Nexplanon and Depression: What Users Say (Page 3)

• No...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 24, 2023

For Birth Control "Nexplanon has ruined my life! I have spent endless days trying to figure out what the heck was wrong with me. I had an abortion in college, and a few years later, I was faced with the same decision. I refused to leave Planned Parenthood without birth control and took the easiest option, never thinking about it again. First of all, my doctor told me it would last for five years, so I literally didn't think about it during that time. Over those years, I have gained at least 50 pounds. I attributed it to getting older and poor health habits, even though my habits remained the same. When the five years were up, I went to have it replaced and randomly decided to read about it. That's when I realized that this stupid drug is the reason for my weight gain, increased anxiety, and depression, among a few other things. I freaked out and had the new implant removed within two months. Since then, I have had frequent suicidal thoughts, and I am extremely miserable."

• Nik...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 17, 2019

For Birth Control "Nexplanon is very effective as a birth control. But the side effects... I’ve had Nexplanon put in my arm for almost three years, and I finally made up my mind to get it removed. And I’ve been experiencing spotting the majority of the time. It messed up my sex life, 'cause I only have limited blood-free days. I can’t enjoy sex either. It makes me very emotional too. I can’t stop myself from being sad and anxious. I think it makes me easily tired. My back and waist are always sore. I wouldn’t recommend this birth control to anyone, since I’m feeling sooooo depressed while I type this comment."

• hah...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 27, 2019

For Birth Control "This has been the worst experience with birth control ever. I used to be so happy, and I had the privilege of not really experiencing depression. Ever since I've been on Nexplanon, I became so severely depressed and have such dark thoughts. I have crazy mood swings, and I'm super irritable now. I'm having this taken out in hopes of returning to normal. It works as birth control, sure, but is it worth it having that many hormones in your body and essentially scarring your mental health? Not for me. Also, I gained 15 pounds."

• Cra...
• January 12, 2021

For Birth Control "I've had Nexplanon for over a year now, and honestly, it is the worst mistake I've made. Before I got it, I had my mental health under control, including losing over 120 lbs (this is going to be important later in the story). So I decided to get birth control (my periods were making me very sick). Well, ever since I got it implanted, my mental health has gone downhill drastically. I have gained ALL of my weight back, the arm that it's in aches, and my anxiety is so bad that I can't even go to the doctor to get it out. 10/10 do NOT recommend."

• Can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2021

For Birth Control "After getting the implant, I became depressed and even suicidal. My local GP really dragged their feet and wouldn't remove it for over 2 months, in which I was having constant panic attacks. I had diagnosed depression when I was 13-15 years old, but by the time I had gotten my implant, I hadn't had symptoms in over 5 years. As soon as I got the implant, I started feeling like that all over again. I recommend trying other birth control, especially if you have a past with mental illness."

• Pin...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 19, 2020

For Birth Control "This contraception is evil. Definitely do your research before getting Nexplanon. I have had 2 previously, but this 3rd one, within 10 days of having it, I am depressed, anxious, and dizzy. Overall, just not with it. I can't wait to get this awful thing out of my arm."

• Vee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 3, 2019

For Birth Control "It’s very effective in the sense that it prevents pregnancy, no doubt. I’ve been using it since April 2018. I have an appointment with the doctor to get it removed. I’m always on my cycle, no sex drive, and the biggest issue of all is being extremely moody and depressed. Often crying, struggling to live and deal with everyday life. Constantly arguing with my husband and frustrated with my kids. Just simply miserable.☹️"

• Kan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I went on Nexplanon for maybe 6 months. I didn’t bleed at all, but I had zero sex drive and was severely depressed to the point of having harmful thoughts. I have had it removed for nearly 6 months now, and my hormones still haven’t settled. I get regular infections since, and I get depressed once a month for a few days."

• Kan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I went on Nexplanon for maybe 6 months. I didn’t bleed at all, but I had zero sex drive and was severely depressed to the point of having harmful thoughts. I have had it removed for nearly 6 months now, and my hormones still haven’t settled. I get regular infections since, and I get depressed once a month for a few days."

• Man...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I have endometriosis, so the Nexplanon for pain management was great. I only had 4 periods in the 3 years I had it. But it caused me to gain 50 pounds despite me being healthier than I’ve ever been. My acne got worse, my depression and anxiety were awful, and I got horrible migraines. I stuck with it because it was the only BC that didn’t make me violently ill every month, but I’m so happy I got it taken out."

