Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Kar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I'm on my 3rd pack of Lutera, and I haven't gotten pregnant, but I suffer from anxiety and depression, and these pills have absolutely increased that by 10. My sex drive has plummeted, and I’m unmotivated to the extent that I stay in my bed several days in a row. I’ve also been experiencing a lot of abnormal bleeding. Keep in mind that it is only my third month, and everyone is different. The pill does the job of me not getting pregnant, but I am more concerned about my mental health at this point."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 30, 2020

For Birth Control "Like many others, I have been on Norimin for 11 years. Due to COVID, I had to switch to Levlen and had the worst experience. I’ve become super anxious, the worst acne outbreaks on my chest, back, and face. I rarely ever had any pimples, and now have extremely painful ones that don’t seem to heal. I’ve gained close to 4 kg and have started to get bad tummy pains and bloating."

• Etn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been off birth control for almost 6 years, I couldn't find one that suited me and didn't make me a bloated, crazy person. I had tried Yaz, Yasmin, Tricicyclen Lo, and so many others. The only one I had not tried was the mini pills or Alesse. Very hesitant because last time, I bled for weeks, I was depressed, anxious, vomiting a lot, dizzy, and felt like garbage. It took almost a year to get used to Yasmin, and even then, I felt awful. I'm on the generic version Alesyna, and I've had ZERO side effects. I was worried about my sex drive declining and gaining weight, as well as depression being on it, but none of that has happened. If anything, my sex drive is higher than usual, my periods are lighter and shorter, I overall feel extremely happy all the time. No mood swings. I was terrified by all the bad reviews, but like my doc said, every body is different, and you just have to keep trying 'til you find one that works for you."

• 21...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2021

For Birth Control "Going on month six of the Larissia birth control, and it is the best birth control I have taken. Before I started it, I came here to read reviews and got very nervous based on the negative effects people were experiencing. All I can say is you have to try it for yourself because everyone’s body is different. I have experienced no crazy mood swings, no depressing thoughts, and no high anxiety. Unlike the other birth controls I have tried in the past that make me lose my sex drive and become dry, this one increased it!!! It feels like I’m not even on birth control. I’ve had no pregnancy scares (I do take it daily and don’t miss a day) and have had no problems with it. The only negative I can give this pill is that it didn’t take away my acne but definitely didn’t make my acne worse. Don’t let reviews scare you away from trying a birth control because it could work the best for your body!"

• Anonymous
• April 3, 2021

For Birth Control "If I could rate this medication a 0, I would. Ladies with anxiety and depression... PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS. I suffer from anxiety, however, (through years of practice) I have been able to learn coping mechanisms. I have taken birth control for years, but after noticing subtle changes with Tri Nessa, I decided to get put on a different birth control. My doctor told me Lutera was a good fit, and I took his word for it. After taking this for literally a week, I noticed I was having really DARK thoughts. My boyfriend would roll over in bed and find me crying for no reason. I was having anxiety like I had never experienced before. For instance, I was shaking, feeling like a 10 lb weight was on my chest, and I was feeling like I was going to pass out. After putting two and two together and realizing the only new addition to my daily routine was Lutera, I decided to stop taking the pill."

• wor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 5, 2019

For Birth Control "Being in nursing school, I decided to try BC. I read the reviews but thought I would be fine. I took it in January and had no symptoms, but then noticed I was having severe anxiety. I had already been in nursing school for a semester before taking it and never experienced this amount of anxiety. I have always been an anxious person but never to the point of needing meds for it. I had to drop out of nursing school and get on anti-anxiety meds (still on them). I stopped taking the BC after 2 months. It got so bad that I developed OCD anxiety, and I have the worst intrusive thoughts that make me feel like I’m capable of doing horrible things, which causes more anxiety and depression. The depression isn’t as bad anymore since stopping, but it was so bad that I felt no emotion. I wasn’t excited anymore. It has been 4 months, and I still don’t feel 100%, but I’m a lot better. I have never written a review before but felt like I needed to speak out. Please do not even try it!"

