Junel Fe 1.5/30 and Anxiety: What Users Say

• jon...
• March 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I am a healthy 20-year-old. I've only been on birth control for a little over a year now. Previous to Junel Fe 1.5/30, I was on Blisovi. But last time I went to get my prescription filled, they gave me Junel instead. I've just completed my second pack. In this second month, I've really been struggling, these past couple of weeks, I am nauseated every day, usually at night. I've lost my appetite completely, I rarely eat anymore. This is REALLY starting to worry me. I'm losing weight, my breast size has increased. I have terrible anxiousness, and I feel so in my head, depressed with scary dark thoughts (not like me at ALL). I also feel very detached/unemotional. TMI, I don't think I'm pregnant, but I've been having irregular periods, they come close to the middle of the pack instead of during the inactive pills. My periods are all dark blood (black and brown) and usually very clotted-looking. I'm not bashing this pill, I just don't think it's really agreeing with my body. I hope this helps someone!"

• Kat...
• March 1, 2021

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control on and off for about 2+ years to help regulate my period. My period has been irregular from day one. I thought that I was the only woman experiencing severe mood swings, dark DARK thoughts, anxiety, anger, nightmares, etc., but after reading a lot of the reviews, I now feel validated in the way that I was feeling. I initially thought that the symptoms I listed above were coming from the stress and uncertainty of COVID and the huge shift in everyday life, but after trial and error, I've found that it's definitely the birth control. Being off of the birth control for a week or two has completely brought me back to myself, and I haven't had any of the negative symptoms. I don't normally do reviews but wanted to share my experience and let you know that if you are experiencing these symptoms, that you are NOT crazy-it's the birth control, stop taking it and ask for an alternative."

• Han...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 19, 2020

For Birth Control "Don't take this unless you want problems. Junel will make you gain a lot of weight. I gained 45 pounds in 10 months (I was 140 pounds 1-2 months postpartum, so I was only 5 pounds overweight before starting Junel), more than likely caused me to have hypothyroidism, feeling tired all the time no matter the amount of sleep, dry hair, dry skin, mood swings, severe anxiety, migraines for days, random numbness of feet, weird 1-day periods with brown clots after the first 2 months, no sex drive at all, this makes me feel like I'm dying, just too many side effects."

• Han...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 25, 2020

For Birth Control "I am 46 and started having my period every other week with excessive bleeding. My OB wanted to regulate. My breasts were very sore, I started having migraines (ocular). I started getting more anxious, and it seemed to peak as I was ending my first pack (PMS time). The first day of my sugar pill/period time, I had the worst panic attack ever-I really thought I was going crazy. Worst feeling in my life-I stopped taking it and just a few days out, starting to feel better. I came on here to see reviews and just wanted to say how grateful I am that you ladies share your experience-the nurse on the phone literally said anxiety/panic attacks are NOT a side effect. I really thought I was losing my mind. Love and hugs to you all!"

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2019

For Birth Control "Junel is by far the worst pill I have ever been on. I was not one to believe that switching a brand name for another brand would have any effect on me since the hormone level would stay the same. Guess again. My pharmacy switched my pill after my 3-month trial of Microgestin 1.5/30 after I had finally leveled out after 3 months, I had no anxiety, my period was regular. Well, I got Junel in its place, and it’s been a living nightmare. I was placed on the pill 15 years ago for anxiety and depression. Junel made me feel like I was on the verge of a mental breakdown daily, anxiety-ridden, uninterested in almost everything. Inside, my head felt chaotic 24/7. And that was only one month of being on it. I’m a sound human being, it’s crazy what this medicine can do. My doctor has written me a prescription for only Microgestin. Beware."

• Ced...
• July 24, 2019

For Birth Control "When I first started taking the pill, I didn’t notice anything until a month later. I started noticing my personality change. I became really mean and had low patience with my kids. I knew something was wrong. I kept picking fights with my baby father over really small things, like I should be taking bipolar meds or something. I gained a lot of weight in my stomach area. Also, I couldn’t really get sleep at night because I felt so depressed and stressed. I will never prefer this birth control to anyone. All these side effects from one little small pill, it’s not that serious, just use protection."