• jay...
• March 7, 2021

For Birth Control "I started getting terrible side effects. Ridiculous mood swings, rage, social anxiety (I'm usually a social butterfly), depression, suicidal thoughts. I got a period/bleeding/spotting for 30 days straight, constantly exhausted, fatigued, lost my sex drive, very constipated and bloated, nausea. Because of the way I was reacting, I at times thought I was pregnant, so add in constant pregnancy scares. Hair was shedding like crazy. I have now fallen out of love with my boyfriend, I am unsure if this relationship will survive. He has been nothing but absolutely supportive and caring, but I've tried to break up with him at least 6 times in the last 2 months. I got the implant out after 3 months and now am on nothing. Everyone is different, trust your body and gut. Nothing says 'effective birth control' better than being super gassy, bloated and constantly cramping from not being able to poop around your new significant other, lol – can't get pregnant if you don't want to have sex, lol."

• vbc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 1, 2015

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon inserted at my 6-week checkup after having my daughter in July 2014. I have experienced 20 lb weight gain since, severe cramps, depression, nonexistent libido, and nausea. Definitely works as birth control, but isn't worth the side effects."

• I...
• January 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the implant January 15th, 2019. The first couple of months were fine, insertion was a breeze, no periods for the first couple of months. Out of nowhere, I started bleeding with maybe a three-day break in between. It would range from spotting to very heavy bleeding. I also have anxiety and depression, my seasonal depression being the worst. My doctor put me on the same antidepressants I’ve used for years, and I started feeling extremely suicidal. I thought it was because we were trying medication for my ADHD for the first time in years. But I’m convinced it’s this dangerously stupid thing in my arm. I have zero sex drive, I feel like I hate everything around me, everything and everyone annoys me or frustrates me, I’m exhausted all the time, zero motivation, very little feelings of my usual bubbly, happy self. I so can’t wait to get this thing out. If I could give a negative amount of stars, I would. This will be taken out no later than the end of February."

• I...
• January 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the implant January 15th, 2019. The first couple of months were fine, insertion was a breeze, no periods for the first couple of months. Out of nowhere, I started bleeding with maybe a three-day break in between. It would range from spotting to very heavy bleeding. I also have anxiety and depression, my seasonal depression being the worst. My doctor put me on the same antidepressants I’ve used for years, and I started feeling extremely suicidal. I thought it was because we were trying medication for my ADHD for the first time in years. But I’m convinced it’s this dangerously stupid thing in my arm. I have zero sex drive, I feel like I hate everything around me, everything and everyone annoys me or frustrates me, I’m exhausted all the time, zero motivation, very little feelings of my usual bubbly, happy self. I so can’t wait to get this thing out. If I could give a negative amount of stars, I would. This will be taken out no later than the end of February."

• Jle...
• February 18, 2020

For Birth Control "On Nexplanon from 12.17.2014 to 2.17.2020. The first two years I just didn't have a period. Before the third year, I had depression and anxiety, but I chalked it up to a stressful job and more responsibilities. With the second implant, my period came back full force, massive clots and pain. I was told that's what to expect when you haven't had a period in three years. My career path changed to a much less stressful environment. I really enjoyed my job a lot, but my anxiety grew worse and my depression almost had me convinced I was possibly bipolar. All in all, I have gained 80 pounds in the five years and three months I've had it. That could be because of my depression and lack of energy. I'm more than ready to take this thing out of my arm and hope for the best. I'm not saying the Nexplanon is the wrong way to go. It never failed me once, but I think the symptoms need to be taken more seriously, and I personally feel the longer you're on it, the worse it gets."

• des...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2022

For Birth Control "I can't stress enough how hard the last four months have been since the implant insertion. Mood swings, sadness, fear, no sex drive, sex is literally an irritable experience, no sleep, constantly tired, can't make me leave the house, thrush, constant bleeding, over a stone weight gain. I am having it removed tomorrow, I wish I could have ripped it out myself earlier. My life is so miserable that the lively, happy, active person feels like I have been imagining her. I wish someone had told me this earlier. I feel doctors and nurses are aware of these problems and yet still using and offering it. Don't do it, not sure how I will go back to my old weight and life, but God help."

• Mar...
• August 20, 2019

For Birth Control "From months 1-7 on Nexplanon, I was feeling fine... Five days ago, I began to have a creeping anxiety; my fear of death and worrying about things far out of human understanding or control was insurmountable. My family and I do not have a history of anxiety or depression. I then began to correlate Nexplanon to these little anxious worries that had been filling my head since I got it. I got my period four days ago and immediately began crying uncontrollably four times a day for the past four days. I had severe anxiety and almost had another panic attack when I was at the gym. The only reason I found out about the severe depression and anxiety that were side effects was because of reviews from women like yourselves. I am on day one without Nexplanon, and I still have some anxiety left over as it’s leaving my system. Do not listen to the Nexplanon company that says only a measly 5-6% statistic of women feel depression and anxiety from taking it. I have read hundreds who say the opposite."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2012

For Birth Control "This is the only thing that seemed to help my horrible periods, as it got rid of them completely, but it made my depression so much worse that it's just not worth it for me. I'm sad though, because other than that, this worked so well for me. If you don't have problems with depression, it's worth a try."