• ano...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 16, 2021

For Birth Control "So I’ve been on this drug, Vienva, for a couple of years. My pharmacy automatically switched me to this from Lutera. Pros: no weight gain, periods are regular, and I’m not pregnant. Cons: cystic acne, depression, horrible anxiety, and constipation. I’m going on a new birth control soon and crossing my fingers it won’t be worse than this one. I feel like this birth control will benefit you physically but definitely not mentally. I find it very sad how doctors do not discuss the mental impact these medications could have before prescribing them :("

• Bea...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 16, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on Levlen since I was 18 (I am now 24) and have realized how depressed and anxious this tablet has made me in the last 2-3 years, especially the last 6 months. It has gotten so much worse. I literally have no sex drive and feel really lazy and have no energy. I have constant migraines and dizziness, and I honestly think all of these things are related to this pill. I have decided to try and change my pill to a different one and see how I go, and already 3 days after not being on Levlen (period week), I feel amazing!"

• aej...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 21, 2021

"IDK who needs to hear this, but this BC is the reason you’re not feeling like yourself. I have been taking Larissia for 8 months. At first, I was only experiencing painful, constant headaches and increased appetite, but as time went on, the side effects worsened, and TBH, I was in denial and didn’t want to switch because my periods are so light and only last 3 days. But it’s not worth how fatigued, angry, uncontrollable, depressed, anxious, and emotional I feel. I have been falling out with the people closest to me for no reason. My sex drive decreased, the headaches are so painful my vision gets blurry, and with all this, I have a child to care for. So, I’m here to warn you: pay close attention to your body. If you feel even slightly different, immediately stop taking it because it will get worse. Avoid this BC at all costs!!"

• Sar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 13, 2021

For Birth Control "This pill is a miracle. I am 32 and have been on BC pills since age 16 and have tried countless brands, types, and various phasic pills. This is the only pill that doesn't make me insanely anxious, I have not had one pregnancy scare, and it is so mild I hardly know I am on anything at all. This cleared my cystic acne (caused by Falmina, the generic of this brand--- do NOT switch to this, it is NOT the same, no matter what the pharmacy tells you--- filler ingredients make all the difference, ladies!) and my period only lasts 3 days if not less. Low hormones, low effects, awesome pill. 10/10!"

• H B...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I took Sronyx for 3 months. I quickly became very anxious and depressed. For three weeks, I cried every day. I didn't feel like myself. I was very sensitive in general. My drive was pretty much gone. I also gained a slight amount of weight. However, my skin was pretty clear. Immediately after I stopped taking it, I felt a lot better. I'm extremely nervous to take anything new now because of how terrible I felt on this."

• Dan...
• April 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I have been taking this birth control since I was 15. I needed another form of BC when I was taking Accutane. I stayed on it because I obviously became sexually active and didn’t want to get pregnant yet. I am now 27 and dealing with a lot of problems in my relationship. No sex drive, I have constant headaches, I am overly emotional (which I originally thought was just me), crazy mood swings before and after my cycle, depression, anxiety. I am going to stop taking it to see if my side effects go away because I don’t want my relationship to fall apart. I have gone to numerous doctors for my depression, mood swings, etc., and none of them have ever mentioned that it could be my birth control. That’s incredible to me. My one positive about Sronyx is that in the 12.5 years of taking it, I have not gotten pregnant or had any pregnancy scares."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Alesse twice, this time for 2 months so far. I've had no problems at all. I have polycystic ovarian syndrome, and it's fixed my period so far. My complexion is getting better, I've had no unusual depression or anxiety, and I haven't gained additional weight."

• bel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2020

For Birth Control "So I have really bad anxiety and depression, and I told my doctor this and told her I didn’t want a birth control that would make it worse, and she put me on this birth control. I looked up all the reviews, and everyone is saying it made them depressed, but I decided to try it anyway because I know medicine works differently on everyone. So I started the medicine, and it made my depression and anxiety so bad I started getting suicidal and self-harm thoughts, which I haven’t had in a while. I also have completely no sex drive, and when I orgasm, it was only small. I only took the medicine for 2 weeks, and then I stopped it. I’ve been bleeding and spotting, and I’m not on my period, and I’ve been off of it for over a week. I don’t recommend you take this if you have mental health problems."

• Anonymous
• February 18, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve been using this pill for only a week and a half and already experiencing bad anxiety, depression, and I never experienced this before. I’m always a joyful person. I thought it was just me, and now reading what the other girls have been through, I’ve just stopped taking it and hoping to feel like myself again soon. I've been crying over the smallest things, so random. Don’t recommend this pill at all. I will be going back on Yasmin."

