from? Because your mind is a war zone. Pretty hurts."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2020

"I wasn’t able to get my usual birth control, so I used Yaz and had a terrible experience. I got bad anxiety and depression, headaches, nausea, moodiness, and I gained several pounds around my lower belly in a matter of weeks. I would not recommend this birth control."

• Ama...
• January 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I’m 30 and have been on some form of birth control since I was 15. I started Yaz/Gianvi maybe 7 or 8 years ago and loved it! I was given Loryna 4/5 months ago. I must be an idiot because it took me up until yesterday to connect the dots. I’ve gotten my period every single month 10-3 days before finishing my active pills. I thought I was going absolutely crazy because I never missed any! I’ve had horrible cramps and bloating; my breasts have increased a full cup size and are extremely sore - the only time of the month I get any reprieve is when I stop the pill for my period, which is now 10 days long and super heavy and full of clots. I also have insomnia (fall asleep after 3 every night), cystic acne (this is new), depression, lack of energy, constant yeast infections/BV, and a feeling of constant PMS... Did I make myself clear that I am bloated and have cramps and breast tenderness EVERY DAY? DO NOT TAKE THIS PILL."

• Nic...
• February 20, 2019

For Birth Control "The best pill you can go on if you need to lose weight and clear up your skin! Before taking Yasmin, my skin was terrible, I broke out like crazy, and it was a real struggle to lose weight. Within the first 2-3 months of Yasmin, my skin was beautiful and clear, and within 6 months, the amount of weight I lost was crazy! At least 10 kilos lighter (along with a decent diet). The only con about Yasmin is I did get a little depressed and anxious, so I decided to get off the pill. A month or two after the pill, I started breaking out, and I gained weight. That's why I know Yasmin helps with acne and weight loss! It's literally your best friend. I've decided to go back on the pill, can't wait to look thinner and have beautiful skin!"

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2019

For Birth Control "Was prescribed Yaz to regulate my period and control acne. From day one, I turned into a different person - crazy mood swings, fits of anger and rage that had me so mad at my boyfriend, extreme depression that left me crying all night, no energy, and I had anxiety attacks that basically paralyzed me on the floor, unable to open my hands. So basically, the worst 18 days of my life. Cold turkey stop, despite the doctor telling me to finish the pack. Sorry, I value my sanity, job, and relationship way too much. Only positive - cleared up my hormonal acne. Not even close to worth it."

• Tak...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 1, 2021

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I've been on a birth control journey for four years now, and after having issues with previous birth control methods, my doctor decided to have me try Yaz. At first, I was excited because my doctor had also told me that I probably have PMDD, and Yaz is supposed to help with that (as well as my hormonal acne flare-ups). The first few months were okay, however, in month 6 of taking Yaz, I essentially had a mental breakdown like I've never had before. Then, in month 7, I had two breakdowns, two weeks apart. At that point, I decided to quit taking my birth control altogether and see if it helped. It's been two months now since I haven't taken ANY birth control, and the difference to me is night and day. Only time will tell if I can truly attribute my breakdowns to Yaz, but I just feel so much more 'normal' off of it. My anxiety has gone down, I don't feel so depressed/suicidal, and I feel more social. I'm hoping I can eventually find a method that will finally work for me."