Aurovela Fe 1/20 and Depression: What Users Say

• LDa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2021

For Birth Control "After being on Junel FE 1/20 for forever, I had to switch pharmacies. The new pharmacy gave me Aurovela (which is supposed to be an appropriate substitute) without even consulting me. DO NOT let them make this switch on you if you already have issues with anxiety and depression!!!"

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2021

For Birth Control "Never realized until I got off of Aurovela that it had caused my severe depression (which I never had before). It also caused me to intensely dislike my boyfriend. I had no sex drive, and sex actually felt like a chore and just made me angry. Do not take Aurovela, it will change your life in the worst way possible."

• Aly...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2021

For Birth Control "I see a lot of these reviews sharing depression and anxiety symptoms. I have never been a person to say I struggle with those, and for the most part throughout the 5 months being on it, I didn't notice anything. But looking back on it, I definitely see the correlations. It would come to me in spurts, though, the sadness wasn't throughout my whole experience. But I noticed I was sad about things that I had already gotten over/accepted previously, which was odd. Anyway, my BIGGEST concern is the ACNE it causes. IF YOU HAVE FOR THE MOST PART CLEAR SKIN, DO NOT TAKE THIS. It will ruin your skin so badly. I stopped the pill because of this. Never in my life had I had acne so badly, and within just 5 months. Also, my breasts are huge and so sore, had to get new bras. Got fitted, went from an A to a borderline C, they said. Never in my life... that was so crazy. Either way, the acne was so bad I couldn't stand it. Not even for bigger boobs..."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2021

For Birth Control "My doctor decided to put me on Aurovela Fe 1/20 to help with awful menstrual cycles related to endometriosis. I’ve only been on it for 3 days, and I’m experiencing the worst anxiety, depression, nausea of my life. I honestly feel terrified because of this anxiety. I can only compare it to the depo injection I had about 18 years ago that made me incredibly anxious, but this feels 1,000 times worse. Please do NOT take this medication. Nothing is worth feeling like this. I pray I feel like myself again in a couple of days once the hormones are out of my system. If I could give this negative stars, I would. They really should take this off the market."

• War...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 18, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on Junel Fe 1/20 and was prescribed this as a substitute when it wasn’t available. This drug made me feel more anxious, depressed, and disgusting than anything else that I have ever taken. I have gained 20 lbs on this pill and can’t seem to stop eating when I take it. I can’t seem to get off it either since every time I call Walgreens, they tell me that they can’t get my original medication. If your pharmacy tries to give you this prescription as a replacement for your prescription, please ask for something else."

• Sky...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2021

For Birth Control "Horrible. I’ve taken Junel and Microgestin for years with no issue. Pharmacy switched to this, and I was eating nonstop. I was constantly hungry and also feeling depressed within the first week. This has never happened to me in 15+ years on the pill. Stopped taking it after about 10 days and went back to Junel. No way I’m destroying my body and mental health so Walgreens can save a few bucks on this awful generic. Demand you stay on your previous generic and do not switch to this!"

• Nop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2020

For Birth Control "I had been taking Microgestin or Junel with no problems for over 5 years when my pharmacy switched to Aurovela. By week 3, I was fighting severe and life-altering depression, anxiety, self-loathing, and feeling overwhelmed. When I called my pharmacy to switch back, I was told they have received many such complaints about Aurovela."

• Nop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2020

For Birth Control "I had been taking Microgestin or Junel with no problems for over 5 years when my pharmacy switched to Aurovela. By week 3, I was fighting severe and life-altering depression, anxiety, self-loathing, and feeling overwhelmed. When I called my pharmacy to switch back, I was told they have received many such complaints about Aurovela."

• kra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 31, 2020

For Birth Control "I took only one month of Aurovela Fe 1/20 birth control pill. Within that one month, I had the worst depression and anxiety of my entire life. I couldn’t sleep or eat. I was nauseous almost 24 hours of the day. I even threw up after the first time I took it. I was given this pill when my pharmacy didn’t have my regular pill, and went back almost once a week to see if I could get the original pill I was on. On top of all that, I take the birth control to get rid of my acne, and it didn’t even help with that."

• 28...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2021

For Birth Control "I've been on birth control for about 10 years and never had any noticeable side effects. I started Aurovela around Dec 20, 2020, my insurance switched me automatically when Junel was no longer available. Within 2 weeks, my mental health deteriorated. I would cry all day, was unable to get much done at work, lost interest in nearly everything. I was diagnosed with depression for the first time in my life. I had been able to manage my stressors related to work and the pandemic okay, and suddenly in early January 2021, it felt like that ability was taken away. I really can't help but wonder if this drug has something to do with it."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on Junel for two years before my pharmacy switched to Aurovela. Never in my life have I been so depressed for no reason whatsoever. I’ve been experiencing rage issues, which is very unlike me-overly emotional-and then to complete apathy at the flip of a switch. I’m always nauseated and gaining weight despite working out 6 days a week. I’ve never had issues about being down on myself, but here I am absolutely disgusted with every aspect of my body and mind. I feel like I am losing my sanity and will not be starting the new pack."