• Bri...
• June 14, 2020

For Birth Control "I've struggled for years with BC. I have endometriosis, and most birth control makes me anxious and very emotional/depressed. I've also struggled with being exhausted on the pill. Ever since I've started this pill, I've felt pretty great! I was on Junel Fe, the lower dose, then they upped it to 1.5 because I was bleeding for so long through my pill and still getting cysts, unfortunately. The only side effects I have noticed so far are I struggle to sleep now, and I'm not really used to that, so it does make me frustrated when I wake up and it's either been a bad night's rest or I'm just constantly waking up. I've even been taking two melatonin, and well, that only helps for a 4-hour night's rest, and I wake up groggy."

• kb1...
• June 6, 2021

For Birth Control "I started with the lower dose 1/20. It didn't give me my period, so I asked my doctor to up my dose to 1.5/30. About 2 weeks after taking it, I got my period, but about 2 weeks after, I started feeling TERRIBLE side effects. I felt depressed and started to have bad anxiety and panic attacks. I had heart palpitations and couldn't even eat anything without getting nauseous and throwing up. I lost 5 pounds in less than 2 weeks. I thought I was just mentally unstable, but after taking a break off them for 2 days, I started to feel normal again. These pills were literally making me SICK. I just tried taking the lower dose of the birth control today and almost had a panic attack. Even the lower dose doesn't do me well at all. I am officially stopping this medication immediately, it's confirmed that it is bad for my body, my mind, and my overall health. Please consider your birth control as a suspect before anything else, your every birth control can affect you differently."

• Liz...
• April 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I took Junel Fe for three cycles, and gosh, was it a mess. I'm 5'3" and weighed 123 starting it. At the end, when I switched BC, I weighed 114. This made me severely nauseous, moody, and just made my anxiety horrendous. I would cry for no reason and overreact. I give major props to my boyfriend for dealing with me... It got so bad to the point where he loved the placebo week because I didn't have nearly as bad of a reaction. However, I never got pregnant on this BC, so it does what it claims. Props to it. I know BC is different for everyone, so don't let this discourage you. I'm just sharing my experience..."

• Tay...
• January 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I absolutely love Junel Fe. It's the first pill I've tried, and so far, I wouldn't change anything. My periods are light and short but regular. I haven't gained any weight, but the pill seems to be aiding in weight loss as I work out a fair amount. No nausea. I have been getting more anxious lately, and I do worry that may be a side effect, but I am a person with anxiety disorders in general, so I'm not too sure. I've had an increase in my sex drive as well, and I haven't gotten pregnant, which is the important part here."

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

For Birth Control "I am shocked to see so many bad reviews for this! I started on the lower dose Junel in January 2014 and experienced breakthrough bleeding on and off for a few months. It was annoying since I had just gotten married, and my husband can't stand the sight of blood. So, I switched to a different pill. The new pill caused depression and anxiety. I then switched to another one, causing even worse anxiety. So, my doctor decided that since I didn't have any emotional issues with Junel, I should just try the stronger pill. Since being on the stronger pill, I have gained a little weight (but not sure that is due to the pill rather than a happy marriage), and my hair has thinned out a little (only noticeable to me). Other than that, my emotional issues due to my birth control are GONE. I would recommend trying this pill for about 2 months before scratching it from your list, all birth control pills will take a little bit to get used to. Hope this helps!"

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

For Birth Control "I am shocked to see so many bad reviews for this! I started on the lower dose Junel in January 2014 and experienced breakthrough bleeding on and off for a few months. It was annoying since I had just gotten married, and my husband can't stand the sight of blood. So, I switched to a different pill. The new pill caused depression and anxiety. I then switched to another one, causing even worse anxiety. So, my doctor decided that since I didn't have any emotional issues with Junel, I should just try the stronger pill. Since being on the stronger pill, I have gained a little weight (but not sure that is due to the pill rather than a happy marriage), and my hair has thinned out a little (only noticeable to me). Other than that, my emotional issues due to my birth control are GONE. I would recommend trying this pill for about 2 months before scratching it from your list, all birth control pills will take a little bit to get used to. Hope this helps!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on the lower dose and constantly had breakthrough bleeding for a month straight, so my doctor switched me to the higher dose. Within a year, I gained 20 lbs. Before this, I never had any problem with weight gain and could always lose weight, no problem. Now, it is so difficult to lose any weight. It made me super depressed, and I have really bad anxiety now. It completely depleted all of my sex drive."

• ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I recently lost my virginity, and I decided it would be best to get on birth control. I have been on this pill for the past five months and didn’t start to develop severe side effects until my 4th round. I have had a constant UTI that later turned out to be a yeast infection all summer. I have developed migraines, which is not something that happens to me, and I have had dramatic hair loss. I have normal thick wavy hair, and I usually would lose hair here or there, but now it’s to the point where I have to vacuum my hardwood floors because sweeping doesn’t help anymore. I also have had my anxiety heighten, and I cry more easily now. I have never felt defeated by a small pill in my entire life. My sex drive is high, but I don’t feel myself enjoying it the way I used to. I gained 10 pounds on this pill as well. I've reached out to my doctor and begged for a switch. Please don’t take this pill."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 12, 2018

For Birth Control "I started birth control to help with my excruciating periods (average of 17 days long and horrible cramping). And since, I've experienced horrible breakouts, mood swings, a huge increase in anxiety and depression, and my sex drive is practically non-existent. As well as those, I have a decreased appetite. I hardly eat, yet I'm gaining weight, and it's all going to my boobs and thighs. My periods have gone from 17 days to about 10, but I still have horrible cramps and sickness. I was off of the pill for about 2 weeks, and I felt like my normal self. Less anxious about everything, less moody, my sex drive increased, but when I started taking them again, it all went back to the horrible way I was before. I don't really recommend this brand."

• Sou...
• April 20, 2017

For Birth Control "One of the worst experiences I've ever had. I'm 38 and have never had skin issues. Well, now my skin is worse than my 14-year-old daughter's skin. Within a week of going on this pill, the left side of my face developed cystic acne. A full month in and it was all over my face. I attempted to stick with it to see if I would adjust, but it has gotten worse. Today is Wednesday and I quit taking the pill on Saturday; I'm hoping to see an improvement soon. I'm not sure if it was the pill or my skin, but I'm also pretty depressed and have lots of anxiety. I'd really rather have another baby than deal with the results of this pill."

• Dan...
• October 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I did not get pregnant while taking Junel Fe 1.5, so technically it worked. However, that could have been because it knocked my libido down quite a bit, so I was basically abstinent. I also gained weight, had problems with my skin, and found myself suffering from drastic mood swings and anxiety. I was nauseous daily, despite taking the pill with food, at night or at precisely the same time every day. As someone who infrequently suffers migraines, this pill made them a thousand times worse. Blinding headaches. I've been off it for a year and a few months at this point and have seen a huge reduction in migraines and problems with my libido since. Pro: While I was on this, it made my periods really light or nonexistent."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2023

For Birth Control "Everyone is different, but this review is for those who may have experienced the same thing and have their doctor tell them they don’t think it’s the pill. I was only on this pill for 2 weeks. It caused heavy bleeding for the entire time, to the point I was going through multiple pads a day. Dizziness and heart palpitations, rash on my neck, difficulty swallowing, and anxiety. My friends almost took me to the ER because of stomach cramps and feeling like I was going to pass out. The doctor actually told me to double my dose to make the bleeding stop, which increased everything else and caused numbness in my arm and leg (irritating a previous nerve issue). I felt like a different person after I stopped taking it, but it took a few weeks (and an MRI to make sure I didn’t have a stroke). This was awful for me. I’m going to have to switch to another birth control because I have endometriosis that is flaring up, and I’m terrified. I had taken birth control in my early thirties with no issues."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on birth control for 8 years now, and in January of 2018, my doctors switched me to Junel Fe 1.5/30. It was effective, with my periods being lighter and my acne going away, but over the 7 months, I was severely depressed for no reason, which has never happened to me. I was so moody and stressed all the time! I also lost SOOO much hair. I had tried everything to fix my hair falling out, from shampoos to getting my blood tested to see if I had any issues, and nothing worked! It never occurred to me that it could have been my birth control since all the other ones have never done this to me. Turns out it was. After my family doctor suggested it probably was hormonal issues and it might have been the Junel, I stopped cold turkey. It has been about 5 months since I’ve stopped, and my hair is starting to come back, but I will NEVER use Junel again! Whatever was in it messed my hormones up so bad!"

