Levora and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Mrs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2013

For Birth Control "I am a 27-year-old first-time oral birth control user, and I started on Levora 11 days ago. I know side effects are supposed to last for a few months, then even out, but I don't know if I can handle a few months of this! It has hit me in phases! The first phase was headaches (which I never get normally!), breasts sore beyond belief, and exhaustion. That has now shifted to hot flashes with lightheadedness, followed by anxiety and LOTS of crying! I have also been constantly nauseous. Thinking of food makes me nauseous, but I'm also starving and feel like I can't eat enough! All I can hope is that this is also a phase and it will even out, and I'll just have to tough it out. But if it doesn't ease up, I think I'll have to try a different pill."

• Anonymous
• October 25, 2009

For Birth Control "It does the job, obviously, I haven't been pregnant. But I have mood swings like I've never had before. I get anxious and/or depressed. Most depressingly, my sex drive has all but disappeared. Sex is uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and I seem incapable of naturally lubricating. I used to be able to have sex every day if I wanted to and orgasm almost every time-not now."

• Cry...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2019

For Birth Control "Honestly, I remember taking this a long time ago and forgot why I stopped taking it because I switched and tried an IUD back then. When I first got back on the pill, I took Chateal, which was great, was a little moody but otherwise fine. Still had periods, which is fine with me because it let me know I'm still fertile and all (peace of mind). As soon as I was switched to Levora, my anxiety exploded, gastrointestinal issues like bloating, which was painful, acne, missed periods, fatigue, nausea. After 2 months of seeing if things would settle, I've stopped taking it and made an appointment to get rid of it and replace it. I'd rather be pregnant than be on Levora."

• RN8...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I developed extreme depression, anxiety, and mood swings, and gained 15 lbs. I eventually became suicidal. I switched to another type of BC, and within 2 months, my suicidal thoughts were completely gone, and within 4 months, my depression and anxiety were gone too. My life was the same, but I felt sane and in control of my emotions again. I also was finally able to lose weight. And my previously clear skin, which Levora ruined with cystic acne, went back to normal. This is a nasty, horrible pill. It should be taken off the market."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 20, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Honestly, I have been on Levora birth control for roughly a year. At first, it was fine, although I did gain a significant amount of weight no matter what I did. However, now I can’t stop bleeding between my period, and I have horrible pain in my ovaries and back. I have been to the ER three times in two weeks because of these symptoms, and they keep telling me that all tests are normal. I’m telling you, I know it’s my birth control. I used it to skip my period, and now I am regretting that decision immensely. Tomorrow is my last day before placebo week, and it will be my LAST day of taking Levora because I am over this depression and anxiety, which are awful, and this pill has increased it tenfold! The bleeding, cramps, depression, weight gain, gas, bloating, mood swings, and migraines are not worth this pill. TBH, at this point, I’m young, but I’d rather have a baby than go through this for any longer. I feel like rubbish almost 24/7."

• sil...
• August 18, 2015

For Birth Control "I have taken this BC for close to 10 months. I have gained so much weight, and I have the worst moods. I already have issues with anxiety and depression, and this has made it worse. My acne still comes and goes. I am determined to stop this medication. On the other hand, my periods have been fabulous. Before, I would throw up and have horrible cramps."

• Ann...
• September 1, 2017

For Birth Control "Three months in, and I'm an anxious, angry, depressed lunatic with high blood pressure I can feel raging through my body and causing the sensation of heart palpitations daily. Doctors should make a greater effort telling women about possible side effects, as those of us with a similar experience in the past take longer than necessary to connect that it is the pill causing all these horrible feelings and experiences. This thing can ruin lives and families before women realize it isn't them but the pill."

