Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 2)

• ele...
• August 22, 2010

For Birth Control "Pretty awesome! I had been on this birth control for almost three months but had stopped taking it since I broke off a relationship and no longer needed them. I was scared to try taking birth control since the previous one had really messed with me emotionally and physically. I had been on the Nuvaring. I did my research and found that Alesse had the best reviews, and Aviane is the generic for Alesse. At first, I had a bit of anxiety, fatigue, and restlessness, but after the first couple of days or the first week, my body quickly adjusted. I hadn't noticed anything abnormal about my periods, and I had fewer cramps. I used to get irregular periods, but while on Aviane, I knew exactly when I'd get them. I have nothing bad to say about Aviane."

• jvu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for about 3 months now. The first month was fine. Last month, I started developing horrible boob pain and veins coursing all over them. Then I noticed spider veins on my hips and then on my butt. I have occasional leg pains. I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced this? I also have headaches, occasional nausea, lacking motivation, really bad appetite changes (one day super hungry, the next day don’t want to eat), starting to feel depressed, and anxiety increasing by a ton. I just feel generally tired and am thinking of switching pills."

• Jp3...
• May 23, 2021

For Birth Control "I’m 44 years old, very active, no health issues, was put on Vienva to regulate my periods. It’s about 3 a.m. Central Time, and this is the second consecutive day of my frightening side effects. I believe it’s anxiety, but I’m not sure. To best describe it, it is a very worrisome feeling which comes on out of nowhere and interferes with my sleep because every time I close my eyes, I feel like I can’t breathe, and I wake up with a dry cough and am afraid to go back to sleep. This first happened a few days ago, which caused me to go to the ER because I was afraid I was having a heart attack or had a blood clot in my lungs (all the results came back negative), but now, a few days later, I’m experiencing the same thing. I’m tired but can’t fall asleep, I feel like I’m going to stop breathing altogether. I also have constant spotting and no sex drive. This is my 3rd pack, and I quit as of yesterday because I just want my life back. Please don’t try it, please stay away from it, it’s not worth it."

• Gir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2021

For Birth Control "First of all, I don’t recommend this if you have anxiety. This birth control caused my anxiety to spike, and it’s only been three weeks. I started getting depressive episodes, lower abdominal pain, nausea, big pimples that I have NEVER gotten before, and now I’m having breakthrough bleeding. Listen, take this pill at your own risk. Starting today, I’m done with it."

• bnh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2018

For Birth Control "I was on Marlissa for a year until my pharmacy switched me over to Lillow. All I can say is PLEASE do not take this, especially if you have anxiety and depression. This heightened it so bad for me that I was crying and then having extreme panic attacks. I stopped taking it 9 days ago, and I already feel so much better. Please don’t take this."

• hel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m on my second month of taking this BC. My gyno put me on it to help shrink an ovarian cyst I have that’s close to rupturing. So far, I have noticed somewhat of a decrease in cramps. Thank goodness because those cramps were the worst pains I’ve ever felt, and I would consider myself a person who has a very high pain tolerance :/ But on the other hand, I have been bleeding/spotting for about 3 1/2 weeks now after I had my full 6-day period. I’ve experienced abnormal mood swings, increased anxiety, worsened depression, and insane random crying sprees over the smallest things or just nothing really at all. At this point, I think the pain is a better option than how crazy this pill has made me feel."

• Van...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 17, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Alysena (100 µg of levonorgestrel and 20 µg of ethinyl estradiol) for almost 3 months now, and I have really noticed a significant change in my mood. I used to be really happy and have lots of energy, and lately, I've been feeling depressed and get anxiety at least 1-2 times every week. I easily get annoyed and irritated, and I just don't feel like myself. Everyone will react differently to this birth control, but it's just not a great experience for me."

• Anonymous
• January 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I have taken this birth control long enough to know that I never want to take it again, has majorly affected me mentally and emotionally, compulsive emotions and horrible anxiety. I hadn't read anything about this kind of birth control prior to taking it, so I wasn't aware that others experienced such negative effects, but now I know that quite a few other women have experienced similar side effects, and I would not recommend this pill. Overall, I have tried multiple times with this medication, and each time it has MAJORLY interfered with my well-being."

