Nexplanon and Depression: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• Eat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 3, 2021

For Birth Control "I had Nexplanon implanted about a year and five months ago after a pregnancy scare. I was not on any birth control prior to this for about three years. Before the implant, I had my spouts of depression that were due to some life circumstances and were usually treatable without major treatments. After one month with the implant, I had taken a major decline in my mental health. I had suicidal thoughts, major anxiety, and awful night terrors. I ended up having to start taking antidepressants and going to see a therapist. Then I developed a binge eating disorder over the past year. I had always been conscientious about my nutrition and health, but I have now gained about 30 lbs. I have become a couch potato with social anxiety and no energy past making myself some food. It prevented pregnancy but is not worth me living in misery anymore. I am having the implant removed next week."

• Ema...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 28, 2020

For Birth Control "DO NOT get this. Since May, I have had probably 4 weeks where I’ve not bled. My skin wasn’t ever perfect, but it is now horrific (cystic acne) - which has scarred my face. Uncontrollable extreme mood swings - depression, severe anxiety, and intrusive thoughts. Awful lower back pain, literally a 7-month period with how you feel, craving food/bloating. I will be having this removed, but seriously - save yourself the pain. I completely rushed the decision to have Nexplanon and just read about how it works/possible side effects (which sounded minor/like the pill), however, I wish I had read people’s personal experiences rather than facts about the contraceptive. This obviously is a fantastic contraceptive because you would not have sex if you bled like I have for the past 7 months. 10/10 would NOT recommend - don’t do it, girls!!!"

• Hai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I had the implant for about a year and four months and got it removed today. The implant made my acne severely worse, increased my appetite to the point of gaining a significant amount of weight, and seriously messed with my psyche. I’ve noticed over the last year and four months that I’ve become a lot more anxious and depressed. I never made the connection until recently that those were side effects of this. Additionally, my liver enzymes came back off the chart, which I found out is a side effect of Nexplanon. I would not use this method of birth control again."

• Nik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2020

For Birth Control "This birth control is the worst birth control I’ve ever tried. I developed tics for a short time, more anxiety and depression, mood swings, hair loss, extremely dry skin, deep muscle pain, RLS, high blood pressure, high heart rate, heart palpitations, fatigue, obsessive-compulsive thoughts and tendencies (I convinced myself that if I ate, I would have a panic attack/restless leg episode. I ate one chicken strip per day for 2 months and lost 30 lbs, this is only one example, there are plenty more.) and the one I expected, constant bleeding for 4 months. I do not recommend this birth control if you have anxiety or depression. If you suddenly develop RLS and can’t find anything about it on the internet, there are resources to help. Look for the Southern California RLS Support Group. Just look up Restless Leg Syndrome, then post about your experience. So many people will help you."

• Dee...
• December 8, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve never written a review for any medication, but I felt the need to warn other women about this birth control. I got my implant in Oct 2020, and Dec 15, I’m getting it removed. It’s been an absolute nightmare. It doesn’t come with cramps, but it’s sometimes extremely heavy and other times very light. At this point, I have no idea when it’s coming, as it literally comes every 2 or 3 days, sometimes lasting for 2 weeks. The longest one was about 16 days, which was extremely heavy. I have also been feeling depressed. I get panic attacks from the sun going down because my mood drastically declines when it gets dark. I have never experienced any of these symptoms and don’t have a history of any kind of mental health illnesses. I am afraid to be home alone due to the intrusive thoughts I’ve been having, and everyone around me has noticed I haven’t been myself. Please take caution and research this method thoroughly before getting it implanted. Wish you all health and happiness."

• Ton...
• August 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I have gotten Nexplanon birth control in January of this year, and the whole time I have had it, I have been bleeding non-stop. I may see 2-3 days of blood-free after it comes right back and interferes with my sex life with my husband. I have passed out while out with my 8-month-old daughter due to it spiking my heart rate. I have black moments where if I’m alone, I will pass out. I already had depression from losing my 9-month-old twins last year, and it made it worse. I have committed a suicidal attempt 2 months ago while I have this drug in me. I am awaiting a date for removal. I don’t recommend this drug due to all the side effects that come along with it. I thought it would be great due to me being extremely fertile, however, my body is not accepting the drugs like most. It rarely accepts any form of birth control."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 8, 2020

For Birth Control "Getting Nexplanon was the WORST decision I have ever made. Decided to trust the research I did - which was all from the drug company and Planned Parenthood. When I first got it, I was severely bruised for two weeks, my whole arm was swollen and painful, and the whole time I had it, it would poke inside my arm, which was very uncomfortable. I was always scared it had moved. I was so anxious that I had to stop intakeing caffeine. I would cry all the time for no reason, and I was so depressed I wanted to die. I gained like 30 pounds over the course of six months because the places I'd researched said that weight gain was not considered a real side effect. When I finally got this abomination out, it took MONTHS to get back to normal and for my hormones to settle again. This is NOT worth it. I am begging you, please don't get this, and read forums with people's real experiences if you do decide to do so!! Extreme weight gain is a very common side effect! I felt like I lost control. It was horrible."

