Implanon and Depression: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Sha...
• July 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the Implanon for about 9 months. The first 3 months were okay, the following 3 months I started experiencing very extreme migraines (which I already had an issue with prior to insertion), mood swings, very drastic mood swings, no energy too much, always tired, and no desire to do anything. At about 6 months, I started feeling really depressed, lonely, unwanted (I have 2 kids and a very caring fiancé)."

• Cha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I first got the Implanon after I had my son in 2011. It was great! I only had a period every 2-3 months and absolutely no other side effects. I got it taken out and another one inserted in September 2015, and everything was the same until September 2016. Everything changed. It started with my period, but with that, I became very nauseous, depressed, anxious, and worried. I was angry and upset and just wanted to stay in bed. Went to the doctor and was given meds for depression and panic attacks, but I knew something had to be the cause because I've never had these problems. I've had blood tests ran, a Pap smear, and even ultrasounds on my thyroid and abdomen. Nothing was found. After reading reviews on the Implanon, it was removed last week!"

• Tin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I'm not sure if I've had the implant for 3 or 4 years now, and I never realized a lot of my issues were caused by this. I have been dealing with irregular bleeding, at one point, I bled heavily for 4 months straight, with maybe 3-4 days that I thought it had stopped. I have no motivation or drive to do anything, and I have also struggled with increased anxiety, especially social anxiety, which I never struggled with before. I have deep depression and feelings of unworthiness, like I'm just a waste of space and a sorry excuse for a person. I see that a lot of other people have had depression increase or develop after they got the implant as well. I also have migraines pretty regularly and just feel sluggish. I was honestly devastated that I was feeling and going through all these things, thinking that even being drug-free, I'd never find happiness again, but I genuinely think that this BC is the root cause of all my struggles, and I can't wait to get it taken out!"

• Min...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 6, 2016

For Birth Control "I got this about 6 or 7 months ago, and they did not tell me about any mental side effects. I was aware of the bleeding situation, but I never stop, it'll go from light to heavy out of nowhere. I am always having mood swings and angry over the littlest things in the world with my now ex. I feel like I'm going crazy with this thing, and I realized it's from it because of all the other reviews. I have become highly depressed as well, more suicidal thoughts have been coming through my mind. I finally decided this is what is causing my wreck of behavior, and I am getting it taken out. I do not wish for anyone to go through what I am going through because of this stupid implant. I'm horrified I ruined my shape and my loving self."

• Tif...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 3, 2020

For Birth Control "Had mine now for about a year and a bit, and now my periods are regularly irregular. Meaning 2 weeks on and then 3 weeks off, with a random amount of time in the middle without my period (2-4 days usually). For the first week, I am quite heavy, then the second is always a mystery and changes all the time. Gained 11 kg and cannot lose the weight and am having huge self-esteem issues. My breasts are aching for weeks leading up to the weeks of my period. Wanted to get it out, but thought I would push through it. At least I'm not pregnant, I guess, hmmm."

• Coz...
• October 2, 2018

For Birth Control "Ok, so I got the implant, and for the first few months I was fine. I was a happy 18-year-old, then I started getting so depressed, with horrible anxiety. I lost 20 kilos due to lack of appetite and excruciating pain in my stomach. I couldn't eat. I was bedridden for months, becoming a zombie. I just couldn't take it anymore. Nobody knew what was happening to me, and nobody could fix it. I was just hopeless and angry. Nobody told me it could've been the implant, but such is life. Anyway, I got it removed, which was very quick and easy for me, and I'm feeling like the old me again"

• Ste...
• May 31, 2017

For Birth Control "The implant is by far the worst contraception I have ever been on, and I wouldn't recommend this at all! I was only on the implant for 7 months, but it was absolute hell. I suffered terrible anxiety and depression, which worsened to me not even wanting to leave the house and waking up daily thinking I'd be better off not here. I had to take tons of time off work due to the above, along with stomach pains, migraines, sleep problems, and the list goes on. I put on so much weight despite rarely eating because of my stomach pains. I'd be here all day if I explained the entirety of my implant experience, but please take this into consideration."

• Che...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 13, 2018

For Birth Control "I got my first Implanon at age 16 years old to help with heavy periods. It was my first and only birth control. The day after I got it, my entire arm was numb and swollen. I live in a rural area, and by the time I got to the hospital (2.5 hours), the swelling was gone, so I kept it in. My period was heavy and constant for two months before it vanished, with only the occasional spotting every few months. It worked well besides some depression and anxiety, weight gain, and complete loss of sex drive. I put on 20 kilos with no changes to my diet or exercise regime. At 19 years old, I had the bar replaced. The same symptoms occurred within the first months except that I lost 15 kg. Over the last 2 years since this bar was inserted, I have dealt with unbearable depression and anxiety, and it continues to rise. My sex drive is still non-existent. I was lucky enough to not experience hair loss or acne. Wouldn't recommend this to my friends unless they're serious about keeping their mental health on track."

