Portia and Depression: What Users Say (Page 2)

• por...
• December 14, 2017

For Birth Control "This is the worst birth control pill I've been on (I've also used Yaz, Sronyx, Lutera, Alesse, Levora). I've never really experienced any side effects before. I was on Levora last and loved it, but was switched to Portia when Levora was discontinued. I've been on Portia for 3.5 months and have gained 5 pounds and have been depressed and anxious the whole time - I wake up in the middle of the night crying or am unable to sleep because of the anxiety."

• CJa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been using Portia birth control for less than 1 year. I had the IUD for 2 years but had to come off of it due to getting numerous cysts. Prior to the IUD, I was on Levora, which worked well until it didn't. Anyway, I was already diagnosed bipolar 5 years ago, but have had unreal mood swings, weight fluctuation, depression, anxiety, and low sex drive ever since being on Portia. I found this blog today, and I am low-key annoyed that I didn't look into these side effects sooner. I am coming off of this medication and consulting with my OBGYN, demanding alternate birth control. I do not recommend this form of contraceptive to anyone."

• Sss...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 31, 2021

For Birth Control "I have taken a few different generic birth control pill options since I was 18, now almost 27. I switched to Portia in April of 2020 because I wanted to try a birth control option that I could skip my periods with. Worst decision I’ve ever made. Although I remained active throughout the pandemic (I am a horse trainer) and didn’t make any dietary changes, I gained nearly 20 pounds in the first 6 months on it. When I went to talk to my doctor, they convinced me that the pill wasn’t to blame, so I continued to take it for another few months. I am up to 165 now, from consistently weighing 130-135 before taking this medication. I also experienced extreme fatigue and lack of motivation, and debilitating anxiety and depression on this medication. To add to that, it made my occasional light acne turn into regular breakouts with cystic acne. AND I had breakthrough bleeding constantly, sometimes 2 full periods a month. Listen to your body, your doctor is wrong."

• Sss...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 31, 2021

For Birth Control "I have taken a few different generic birth control pill options since I was 18, now almost 27. I switched to Portia in April of 2020 because I wanted to try a birth control option that I could skip my periods with. Worst decision I’ve ever made. Although I remained active throughout the pandemic (I am a horse trainer) and didn’t make any dietary changes, I gained nearly 20 pounds in the first 6 months on it. When I went to talk to my doctor, they convinced me that the pill wasn’t to blame, so I continued to take it for another few months. I am up to 165 now, from consistently weighing 130-135 before taking this medication. I also experienced extreme fatigue and lack of motivation, and debilitating anxiety and depression on this medication. To add to that, it made my occasional light acne turn into regular breakouts with cystic acne. AND I had breakthrough bleeding constantly, sometimes 2 full periods a month. Listen to your body, your doctor is wrong."

• Lex...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2018

For Birth Control "Like many others, I was switched to Portia after Levora (which I loved!) was discontinued. Have to begin by saying I was skeptical of the whole gaining weight or having mood swings while on birth control stories, but man, did this pill mess with me. Giving it 3 stars because it shortened and decreased my pain during menstruation immensely, but it wasn’t worth the massive mood swings (namely unwarranted irritation and then extreme depression)—that just came out of nowhere about two months into taking this pill. My appetite also majorly increased and was much insatiable, which was kind of a bummer. I think I gave Portia a fair shot, but after about 4-5 months, I’m switching to a different pill—I understand everybody is different, so this may work for some, but definitely not for me."

• Js1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2017

For Birth Control "I started taking Portia after my first pill was giving me too much breakthrough bleeding. I never had any breakthrough bleeding on Portia, but I developed moderate depression and anxiety issues while on it. I was moody, less interested in sex, and bloated most of the time. I switched back to the original pill I started on, so hopefully that goes better!"

• Kve...
• March 17, 2017

For Birth Control "I had a bad experience with this birth control. I was taking another birth control before this one. I switched to this one because of my mood. And around the 3rd month, I went crazy. I started to think weirdly, I started to think I didn't love my boyfriend anymore. And I know it's not true, but it is the WORST. I went off it about a month ago, and I still have the worst depression and anxiety. I can't even look at my boyfriend the same anymore, and it breaks my heart. But I heard it gets better and these thoughts will go away. Remember, ladies, never act when you're on birth control, it's not you! But this made my relationship the worst. So I needed a break from birth control after this one, a break is well needed! Good luck, ladies!"

