Nexplanon and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 5)
Reviews for Nexplanon
- gab...
- November 2, 2014
For Birth Control "It has been great! I have had mine in a little over 3 months now, and I have not had ache, headaches, or periods. However, I have had mood swings, and every once in a while, a little spotting whenever I wipe. Nothing crazy, that's something I can handle. I love it."
- lee...
- January 3, 2014
For Birth Control "Insertion was virtually painless. I've had it for almost 5 months, and I hardly notice it. No weight gain or loss (I was really hoping to gain weight from it since I'm very skinny). I'd assume the people complaining of weight gain probably produce a lot of estrogen in general - but I'm not a doctor, so don't take my word for it. No mood swings, no headaches. I still get my period somewhat regularly, however, it's longer by a week or two but lighter. I hardly notice it, my period symptoms have also lightened up a bit (less pimples, less cramps, less attitude). I would recommend this to anyone."
Frequently asked questions
- What are my birth control options and how effective are they?
- What is the difference between Nexplanon and Implanon?
- 113...
- July 26, 2019
For Birth Control "I have had Nexplanon for about 7 months now, and I remember the first day I got it; I had a random panic attack that was uncontrollable. I have had a period every month or so and some spotting in between. I’ve only gained about 7 pounds since, but probably because of my laziness of being at home for the summer. But the worst has been my moods. I cry over nothing and can’t stop. I have had to be sent home from work on 3 occasions for having outbursts during my shift. I have not had acne since I was 16 (I am 19 now), and I am having random breakouts only on one side of my face that won’t go away no matter what my dermatologist gives me. On the birth control side, so far, so good; I have had unprotected sex every other day for the past 7 months, and my boyfriend usually finishes inside me (sorry TMI), but I’m not pregnant, so all in all, worth it to me. Even though I feel like my depression and anxiety have increased, I feel like I’ll give it a shot and see how I feel in the next couple of months."
- Nom...
- June 17, 2017
For Birth Control "I'm currently 21, and I've had Nexplanon for just over 2 years now (since June 15, 2015) and have had absolutely no problems with it. Possibly the best decision I've ever made. Obviously, all BC affects everyone differently, but for me, I've experienced no mood swings, I haven't had a proper period or cramping in 2 years now (I've had maybe 4 or 5 occurrences of extremely light spotting in 2 years - lasting no more than a day each - and even that was mainly just slightly pink discharge). I haven't noticed any weight gain from it (but I was gaining weight regardless because I started university and lived off take-outs). I'll be getting it replaced a few months before it's due just to be sure. I love it, though."
- Jes...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 24, 2019
For Birth Control "So I got Nexplanon implanted into my arm about three weeks ago, and it’s been anything but good. My mood swings are absolutely terrible every single day. For example, every morning I wake up in a good mood, and if one thing triggers me, I'll be in a bad mood for the rest of the day for no reason. It made me not want to eat for a whole day, and when I finally decided to eat, I threw it all up. Yes, it does protect against pregnancy, but I don’t think feeling this way is worth it. All in all, I don’t recommend, and I will be getting it taken out soon."
- Nat...
- May 30, 2015
For Birth Control "I received the Nexplanon implant on March 29, 2015, and yesterday marked my first full month being on Nexplanon. So far, it has not been a 'terrible' or extreme experience. I did not have intense bruising or swelling when it was put in, it didn't hurt at all, it was much like a bee sting. I have a small dot-like pink scar. I have yet to have my period in the entire month. No spotting, no intense mood swings, just one or two so far, but I can feel them coming on. Some small pimples on my face, but not severe acne. Not much weight gain, although I have lost about 3 pounds. One or two intense headaches, but Advil can fix that. So far, I would suggest Nexplanon to anyone looking for an effective, easy solution. Don't let all the other reviews scare you."