• hea...
• October 24, 2013

For Birth Control "I have had the Implanon since February 2012, and I hate it. The first six months were okay, I only had two periods on it, not got pregnant, but I've gained a lot of weight, more than I did when I gave birth. Before birth, I was 156, now I'm 198. I get bad headaches and stomach aches. My back always hurts, and I always feel tired. I get dizzy a lot, and it scares me having our little girl while I'm driving. It has caused me to faint one time at home while my husband was there. I just want my energy back so I can do the things I want to with our little girl, who is almost two. I haven't lost my sex drive, but my husband's job is one week on, one week off, so I guess it's hard to tell. I just want to feel normal and happy again. I'm tired of the mood swings and depression also."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I had spotting for seven months straight, which started soon after Implanon was inserted. I decided to wait it out, and I haven’t had a period since. This benefit of no periods outweighs the side effects, but I am still trying to figure out if my lack of motivation, loss of memory on how to spell words, and lack of self-worth are because of the implant..."

• Bri...
• July 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I've had the Implanon for 3 months! The first month, I was bleeding for 3 weeks, then, after the 3 weeks, I had brown discharge for a week! Well, everything went away for a week, then I was bleeding again for another 2 weeks! Now, in the 3rd month, I am just angry all the time. I'm depressed, like for no reason, I want to cry. I never want to eat, ever, which is not normal for me. I don't want to have sex, ever, which isn't normal. My head hurts all day! My face is breaking out so bad. I'm getting this out Monday. I'll never use birth control. I'm not going to put this stuff in my body ever again, no form of birth control! I've never felt so sick in my life. It's really affecting my daily life and not good for my relationship with my husband- just overall, the worst birth control ever."

• Bru...
• March 17, 2014

For Birth Control "I am 30. My usual period prior to Implanon was like clockwork. I haven't gotten pregnant since the insertion. But I haven't stopped bleeding much! I stop bleeding one week each month. My husband and I have sex during the no-bleed week. So is it the Implanon's effectiveness? Or that my husband and I are rarely having sex due to constant bleeding and my loss of sex drive? Since the insertion, I’m emotional, sensitive, irritable, anxious, and depressed - a constant state of PMS. I have gained weight, 6 kg. The side effects are outweighing it for me, and 11 months on, I’m considering other options. I’m happy I tried it, such a high efficacy rating and no user error. It's worth a try, and if it works for you, great! But beware it might not too."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2016

For Birth Control "I loved everything about the Implanon - BUT I had to have it removed because it gave me horrific cystic acne deep under my skin around my chin. I was so caught up worrying that my depression and anxiety would arise as a side effect that I didn't realize it was actually the bar causing the sudden change in my skin. It's such a shame because otherwise I loved it. I've had it gone for a few months now, my skin started to settle but now is flaring up again. If you do find you start to experience cystic acne on the Implanon - DO NOT TOUCH IT and get your doc to prescribe a topical acne ointment to save yourself from it spreading and causing scarring :("

• Lal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2016

For Birth Control "Got Implanon in December and had it removed a couple of weeks ago. I'm back on the pill, and my hormones are still fluctuating, so I'm waiting until I'm normal again. HORRIBLE side effects. Do not recommend!! I had it in for about 5 months and got my period twice on it (more like spotting for a week). It gave me insane acne on my face and back, terrible breast pain and swelling, the most extreme mood swings, increased my depression and anxiety x1000, gave me headaches at first, and completely wiped out my sex drive. Had pretty much every side effect except weight gain and never-ending spotting. Removal was horrible, it took 2 incisions to remove the stick from hell!!! PROS: never had to maintain birth control (like pills, NuvaRing) and not pregnant."

• lov...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I had Implanon inserted in May 2010, immediately after high school. I chose Implanon because I am quite forgetful, and the thought of hassle-free 3-year birth control was like heaven! Side effects? Lighter period, slight depression, and moody, but nothing serious! Other than that, the Implanon is perfect! I've had it removed today, and I'm considering an alternate method for birth control. ONLY because I don't want the implant for another 3 years. Yes, you can have it removed before then, but I want to go through the process again."

• Mus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I was put on Implanon a month ago, and I was told that there might be some weight gain (like 5 pounds) or a chance of depression and irregular periods for a while. Let me tell you something. They're spot on with weight gain, personality changes, and irregular periods. I usually have a heavy flow without cramps. Now, I can't move without feeling like I have Ebola. I'm bleeding profusely. And worst of all, the blood smells 20 times worse than usual. I've gained 10 pounds, bled constantly, and my emotions are going haywire. If anyone says you won't have a period, they're right. Your vagina literally turns into a scene from Sweeney Todd. Feels like it too."

