Nexplanon and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Meg...
• August 25, 2016

For Birth Control "I had the Implanon for three years, and it did the job well. Didn't get pregnant and had barely any side effects. Since getting the Nexplanon... never again. After a few months, constant bleeding lasting more than a month at times. Irregular bleeding and spotting. Constant headaches affecting work and stopping me from getting enough sleep. The GP advised I keep taking paracetamol... not helpful. I didn't get acne but never have suffered with it. However, the mood swings are out of control, and I can feel myself getting angry over nothing at times. I have had episodes of depression and crying, and I am usually a very happy person. This implant messes with the body."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I was super excited to get this birth control because I wouldn't have to worry about taking a pill. Mirena or any IUD was NOT an option for me. Wouldn't have that if my life depended on it! Anyways, I had the Nexplanon placed on Aug 6, 2015. Today is Dec 31, 2015, and I'm planning on having it removed soon! First off, I have had brown discharge since the day it was placed, and I have only had maybe one period. There literally hasn't been a day that I haven't had to wear either a panty liner or a pad due to the discharge. Second, I have had headaches at least 4 days a week since I had my birth control placed. Third, my mood swings are crazy! However, I have always been the type to get aggravated easily, I've never been this hateful! Over it!"

• Big...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I was hesitant to get the arm implant because of negative reviews on here, but decided to try it anyway. I couldn't have had a better experience. Insertion was fast, and the only thing I felt was the numbing shot-nothing else. I experienced absolutely no negative side effects, not once having a headache, nausea, or anything. For a month or two, I continued to get my period, but it was only light spotting. After deciding to invest in liners, my periods stopped altogether. I haven't bled at all in months, and it's been great. If you are seeking long-term, zero maintenance, highly effective birth control, I highly recommend giving this a try. Everyone's body is different, and there is no way to know how you specifically will react to it."

• Sea...
• April 25, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had Nexplanon since the beginning of February 2016, and since then I've had uncontrollable mood swings, suicidal thoughts, breakouts that I usually never get, terrible back and hip pain. I always bleed during sex (it is never rough or something that would cause bleeding). I never stop bleeding to some degree, I get more frequent headaches. It's like I could go on and on. I was told by this point these symptoms should just be toning down and that by the 6-month mark almost all of this would be done, and it just seems to progressively get worse. I hate Nexplanon with a passion currently."

• Ivo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 10, 2016

For Birth Control "My first experience was in April of 2011 with the implant Implanon. The first few months were the hardest. I was depressed for about six months and had severe mood swings. I refused to take any medications such as antidepressants and relied on my friends and family for support. The first year I only got my period twice. The second year just one time, and my third year I didn't get one. I randomly get cramps but no period. I have also randomly experienced headaches, backaches, sore nipples, brownish discharge, and nausea. I am sexually active with my husband. We do not use protection (condoms), and let me tell you, it is VERY effective! I am going on my second year with Nexplanon with a total of five years with this particular birth control."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I thought it was great the first two and a half years. No period at all, which worried me at first (I spent a lot of money on pregnancy tests), but I never got pregnant. I did have a lot of headaches, and I kind of felt pregnant sometimes (sore breasts, cramping, fatigue, nausea). The last six months was hell, though. Had an ectopic pregnancy, which was caught early. Four months later, I got pregnant again and had a miscarriage. I wasn't aware that I was pregnant, though, I took a test, and it was negative right before I miscarried. I got it out and had a new one put in. The first three months I spotted nonstop, and I've had horrible anxiety problems and depression. I had sinus problems for an entire month. I'm definitely getting it out now."

• Jax...
• April 12, 2014

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon about 6 weeks after I had my son in May 2013, and I've had a mostly positive experience with it. For the first couple of months, I had no period. The next few months, a very light period, which is great because before getting pregnant, my period was pretty heavy. Then last month, my period was about a week long and VERY heavy. I haven't had any other side effects at all. No moodiness, a little bit of weight gain, but I think that's because I stopped breastfeeding, no headaches, and no acne. I love not having to worry about birth control. This thing is great."

• Don...
• March 16, 2016

For Birth Control "Got the Nexplanon in March of 2015 after I had my son (my kids are 369 days apart, so I wanted something good), but this has been awful! I have worn a pad for the past year straight. It goes from gross discharge to heavy, heavy bleeding and blood clots. I have awful headaches, acne, weight gain, mood swings that are insane. I'm rarely happy, always in a bad mood-so angry. No sex drive-like don't touch or kiss me. My relationship is horrible, I feel so bad for my fiancé. But even worse for my kids, I flip over ridiculous stuff and yell when I shouldn't. For some reason, I thought to read the reviews, and all these bad experiences are exactly what's been happening. Don't do it. I can't wait to get this thing cut out!!!"