• iha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2017

For Birth Control "When I first started it, I didn't notice it was giving me side effects until I look back now. The first month, I felt dizzy, anxious, depressed, and disoriented. I thought it was because I was trying to get used to the change in hormones. But then, those side effects continued until now, which is 3 months on it. I have gained 7 lbs that I had worked off before I started it. It makes me feel horrible. I've gotten lazier and have no motivation to do my schoolwork and study. I have also had the side effect of my legs feeling numb. I have also had the side effect of low blood sugar and my hands shaking like crazy. Don't use this product. It's the worst birth control I've experienced."

• Nic...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I started this pill maybe 3 years ago, but I was on and off due to lack of sexual intercourse and the side effects of the pill. Side effects included severe lower back pain, blurry vision, depression, and extreme tiredness. This is the only birth control I've been on, and I seriously would like to try different options. Not to mention, I've picked up weight using it, smh."

• Thu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2018

For Birth Control "I was on Junel Fe for almost a year before I started taking Portia. Junel Fe made my acne clear up, but my period was very irregular. So my doctor prescribed me Portia. My acne has gotten so bad all along my jawline and chin. It’s cystic and painful. It’s nowhere else on my face, but it is so embarrassing, I don’t want to leave the house because I feel like people look at me and think it’s an STD. Not only that, but it has caused severe mood swings and depression. I got into a huge fight last week with my boyfriend for no reason at all and canceled plans with my mother the day of just because I had no motivation to get up and go do anything or see anyone. So now the question is, do I keep taking it for a few more months to see if things get better or change to something else?"

• Moo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 9, 2018

For Birth Control "This pill is a nightmare! This is my first time taking the pill, I only started taking it in the hopes of improving my very painful periods, and I regret even trying it. I’ve been on it for 3 weeks now, and my life has been totally ruined. I have crazy mood swings, major depression, and mad rage! My face started breaking out even though I’ve never had issues with acne before. I have gained weight even though I’ve been working out and resisted most of the insanely strong cravings I’ve been getting. My life has gone downhill, so I’m going to stop taking this pill immediately. The sad thing is I have now lost faith in the pill and will just deal with my horrible periods."

• mae...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2022

For Birth Control "This birth control was very difficult for me. Made me extremely moody, sensitive, made my depression and anxiety worse. This medication caused suicidal ideation within the first week and a half. If you are trying this birth control, please monitor mood and symptoms closely."

• NCa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2018

For Birth Control "Was using Levora and Chateal before Portia. Portia has caused random weight gain, swelling in my arms and legs, abdomen area. I eat healthy and exercise regularly, so I know that this was my only change. It has given me so much acne that I have never had before, depression, excruciating headaches that are crippling. It’s terrible. I have used Allese, Chateal, Levora and haven’t had any issues until PORTIA! Portia is the worst. I stopped it after a month and a half because of the crazy side effects, and I am not willing to put myself through the worst I’ve ever felt again. Seek other birth control."

• Isa...
• March 17, 2021

For Birth Control "This brand of birth control is the first I’ve ever tried when I was about 16 years old. I’ve been on it for about 2 years now. It seems as if every month has its own side effects. Some months, I feel so sleepy, depressed, no motivation to do anything (keep in mind I was a super organized and productive person before going on this pill)."

• Isa...
• March 17, 2021

For Birth Control "This brand of birth control is the first I’ve ever tried when I was about 16 years old. I’ve been on it for about 2 years now. It seems as if every month has its own side effects. Some months, I feel so sleepy, depressed, no motivation to do anything (keep in mind I was a super organized and productive person before going on this pill)."

• Lis...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 15, 2021

For Birth Control "STAY FAR FAR AWAY FROM PORTIA!!! I was like many other ladies on here taking Levora and had no side effects and no weight gain. Kaiser switched me to Portia and told me it was the exact same thing. So I trusted them. I have menorrhagia and was given birth control to stop my periods completely. It did its job for a while, that is keeping my periods away. But as months went by, weight came on so fast. No matter how much I did and how healthy I ate. I was a fitness instructor and had never had weight issues. From the start till now of taking Portia, I have gained 60 pounds that are stubborn and will only budge a pound or two. As the years went by, I became different. I wasn't me. I became severely anxious and was diagnosed with anxiety disorder, then the depression set in. I became foggy-minded, and often dizzy. I am constantly bloated, have severe mood swings, feel drained, have acne, and experience chest pains. After 5 years, I'm getting off it with a hysterectomy."

• Dep...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 12, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on this pill for 4 years when Kaiser switched over. I always felt so depressed and didn’t know why. I was overly tired all the time and just wanted to sleep. The pill did clear up my acne and made my periods lighter, which was the main reason I went on it. Last month, I found out I developed a liver tumor, and I am certain it’s from the pill. I am healthy aside from that and have no family history of liver tumors. I asked my doctor if that could be a side effect, and they said it could be but wasn’t certain. So I stopped the pill, and slowly I feel like I am getting back to who I used to be. Now, I just have to tackle this liver tumor I have. Would not recommend this pill."

