Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate and Depression: What Users Say (Page 2)

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

For Birth Control "I’ve never left a review for anything before. Not a movie, nor a restaurant, nothing. This birth control is THE WORST. After being on Mononessa for a couple of years and having no issues, Walgreens changed the prescription to Sprintec (also no problems) and then to this Estarylla poison. I’m 18, almost 19, an extremely happy, healthy, active, hardworking person. Estarylla has completely demolished my self-esteem, leaving me in a weird, depressed, anxiety-ridden state for the one and a half months I’ve been taking it. I’ve been feeling like I’m in this weird, dreamlike state for the past few weeks and was so relieved to hear that other people on this medication have felt the same way. I’ve not had the motivation to get work done or socialize due to the extreme mood swings, depression, and fatigue that Estarylla causes. Please, please don’t take Estarylla. For the sake of your mental and physical health."

• Anonymous
• February 2, 2018

For Birth Control "First off, everyone's body is different and there's no way to know what yours is going to do. That being said, I was put on this birth control after having severe anxiety and depression (which I had never experienced before) on a previous birth control. I have had absolutely zero side effects with this one. Plus, my boobs got a size bigger, which is a plus."

• Nfa...
• February 8, 2020

For Birth Control "I've been on Tri-Lo Marzia for a bit over 3 months. I read these reviews before starting, and the bad ones really outnumbered the good ones — they scared me. The side effects turned out to be better than I expected. I had cramps on my first week of starting the pill that were otherworldly. I spent the week doubled over in pain. Periods since then have been lighter but last longer. My boobs grew immediately - like a second puberty or a natural boob job. Sounds silly, but they've made me feel more womanly/powerful. My acne got a bit worse, covering my chin and cheeks faintly. Not much effect on weight/sex drive. The worst thing is mental health; I'm extremely sensitive, my weeks are emotional rollercoasters. I have depressive episodes similar to when I was in my darkest place. It's hard to point fingers straight at the pill, but I know myself, and I know that I'm not currently myself. Probably going to stay on, though. The pros kinda outweigh the cons :/"

• Sha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I took Mononessa for years and never had a problem. One month, my pharmacy gave me Estarylla, and I immediately noticed a difference. When I called my doctor to let her know I didn't want the Estarylla and wanted the Mononessa back, like I've always had, they just acted like I didn't know what I was talking about, since it is 'basically the same drug.' Once Mononessa was taken off the market, my doctor started prescribing me Estarylla on the regular. It does what it needs to when it comes to birth control, but the side effects are absolutely awful. I have major nausea, headaches, and depression when taking this birth control. I also found it had heavily decreased my sex drive and has given me severe mood swings. I quit taking the drug for a month or two, and all symptoms went away. I don't think I'll ever take it again after I finish this month."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2020

For Birth Control "I really didn't like this Estarylla birth control. I was initially on Femynor (LOVE), but one day I picked up my prescription and I was given Estarylla. I called my gynecologist, and the nurse said it was a generic brand and shouldn’t affect me much, but it was AWFUL. I was on it for two months. I probably didn’t give it time to settle in, but Femynor never gave me this many issues so early on. I was very depressed, unmotivated, broke out, tired, experienced a lot of anxiety attacks, and super nauseated. I know everyone is different, but for me, it was the worst. My period went rather smoothly, I will say, but other than that, AWFUL! I recommend Femynor 10/10."

• txg...
• July 30, 2019

For Birth Control "60 days of awfulness. I was on Orth Tri-Cyclen Lo for 14 years before switching to Tri-Lo Sprintec. I don't believe it was an equivalent generic. I’m a strong, independent, hard-working, successful, and happy woman who is very driven — motivation was the first to go. I gained 12 lbs in 1 week. I was irritable, emotional, anxious about everything. I was depressed and had dark thoughts (which I knew was crazy) but couldn’t think straight enough to know I needed help. I had zero sex drive, felt bloated and horrible. Nothing mattered (relationship, career). I realized I wasn’t alone. After stopping Tri-Lo Sprintec, I started thinking clearly, the hazy brain fog was gone. I switched to Aviane - I'm 3 weeks in with zero side effects. I’m feeling myself again. Not everyone has extreme reactions to Tri-Lo Sprintec, but if you’re on here looking for answers - talk to your doctor. I have submitted this to the FDA and Teva as a formal complaint."