• 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."

• Per...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 7, 2020

For Birth Control "Do not put your bodies through this, ladies. It might sound good, but it made me bleed nonstop for 4 months long. It’s horrible. I gained 20 lbs. It increased my appetite. I just feel hungry all the time and never satisfied. I have had it for 10 months. Can’t wait to have it removed and have my natural cycles back. The side effects are not worth it. I also felt depressed all the time on Nexplanon, and it gives me random hot flushes and headaches. I’ve noticed I break out in acne since having it."

• Ali...
• May 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve had the Nexplanon implant now for two years. I honestly am not happy with it whatsoever. Before the implant, I had already been diagnosed with severe depression and bipolar mania, it has worsened my mentality and moods. My periods last about 5 weeks, then I don’t have one until another 3 to 5 weeks. It is effective, yes, but I wouldn’t recommend this if you have any mental issues or if your mental health isn’t well."

• Ang...
• February 15, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the Nexplanon 6 weeks after having my youngest in November. I got it removed that following June. The whole time I had it, I gained an insane amount of weight due to being hungry ALL the time. I had horrid migraines almost every day. It was a great week if I had 1 or 2 days migraine-free. My mood swings were horrible. My depression and anxiety were the worst they had ever been. Since August or September of 2018, I have not had a normal period. I bleed extremely heavily the first few days, have a day or two with no bleeding, then start bleeding again. Then the bleeding multiple times a month started. I'm not talking 1 normal period then some spotting. Nope, I'm talking 2 or 3 normal periods a month. I told my doctor about it, and she said it's my body getting back into balance. But almost 2 years later, still trying to get back in balance?"

• Mad...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 6, 2020

For Birth Control "My daughter had the Nexplanon implanted about a year and a half ago, although I told her I thought it was a bad idea. It has not been studied in women under the age of 18. After about the first 2 months, I saw the light in my daughter's eyes go out. She had horrible cramps, breakthrough bleeding lasting weeks, and severe mood swings and depression. On Friday, January 31st, at 8 pm, my daughter was taken to the local ER for suicidal thoughts. After 36 hours of awfulness, she was admitted to a psychiatric care facility and put under suicide watch. The doctor that gave her this implant did NOT educate her on the side effects it can cause, especially the mental side effects. She will be discharged in a few days and has an appointment to have it removed immediately. Do NOT get this form of birth control! Especially if you have ever been diagnosed with any type of ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, etc. I’m grateful she saw that something was not right and sought help before I lost her."

• bug...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2020

For Birth Control "It's awful. I got it in August and haven't stopped bleeding since. It's now the end of January. It's caused depression and anxiety. Do not recommend."

• 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."

• Ssa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 15, 2020

For Birth Control "Had Nexplanon put in February 2018, by March, was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety, which was put down to bereavement. By April 2018, I was in the darkest place in my mind. I had postnatal depression 14 years previously, but nothing on this scale. I was treated with citalopram for my depression till they stopped working for me in September 2019. I was then prescribed mirtazapine for my depression. It wasn't till December 19, 2019, that my GP said about the low moods caused by the Nexplanon and said about removing it, booked in for removal of the implant the following day. Had implant removed December 20, 2019, and after a few days felt like the black mist that had been present for nearly 2 years had gone. I actually felt happy and normal. The following weeks, I weaned off my antidepressants and I'm really happy and positive. I'm 100% positive that Nexplanon caused my depression and super bad thoughts."

• GQa...
• January 11, 2020

For Birth Control "Well, I got a nice story to tell that goes like this: I almost died because of this thing in my arm. I had it on for a year and a half, and since the first month, my period disappeared, which made me turn into a monster. I became a completely different person: mood swings like crazy, extreme headaches, always tired and depressed. Long story short, over the summer of 2019, one day this vomiting started. I thought it was a stomach virus until 15 days went by and all I could eat. I was on IV at the hospital for weeks, under observation and under medication to ease the vomiting. They came to the conclusion that I had an anxiety disorder to an extreme, got to a psychiatrist for her to tell me that all of this was happening because of that little inoffensive tube I had in my arm. She ordered to get it out of my body immediately, and I promise you I’m not making this up. After 48 hours, I was a different person. The vomiting stopped, and as the days went by, I started getting better and better. Never again."