• liz...
• June 4, 2021

For Birth Control "I took it only four days. Every day after taking the pill, I would start breaking down crying for four hours at a time and feeling so anxious. My stomach would knot up. I felt so sick, like how I did when I was pregnant. I felt so depressed and sad to where I felt kind of like homesick in a way because I felt so uneasy and anxious. Even though I was at home, where I feel so comfortable. I couldn’t even sneeze without feeling like I was going to vomit. I’ve felt severe depression to where I didn’t feel happy with anything at all. I felt so tired all the time, even after having plenty of sleep. Full-on breakdowns for hours upon hours. Suicidal thoughts, which I have never had before. I do have anxiety, but it is super mild. Thought I was going crazy until I saw these reviews. I decided to leave a review on my experience. It was so bad to the point where I refuse to go on any birth control ever again. I would rather be pregnant again, to be honest, and this was only after four days! Imagine taking this for months... don’t do it, please."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 28, 2020

For Birth Control "After many years on Lo Loestrin, I started to experience break-through bleeding, so my doctor switched me to Junel, and then my pharmacy switched me to Aurovela. This was several months ago, and they have been some of the worst months of my life. I've always had anxiety, but I've never experienced this level of anxiety and depression before. My mood has been all over the place, and I've generally just felt horrible (low energy, frequent nausea, etc.). A couple of days ago, I ended up in the ER with dangerously high blood pressure (I've never had problems with blood pressure and have always run low). The switch to Aurovela occurred right when the symptoms started, but I had experienced some major life changes around the same time, so it was only recently that I realized everything I've been experiencing is due to this medication. After seeing these reviews and doing some research, I am certain this pill is responsible for everything I've been going through, and I will be stopping this birth control immediately."

• sot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 6, 2021

For Birth Control "The week before Thanksgiving, I started Aurovela. I experienced 24-hour nausea, oversleeping (one day, slept 15 hours!). I could not keep my eyes open for anything. I was vomiting 2-3 times a day, usually only stomach acid or water because I couldn't keep food down. I had cold sweats, and my entire body was achy. Worst out of all of this was my anxiety and depression. I don't remember the last time my anxiety was as bad as it was. It was terrifying. I had initially thought I may have had food poisoning. During my second week, I was examining everything that could be contributing to my being sick, the only one thing was the birth control. My doctor stopped me immediately, told me to wait until my next menstrual cycle, and then she gave me a lower dose. I was very skeptical, and for good reason. I started it 3 days ago and am already experiencing the same symptoms. I will contact her and discontinue use. The increase in anxiety and depression was surely the worst part of it all. Be aware."

• Ema...
• February 9, 2021

For Birth Control "My NP prescribed this to me after I came to her with complaints of severe PMS. However, this pill has done anything but prevent it. I’m currently in the middle of my second pack on the pill, and I’ve noticed severe changes. My depression before starting my period was bad prior to starting the pill, but the pill has heightened it. I feel so depressed now and also get much more emotional—both angry and sad (crying). The PMS feels like it lasts the entire month. My acne does not seem to be improving, either. My periods are somewhat shorter yet are irregular (it came unexpectedly 2 weeks earlier). Not to mention—I have bad physical PMS, such as headaches, nausea, and more, which I’ve never had before. In my personal opinion, this pill has done me no justice, and I will be switching as soon as I can. I want to feel like myself again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2021

For Birth Control "My pelvic health doctor suggested this birth control as a way to help with ovarian cysts and cycle-related pains. I was on it for 4 months. I started having a lot of sleeping problems, anxiety (especially at night), breast tenderness, severe bloating, gas pains, digestion complications. I also experienced some depression, feelings of despair, and dread. I thought it was all from my stressful job (RN), but I didn't have these issues before taking this bc. I gave it 4 months for my body to adjust to it, but this is not a good fit for me. I've been off the birth control for 5 days now and noticed a HUGE difference in my digestion, my fluid retention has improved, and I have been sleeping better at night and no longer dread what the next day will bring. Hopefully, this review will help others as well."

• Bry...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 20, 2021

For Birth Control "I have been using this birth control for 6 months and recently switched from the IUD due to getting BV continuously. My anxiety has been worse than it has been in a long time. I sleep so much more now and noticed I was slowly falling into a depression. I lost interest in many things and had less patience than I did before. My boobs are so sore and hurt all the time. I’m so glad I wasn’t the only one, after reading the reviews, I thought it was just me. I would not recommend this birth control to anyone, especially if you have a history of anxiety and depression. I’m stopping the pill now that I know the causes of a lot of the side effects I have gotten."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I've been on Aurovela Fe 1/20 for almost 2 months now. Please, please, please, if you have a history of anxiety or depression, ask your doctor to try a different birth control method. My anxiety has increased severely, and I'm beginning to feel very depressed again. I've been thinking of self-harm as well as suicide again, and I'm having trouble with oversleeping, not eating enough. I'm crying constantly, and I'm losing my motivation for everything. Please be careful if you decide to try this birth control, and contact your doctor immediately if you begin feeling these symptoms. DO NOT WAIT!"