• Sam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 21, 2021

For Birth Control "Do not let these reviews scare you! Birth control is not a one-size-fits-all and literally just depends on your body. This is the first pill that hasn’t caused negative side effects like depression, mood swings, or any other mental health problems that I’ve experienced with other pills. The only side effect I experienced was acne for the first 3 months, but that could have been due to stress or other factors. My skin eventually cleared, and I have had no other problems with this pill!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2012

For Birth Control "This pill made me an irritable, moody, depressed mess. I would fly off the handle at the drop of a hat and was constantly agitated. It was awful for me, and I would never take it again. It did manage to clear my skin pretty well, and also, my breasts were a little bit more full, but it was not worth the emotional issues it caused me. I recently stayed on it for 3 months as recommended to see if side effects would lessen, but they did not. The first time I ever took this medicine, I was 19 and ended up on anti-depressants because I didn't realize it was the birth control pill causing my mood swings and depression. This led to a tailspin of anti-depressant madness for the next 5 years, and not one doctor ever told me I should try a different birth control pill."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I was switched to Mili suddenly when my pharmacy stopped ordering my other brand (other brand wasn't great for me either), so I stuck with it, and things were okay for a while. But I noticed I got severely depressed frequently, even though I couldn't explain why. My periods became irregular, and I gained about 20 pounds. I stuck with it for so long because doctors told me birth control doesn't make you gain weight or destabilize your mental health. I just found out I wasn't the only person who experienced this, so I switched to a brand I had a few years ago. I feel so much better."

• Anonymous
• January 12, 2010

For Birth Control "I took this for 5 months and loved it. It actually cleared up the acne I had before I started it, and it kept me from getting pregnant. I started forgetting to take it, so I switched to the Depo Provera shot. It has made me depressed, crazy, gain weight, no period, lactate, acne breakouts, and no sex drive at all. Now my doctor even thinks I might have a tumor on my pituitary gland and will have to get an MRI to find out soon. So, I have definitely switched back to Sprintec, today actually, and I hope all these side effects from Depo Provera go away."

• Plo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2021

For Birth Control "Before Mili, I was on Sprintec for three years and had absolutely no problems. My pharmacy gave me Mili because they were out of Sprintec and assured me it was exactly the same. Well, I have come to find out it's not. I've been on it for almost three months now and I am still having terrible side effects. My breasts have gone up a whole cup size, and I have a lack of motivation. I'm normally a pretty happy person, but since taking this, my anxiety is through the roof. Also, I have had a lot of gastrointestinal issues. Not only am I constantly bloated, someone who normally goes every day, I am sometimes backed up for 5 days. I have also been spotting between periods, and just recently my stomach has been in a lot of pain. Don't take this if you are already on a different birth control, it will mess you up."

• Ste...
• April 12, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Tri-Previfem for 3 months now, and it's been quite the whirlwind. Firstly, my periods are so much better, my cramps are non-existent, and my menstrual cycle is punctual. Additionally, my insurance covers all of it, so it's absolutely free. Although this may sound like a miracle period medicine, it certainly has its cons (for me). I've become extremely sensitive and needy. As a nursing student, life is stressful and lonely enough to deal with, this medicine has amplified my stress, anxiety, and depression. I never thought I would be one of the unfortunate ones to experience the ugly side effects of a medication. This may be fitting for others, but certainly not for me, I need my sanity back."

• Anonymous
• April 28, 2012

For Acne "I've been taking this birth control for about 7 months and have no real complaints. It cleared up my skin fairly well. I still break out a little but not as badly as I did before. It regulated my period and shortened it, and while I still get cramps, I no longer get back cramps or ones that physically make me sick. This birth control made my depression and mood swings, which I was already having, slightly worse, but nothing a higher dose anti-depressant didn't fix. My breasts were very tender for a few months, and I gained a cup size. I gained a little weight at first until I realized the pill was making me hungry, but with exercise and a balanced diet, I'm back to my original weight. Overall, I say it's worth a try."

• sue...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2021

For Birth Control "This birth control is horrible. My last birth control was discontinued, so they switched me to this. I got pregnant on this medication, and when I had continued using it after pregnancy, I had the worst depression and anxiety of my life and legit thought I was bipolar. I know everyone is different, but I do not recommend this medication."

• Ari...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2014

For Birth Control "I was first put on Tri-Sprintec, which worked wonderfully for me, but my pharmacy switched me to Tri-Previfem. I've good news and bad news about this pill. The good news: I've not gotten pregnant. The bad news: after being switched over, I've realized a shocking change in my mood. I'm much more depressed, and I have developed a case of anxiety. I have experienced several anxiety attacks after being switched to this pill. I'm contemplating asking my doctor to change my prescription. If you wish to not get pregnant, then take this pill, but you may undergo dramatic changes in your mood."

• Ken...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 6, 2020

For Birth Control "I normally try to avoid sharing my experience with birth control as we all know every woman is different, but this pill is awful. The first month of taking this pill, I experienced severe depression and suicidal thoughts. After the second month, the thoughts went away, but I was extremely sad. I also spotted for 3 months while taking this pill and experienced cramping at least once a week. I am now using Tri-Estarylla, and it works very well."