• Ris...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Levora. I struggled with weight gain, anxiety, and depression regularly, but I didn’t think to connect it to my birth control. Then I was switched to Portia due to Kaiser discontinuing Levora, and the first month seemed okay. I thought my body just needed time to adjust. Then at the second month, I started getting migraines, then it was the serious weight gain, and my anxiety and depression went through the roof. I was extremely suicidal and dangerous not only to myself but anyone close to me as well. I was unable to function as a person anymore, and I decided to stop taking it. Within the first week, I felt like a new person, and my weight dropped dramatically as every week passed. It honestly scared me, and I will never use hormonal birth control again. Never again."

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I went on Alesse a week ago, and the day after I started, I was terribly nauseous, which I thought was normal, because my body was adjusting. The next day, I had a terrible anxiety attack and felt like there was literally a gray cloud over my head for the next several days. I cried every 10 minutes, I barely had an appetite, and I overall just felt so on edge at all times. I didn’t want to live like that and just wanted some peace. Once I realized that the happy girl in me was gone the second I started taking birth control, I stopped right away. I will be seeing my gynecologist, and hopefully there’s something out there for me, but I strongly advise you to stay away from this pill."

• ale...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 17, 2023

For Birth Control "I have been taking Aviane for a little more than a year, and I’ve had no anxiety or depression that I keep hearing about. Honestly, it did make me a bit more emotional, but nothing too severe. Periods are very light and come on time. No mood swings, and I gained no weight. Pro: my boobs grew a lot. I do recommend this pill, but I think it’s different for everyone."

• Lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2021

For Birth Control "I'm currently on my third pack of the generic version Alysena 28, and there are basically no side effects for me anymore. I did have spotting like every day for the whole first pack when I started it, but that went away. Also, I think it increased my anxiety a bit for the first few months, but that also went away. The only things I still notice are headaches on the placebo pills and sore boobs, but other than that, it's good, just takes some time getting used to. Also, this was just my experience, and it affects everyone differently!"

• bro...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 8, 2020

For Birth Control "This pill, Aviane, works as a birth control, and it made my periods super short and super light, and cramps disappeared. That being said, there were a lot of cons associated with this: headaches, nausea, weight gain, acne, acne, acne (my skin was clear before this), and crazy anxiety, depression, and mood swings. I would not recommend. Going to switch back to Ortho Cyclen."

• see...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2019

For Ovarian Cysts "I was so nervous to give this a try after reading the reviews. I used to get a SUPER heavy period, usually lasting about 7-8 days. I'd need a tampon or pad for at least 3-4 of those days. Combined with ovarian cysts, I always had cramps. I've been on Lessina for 2 months now, the first period I got was 4 days and super light. I was SO HAPPY to see. Yes, the side effects at first do suck. I noticed I was VERY hungry, easily irritable, and had mood swings with some anxiety. After about 3-4 weeks, this finally subsided."

• Ker...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2021

For Birth Control "I’m 40, and my doctor recommended that I try birth control to help control mid-cycle bleeding and horrible periods. I took this birth control for the first month and was so sick every day for that entire month. I was nauseous, bloated, anxious, and had a headache that I just couldn’t shake. It increased my acid reflux to the point that I had to sleep sitting up. I took two pills from the second pack and then threw them out. Best thing I ever did! I’d rather deal with two days of bad period cramps and one day of mid-cycle bleeding than having to deal with the side effects from this birth control! One and only positive: my period didn’t require super absorbency tampons, and my cramps were not as bad."

• k19...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 23, 2018

For Birth Control "Started taking Portia about 2 months ago. Had to stop because I was not myself at all! Felt like a cloud was over my mind at all times. Caused extreme anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Lost friends and broke relationships. After 2 days of accidentally not taking it, I noticed I felt like myself again and refuse to go back on. Please watch your body and your mental response-don’t want anyone to have to go through this because of a silly pill!"

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2020

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I love Lutera!! So I switched to Lutera 3 months ago from Junel Fe 1.5/30, and Lutera was so much better! It was a change from a higher dose to a lower dose, so maybe my body reacts better to a lower dose, not sure, but Junel Fe gave me so many mood swings, cramps, and anxiety, which is not normal for me. I don’t usually experience mental health issues, so it was totally out of the normal for me, and it was horrible. Before Junel, I was on Tarina Fe 1/20, and that one gave me spotting all the time! The spotting was always brown. Very annoying. It defeated the purpose of me being on birth control because my main reason to be on it was to regulate my period. But after going from Tarina to Junel to Lutera, I’m happy to say I found a BC that reacts well with my body. I’m sticking with Lutera! The only side effect I have is tender breasts and some slight PMS. My period is regular, on point, and I’m not pregnant, so I recommend!"