• Moo...
• January 23, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been miserable for the past few months while on Levora. At first, it just started with some moodiness, but it has escalated after about four months (I've been on it for about 6 months). My moodiness is just so unpredictable now, I feel physically depressed and anxious. Also, my decreased sex drive has become a huge problem. I have no interest whatsoever and have had increased vaginal dryness. Also, I have had increased food cravings, I feel like I am always hungry, and combined with feeling depressed, that is a dangerous combination. I've gained about 30 lbs in 6 months. I have had much lighter periods since I have been on Levora, no cramping and no acne, but the positives really don't outweigh the negatives."

• Sam...
• February 2, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I went from being a positive, upbeat, never-cry type person. I'm stopping it today because I have been having suicidal thoughts, huge bouts of rage, self-harming behavior, anxiety, extreme irritability, and horrible feelings of being worthless. I have NEVER felt like that before until I took this for 8 months. DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG."

• Anonymous
• February 15, 2012

For Birth Control "I just finished my third month of Levora pills and have no plans to start a fourth. Although it did prevent pregnancy and help to regulate my periods, I have experienced horrible depression, anxiety, and a major increase in appetite. I don't think I've ever felt so awful emotionally as I have on this pill. Great that it worked for others, but this is definitely not the pill for me."

• Anonymous
• January 22, 2010

For Birth Control "I was on Levora for about 9 years and have quit taking it now for about a year. I never became pregnant on this pill, so it definitely serves its purpose, but I did have some common side effects that it seems a lot of women complained about as well. My two biggest issues were a VERY decreased libido (almost non-existent), breast tenderness, and anxiety. I'm still suffering from anxiety issues, so I'm not sure if the pill contributed to the anxiety, or if I would've started having it even if I never started taking the pill."

• Sta...
• August 17, 2017

For Birth Control "Since starting Levora 3 months ago, I've had severe panic attacks, fatigue, nausea, and awful mood swings. Off it as of today. I suggest taking it, then re-evaluating how you feel after 90 days. I can honestly say it's turned me into a raging lunatic with no control over my emotions. This has been my worst experience on birth control yet. The anxiety is overwhelming, which causes hostility and depression. Please be careful, ladies!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 1, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I didn't even make 6 days into the pack before I had to quit from the worst bleeding I've ever had and severe depression and anxiety. I have 2 LOs 22 months apart, and I'd rather do that all over again than take this birth control."

• Dev...
• December 7, 2011

For Birth Control "The first week I got Levora from Planned Parenthood was hell. I was a crazy and moody beast, and I ate everything in sight. Right now I'm finishing up my second month, and it's going way better. The weird food cravings have gone down significantly, although I have gained about 4.5 pounds. The clinician said it would help my acne, but it hasn't really changed yet. Although I am really stressed with finals at college, so that may be why. It hasn't really dramatically increased though. But what HAS dramatically increased is my sex drive. I've never been a very sex-driven lady, but now I definitely am, and my boyfriend is loving it, hahaha. Unfortunately, it hasn't made my breasts grow though. All in all, I really like it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 5, 2012

"I have been on Levora for about 2 years now, and I'm about to switch. What I like about the pill is that it works great. I'm forgetful and haven't gotten pregnant. When I miss, I can't double up because I will get highly nauseous. I also have to take three months straight before I can take the placebo week. If not, I will wake up in the middle of the night on the first night back and throw up. Other issues I've had: nausea, headaches, weight gain, anxiety, excessive crying over nothing, I'm easily irritated and angered, increased hunger. The worst side effect, however, has been my sex drive. It has completely gone. I have to talk myself into having sex with my husband. Not cool."

• Tex...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2016

For Birth Control "On this pill for a couple of months. I had heavy bleeding for the first solid month. I started having anxiety and bouts of depression. I have never felt that way on a BC pill before. I would have stomach problems to where I would vomit or have diarrhea. I chalked up everything to just having a baby at first, but soon realized it was the pills. I immediately quit taking them and had my old prescription filled. The pills just did not mix well for me. I was on Sprintec for 4.5 years and never had a problem!"