• Che...
• December 7, 2015

For Birth Control "It was okay during the first six months. Then I gained a lot of weight, had really bad depression with suicidal thoughts, my body always hurt. It does its job, but there's a lot of unnecessary side effects."

• Mon...
• October 8, 2015

For Birth Control "When I had my Implanon inserted, I weighed 150, and a year later I weighed 165, and this year I weigh 174. I have been trying my best to eat healthy and exercise 3 times a week, and yet I am still gaining. I am going to take out my Implanon at a little over the two-year mark because all of a sudden I feel depressed and anxious, which I never endured before. Nothing has changed in my lifestyle that will bring those emotions either. At first, it was a great BC, but now I just want it out. On the plus side, since the day I inserted it, I never experienced a period, which was the only reason I kept it on this long."

• juj...
• June 10, 2015

For Birth Control "The first week was great. My period stopped, and I thought, 'Wow, this is going to work'... Oh, how wrong I was. It has been anything but great. I have mood swings, anxiety, severe depression, and don't want to be in social situations with extreme paranoia. For no logical reason, I feel like my partner doesn't love me. I have my period twice a month. I spot bleed every other day. Within the first 6 weeks, I experienced bacterial vaginosis. It lasted a week (never had it before - I was scared, disgusted, and embarrassed), thrush on and off for three, a UTI on and off for three (while I had thrush). I would still recommend trying, I haven't gotten pregnant, and every girl responds differently. Just be aware of how terrible it can be. I am getting it removed."

• Mee...
• April 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I have used Implanon for 6 years. I will be getting my second one removed next month, and another one will be put in. I love this. I don't get a period, I lose about 7 to 10 lbs. in the first couple of months after insertion, and it doesn't hurt at all. The only con for me is towards the end of the 3 years, I get very emotional and depressed. For about 3 months, everything pisses me off and/or makes me cry. Prior to Implanon, I have tried birth control pills, the patch, the ring, and the IUD. I was allergic to the patch, cried constantly on the pills and the ring, and experienced my first panic attack while getting the IUD put in. (IUD was awful.)"

• Sho...
• June 5, 2017

For Birth Control "For the first 3 months, everything was dandy until I found out that in those 3 months, I got pregnant. I got this to prevent anything like that from happening, however, my nurse didn't inform me that certain pills can reduce its efficiency. I ended up having a miscarriage. So I put that failure down to lack of knowledge. As time went on, I had 2 months of no period, then an entire month of bleeding. I've been getting spots and hot flushes caused by this, not to mention I've suffered from severe depression and anxiety caused by the Implanon, which caused me to stop eating because I had constant knots in my stomach, and despite this no eating, I've gone up 3 dress sizes! I suggest getting the 3-month jab and seeing your reaction, it may not be horrible for everyone."

• Anonymous
• June 11, 2009

For Birth Control "I've had the Implanon in since October 07 - brilliant. For the first 6 months, I had bleeding/spotting. For the second 6 months, I got my period for 2-3 days every 2-3 weeks. However, since January 09, no period at all (whoopee!). I actually lost 4-5 pounds after getting it in due to the constant bleeding. My libido has fluctuated a bit every now and then (very, very high just after I got it put in and somewhat lower at the moment). I have several friends who also got it inserted: 3 had similar experiences to me, another had it removed due to anxiety/depression (but bear in mind she was only 16 at the time, which I think would be a bit young to get it!), and another had it removed due to bad acne. Everybody's different, it's worked for me, though."

• Dre...
• March 22, 2016

For Birth Control "This birth control has been placed in my arm for about 2 months, and I have on-and-off bleeding. I also gained lower back pain. And worst of all, I am depressed now and always hungry. I feel pregnant. And I'm not. It's a horrible birth control. I gained 20 lbs in just about a month and a half."

• Koo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I had the Implanon for 1 year and 11 months, almost 2 years. This was my very first and only birth control I've used. Implanon doesn't have to be replaced until every 3 years, but I decided to take it out after trying it for almost 2 years. This birth control does what it's supposed to do, it works, plus you don't have to worry about it until once every 3 years. My experience was depression, weight gain, hair loss, anxiety, bloating, no sex drive, and I would get my period every 2 months, and when it did, it lasted up to 2 weeks. I took it out today, hope things go back to normal. Any other birth control methods recommended?"

• V93...
• May 30, 2017

For Birth Control "This form of contraception is great for preventing pregnancy, there is no worry of forgetting a pill. However, after 6 months, I've just had my implant removed. At first, it was fine, although periods are very irregular, they would happen unexpectedly. I suffered from mood swings, depression, low sex drive, and acne while having the implant. My appetite increased, constantly feeling hungry, and I gained some weight. My emotions were all over the place, I found myself getting far too emotional, crying quite a lot! I'm so happy that it is now removed, and I can look forward to feeling good again."