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2021

For Birth Control "I’m on week 3 of Portia birth control, and it’s horrific. It makes me so depressed and have the most suicidal thoughts and mood swings. It gave me a severe rash all over my body, it’s the worst rash I have ever seen. My boobs did get bigger, but the rash is all over them anyway. I have diarrhea, and I cannot sleep at night. I wake up 2-3 times a night. This pill is a nightmare. Don’t try it, I’m serious."

• Han...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I was prescribed this to help lessen my cramps since they were debilitating, but it stopped them completely, and as someone who someday wants to be a mother, this was distressing, but obviously reversible. I began the birth control at the end of my period as prescribed, and three weeks came, and I began to expect my period. I got severe mood swings, irritation, anxiety, and beyond severe depression. I usually get moody around my period, so I didn’t think anything of it. But I ended up skipping two periods with no let-up of the emotions I was feeling, not to mention tender and painful breasts and random punches of cramps. My depression and overall emotional state have been bad before, but never this bad. Never to the point of such incredibly dark thoughts. If you are being prescribed Portia, go ahead, but it may muck you up mentally and physically, and you’ll prefer your periods to it any day."

• Ani...
• August 18, 2019

For Endometriosis "I would never recommend Portia. I was switched from Levora to Portia after Kaiser said they didn’t have Levora anymore. The first week I started taking Portia, I started to notice I was very depressed and anxious. As week two came around, it only got worse. To the point where I wasn’t able to eat because of my anxiety and ended up in the hospital. I have since stopped Portia and have felt a little more normal. I would not recommend Portia to anyone because it seems like a lot of people have the same side effect: depression and anxiety."

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2019

For Birth Control "In terms of doing its job of not getting pregnant, Portia does very well, and I did not experience heavy periods or extreme cramping while I was on it for 4 months. Just like many others, I was not notified when my pharmacy changed me from Levora to Portia. I feel so dumb for not connecting the dots that this BC could be the cause of my emotional distress (started happening around the time I started Portia), which was bouts of depression, MAJOR mood swings, very short temperament, and breast tenderness. My breasts were so sensitive I took out my nipple piercings I had for over a year. After consulting my doctor, I was able to switch back to Levora, and everything has been much more normal since! Ask your doctor to go back to Levora if it works for you ladies!"

• rmo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m so glad to see others going through similar experiences to what I am. I have only been taking Portia for two months, and the side effects have been crazy. To start, like many others have said, the mood swings are ridiculous. I found myself feeling randomly depressed for no real reason and even crying on occasion (this is out of the norm for me), and my acne has gotten out of control. I’m breaking out in places I hardly ever do and also in places I never have in the past. Normally, my acne is extremely mild and manageable. My periods are also a lot heavier in the first couple of days, which is another clear sign that this BC is too intense for me. Normally messy periods coincide with messy side effects for me. I was suggested to try this BC, and I’ve already asked to change to something else, this is a terrible product and not at all worth the trouble. Do not take this!"

• Cri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I tried this birth control for the first time 2 weeks ago, and it has been the worst I’ve experienced. Terrible side effects. I am a bubbly, happy woman, and this made me so sad and depressed. I was on vacation with my family, and I felt a sadness and anxiety I have never felt before. I couldn’t understand why I was so sad under the happiest, most ideal circumstances life has to offer! It also made me nauseous, and worst of all, one week after my period, I got my PERIOD AGAIN!!! My period is normally 4 days long, and today is now day 6 of this Portia-provoked period... even though I stopped taking the pill 3 days ago. Lastly, I have very clear skin, and this made me break out. I just don’t see the upside to this birth control. Never again."

• Mow...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 23, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on this pill for about a year and a half. I didn’t have any physical side effects with it, but the psychological effects were incredibly heavy. I had constant severe anxiety, thought negatively all the time, was heavily depressed, and took all of it out on my partner. Not realizing it was the pill, I just thought there was something wrong with me. When I had finally gotten off of it, all the mental health issues went away immediately. It has made me never want to go on birth control again because it made me go to a really dark place. I don’t recommend this at all."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2018

For Birth Control "This pill has made me feel horrible! I have awful morning-like sickness and wake up in the middle of the night throwing up. My breasts have become bigger and so sensitive. I have broken out. My moods are all over the place - very depressed and lethargic - uncharacteristic for me. I am so bloated and gassy no matter what I eat - I can eat rice and bananas all day and still bloat up."