• gg8...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I guess this BC is definitely doing what it's supposed to. I was taking it primarily for my irregular periods and ovarian cysts, so it seems to be helping with that. My OB-GYN switched me to this from Taytulla, but ever since I've been on Junel, I have had anxiety and depression that had been slowly getting worse and having pretty bad mood swings. I was convinced everything was going to go wrong and was stressed about things I had no reason to. Didn't have this experience on Taytulla, so I'm definitely not taking Junel anymore."

• Lin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2022

For Birth Control "This is my most recent prescription, and I can't say it's been the best. I have had terrible mood swings, episodes of extreme anxiety, and no sex drive, which isn't the biggest deal for me. I am easily upset and have been crying very often. My poor boyfriend has been taking the front load of it all, he probably thinks I'm crazy at this point. I am not hungry as often, and this has caused me to be lightheaded when I stand up. I only switched this brand and upped my dosage because my periods were not normal, I had one every two weeks. Thankfully, I have not gained weight because that was my biggest concern from the reviews I have read. I'm not overall thrilled while being on this prescription. I have PCOS, and my mood swings and anxiety are more severe being on this. This medicine is almost putting my relationship on the line at this point."

• ell...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 7, 2022

For Birth Control "I took Junel Fe 1.5/30 for about 9 months. I originally was on Junel Fe 1/20 but experienced some breakthrough bleeding months in, so I switched to a higher dose. Everyone is different, and everyone’s body is different, however, this pill did not work for me. I have a history of anxiety and depression, and this pill made me insane. I cried so easily, I was so easily aggravated. I felt like I could never be happy, and nothing could make me happy. Like the smallest things bothered me. Probably the worst mood swings I have ever experienced, and my doctor convinced me that it was normal. But after 9 months, I had had enough. I switched to another brand and feel so much better and so much more like myself. I never experienced any nausea or other symptoms. My skin was pretty decent on this pill too, however, I care most about how I feel mentally. Also, I had been on birth control before this, so I’m not sure if that affects it either."

• Ang...
• June 29, 2018

For Birth Control "I started Junel because I began to get my period every 2 weeks. All was fine the first 3 weeks. It helped my depression/anxiety and mood immediately. When I started the placebo, I got extremely depressed. I always had depression, but now it was a really dark depression. It had been 2 days, and I couldn't stop hysterically crying. On day 4, it was the absolute worst - I decided to call my sister. She knew I had been to the OB recently and asked when I started taking my placebo (I have an app for that). Day 1 of taking the placebo was when the crying began. The OB was closed, so we decided I should start taking them again. Monday, they called and told me to stop it, I refused. I was starting to feel normal again. They put me on it continuously, no placebos. I had no side effects as long as I took it every day, but if even 1 day got skipped, I would be crazy. I was recently able to wean myself off of it and wouldn't take it again."

• Pol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2023

For Birth Control "I was prescribed this to get rid of an ovarian cyst. I did not know what I was getting into. This pill almost drove me crazy, the only reason it did not was that I realized it was the pill making me feel this way. It caused me unspeakable dark thoughts and anxiety, and everything started to look disgusting to me and made my skin crawl. I learned that progestogen can cause these side effects, and I am praying I can bounce back from this. Would never recommend it."

• KW2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 3, 2024

For Birth Control "I’m on my 4th pack of Junel. I’ve always struggled with hormonal birth control, but my GYN put me on this to stop my periods to help with my endometriosis. The first month I was on it, my breasts were extremely tender, and I had light bleeding for 23 days. I contacted my GYN, and they said it’s normal within the first 3 months. Now that I’m past that time period, I haven’t had any bleeding. Yay! However, I have noticed I am so much more emotional, and my anxiety is a lot worse. I can cry at the drop of a hat, and it doesn’t take much to get me worked up. I have had a lot happen in the last 10 months (losing my father), but this seems to be on a much different level. I feel like I’m going a little crazy, but I will be reaching out to my doctor to see if I should ride it out or what to do next."