Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol and Depression: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• Jos...
• February 16, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been taking Yaz for 4 months now, I'm 16 years old. Few complaints: at the beginning, this pill caused me horrible nausea and breast pain, but that could be due to changing to Yasmin from Microgynon 30. Also, I experienced spells of depressive moods, which have now cleared up, but I often experience mood swings! On a positive note, my skin has cleared up massively and I have maintained, if not lost, weight. Great pill."

• Nel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2020

For Birth Control "Never again. My pharmacy tried for years to randomly give me Syeda, even though I would repeatedly ask for Ocella. In January, the pharmacy tech insisted she give me two packs of BC, and it was Syeda. When I went back in March, I was given two more packs of Syeda. I didn't care to argue because this was around the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I figured they were stressed enough. After 4 months, however, I have had enough. I have gained weight from my increased appetite, I lost all motivation and enjoyment for things I once enjoyed, and I have been feeling more anxious. I don't care what a pharmacist says, generic doesn't mean the same."

• bec...
• August 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I was on this medication for one month and have never felt worse in my entire life. Before taking this pill, I was an energetic and positive person. Now I am exhausted all the time and hit a wall at 4:00 every day. My confidence has plummeted, and I am experiencing extreme mood swings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. I have never experienced anxiety prior to taking this birth control, and I have had multiple intense panic attacks within the past month. Other side effects have been increased heart rate, tight chest, trouble breathing, and chronic headaches. I was put on Yaz for my acne, and it did help in some sense, but it is not worth feeling like crap 24/7."

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2020

For Birth Control "I had the worst mood swings with this pill, always felt on edge and depressed. As well, it kept me bloated, no weight gain, but I couldn’t lose weight with diet and exercise. I lost 5 lbs within the first week of switching pills."

• Sop...
• April 23, 2019

For Birth Control "This was one of the worst experiences of my life. Women who have a history of anxiety and depression should be warned not to take the Gianvi contraceptive pill. It made me have horrifying panic attacks and an episode of depression. I felt very drowsy, constantly nauseous, and fatigued. I am not on any other type of medication and have a very active, healthy lifestyle. This pill was like poison for the whole body. I am so angry I wasn’t warned about all these very serious side effects."

• Mac...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 16, 2020

For Birth Control "I used Yaz for 10 years. I am in my 30s now, no serious health issues. I had no physical side effects besides sometimes my periods were shorter and only old period blood flowing (dark brown, which my gyn said was fine). The only serious side effect I had was a significant decrease in my libido/sex drive. I didn't notice it at first, but after years of being on it, I realized I didn't think about sex for months. I also was a bit moody or depressed, but I never realized it was the Yaz until I decided to stop taking BC for 3 months, and it was like night and day! I had more energy, and my sex drive skyrocketed! Worth a try though, as everyone's reactions will differ."

• Zar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 24, 2012

For Acne "I started Yasmin about 3 months ago now, and seriously had so many side effects. Not only did it make my skin worse, but I constantly felt bloated, was depressed, and I'm usually quite energetic, but it made me really sleepy constantly. I'm in my last year of my degree, so it really was not helpful at all! Luckily, I found sense to leave the pill, and already I feel better. I'm not bloated anymore and generally less tired! I am still in search of something to cure my acne, though."

• Lan...
• November 3, 2019

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I started taking Yaz as my PMDD symptoms were getting unmanageable. For 1 week before my period, I would become depressed, irritable, fatigued (to the point of needing to nap during the day), and very emotional. I also had cystic acne and would get severe period pain. The first month on Yaz, I felt great. I had no emotional symptoms the week before my period, and my skin started to clear, and my period only lasted 4 days and caused me no problems. Almost immediately after starting my second month, I started to become depressed, irritable, and incredibly fatigued, as well as getting headaches daily. It took me a couple of weeks to realize that it was likely the pill, so I stopped taking it, and within 48 hours, I felt completely normal again. I know it works for some people, but it really didn't work for me."

• No...
• October 19, 2010

For Birth Control "24 yrs old, healthy. On Ocella 14 months. Take it same time each day. Periods lighter/shorter with less cramping. Cleared up moderate acne. Great birth control - still kid-free. Complaint is emotional side effects, which I noticed 6 months after starting Ocella. Super emotional for 1-2 weeks before my period (never had PMS symptoms before). The tiniest thing bothers me - very irrational and impatient. Feel like I've gone insane 2 weeks each month. Worst part is I *know* I'm being ridiculous, but can't pull myself out of it. Was on anti-depressants for 3 yrs, and this makes me feel like I'm getting depressed again each month. The only time I feel 'normal' is when I'm on my period. I want to switch to a pill that has a gradual hormone transition throughout the month."