• Mon...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I wish I would have read the reviews on this a lot sooner. I have been taking this contraceptive pill, Marlissa, for about a year now and am not happy with the side effects at all. Sure, the 3-day period and no pregnancies are great, but it’s not worth what it does to you physically and mentally. Everyone reacts differently to certain types of medication, but this was the absolute worst birth control I have ever been on. Throughout my entire time being on this drug, I have gained a tremendous amount of weight (30 lbs), have been severely depressed, very moody, anxious all the time, huge increase in appetite, fatigue and wanting to sleep all the time, and it feels like I am constantly bloated every single day. Please, stay away from this one."

• 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."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2020

For Endometriosis "Started taking this pill, Levlen, continuously (no sugar pills) 3 months ago. I gained 15 pounds, I have no sex drive, leg cramping, higher blood pressure, anxiety, cramps, back pain, and spotting. This pill sucks! Just stopped taking it and hope to feel like myself again soon."

• Lyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2019

For Birth Control "DO NOT TAKE THESE PILLS! I used to take Lutera, and it was great for me, but the pharmacy ran out when it was time to refill, and they gave me Lessina. They said it was the same active ingredient. At first, I hesitated. I should've listened to my instinct. I have been having anxiety, mood swings, irritability, can't focus, even had to take off from work, and fatigue, insomnia. It's horrible! I'm so mad that the pharmacy gave me Lessina."

• 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."

• Hot...
• March 12, 2019

For Birth Control "Since Alesse was my first birth control I was put on, I was super nervous and anxious about how it would affect me. Now being on it for 3 months, I can happily say I’ve not been negatively impacted. The first week was rough, with nausea and increased anxiety. But after the first week, any symptoms went away! I feel like myself, and I’m super happy I’m not pregnant!"

• Tin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2020

For Birth Control "Before Aubra, I was on the copper IUD and had awful pain during my week-long periods. I had the IUD for almost a year and had every side effect possible. I started Aubra in September 2019, and I am living the dream now compared to when I had the IUD. I was always afraid of hormones, but I have experienced only good things. I skip my periods when I want to, my weight stayed normal, and when I do have periods, they’re short, light, and painless. I have also noticed that the pill has helped stabilize my mood, and I feel way more in control of my anxiety since starting Aubra."

• Sep...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on Levlen for about a year and a half. After the first few months, my hair started thinning, I started to bruise ridiculously easily, and I started to get tired all the time. Went to the doctor, mentioned the pill, and she completely disregarded it and told me to eat more red meat. Over a year later, my symptoms got worse, my hair thinned more, my mood was terrible before my period, and I had started to experience panic attacks and anxiety, which ultimately led me to get depression. I went back to my doctor about a month ago, she once again disregarded the pill and told me to get all these tests done. I took it upon myself to stop taking it, and I feel 1000% better. I’m not moody, I’m happy, and my hair isn’t falling out at the rate it was. I’m giving my body a break from any contraception right now."

• Ric...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 31, 2019

For Birth Control "Do not take this birth control. A week into it, I got horrible anxiety and depression. I cried terribly for no reason, and I always felt like I was going to throw up when really it was a burp. I go to the gym almost every day and I eat super healthy, and I noticed weight gain. Nausea, headaches, sweating all the time. Do not, I repeat, do not take this birth control. It will ruin you. I’ve been the most social person my entire life, and this past week has been terrible, and all I want to do is sleep and ignore my friends. Sure, it helps with pregnancy, but it is 0% worth the intense side effects. Don’t even bother getting it, trust me."

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I started taking Lessina birth control pill a few years ago. I like the fact that my periods are a lot shorter and not as heavy. However, I caught myself experiencing terrible mood swings, and I always feel hungry and bloated. I started getting bipolar episodes, as others have shared on this site. I didn't realize that it was because of birth control. I am always at EDGE and dislike how I feel so antsy all the time. Recently, I noticed my hair has been thinning out, and I've been losing SO much! I got tested for thyroid and other things, and my results came back normal. I am not currently taking any medication, therefore, this must be the reason. I highly suggest trying other options. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. It is upsetting being a woman in my early 30s and having thinning hair, anxiety, and irritability."