Previfem and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• Kan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2018

For Birth Control "Do NOT take this birth control. For the past 5 years, I’ve been switching my pills for different reasons. The last time I switched was because I wasn’t getting periods at all (I know, stupid reason to complain, right?). So they switched me to Prev, worst decision ever. They told me it helps clear up acne, but I already have little to no acne, and I was getting the worst breakouts of my life in spots I NEVER break out. Instead of not having a period, I bled for 3 and a half weeks straight and/or spotted almost every day. My MOOD swings on this pill were unbearable. I was so depressed and so anxious 24/7. 0 sex drive. I would randomly start cold sweating profusely (when I wasn’t even hot). I would wake up almost every day with a killer migraine that would last all day. I’ve been off this medication for a month now, and I have not had a migraine since, I feel like myself again. Man, PLEAAASE do yourself a favor and don’t take this pill!!!"

• Lam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2018

For Birth Control "My pharmacy switched me to Previfem, without asking or notifying me, from another brand of BC because the wholesaler didn’t have my brand in stock. The pharmacy said it’s essentially the same. However, it’s a generic, and this brand uses different inactive ingredients. My OB is mad and said I can take it, but there were specific reasons he has me on my original brand and asked to notify him if my pharmacy can’t fill my original brand. I have clear skin. I have always had clear skin. I now have acne all over my face, chest, and back. I’m with ridiculous bloating, gas, constipation, and mood swings. Nothing in my life has changed except the pills. I’m beyond pissed. Whenever I get back to my original brand, I’ll go through more changes."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been taking Previfem birth control for over a year. So far, no major side effects, but I do notice a lot more breakthrough bleeding, especially a week before my period. Mood swings are also something that happen more often, along with bloating. I have little to no sex drive. No hair loss. No weight gain."

• nik...
• October 29, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on this form of birth control for going on 3 months. I've never been on birth control before. The first side effect I noticed almost immediately was vaginal itching, I kept thinking it was a yeast infection. When the yeast infection symptoms started again the next month after my period, I did more research and realized that it wasn't a yeast infection but a side effect of this drug. The next thing I noticed was my mood swings. I equated the mood swings and anxiety to the fact I was working, moving, and planning a wedding. Well, now those things are done, but I still feel so emotionally unstable and depressed. I started to think something was wrong with me. It's comforting to read that these feelings are a side effect of this drug, and I plan on getting off of it ASAP. Oh, one other side effect is my libido is almost nonexistent."

• nik...
• October 29, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on this form of birth control for going on 3 months. I've never been on birth control before. The first side effect I noticed almost immediately was vaginal itching, I kept thinking it was a yeast infection. When the yeast infection symptoms started again the next month after my period, I did more research and realized that it wasn't a yeast infection but a side effect of this drug. The next thing I noticed was my mood swings. I equated the mood swings and anxiety to the fact I was working, moving, and planning a wedding. Well, now those things are done, but I still feel so emotionally unstable and depressed. I started to think something was wrong with me. It's comforting to read that these feelings are a side effect of this drug, and I plan on getting off of it ASAP. Oh, one other side effect is my libido is almost nonexistent."

• Var...
• April 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for almost a year now. If you want to prevent pregnancy, it's great, but it KILLS your sex drive. I haven't wanted sex since I started this pill. I gained 18 lbs, and I eat decently healthy. Plus, I exercise every day. I have noticed terrible mood swings as well as depression. My life isn't crazy stressful. I bled for two weeks straight in December 2017. I just finished a month-long period two days ago. I've never been this irregular! After months of saying, 'I'll give it another try.' I AM SWITCHING! As I said before, great at preventing pregnancy, only if you want all the bad side effects that come with it."

• bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking Previfem for almost a month now, and it’s been making me nauseous, very irritable, low sex drive, having trouble staying wet during sex, emotional, and it gave me a yeast infection. I do not recommend this birth control."

• Hor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 24, 2014

For Birth Control "I have never had such severe side effects with an oral contraceptive in the last 14 years (just turned 29); bloating, gas, 20 lb weight gain, mood swings, still having cramps, and decreased sex drive. I gave it 3 months, and it's just gotten worse. Beware, ladies."

• KHa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2019

For Birth Control "Overall, this pill got rid of my acne. I’ve had severe acne since I was 12, and I’m 18 now. HOWEVER, the first month I was on this pill, I acquired a huge boil on my hip, but I brushed it off, thinking it was just a fluke thing... nope! I’m on month 2, and I’ve now had one on my face and four on my legs. Also, my mood swings are outrageous."

• SHa...
• September 20, 2020

For Birth Control "I used to take Mononessa, but it's discontinued, so I'm on Previfem. On Previfem, I crave food ALL THE TIME. My period is thicker/clottier than before. I have itching, extreme bloating, upset stomach, frequent nausea, etc. I don't have acne breakouts, so I cannot comment on if it helps with those, but my skin is drier than usual. My mood swings are fierce. I've been on this medication for over 6 months, and I feel depressed, then angry as anything, then get sad, and then go numb. I had mood swings during my first 3 months on Mononessa and then never again. I have also experienced dryness during sex and extreme drops in libido. In general, avoid this train wreck if you can. If you're going to try this because your insurance pays for it, only give it a three-month trial MAX (unless the side effects are just too drastic). If after 3 months the side effects haven't subsided, quit and try something else. I mean, I didn't get pregnant, but also I have next to no sex drive, so..."

• Lee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2020

For Birth Control "This has been the worst birth control pill I’ve ever taken. I was on Sprintec since this year had started and recently started taking Previfem (3 months ago) and had not stopped bleeding, mood swings are horrible, and makes you very bloated and gassy, and I would not recommend this pill to anybody!"

• Had...
• December 8, 2015

For Ovarian Cysts "I had my left ovary removed in September of 2015 because of a 10 cm cyst that was twisting my ovary, cutting off blood supply. After my surgery, they put me on birth control immediately to prevent another cyst from growing on my other ovary. Previfem has been working well for me, the only symptoms I have had have been fatigue, a little bit of weight gain (about 5 pounds), and some mood swings. Other than that, I have not had any problems. My period is shorter, lighter, and I no longer get cramps like I used to. Overall, my experience with this birth control has been great."

• Anonymous
• May 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I started taking Previfem about 4 months ago (I've been on it for about a month), and it was pretty awful. At the beginning, my acne got worse, and I wanted to eat everything. I actually thought that I was pregnant because of my mood swings and the fact that I gained 10 pounds. After the 2nd month, my acne totally cleared up, but I was still gaining weight. When I went to the doctor for a check-up, he noticed I was a bit heavier, and that's when I got off it. It also made my face really fat."

• cas...
• August 14, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have only been on this BC for 2 weeks. The day I started it, I've had constant headaches to the point where I can't even tolerate being awake. I'm forced to take naps during the pain. My mood is off the charts, even as I'm typing this. Oh yeah, my skin -- terrible. I had no problem with acne before this pill. The last BC I was on (the dial, and the patch -- oh how I loved the patch -- my provider doesn't offer it anymore), but yes, this BC has been a pain since day one. Also, I get frequent sharp pains in my lower abdomen. The only reason I am still taking it is because I am hoping the side effects stop, and I have an appointment with my doc next week. I gave it a 2 because since being on it, I have not gotten pregnant, but I've also not had sex due."