• Ali...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2019

For Birth Control "I had been on this birth control for a little over a week, and I felt like I was a completely different person. Extreme anxiety to the point of almost having multiple panic attacks a day, feelings of depression, and thoughts I never had before that actually scared me! And the worst part was having absolutely no appetite, I was forcing myself to eat every single day. I stopped taking it two days ago, and it’s insane how quickly I feel myself again. I know every woman experiences medication differently, but this birth control may not even be worth a try!"

• aya...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been taking Alesse 28 for 4 months. Except for the fact that it prevents pregnancy at a high rate, I don't like it at all. I have horrible mood swings since I've been taking it. This conclusion is not even biased because I didn't read any reviews before having these symptoms. I got it as a recommendation from the doctor. Once on it, I feel constantly nervous, anxious, sad, and mad for no reason, and when I'm happy, I'm really happy. I don't take any other medication, so I can only blame it on this pill. I think I will stop it ASAP. Just need to find an alternative."

• aya...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been taking Alesse 28 for 4 months. Except for the fact that it prevents pregnancy at a high rate, I don't like it at all. I have horrible mood swings since I've been taking it. This conclusion is not even biased because I didn't read any reviews before having these symptoms. I got it as a recommendation from the doctor. Once on it, I feel constantly nervous, anxious, sad, and mad for no reason, and when I'm happy, I'm really happy. I don't take any other medication, so I can only blame it on this pill. I think I will stop it ASAP. Just need to find an alternative."

• Yaz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2020

For Birth Control "Horrible. Experienced terrible mood swings and increased depression and anxiety, plus cystic acne that I never experienced before this pill. I’ve also been constantly bleeding for the past 4 weeks because of it, wouldn’t recommend at all."

• Ker...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I was switched to Vienva from Orsythia by my pharmacy last month. I called my doc to make sure it was okay, and she said yes, they have the same active ingredients and may just have some different fillers and additives, but it should not affect me. I was upset because I had been on Orsythia for 6+ months with no problems at all. I just finished my first week of Vienva and have had some side effects. I feel nauseous a lot of the time, cramps periodically, increased anxiety, no appetite, fatigue, and get dizzy at times. I wasn't able to find any reviews of Vienva on other sites, so I'm leaving my review here to hopefully help others in the same situation. I'm going to try to stick it out and see if the side effects go away after a couple of months."

• gir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2021

For Birth Control "I don’t recommend this birth control at all. At first, I felt like I had no symptoms other than my breasts hurting all the time! But then, as time went on, I realized how it made me start feeling crazy. I have always had anxiety/OCD, but taking this birth control made it unbearable. I had to get on anxiety medicine. I have never felt like more of a mess in my life. Now that I just got off, I already feel so much better. Definitely not doing that again. Oh, and yes, it does give you acne, I’ve never had a problem with breakouts until taking the pill."

• Kan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm 23, taking for 3 months. I take my pill every day at the same time, no missed doses. I don't consume the pills during the placebo week. Pros: Not pregnant. Acne has improved. Still get a few blind pimples on the placebo week, though. No longer experience ovulation pain related to cysts. No weight gain. The only thing I've noticed is that my breasts went up about 1/2 cup size, but I had minimal soreness, if any. My period is very light, no cramping. No hair loss, oiliness, normal sex drive, no yeast infections (my doctor recommends taking a probiotic), no migraines, no breakthrough bleeding. No signs of any of the more serious side effects like blood clots, etc. Cons: On the first few days of the placebo week, I experience some depression and anxiety. I do have a history of these issues, though, so that may be a factor. Some moodiness. I don't get as 'wet' during sex. Some fatigue in the first month. In weighing the pros and cons, I'm moderately satisfied taking the pill."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 2, 2019

For Birth Control "This is the second pill I’ve been put on due to switching clinics, and it’s awful. Worsened my depression and anxiety and makes me so irritable. I’m not sure if it’s coincidental or not, but I’ve never weighed more in my life than I do right now, and I’m a fairly small person that has a hard time putting on weight. Also, my period has been irregular the entire six months of taking it, and I’m almost always spotting. What’s the point of having contraceptive if I can’t even have/enjoy sex because I’m bleeding a majority of the time??? I never had this problem with my old prescription. This pill is literally the stem of all my problems, and I cannot wait to switch."