• Ivz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I don't normally post reviews, but have recently needed to come off Yaz, and looking at alternative options has made me realize how few people write reviews about positive experiences! I should preface that the only reason I came off Yaz was because my amazing doctor from the UK informed me they don't prescribe Yaz for longer than a few months and only for acne and PMDD because it has a higher risk of blood clots than other pills. That aside, I had previously used another pill that made me moody and depressed, dulled my emotions and libido, and (in hindsight) potentially caused an eating disorder. I have taken Yaz for a few years, and it has been such a dream. My periods got much lighter, my mood and libido were unchanged, I didn't gain or lose weight, and of course, it did the job of preventing pregnancy. Very happy with this pill and anxious for what the next one will be like for me! * 9/10 because it is much more expensive than other pills!"

• Eli...
• March 8, 2020

For Birth Control "I started Yaz about 5 to 6 years ago, when I was 18. It worked really well for me, my breasts grew at least a cup and a half, my skin got a lot clearer, but my sex drive dropped. I don't think I even realized how much. Then for the last four months or so, I started spotting in between periods-a lot. Until one day I got my period, and it just didn't go away. I had it for one whole month. That's when I went to a doctor, and he told me this was relatively normal after having taken it for so many years. He told me to stop for one to two months and then start again. Well, I'm now three weeks into Yaz for the second time in my life, my skin is clearing up again, my boobs are growing again, but I'm super depressed and emotional for no reason. My first period was over ten days, and I'm spotting every day since then. I'm wondering if this is just the beginning of the pill and that it's normal-I will see a doctor this week and decide what to do about it."

• ple...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 27, 2019

For Birth Control "Nikki is horrible. It gave me severe depression, and if I hadn’t figured out that Nikki was the thing causing my depression, I might have been the end of me. I’m not kidding. This brand of birth control is absolutely horrible, and I beg of you not to use it. Please, please, please take the time and money to get the right medication for you. Do not use this terrible brand just because it’s cheap. I know that’s easier said than done, but please put your mental health first because it is so extremely important."

• wee...
• March 18, 2009

For Birth Control "I've been on it for 6 months. I've become moody, depressed, and I would cry over anything. My boyfriend hates it, and so do I. I'm tired, irritable, and want to be in my solitude a lot. It has put a strain on my life and my relationship. I am switching to a new birth control soon."

• Jor...
• December 30, 2019

For Birth Control "This medication did help me with hormonal acne and the severity of my period. However, after seeing so many people suffering with the anxiety and depression from it, I think I might be the same. I’ve had to go on antidepressants because none of my doctors think it’s related to the birth control."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2016

For Birth Control "Worst pill. Went on it for around 5 months, and it made my life a living hell. Almost immediately, I experienced an annoying, impossible-to-get-rid-of weight gain. Went from a B cup to a D/DD cup, depending on the time of the month. I also experienced some serious bloating around my stomach and could not get rid of it. Around the same time, I also became incredibly moody. As the months went on, this only got worse. Along with my moodiness, I became anxious, depressed, and found that my libido had disappeared completely. Ultimately, I felt as if I had become a different person completely and decided to toss my remaining packs. While my weight and mood went back to normal, my libido took forever to reappear, and I still feel it's not the same."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2020

For Birth Control "This Yaz pill was effective in that it prevented pregnancy, but that’s where the pros end. This pill caused me to have a major depressed mood, leading to suicidal thoughts and constant leg cramping that sent me to the ER."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 9, 2019

For Birth Control "Yasmin was the worst decision of my life to take this. I went on it for birth control, and the doctor thought it would help my endometriosis as well. At first, I was happy-my skin was clear and glowing, and I even lost some weight. However, after a few months, I started experiencing crippling anxiety and depression. After three months of this, I stopped the medication, but the aftermath got worse. I became so anxious and depressed I felt suicidal. Thankfully, I started seeing a naturopath who helped me restore my body to its pre-Yasmin state, and after 9 months off the pill, I started feeling like my old self. I do not recommend this!!"

