Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Bre...
• September 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Xulane specifically for over 6 years, and I must say, it’s the best birth control I’ve taken. I’ve taken many different types of birth control pills before - combination, progestin only, about 8-12 different brand names for the pill, as well as the Depo-Provera shots. I was bleeding the whole 3 months I was on the shot, and the pills were OK but I didn’t like having to take something daily, and I felt like they were taking away my sex drive. On Xulane I’ve had either an increase or no difference in libido, I remember in the beginning my sex drive spiked! Now it’s steady and feels like it’s unaffected by the patch, as well as my weight and anxiety. I’ve been reading horror stories of the patch and the implant for some time now; what affects me in a positive way could be your worst nightmare and vice versa. So keep that in mind while reading reviews - each woman’s experience can vary so much - don’t create a confirmation bias!"

• Dra...
• June 9, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on the patch for 3 weeks, and every day I was EXTREMELY nauseous. My breasts were extremely tender and swollen. I already struggle with migraines, and I had a consistent migraine while on this patch. I also was extremely tired and fatigued daily and also had mood swings terribly. Depression and anxiety were also at an all-time high while on this medication. I had no sex drive, and sex was no longer pleasurable. I usually don't write reviews, but honestly, reviews have been helping me navigate the best birth control method. I have literally been off the patch for less than 48 hours and already am feeling better from the side effects. Some might say it was all in my head, but whenever I applied the patch, that area of my body would tingle and itch, so I know the effects can quickly change. Would definitely say it helps with not getting pregnant, but if you are at all sensitive to headaches or medication, I recommend a close watch."

• 123...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I started the patch about a month ago. I have a little uncomfortableness and major mood swings for the first day, but that was about it. When I moved the patch to my back, I noticed that my breast started to become more tender, but again nothing severe. I was liking the patch until about 2 days ago. I had to check myself into the ER and found out I have a blood clot in each of my lungs caused by the Ortho Evra. I'm only 22. So I am officially off it, but I wanted to share this because I have no family or personal history with blood clots, so anyone can form blood clots. I'm not saying everybody, because it was working fine until about a week ago. But I feel the need to bring awareness to this."

• Emi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2018

For Birth Control "This is one of the most dangerous forms of birth control on the market for people with depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. The anxiety it causes is unlike anything I’ve ever felt. I took it out of desperation after trying pill after pill. It was a horrible mistake. I was only on it for about 10 days. I ended up spending the next 48 hours alternating between crying and pacing my house, convinced I had become another person, terrified I had lost my mind. This medication should be taken off the market. Please do not risk using this if you have any sort of mental condition or have ever had any sort of anxiety-related issues."

• Anonymous
• February 4, 2011

For Birth Control "Yes, the Ortho Evra was effective, but it made me feel absolutely horrible. I faced terrible depression and would cry for essentially no reason. I became hostile and irritable to even my best friend and didn't even feel like myself. I experienced issues with anxiety, including anxiety attacks and a sense of uneasiness when in public places. I can't recall ever feeling worse about myself."

• mca...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 26, 2012

For Birth Control "I was on the Depo shot for 2 years, at first, it was fine, but in the last 6 months, I became very depressed, my anxiety levels were through the roof. I gained a few extra pounds, and I had mood swings like crazy! I decided to try the patch since it has different hormones, and even though I just finished my first week, I can already see a difference. I'm not moody at all, I'm a lot happier and more myself. And I've even lost a few pounds. Other than the breast tenderness, everything else is completely fine. I'll still have hormones from the shot in me for a while longer, and I never had my period with the shot. I'll just have to wait and see!"

• Evr...
• August 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on the patch in my teen years for six years, went off for about five, and have just stopped it again after another two years of use. There are many upsides to Evra. During my first experience with Evra, I went off of it because I was trying to deal with fatigue and depression. I will admit that it helped a lot! A few years later, I developed cystic acne on my chin and could not fix it naturally. I gathered my hormones were imbalanced and decided to go back on the patch. The first year was great, no side effects, and periods were healthy and quick. This year, I seem to have a lot of severe mood swings and anxiety episodes-often heart palpitations with chest pressure and shortness of breath. As there is no actual trigger for this and I'm happy in my life, it's come down to me once again wondering if the hormones are just too much again. I decided yesterday to quit the patch again and have high hopes of returning to my usual self!"

• 007...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 26, 2017

For Birth Control "Xulane was my first experience with birth control. I had been on the patch for a little over 3 months. I experienced many common (and rare) side effects. However, they either dissipated within a couple of weeks or became manageable. This last month, though, I began to heavily battle depression to the point where I was very anxious and having suicidal thoughts. I also used to have flawless, clear skin. Pimples began to cover my face even with a super diligent skincare routine. My depression did not seem to subside either. As soon as I got the okay from my doctor to take the patch off, my skin began to rapidly bounce back, along with my mental health. It's been a week since being off Xulane, and it's such a relief to be rid of it!"