• Che...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 11, 2014

For Birth Control "Before I got Nexplanon, I looked up reviews. Which was a horrible idea. I read tons and tons of bad things about it. Eventually, I built up the courage to finally get it. These are my 'pros' and 'cons.' Pros: I didn't have to worry about taking a pill or changing a patch/ring/diaphragm. I only had 2 periods! And I didn't get pregnant on it! Cons: It gave me headaches, hot flashes, and I felt super nauseous when I would get hungry. And I gained 50 pounds! Today was 9 months of me being on it. I got it removed this morning. Now I'm going to try Mirena. Not every form of birth control is right for everyone!"

• Noh...
• February 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon inserted in my arm in March 2015, two days after my period ended, and I love it. I haven't gotten my period since then, I don't bloat, no headaches, and no cramps. I haven't gained weight with this implant either. Everybody is different, so don't base your judgment of this on one bad review or one good review. It takes 10 seconds to insert and remove, so try it, and if it doesn't work well with your body, remove it. I personally love it, and it lasts 3 years."

• not...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 11, 2019

For Birth Control "It gave me IBS, depression, hair thinning, weight gain, bloated stomach/diarrhea, severe anxiety and panic attacks, blurry vision, dizziness and headaches... I get it out next week. Thank God. Do not take this. It seems intriguing because it's so easy and highly effective, but the side effects are a killer."

• Anonymous
• July 25, 2017

For Birth Control "I started to experience feeling dizzy a lot, lightheaded, really bad headaches, and also nausea. I can't eat as much as I would like to or used to because most of the time I feel sick. And sometimes I don't like to go out because I feel too dizzy or have a crazy headache. I'll take ibuprofen or Tylenol, and I get nauseous! I've had crazy mood swings that I've never seen myself have before. My depression has increased so much that I'm starting to think that my kids would be fine without me. It literally has taken over my life. Honestly, not sure if it's the Nexplanon doing all this, but I haven't felt like this until I got my implant. I'm hoping if I take it out, it'll all go away! Totally life-changing."

• Sup...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 19, 2016

For Birth Control "OMG! I have had such a horrible experience with this stick. I had it inserted in September 2015. I was okay for two weeks, and then had a period of bleeding for four months. That stopped in January, after that, I started to feel dizzy, had brain fog, and the headaches are horrible. Sex drive non-existent. My anxiety and depression levels are so high. I have no energy and feel so tired all the time. I cry all the time. I have turned psychotic with this thing. I feel irritated and do not want to go anywhere or see anyone, and my memory has been terrible, and I am only 39. I never knew that a birth control method could do this. I am getting this out tomorrow, and hopefully will start to feel better. Do not recommend this form of bc. Good luck, girls!!!"

• Lan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had my Nexplanon implant for almost three years, and I am close to finally getting it removed. I would recommend this birth control to anyone wanting to ease their heavy periods and extremely painful cramps, but if you're ever at all concerned with having bad acne, do not get the implant. I am truly grateful I have not had a period or even spotting in two years, but the acne has only gotten worse. I have spent hundreds of dollars on acne treatments. These treatments have been very intense, but rarely work. Also, I randomly have pain in my arm, headaches, unprovoked periods of depression, and anxiety. My dermatologist has recommended a few products that don't faze my acne. I hope this review was helpful."

• Don...
• April 25, 2017

For Birth Control "Even since I've had Nexplanon, I've gained mad weight that no matter how much I work out, I can't lose. When I think my cycle is over, it's not, and the headaches are the worst. Glad to be getting this out soon. The side effects aren't worth having it in."

• Pam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 30, 2022

For Birth Control "So first let me explain why I chose this type of BC. I am a single mother of 4 small children and work full time while being a part-time student. My usual type of BC was the pill, but as busy as I was with all the running around my lifestyle caused, I was having trouble taking the pills. Every child I had before I was on the pill, so I decided to do something I never thought I would do before and take a different form of BC that I wouldn't have to worry about remembering to take every day. I have now had the implant for almost 4 years, and now it is causing eye problems, blurry vision, severe headaches, stomach problems, and severe fatigue, also suicidal tendencies and depression. The first year I had the headaches and nausea but was very excited because I stopped having my period, so I thought it was a great change. With my hectic and busy life, it wasn't until the 3rd year that the problems got more severe, and now the blurry vision to the point where I'm now going blind. DON'T USE THIS BC."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2019

For Birth Control "For some, this method works and is amazing. For me, it was NOT! I only had it for a month. As soon as I got it, my moods went crazy. My counselor told me to get it taken out immediately because I was becoming depressed and my anger got out of control. It did help my heavy bleeding. But I couldn't handle the headaches. Mood swings. The final straw was when my chest hurt. I went back to the doctor four different times, and they kept refusing to remove it. I literally had to go in with a razor and threaten to cut it out myself before they would remove it."