• Cas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking Mono-Linyah for about 6 months now, and it works in the form of preventing pregnancy, but it has created quite a few other issues for me. I didn’t break out, and my periods got lighter, and my cramps did go away, but my mood swings were terrible. I got super depressed a month into taking it. I also was always so irritated and moody that it created a lot of tension in my relationships. I never realized it was from the pill for a few months, and I ended up getting even more frustrated because I couldn’t do anything about the way I was acting and feeling. My stress did go away while taking the pill, but my sex drive also completely disappeared as well."

• Ash...
• November 12, 2020

"I personally would not recommend this birth control pill to any woman. It completely changed my personality while I was on it, and I was depressed and constantly anxious. I was so dramatic about every little thing and cried all the time, I felt like a crazy person, and I honestly probably appeared that way too. I had 0 sex drive and was always dry, which was very uncomfortable. Perhaps the most concerning of them all was that it messed with my ability to retain memories and recall events that occurred when I was on it. The majority of these months are now somewhat of a blur to me. When I finally quit taking it, it was like a cloud had been lifted and my quality of life was back completely. I will soon be switching to an IUD, which I hear is a much less systemic option, and I recommend this to other women too."

• Jho...
• February 13, 2013

For Birth Control "I was on the Ortho-Tri-Cyclen-Lo for 4 years, but my insurance won't cover it anymore, so my doctor switched me to TriNessa. It's been almost a month I've been taking it, and my husband and I love it. I was scared at first because of the bad reviews, such as weight gain and depression. But with me, it's been good so far. No headaches, I've lost weight because, with Ortho, I was bloated a lot. I'm more interested in sexual activities, so my husband is happy with that. The only thing I don't really like is I'm a little bit more emotional, but not moody or crabby."

• Lac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I was previously on another birth control. I didn’t feel like myself, and I was extremely depressed, so I decided to change my birth control to Tri-Lo-Estarylla, and I am on week 3. My sex drive has skyrocketed, I feel like I have more energy, my depression is improving, and typically by now I would be cramping, and I’m not. I hope once my period starts, things go smoothly compared to some of the reviews I’ve read. If you’re on birth control and don’t feel like yourself, please tell your doctor immediately."

• Bro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on Sprintec for five months, and it was awful. Experienced horrible acne and mood changes. I was a completely different person on this. I was constantly crying over everything and having mental breakdowns almost every day. It was so bad that nobody wanted to be around me. It really put me in a bad place, I had really bad depression while on it and constant dark and negative thoughts. Everyone’s body reacts differently, though, I just wanted to post this so if you are experiencing negative thoughts, please reach out to your doctor so they can help you."

• Yo-...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 29, 2019

For Birth Control "This birth control did a great job of preventing pregnancy, which is why I gave it a 2. I did not like the way it made me feel, which is why my rating is so low. I was constantly feeling low, crying for no reason a lot, and just never really happy. I ended up being on other prescribed medicine to help with that because I thought something was happening. One day I managed to line up the timeline of my sadness of when I started the birth control, and then came across this review page. I took myself off of the birth control and the behavioral medication, and I'm totally fine now. I laugh, joke, and feel okay about things. Everyone reacts to these things differently, but I know those reviews helped me, and I'm hoping mine can maybe help someone else."

• lad...
• September 7, 2013

For Birth Control "I am 23 with two little girls, got on the pill to have a nice sex life without the fear of becoming pregnant. It's been three months, and my boyfriend says I have become really moody. I eat all day, every day, if I was not on the pill, I would think I was pregnant. I started out at 125 lbs, and so far I'm still 125 pounds. My skin is glowing, and the best news of all, I'm not pregnant again, but at times I get really sad and depressed. This is something I never experienced in life, so I'm dealing with it for now."

• lad...
• September 7, 2013

For Birth Control "I am 23 with two little girls, got on the pill to have a nice sex life without the fear of becoming pregnant. It's been three months, and my boyfriend says I have become really moody. I eat all day, every day, if I was not on the pill, I would think I was pregnant. I started out at 125 lbs, and so far I'm still 125 pounds. My skin is glowing, and the best news of all, I'm not pregnant again, but at times I get really sad and depressed. This is something I never experienced in life, so I'm dealing with it for now."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2019

For Birth Control "Everybody, EVERYBODY reacts differently to medications, especially birth control! I read all of these negative comments and popped the first pill, and I’m still breathing, y’all! I’m on week 3, and my face is SO CLEAR, and it’s literally like glowing, lol. I suffer from mild depression, and this doesn’t touch it. Not pregnant, didn’t gain weight, sleeping okay, lol. I love this pill. You never know how you will react to a medication until you try it (with the permission of your doctor). If you don’t like it-great, then be responsible, throw it out, and use a backup birth control like condoms and spermicide until you get into the doctor’s office. :)"