• Nbb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2019

For Birth Control "Was put on Ortho Evra to treat my PCOS, just came off Diane. Wasn’t great at taking the pill, so I tried this patch, and OMG, only had it on a week, and I was absolutely crawling the walls. I did read all the side effects before using, but I have nausea, anxiety, depression, and I'm hungry all the time and no sleep. I also felt it was uncomfortable because my clothes kept catching on it. My acne is worse, and yes, all this in one week!!!! Never again."

• Can...
• August 10, 2018

For Birth Control "I was on this patch in my twenties and went on it again after my second child was born. I have been back on it for 2 months. I suffer from migraines in general, but being on this makes them last so much longer, especially around the time I’m due for my period. I also have anxiety, and this is also so much worse. I have also put on 5 pounds. I am feeling extremely depressed, and I’m probably taking the patch off and switching."

• Nol...
• January 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on the patch for a total of 3 weeks. About 3 days after I started, I got really bad heart palpitations, my anxiety went through the roof. But I could still deal with this. Then I cried for no reason for about the entire time I was on the patch. But again, I thought hormones mess you up, so just give it a chance. Horrible thoughts were the next side effect. I thought I was not good enough, nobody could ever love me, and everyone would be happier if I would just be gone. Yes, these were my everyday thoughts for about 2 weeks. All of this being said, I am a very happy, positive person that loves life, I had no reason to be depressed or to think these things. I knew this. My husband removed the patch. A week later, I felt like myself again."

• Sar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 5, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Xulane for about two years. During that time, I’ve had almost constant nausea, extreme fatigue, weight gain, and strange chest and abdominal pain. I actually went to the doctor thinking there was something wrong with my heart, as it runs in my family. Though I am only 23. My sex drive disappeared completely, and I found my anxiety to be worse than normal. I spent every ‘new patch’ day vomiting and would sleep by the toilet. This is even AFTER two years. The symptoms have never gone away. My breasts are always swollen and tender. I’ve gone up to an uncomfortable 32G from a 32DD. I would definitely not recommend this to anyone. My body is very sensitive to medicine, but this was just too much. I’m finally saying enough and trying something new."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2018

For Birth Control "So I've been on this patch for about 3 1/2 weeks, and I took it off to have my period a couple of days ago, and I've had nothing but horrible anxiety. My body is so shaky, and I thought it might just be my normal anxiety, but this is the only change in my daily schedule, so it's definitely the patch messing with me. And I really like it too, but I cannot deal with how I feel. Any other recommendations would be wonderful."

• Anonymous
• June 21, 2011

For Birth Control "I've had really bad experiences with birth control in the past - the pill made me throw up on a daily basis, and the shot was just a nightmare. After the crazy mood swings, lethargy, two-month period, social anxiety, and weight gain I experienced with the shot, I was nervous about trying birth control again. But so far, I've had a good experience with the patch. The first month, I didn't have much of an appetite and often felt nauseous, but now that my body has adjusted, I only have a few minimal side effects. I crave junk food more, but that's easily managed with a bit of willpower or chocolate. My breasts have grown a bit, but after the shot shrunk them, that's not a bad thing. Thank goodness I found something that works."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2018

For Birth Control "I used to take Ortho Evra when I was younger and was completely fine on it. I thought I would have a similar experience on Xulane. I ended up with severe mood swings, depression, and anxiety, to the point of crying every day for weeks. I had low libido, was tired all the time, my vision became blurry, I lost my appetite, I had severe headaches, and loss of balance. I’d wake up in the middle of the night from sweating so much. I tried to let my body get used to the high amount of hormones in this product, but I couldn’t take it anymore. I didn’t feel like myself, and it was affecting my marriage. I am now making an appointment with my doctor to see what other options are out there. I’m happy this drug has worked for some of you ladies, but I would be careful if it starts affecting your mental health like it did mine. I feel relieved not being on it anymore."

• Hay...
• December 21, 2016

For Birth Control "My first time starting any kind of birth control (just to regulate my period, not really as a contraceptive), and I could only last halfway through my third week. The increase in anxiety, depression, along with the pregnancy-like symptoms, were debilitating. I just took my patch off today because I couldn't take it anymore. I have terrible gastrointestinal problems, feel sore and tender, dizzy, have headaches, and the worst part is the nausea. It's been gradually increasing since I started and has finally gotten to the point where I can't leave my bed. My first patch fell off after three days, so I put a new one on my thigh instead of my side, and that made it not come off anymore, but the mix of mood swings and painful symptoms are too much."

• Ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 5, 2017

For Birth Control "...and I was thinking I'm imagining stuff. I just started my 7th month on the patch. The last 5 days, I worked myself sick thinking about whether I had a brain tumor and dying on my little girls, couldn't snap out of the mood. From the beginning of taking these, I had those headaches (progressively worsening...) and it worried me a lot. I was feeling sick but not being able to puke, horrible loss of balance and vertigo (full whack with eyeball movement), weight gain (but I blamed that on the fact that I stopped running due to muscle pain and balance problems). The patches left red marks and rash, itchy skin (all over), and a little cough with no reason... Lately, the anxiety problems are my biggest scare. I booked the GP. The EVRA is going bye-bye... One pro - no pregnancy."

• Hau...
• September 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on Xulane for 3 weeks, and while I have loved the convenience of the patch, I had to take it off yesterday. With the first two patches of the month, I felt fine at first but experienced swollen and sore breasts. That I could handle. However, when I put the third patch of the month on, I started experiencing nausea, anxiety, and dizzying headaches. I threw up everything I ate, and when I wasn’t throwing up, I was crying. I didn’t feel like myself, and I didn’t know how to make myself feel better. I started taking Xulane because I was having a period every other week. I’d rather do that than feel how I felt when I put on the third patch that day. Xulane, while convenient, is not for everyone."

• pen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2015

For Birth Control "After reading several other reviews, I've realized that every real major issue I've had over the past 7 weeks (how long I was using it) has been because of this thing. My anxiety and depression have been at an all-time high, the past three days I haven't been able to keep anything down, and I've definitely experienced the low libido several others have mentioned. After lying on the floor in nauseous agony and reading the reviews, I tore it right off. I don't want to say I'm already feeling better, but honestly. This is my first time using BC other than condoms, and I chose the patch because I knew I would have trouble with the pill. But after my experience, I wish I had chosen something different. Would not recommend."

• Jes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 26, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Xulane for about 4-5 years, and it was good at first because I didn’t know any better. Helped combat my endometriosis and ovarian cysts, which were horrible. However, this BC is the pits. I literally have every side effect this BC offers minus the stroke and heart attack stuff. The mood swings and anxiety are the absolute worst. High blood pressure, hot flashes, migraines and headaches, breast tenderness and swelling, and major cramping in between and on my period are all bad too. I would advise against this form of BC. I’m in talks now with my doctor about changing this because the side effects are more harmful than helpful for me."

• Coo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 18, 2018

For Birth Control "This birth control sucked for me. First of all, if you think about going swimming or anything, just say forget the patch, it comes off. Then, while I had been on this patch for almost a month, I get very nauseous and start gagging. It makes me have hot flashes and makes me very uneasy."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 3, 2018

For Birth Control "First thing I would say is that every birth control reacts differently to everyone, so don't let a bad review stop you. I read a lot of negative reviews about Xulane but decided to give it a try. Now this is my first time ever on BC, and bear in mind it's been a whole week. The first side effect I noticed was that my anxiety and depression were like 10,000x worse. The nausea is slight but bearable. I found that if I start to feel nauseated, I eat something light, and it typically goes away. I also experienced a loss of appetite, but I think it's just my body adjusting to the hormones. Oh, and this BC makes me extremely fatigued! But so far, this BC is okay for me. I'll give it the full 3 months to see if the side effects go away."

• Ash...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 19, 2021

For Birth Control "This is the worst birth control ever! I never suffered from anxiety or depression until this birth control was prescribed to me. I would literally feel out of place and disconnected from the world around me. I would sit in bed and bawl my eyes out with my husband. It was affecting my sleep because it caused chills while having it on the 1st week. By the 2nd and 3rd week, I'm drenched in my sweat at night. I'm sick and tired of washing my bed sheets every day during the 2nd and 3rd week. I never suffered from acne but now I'm on long-term medications to treat severe acne. This pain caused extreme sweating that caused severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa flare-ups, which cost me so much money with a dermatologist. I have severe scarring thanks to this stuff. It should be illegal. So you think that's all it does to some people? Try chronic thyroid complications that leave you feeling like you can't breathe or swallow because the gland is severely swollen. Weight gain double time. AVOID!"

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2013

For Birth Control "I love the patch. I started out with the pill and didn't feel satisfied. I always felt like it wouldn't work if I took it later than the time I had to take it (which was constant). My first week of taking the patch, it was annoying, and I wanted to take it off, but now I hate having that week off the patch because I noticed that whenever I have it off, I'm very moody, tired, and have a lot of anxiety. I love the patch because not only does it help my period, no babies, etc., but it makes me feel normal."

• AKR...
• November 22, 2016

For Birth Control "Nightmare! I was on the Xulane birth control patch for 2 full months. I have felt like a complete zombie with no energy at all. I can feel depression, anxiety, and mood swings getting worse. I'm starting to get headaches and nausea, which I have never experienced before. The patch doesn't stick very well on the skin. I've gotten rashes, and it's always itchy at the site. I'm giving up on birth control because the crippling mental side effects are not worth it. I'm going back to condoms forever. BEWARE, the mental/emotional side effects sneak up on you over time."