• Mom...
• November 27, 2016

For Birth Control "My 15-year-old daughter had Nexplanon implanted 3 months ago. Best choice given she has horrible periods and a busy schedule. Since then, she has been sick several times, lost interest in a lot of things she once enjoyed, and has continued to have light spotting since the implantation. 2 months ago, she had a sudden onset of facial swelling. Then, 5 weeks ago, she started having sinus/allergy symptoms. After 3 rounds of antibiotics, a steroid plus starting allergy pill and nose spray, she has not gotten better at all. Actually seems to have gotten worse. She's miserable. She has constant cold chills, headaches, shortness of breath, restless sleep, and moodiness. She almost seems depressed. She has had spotting the entire 3 months since it was implanted. She goes Monday to get it removed."

• Jaz...
• July 19, 2016

For Birth Control "I am not sure which implant I got, but I am sure it is the Nexplanon. I got this May 2015. I had a period for at least 2-3 months straight. I have gone from weighing 150 to 220 pounds. I have experienced major mood swings, feeling really low about life, horrible cramps, and headaches all the time. I still have irregular periods. Sometimes I bleed for 2 weeks or more straight, or I bleed for 4 days, stop for a day, and continue bleeding. Sometimes I don't even have a period. Everyone's body is different and reacts to birth control differently, but I recommend you not get the implant. I had an awful experience with it. I get it taken out in 7 days and I am looking forward to it. I have talked to others, and they have had an awful experience with it as well."

• non...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had this thing in my arm for a little over a year. First, my periods are so random and last for weeks at a time. I've gained 35 pounds despite my increase in workouts! My depression/anxiety is at an all-time high, which makes it hard to do just about anything, let alone have sex, WHICH IS THE REASON I HAVE THIS DANG THING IN THE FIRST PLACE. I get nauseous very easily and suddenly. I also tend to have headaches that last for days on end. This implant has caused me more problems than having a second child would have! I have an appointment with my doctor to remove it, and I cannot wait to be done with this thing and feel like myself again. It might be convenient, ladies, but it just isn't worth it."

• HOC...
• February 7, 2014

For Birth Control "Honestly, I haven't had a problem with this birth control other than irregular bleeding and prolonged bleeding. I haven't had any other side effects (headaches, acne, etc.) except for a little bit of weight gain, but I can use it because I'm already really skinny. I have had a great experience with this birth control, except for the bleeding."

• CJL...
• August 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I've tried two other birth control methods before Nexplanon, which didn't work for me. I've been on Nexplanon now for six months. Insertion: The insertion process was easy, quick, and painless, although I was left with a sizable bruise that I had to explain away to acquaintances and coworkers. Period: I got the injection on day two of my period and haven't had a period or any spotting since, which is awesome. Even better? No cramps! Acne: I have mild acne and haven't seen a change for better or worse. Libido: My libido decreased when I first got on Nexplanon, but it's now back up to its original level, unlike when I was on pills. I had an increase in headaches for the first month, but now there are no other side effects to report."

• jch...
• August 15, 2015

For Birth Control "There seems to be a lot more negative reviews on this than positive, but I can't recommend the Nexplanon enough! I was recommended this as I get extremely nauseous with most birth control pills and haven't experienced any since getting it. I got the implant in Oct 2014 and have had only one period since. I have gotten occasional spotting, but it's been extremely minimal (literally like a spot), and it's only been a total of three days out of nine months. I've actually lost weight and my skin has cleared up as well. I do have a suspicion that this has made me more susceptible to headaches, but they are very infrequent and manageable. I didn't think birth control would ever be this hassle-free and effective!"

• Sha...
• July 10, 2017

For Birth Control "So I've had this awful device since March 2, 2017. Thank God my appointment for removal is tomorrow, I have had a period since I had it inserted, headaches, awful nausea for the past two weeks, and feeling super depressed and tired. I would not recommend this to any woman ever! For the fact when I went to my GP and they said bleeding for 3-4 months is normal, that's when I realized there's something not right! How can that be deemed normal? The longest I have gone without bleeding has been about 8 days, and that's without exaggeration. The amount of money I have spent on pads, the discomfort, and I have even developed thrush due to excessive pad wear. Cannot wait to have this removed. I'm 22 and very upset about the side effects."

• Aan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 10, 2019

For Birth Control "When I first got the Nexplanon, I was very emotional, had major headaches, and horrible acne like never before. I went through a deep depression with non-stop outbursts. Although it did help my painful periods, I constantly bled non-stop for about 7 months. The good thing is I don’t have periods anymore, but I still spot every now and then. I’ve now had it for almost 2 years and am thinking about removing it because I’ve gained 30 pounds even with working out and trying to cut down on eating too much. I also have cramps out of nowhere every blue moon, but the headaches and fatigue have been going on ever since. I probably wouldn’t recommend this to anyone."