• han...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 8, 2020

For Birth Control "I've had the Nexplanon for a year now. Before I got it, I had ridiculous cramps, my periods were irregular and long, bleeding through supers within the hour. After being on it for a year, I have 2-3 periods every month, ranging from 8-5 days. My cramps are the same, if not worse. I have become even more depressed than before. If you struggle with mental health, do some serious thinking about whether you should be getting this... DON’T DO IT!!! This has ruined my mental health and made me extremely depressed. I'm getting this thing out ASAP."

• Spa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had the Nexplanon implant for 9 months now. I stop bleeding for like 5 days out of the month. The rest of the time I’m bleeding. Not always bad, sometimes just spotting, but still. It’s like it never ends. My depression had gotten so bad I had to be put in therapy. I never felt this bad before the implant. I never dealt with anxiety before I got it either. I did go to my doctor, and they told me symptoms would slow down after 6 months. It’s been 9 now, and I feel like they’re just getting worse. Not getting pregnant is a perk, but it’s just not worth damaging my mental health any longer."

• Mon...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I should have listened to my body at first! My side effects from Nexplanon: depression, anxiety, and prolonged cycle for almost 2 years! I finally got it out, and my hormones went crazy. I had hair loss, chest pain. My heart rate is high, and I now have blood pressure issues! Don't get it."

• KQa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon in May of 2017. It was amazing for the first 2 years. I had no issues. In August, I began having panic attacks. Thinking it was because of the birth control, I went and had it removed. The panic attacks didn't stop. It's November, and I'm still dealing with horrible anxiety. I wake up in the middle of the night in a panic, feeling like I'm going-it is the end of my life. I have had confusion, depression, depersonalization, headaches, palpitations, increased heart rate. Sometimes it feels like I'm high and detached from my surroundings and myself. This has been the worst experience of my life by far. Some days are better than others. I'd like to see a doctor to be sure this isn't being brought on by any other medical issues, but at the time, I don't have insurance. My hope is to let others be aware of what this implant is capable of and to see if anyone can relate to my story. I hope I find relief soon."

• Ano...
• October 12, 2019

For Birth Control "Great on not getting pregnant. 2018 was my first experience with Nexplanon. I had my period for 2 months straight, horrible cramps. Then periods went from 2 months to 2 weeks straight. So, after a few months, I just decided to keep it because I didn't want any more kids, and it felt like I already tried every birth control there is. A year rolled by, and I noticed weight gain even with me working out 4 times a week, even eating more healthier. I couldn't get the weight off, and that became very frustrating. I began to have back pain, migraines, stomach pain, nausea, sex drive is a no, depressed and very fatigued where I just want to stay in bed all day. Before getting birth control, I felt energetic and youthful, and now I feel all messed up and very moody. One moment I am angry, and another I feel worthless and sad. But I DO NOT RECOMMEND GETTING IT. IT'S THE WORST. I scheduled my appointment for next Thursday and will have it removed."

• Jfe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I know everyone’s experiences may be different. It was the worst thing I got! Two to three weeks after getting Nexplanon, I started having terrible mood swings, anxiety, depression, you name it!! It may be that my body reacted badly with the artificial hormones, but I was paranoid all the time, didn’t want to hold my daughters, even ended up in the ER. My family was terrified and thought I was going through a nervous breakdown. I got that thing removed ASAP and I’m slowly healing mentally. I’m returning to my fun and happy self one day at a time. Please stay away if you already deal with anxiety or depression! I gave it a try even after the bad reviews. These are side effects that they don’t even think about mentioning. I do NOT recommend! I would STAY away!"

• Joj...
• October 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I got the Nexplanon implant at my 6-week check-up after having my son. I don't want to have to remember to take the pill, so it seemed perfect. A week after having it, I started having to go to the hospital for cramping that was so bad I couldn't help it with a high dose of ibuprofen or Tylenol. I went to the hospital for pain meds several times. I randomly get depressed because of the crippling pain it causes me. I don't sleep at night because of the pain, and it's hard for me to take care of my son because it causes me nausea and extreme diarrhea. I've had it for about 2 months, and I'm getting it removed this Friday, and I'm beyond excited to be back to normal!!!! I would not recommend this medicine."