Sprintec and Depression: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Jas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2019

For Birth Control "Came here looking for validation on all of my symptoms with this BC, and wow, I surely got it! I have never felt so sad in my entire life! I’ve literally cried, if not every day, every other day! This is my 3rd month, and after this pack, I’m done! I can’t continue to feel like this every day. I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen for over 10 years and NuvaRing for a few months, and have never battled depression. It did clear my acne, prevent pregnancy, which are the only pros. I got longer periods, 6-7 days, that’s about it."

• jja...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 25, 2019

For Birth Control "I mean, I didn’t get pregnant thanks to this, but I had been debating getting off hormonal BC, and this made the decision VERY easy! I gained 10 pounds in a month (while exercising regularly and on a diet that I follow strictly), was insanely depressed and had awful mood swings, HORRIBLE nonstop acne breakouts for the whole month like I was a middle schooler again, and absolutely zero sex drive. For the love of god, STAY AWAY from Sprintec!"

• App...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 26, 2021

For Birth Control "I'd say overall it's been good. My skin is super clear, and I didn't gain any weight. However, after being on it for now 7 months, I've started to have more depressive episodes and sometimes pretty poor self-image. I've also had a good amount of severe mood swings. With all that said, my periods are really light and non-painful, which in my opinion is an okay trade-off due to my periods beforehand being super painful. It does its job well for me, I just have to jump through the hoop of mild depression."

• App...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 26, 2021

For Birth Control "I'd say overall it's been good. My skin is super clear, and I didn't gain any weight. However, after being on it for now 7 months, I've started to have more depressive episodes and sometimes pretty poor self-image. I've also had a good amount of severe mood swings. With all that said, my periods are really light and non-painful, which in my opinion is an okay trade-off due to my periods beforehand being super painful. It does its job well for me, I just have to jump through the hoop of mild depression."

• Pro...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on this medication for about 6 years. It's fine at first, then everything just gets awful. The two positives are my skin stays clear, although my skin has never been prone to acne, and I've never gotten pregnant. Also, it never caused weight gain for me. Aside from that, I wouldn't recommend. I feel so depressed all of the time, and my anxiety is through the roof. All I want to do is sleep. Not to mention my sex drive is completely nonexistent. It gets 4/10 because it does its job as birth control effectively as long as you take it correctly. But what does the effectiveness matter if you never have the drive to have sex? Looking for a dependable alternative that works and won't cause weight gain or acne so I can stop taking this."

• Won...
• March 2, 2012

For Ovarian Cysts "I initially had Mononessa prescribed for PCOS but switched after 3 months to Sprintec. Of course, I experienced the usual side effects with both, i.e., nausea, mood swings, hot flashes, breast tenderness, and headaches, but only for the first week or two. However, with Sprintec, I am now experiencing depression, my skin on my face and chest area above my breast is not as smooth as it used to be, and worst of all, a yeast infection, which I have never suffered from before (awful itching, but Monistat 7 is helping a lot). I'm still quite new to Sprintec and hope all this goes away."

• Fat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 2, 2019

For Endometriosis "I am on week 3 of this birth control. I have been on different types of birth control pills consistently for 11 years. My doctor had me switch off my last birth control due to irregular bleeding and pain associated with my endometriosis. I have gained about 8 lbs in 3 weeks on Sprintec. I initially thought I just had a bad week of not eating great, but was still pretty shocked with the amount of weight gain, which is unusual for me. After a few days of practically starving myself and exercising, the weight still remained. Again, completely unusual for me, I can normally lose weight pretty quickly. My husband agrees I look pregnant. I am stopping the pill immediately. I’d rather have pain than feel this fat. It’s depressing - which is another side effect I’ve heard. Maybe we’re all just depressed 'cause we’re fat!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 15, 2018

For Birth Control "So I’ve been using Sprintec for about 8 months, and I have very mixed reviews. My period only lasts three to four days, so that’s a plus. Also, my skin cleared up. The cons are the horrible mood swings and extreme depression I’ve experienced while on the pill. I’ve also gained a lot of weight since taking it. So yes, it prevents pregnancy, but the mood swings and weight gain aren’t really worth it..."