• Can...
• October 10, 2014

For Birth Control "Made me vomit up to three times a day on random days. Up to the third month. Gave me horrible nightmares every night, not one missed, starting last month. Love working out, don't have the energy to do it anymore. Sleep way too much, 13 hours or more a day with naps. Depression before I went to sleep, sometimes I would cry my eyeballs out. Did not gain weight on it, and I have the most amazing skin you can think of and a period for only two days. Let's weigh this out here, NO. Can't do it. Switching to mini pills!"

• ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2021

For Acne "Gosh. Don't get on this tablet. It's the worst thing that's ever happened to me. I almost feel suicidal, been in severe depression, shouting and breaking things, and ruining my relationship with everyone. If this is the cost you have to pay to clear skin, then I'd rather have pimples for the rest of my life. And, to be honest, it hasn't even helped my acne, in fact, it made it worse. Don't, please. If you want to remain sane, don't get on this. Go natural or anything, but not this."

• aja...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2020

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I took this medication, Yasmin, in order to regularize my periods and avoid PMS symptoms of mood swings. However, this pill worsened my situation. I have been suffering from immense depression and anxiety ever since. Anxiety with fast heartbeats. I've been possessive, and anything around me would trigger emotional outbursts of crying and anger. I have cried every single day I took this pill. If you've got pre-existing anxiety or depression, I would advise you don't take this pill. It will literally ruin your life. I have got 4 days left for the pill. Never taking it again after that."

• Loa...
• April 21, 2019

For Birth Control "Started Yaz about 6 months ago for endometriosis pain control. Right away, I became emotional, anxious, and depressed with super dark thoughts. My doctor told me that it takes about 3 months to level out your hormones. Two weeks ago, I started having side effects that I didn't even realize were because of the birth control until I started reading other reviews. I'm 29 years old, work out 5 days a week, skinny, etc. I've become constipated, bloated, gaining weight, hungry all the time, extremely exhausted, mood swings, angry at everyone and everything, depressed, anxious, obsessive bad thoughts, hot flashes and sweating, breakthrough bleeding, etc. I have my period every 3 months on this, but my first period after the 3 months is the heaviest period I've ever had in my life. Not to be graphic, but it was flowing out of me like an endless waterfall. Soaked through super tampons in 15-20 minutes. I'm miserable and would rather risk my endometriosis pain coming back than dealing with this. Not taking another day of this pill."

• Lan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 15, 2020

For Birth Control "I live in Korea, and had to switch from my Ortho Tri-Cyclen in the US to Yaz here in Korea. I went to a doctor to talk about it, and she suggested Yaz as it was fairly close to what I had been taking in the States. I got it for 6 months, and now that I'm nearing the end, I am thinking more seriously about finding something else. The biggest side effect for me is the decrease in my libido. I went from desiring intimacy with my fiancé almost every day to never, within a month of starting Yaz. It was an extreme loss of sexual desire that I am 100% sure was due to Yaz. I also gained a few pounds and have not been able to lose it. I did start to notice more extreme mood shifts towards the end of each cycle as well. Feeling depressed, fatigue, and anxiety every 4 weeks is tough on me. I am nervous about switching to something else because I have only ever taken Ortho Tri-Cyclen pills, but Yaz is just not for me in the long run."

• Anonymous
• September 12, 2009

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was placed on Yaz in May and taken off of Sprintec because of extreme joint swelling. At first, Yaz was great. I had no complaints the first month, then the weight gain started. I have been 120 lbs my whole adult life and went to 130 lbs within days into the second pack. By August (just months), I slipped into a depression with extreme hopelessness and could not stop crying. I also noticed that my skin was getting oily. I called my doctor, and they placed me back on my old pills. Within a week, my mood has improved, I'm not crying uncontrollably, and my skin is normal again. The pharmacist stated that women either love Yaz or they hate it. Too bad it didn't work for me, I am very glad to be off of it."

• Anonymous
• September 12, 2009

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was placed on Yaz in May and taken off of Sprintec because of extreme joint swelling. At first, Yaz was great. I had no complaints the first month, then the weight gain started. I have been 120 lbs my whole adult life and went to 130 lbs within days into the second pack. By August (just months), I slipped into a depression with extreme hopelessness and could not stop crying. I also noticed that my skin was getting oily. I called my doctor, and they placed me back on my old pills. Within a week, my mood has improved, I'm not crying uncontrollably, and my skin is normal again. The pharmacist stated that women either love Yaz or they hate it. Too bad it didn't work for me, I am very glad to be off of it."