• Kan...
• April 11, 2021

For Birth Control "It was horrible!!! My anxiety was so high and never noticed it until now because I was not that kind of person. My hair was falling in chunks, I was so depressed and had really bad thoughts. I was just overthinking all the time. I would not recommend this birth control. Gladly, I already got it removed!"

• Tre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 7, 2022

For Birth Control "I’ve had Nexplanon for three years now. I’d never been on BC before getting Nexplanon, but heard really good things about it from friends. It took me months after the fact to realize, but Nexplanon triggered some of the worst depression of my life. I already have mental health issues, but three months after insertion, I became increasingly suicidal. There came a point where I made a note and had a plan. I never knew that BC could cause such massive shifts in your mood, so I never thought to take my Nexplanon out. I really regret that, and honestly, the benefits just don’t outweigh the bad parts. Aside from the depression/intrusive thoughts, my period has gotten heavier and increasingly irregular. Sometimes I’ll go months without a period, then it’ll last weeks. At the beginning, I had a period that lasted nearly a full year. I really recommend doing your research and, if you choose Nexplanon, monitor your mental health and seek help immediately if something ever feels off."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2022

For Birth Control "I got this implant a few weeks ago, and after 3 days, I experienced a serious mood swing, which then became an underlying depressed mood. For the next few weeks, my anxiety got so bad I could barely eat. My mood swings became absolutely crazy, and I became suicidal. I have had problems with anxiety in the past, but this made it a million times worse. I cry about everything, I am scared to be alone with my thoughts, I can barely recognize myself. I have been so rude to everyone around me and pushed everyone away. It has interfered with my relationships, mainly with my partner. I quickly decided that I did not want to keep it in any longer, and I got it out. I only had it in for around 3 weeks, and I felt its impact on my mental health. I hope that removing it will improve my mental health and I'll be myself soon. I forgot to say that I was constantly bleeding too, why would I want to be permanently bleeding while on birth control? I don't recommend the implant at all."

• Dan...
• November 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had the Nexplanon for 4 years now. Here are the pros: 1. Can’t get pregnant 2. No weight gain 3. Don’t have to worry about taking a pill every day. Cons: 1. I get depressed out of NOWHERE, and I’ve never felt like this before I was on Nexplanon. I get major mood swings. I feel like I’m going crazy sometimes. 3. Long periods- I would have my period for 2-3 weeks at a time. Sometimes I would spot for 30 days. My normal cycle without Nexplanon lasts 3-5 days. 4. Bruised arm- when I got my new rod put in, my arm still looks bruised. 5. Acne- I eat clean, exercise, and drink lots of water, and still, my face breaks out. I get really big, painful pimples too. 6. Distorted thinking- I get so many negative thoughts out of nowhere, and I get into this really dark place. So, I am getting my implant taken out at the end of this month, thank goodness! I appreciate that it does prevent pregnancy, but it’s not worth costing me my mental health and relationships. I do not recommend this product."

• App...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 21, 2019

For Birth Control "It is not worth it. Nexplanon has severely inhibited my life. For starters, the periods! I have been on this for about 10 months now. I have been constantly on my period since I got it in with no signs of stopping, only small (like one or two-day) breaks every month or so. I got the birth control so I could have sex, and now I feel like I can’t! The bleeding is so heavy. Loss of sex drive. Seriously. Anxiety and depression to the max. I can’t sleep because I imagine everyone I love dying. I cry when my husband leaves the house because I’m scared he will die in an accident. I get angry over stupid things and start to hate people when I used to pride myself on being kind. My husband begged me to remove the implant because the mood swings and anxiety were so bad. Weight gain. A lot of it. I’ve never struggled with my weight before. Now with the Nexplanon, I have gained 50 pounds with exercise and dieting, and the scale keeps going up no matter what I do - it’s hopeless."

• Jay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 1, 2013

For Birth Control "I've had this birth control since May 2013, it's the 1st of December. My doctor said after 5 months my period would go away. The first few months my cycle was normal, around September, my cycles got longer and came close together. I can't remember when they began or ended. Now I just have to carry extra undies and tampons EVERYWHERE I go. It's terrible not knowing when your cycle will begin and end. If my period doesn't get it together or end soon, I think I will be getting this removed. My side effects are: mood swings, depression, I sleep a lot more, and I eat like a grown man fresh out of prison."

• Sta...
• February 18, 2021

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon in November 2020, it's now almost March 2021. My sister pointed out to me that I hadn't started feeling depressed and suicidal until I got the implant. I even handled getting laid off better than this in September. I've gained about 20 lbs, and it doesn't want to leave. I'm considering taking it out because I can't live with these intrusive thoughts. My anxiety is weirdly better? My brain keeps blanking-I forgot mid-sentence what I was saying and can't recall-this didn't happen before the implant. But it does its job-I'm not pregnant."