• Liz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been taking Sprintec for just over a week, and I’m suffering the most severe depression of my life! I’m 32 years old, and this is the third different form of birth control I’ve used. The Depo shot had me bleeding every day for a year, the other pill type I used caused me severe morning sickness every day for a year. And now this one has me in a perpetual state of negativity. I’ve cried for three days, I have no appetite, and I can’t find joy in anything. I’m feeling like I want to die! Is this normal?! My experiences so far with birth control have been horrible and make me terrified to try another one."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 27, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was on a 3-month trial period for this brand and absolutely HATED it. I couldn't wait to be done with it. The only thing I can say positively is it did regulate my periods, and they were lighter. From week one of my first pack, I noticed severe cystic acne. I'll have an occasional flare-up on my chin here and there, normally. But I started getting them EVERYWHERE on my face, and they never ceased as the months went on. Also, I had severe mood swings and depression, and it was putting a strain on my relationship with my fiancé."

• Ano...
• June 25, 2018

For Birth Control "Since I started, I’ve been depressed and down. My mood swings are disgusting. I get so angry and sad towards everything and everyone. I gained massive weight to the point where I’ve gotten stretch marks! I’ve been feeling so sad. I feel alone, hurt, ugly, fat, and other negative feelings. I’m so self-conscious of how I look now, I don’t wear pretty clothes, nor do I wear makeup. I’m the type of girl who loves dressing up and is in love with Sephora. Now I’m someone who barely gets out of bed for school, wears baggy sweats, and doesn’t even bother to brush my hair. I cover myself with baggy clothes because I feel like the weight gain has made me ugly. I know these details may seem pointless, I’m sharing this so you understand how it affected me and how it might affect some other women similarly or worse. I will definitely be talking to both my mom and doctor about changing my birth control."

• Jes...
• January 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I started taking this BC pill a month and a week ago. At first, I just got nauseous, then I started getting migraines, which were intense, and the depression was horrible. I was so emotional over stupid things. I got my second pack and took it at 7 pm, woke up at 8 am, and felt fine, but around 12, I felt bad. I was so weak I couldn't move, and I was sweating and cold, and my arm went numb, and it felt like I had a hangover but worse. My eyes hurt also. I am getting off this pill and getting switched to a different kind. This was the first BC pill I've ever used."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I swapped to Sprintec from Microgestin after having suicidal thoughts, weight gain, and no sex drive. Sprintec also made me depressed (with no suicidal thoughts), no sex drive, and caused me to gain another 15 pounds. I am normally very active and social, but I just sat around all day, every day, with no desire to go out and live life. I've since started the Xulane patch and LOVE it. With the patch, I have no depression, no suicidal thoughts, my appetite has gone back to how it was before I started birth control, and my sex drive has returned."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2016

For Birth Control "I took this birth control pill for about three months. I have been fortunate to never experience intense sadness or depressive feelings since I was born, discounting family/friend deaths or illnesses. After starting the pill, I noticed a change in my attitude and mindset. I used to wake up extremely happy and stay happy throughout the day, but the pill caused me to become sad. Depression became a major factor in my everyday life on the pill, and suicidal ideations soon followed during the third month. I felt crazy on the pill, and I became really insecure. The only other side effect besides depression was breast tenderness. It was effective in preventing pregnancy, and I did not get migraines or spotting."

• JI1...
• September 24, 2015

For Birth Control "Terrible pill. Depressed, lethargic, moody, snappy, no appetite but weight gain somehow, constipation, white bumps on skin....nothing positive to report except that a little less dry than usual. Not worth it though."

• Ang...
• September 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I gave the rating some points because it does control birth, and I was given the pill to stop my irregular heavy bleeding because I am severely anemic and needing blood transfusions, and it did stop the bleeding. However, the side effects are horrible. I'm always nauseated, especially when I first take it, I feel sick like I'm coming down with the flu all day. I get bad headaches every night after taking them, and I'm extremely depressed and moody, ready to snap about every little thing. I've only been on it a little over two weeks, but I am making an appointment with my doctor to change this pill or have surgery for my fibroids instead. I can't deal with this pill."

• mis...
• February 28, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had really irregular periods before, I would go months without getting a period, and when I got one, I would bleed heavily and for a long time. The longest was 13 days. I never had any side effects with my periods before I started taking this birth control. This is the second month I’ve been on it, and I just got it refilled for the start of the third month, which starts tomorrow. I take the pill every morning. The first month I started taking the pill, I was on my period for 3 weeks straight. I was vomiting, having severe cramps, I had depression, horrible mood swings, increased fatigue. Name a symptom, I had it. It got to the point where it was so bad, I had to stay home one day because I couldn’t move due to the amount of pain I was in. I changed my pants about 4 times that day and couldn’t walk around without a bunch of blood running down my legs. The second month was okay at first, but now I’ve been on my period for 2 weeks, and I still have all the horrible symptoms."