• Hon...
• July 19, 2018

For Birth Control "Seriously the worst birth control I've used! It's done its purpose of preventing pregnancy, but the side effects are horrible! Ever since being on Levora, it's been nothing but a negative experience. I get very fatigued, nauseous, and have severe migraines. I'm 20 years old and never had high blood pressure until I got on this pill. I have horrible mood swings and anxiety. My fiancé and I have noticed a big change in my emotions. I can be totally fine one moment, then be crying the next or be very hostile! I will get heart palpitations and shortness of breath out of nowhere. It didn't help with reducing cramping pain at all while being on my cycle, in fact, it felt so much worse than before. I experience severe vaginal dryness, which makes sex very painful during and after! Never had a problem with lubrication at all until this pill, and it's definitely not related to arousal. I do not recommend this pill at all! Getting off of it ASAP!!!"

• Sci...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on it for a month and a half, and prior, I had very little issues with depression other than small bouts that hardly count as depression. I have had anxiety, and being on this pill has made it worse, way worse, and it has made me become depressed. I've read through the comments about this pill, and it seems like many people have been experiencing depression. This pill didn't work for me, and the other pill didn't work great for me either. Messed up my hormones too much, luckily, it didn't change my sex drive, but it caused me to just sit there and cry or do nothing. Weekends, I feel like doing nothing but sleep. I'm not that old, only 19, and have never had any hormone issues before this pill. I don't recommend it."

• Rac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 22, 2019

For Endometriosis "I've been on Levora for over 4 years, let me tell you, it works as a great birth control, but the side effects are insane. I was 130 lbs when I started, I now weigh 180. Yes, some of it is due to being out of my teen years, however, 10 of those lbs hang off my chest. I've always been bustier (C/D cup), I'm now on my way to G cup. I'm only 5'4, so this is very uncomfortable. I look very heavy, my legs are big now, yet I am actually eating better than when I started taking it. My face and stomach are always puffy and bloated, the only time it's flat is right off of my period and not taking the pills for 7 days. I have had to get a script for Xanax because of my severe anxiety that has started. I didn't think a pill could cause all of this, but it's getting worse. I have no sex drive ever, and my cramps are still painful. I will be going off of it starting tomorrow, and I will be tracking how my body changes for the next 6 months."

• Anonymous
• August 21, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been taking Levora for a year now, and it's been working great! I have been with the same guy for a year, and we do try to use protection, and I haven't gotten pregnant! I have had some side effects when I first started using it. I always wanted to eat, my acne was terrible, and I was always crying. The crying was from my face breaking out so badly. After like 4 or 5 months into the pill, my acne cleared up, and the cravings went away, my face has been clear ever since!"

• Anonymous
• July 7, 2012

For Birth Control "I was on Levora for 2 months, and when I started taking it, my period was a month late, but I had some breakthrough bleeding. I would also get nauseous late at night. I did break out just a bit, and my sex drive increased. I stopped for a while and started again, and have been on it for a month now. This time my sex drive is lower, and I tend to get dry during sex more often. I'm an emotional wreck. I'm depressed and have lots of anxiety. And I'm always angry or crying. And I'm always hungry and craving things. And my breasts are slightly sore. In the first couple of weeks, I gained weight, then in the last two, I lost weight. But both experiences were different. It does its job of preventing pregnancy, though."

• Gin...
• September 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been using Levora for about 3 months and finally coming around to reading these reviews. It makes sense why I've been acting/feeling so weird. I don't recall discussing any of these symptoms with my doctor, but it wasn't till the third month that I noticed the weight gain. Throughout using this pill, I have found myself way more emotional than I usually am. My anxiety has reached its peak. Even though I've worked really hard to keep it under control, I get irritated by almost anything. My sex drive has gone from 4 days a week to once every 2 weeks. Maybe. My partner and I are both very sad about it even though he hasn't left me. I feel like if we didn't come to this conclusion, he might have. Definitely switching to something different."

• Anonymous
• August 30, 2011

For Birth Control "This pill made me extremely emotional and anxious."