• Anonymous
• December 16, 2020

For Birth Control "I know everyone has different reactions, but I was on this birth control Aurovela Fe 1/20 for two months, and it was awful. I have never really struggled with acne before, I’d always get one or two breakouts here and there, mostly when I was about to get my period. However, after starting this pill, I developed cystic acne all over my face. I tried to wait it out because I know it can take some time to regulate, however, it only was getting worse over time. I also experienced the worst depression I have ever had. My period was great at first, normally I have really heavy periods and bad cramps, and I didn’t have any cramps at all, and it was super light. After the first month, I started to experience breakthrough bleeding and had a two-week-long period, which was super painful and heavy. After that, I decided I couldn’t take it anymore and talked to my doctor. I just didn’t feel like myself at all. After being off of it for only about a week, I feel 10 times better!"

• wan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 12, 2020

For Birth Control "If you have a history of depression and/or anxiety, this birth control pill Aurovela Fe 1/20 may make it worse. I have depression and anxiety that I have been treated for for 5 years now and been stable on medication. I have been taking Microgestin Fe 1/20 for about 3 years now, and my pharmacy ran out of everything, and this was their only option. Within 3 weeks, I am experiencing depression and anxiety similar to when I was first diagnosed with depression and wasn’t in treatment for it. It’s awful. I feel terrible. Aurovela Fe 1/20 has given me side effects of me being extremely bloated, my breasts are insanely huge and so sore, I have acne breakouts in 6 places on my face and all over my chest and collarbone area. This pill is absolutely awful, and I hate how it makes me feel. The pharmacist assured me it was all the same active ingredients, and I shouldn't notice a change. Well, when I’m 3 weeks into it and having suicidal thoughts return for the first time in 5 years, and this has been the only change, I beg to differ."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 5, 2022

For Birth Control "The absolute worst thing I’ve ever put into my body. I’ve always been a happy, upbeat person. On this pill, I struggled with extreme anxiety, depression, weight gain, acne, uncontrollable anger, insomnia, and mood swings since being on this pill. I was great on Junel. Never once had a suicidal ideation until a few months being on Aurovela. It took me a while to connect the dots. I thought my anxiety and depression were outside factors until I took a few months off from taking the pill and felt like my normal happy self again. Then going back onto it, I felt the anxiety, depression, and anger kick in and take over my life. I’m an actual lunatic on the pill. I highly recommend staying as far away from Aurovela as possible."

• Don...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 27, 2021

For Birth Control "I was switched to Aurovela when I moved and changed pharmacies about 4 months ago. I've dealt with anxiety and depression for my entire life, but I was always able to cope until I started Aurovela. I lost all motivation, could barely force myself out of bed most days, and it amplified my anxiety nearly to the point of having panic attacks. I've always been a stoic person, but while taking this medication, I was constantly on the verge of tears. I started to suspect a few weeks back that the medication was causing my extreme mood swings, anxiety, and depression, so I made an appointment with my doctor and just got switched to a new medication. I've only been off Aurovela for a few days, but I'm already feeling a million times better. I can't believe I toughed it out for so long. I've tried several brands of birth control pills over the last decade, but this is by far the worst. Save yourself the trouble, don't take this medication."

• nev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2021

For Birth Control "I've been on Aurovela Fe 1/20 for about 5 months now, and never have I felt the worst in my life. I have severe insomnia, 24/7 anxiety and depression, suicidal thoughts, and constant UTIs. I just spoke to my doctor to prescribe me back to Junel. I'm not myself, and it's time I do something about it. Life is short, and I'll do whatever it takes to make the most of it, including stopping any medication that can alter my body. I didn't realize until I read reviews on Aurovela that I also am experiencing weight gain and enlarged breasts (similar to when I was pregnant). It's time to stop taking this medication cold turkey."

• DO...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 9, 2022

For Birth Control "DO NOT TAKE THIS. I have never experienced such depression and suicidal thoughts. It made me gain about 12 pounds, and I never felt like myself, it made me crazy. I’ve always struggled with anxiety, but not like this. I got off of it, and within the first 3 days, I lost 10 pounds, and my friends even noticed a difference in my behavior. I realized how sad I was on a regular basis. This pill has ruined my view on any birth control, and I will never try any form of it again."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2022

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this pill for about 6 months, and I am stopping it immediately because of the effects it has had on my mental health. I’ve never been this depressed or had anxiety this bad in my life. My feelings get hurt so easily, and I cry almost every day. I can’t control myself when I get the feeling of crying. I’ve cried in front of my family and friends, which I used to never do because it used to take a lot for me to cry. It’s also made me feel really insecure with myself and think so badly of myself because it’s made me so depressed and think so negatively about any and everything in my life. I’ve never experienced this severe mental health issue in my life, please don’t use this birth control. It’s made me lose a lot of weight, too. The only good thing from this was it got rid of my period, and I’ve had clear skin."