• Ele...
• June 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I've tried multiple birth control pills, and I thought I found my saving grace when I first started taking this pill. My skin was clearer, and my boobs grew, which was a bonus. While taking this pill, my sex drive has been almost non-existent. The problem for me has been placebo week. The change in hormones throughout the month, then dropping off to have my period, has given me crazy mood swings. I don't think I've ever felt so depressed, hopeless, and unhappy with life and with things that made me previously happy. Usually, if I am PMSing, it lasts for a day or two, but with this BC, it's consistently there. My mental health is not worth the side effects of this pill. If you struggle with mood swings, especially while on birth control pills, I would NOT recommend."

• Ele...
• June 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I've tried multiple birth control pills, and I thought I found my saving grace when I first started taking this pill. My skin was clearer, and my boobs grew, which was a bonus. While taking this pill, my sex drive has been almost non-existent. The problem for me has been placebo week. The change in hormones throughout the month, then dropping off to have my period, has given me crazy mood swings. I don't think I've ever felt so depressed, hopeless, and unhappy with life and with things that made me previously happy. Usually, if I am PMSing, it lasts for a day or two, but with this BC, it's consistently there. My mental health is not worth the side effects of this pill. If you struggle with mood swings, especially while on birth control pills, I would NOT recommend."

• Ele...
• June 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I've tried multiple birth control pills, and I thought I found my saving grace when I first started taking this pill. My skin was clearer, and my boobs grew, which was a bonus. While taking this pill, my sex drive has been almost non-existent. The problem for me has been placebo week. The change in hormones throughout the month, then dropping off to have my period, has given me crazy mood swings. I don't think I've ever felt so depressed, hopeless, and unhappy with life and with things that made me previously happy. Usually, if I am PMSing, it lasts for a day or two, but with this BC, it's consistently there. My mental health is not worth the side effects of this pill. If you struggle with mood swings, especially while on birth control pills, I would NOT recommend."

• BLe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on it for a month and a half now. I skipped the placebo pills to miss my period as recommended. I started spotting on Wednesday and got horrible, horrible cramps. Now it's a full-on period, and my cramps are unbearable. I took Menstuaid, Pamprin, and ibuprofen, and NOTHING is working. I also am not myself. I'm very depressed and just want to be alone, not near people. I have no motivation. Yes, it takes 3 months to get used to a medication, but I can't be this sad for 3 months. I'm crying over everything. I've also gained weight, and I'm careful with what I eat."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 9, 2015

For Birth Control "Mood swings and depression. Suicidal thoughts... Not good. Does its job with regulating periods, but the side effects are terrible. Have been on it for 2 years and was just off of it for a month. Now I'm back to my normal self. Glad to know I'm not going crazy, it's just the pill making me like that. Definitely going to switch."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 11, 2021

For Birth Control "So I’ve been on Sprintec for over a year and have just recently realized that I’ve developed depression and extremely high stress. When I first started taking it, I didn’t notice a big change other than weight gain and a lighter period. I can now say I have completely changed as a person and not for the better. I’ve cried every day for months and have almost ruined my relationship because I simply can’t control my emotions whatsoever. Just keep in mind the first few months may not affect you that much, but keep an eye on your mental health."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2019

For Birth Control "Horrible! I have been on Sprintec for nearly 6 months. I started for birth control and to stop constant bleeding due to a depo shot (Greenstone brand/3 month birth control shot) I had taken. It worked. But I have the WORST depression and anxiety. Definitely NOT worth taking this. I'll be so glad when I can get off of this medication."

• Lem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Sprintec for 3 months, and it REALLY messed with my emotions. Within the first week, I was feeling incredibly depressed and helpless. I decided to finish out my prescription (3 packs) in hopes of these side effects subsiding, but the anxiety and depression kept getting worse, leaving me a paranoid mess and likely to cry at the drop of a hat. I was snapping at people who didn’t deserve it, and that’s very unlike me. I’ve been off it for a couple weeks now, and I’ve already noticed a complete 180 in my mood and feel way more in control and more like my old self. This pill did, however, make my periods relatively light and only last 5 days, which are the best results I’ve gotten with any pill when it comes to period regulation."