- Bri...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- June 1, 2019
For Birth Control "I just got the Nexplanon removed yesterday. I have never had anxiety or anything like it before I got the implant. My anxiety got so bad sometimes that a short 15-minute drive to work ended with a panic attack. I've had blood pressure problems, where the days and sometimes weeks before my period I would have episodes of sweats and weakness, and a feeling like I was going to pass out, mood swings that lasted days, and as soon as I would start my period, I would be completely fine and normal and then be normal for 2 weeks. So, 2 weeks out of every month I could feel like myself, and the other 2 weeks were filled with this anxiety, mood, and a severe down feeling that I can't even explain. I just wasn't myself. I can't wait to get back to normal!!!"
- Jc9...
- June 7, 2017
For Birth Control "The Nexplanon is plain awful. I'm on my third year, a month from getting it taken out (I've been begging my doc to take it out for a year now and just got OK'd). The first year of it, my period was nuts, either no period or a month-long period, slight weight gain but nothing terrible. Second year, mood swings like crazy, weight gain, and acne. Third year has been the worst. I have no acne, constant mood swings, severe depression despite my life going well, can't stop gaining weight (130 lb before, 185 lb now), bloating, cramps are so bad I've had to miss work. I have acne on my back and face and weird hair growth. I'm growing inch-long black facial hairs on my chin, and I'm a blonde who used to have like no body hair. This birth control has made me suicidal at times."
- Sam...
- June 29, 2015
For Birth Control "I absolutely love Nexplanon. I had mine inserted at the end of January 2015, so it's been about 5 months. Yes, at first your period is gonna be all outta whack, but I haven't had a period in about two months, and I love it!!!!! I did have a little mood swings at first, but they subsided. No, I did not gain weight, and no, I did not lose my sex drive. It's even helped clear up some acne! Highly recommend this to any female wanting to stop taking the pill. It's awesome!"
- Anonymous
- Taken for 10 years or more
- August 11, 2017
For Birth Control "I've been on Nexplanon going on 10 years when it first was named Implanon. I first got on it right after my daughter was born. The first time I bled a lot with backaches, but it helped maintain my weight. The second time it took away my period for the year, no cramps or anything. I had mood swings terribly, but it did its job, no babies. I then took it out to get pregnant with my son. The third time, I had no mood swings, no pains, period regulated to 3-5 days, light with no cramps; minor breast pain, but that's how I knew my menstrual was coming in a week's time. This is my fourth time being on it, and I still love it."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- February 13, 2016
For Birth Control "I have had the Nexplanon for about 19 months. I have to admit, I 'loved' it!! No period all this time and does its job. The bad... the last 7-8 months have been horrible!! Huge mood swings, depression, anxiety, and for the past 6 months, I have gained 35 lbs!!! I cry every single day about stuff I would normally never cry about. At times, it could be just a tear up or could go full blast, enter panic attack type crying spell. I am looking into getting it removed now."
- Cam...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- January 17, 2020
For Birth Control "I didn’t pay attention to bad reviews. I’ve had the Nexplanon 10 months now. Had a period for 16 days, my left side has an ovary cyst, I have depression, my mood is crazy, I switch so fast for no reason, which never happened before. I keep getting bacterial infections, so I thought I was doing something wrong, so I tried switching stuff up, but I looked up side effects of the implant, and vaginitis is a side effect! Luckily, I’m single 'cause I have no sex life because of the implant! Getting it taken out this week."
- Sir...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 19, 2020
For Birth Control "Horrible. I have gained ten pounds so far, literally half of my hair has fallen out, I've been bleeding since I got it put in 6 months ago, it pinches my arm fat when I rest my arm downward, and it has made me insane, like I feel pregnant and hormonal and crying and angry, irrational, just crazy."
- Che...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- February 13, 2020
For Birth Control "I had the Nexplanon implant in December 2018, and it’s now February 2020, so just over a year. In these months, I’ve had so many problems. Acne/spots all over my body, whereas before Nexplanon, I was quite lucky and sometimes went months without ever having one spot. My periods stopped completely. I gained around 2 stone (even going to the gym didn’t seem to help), and I have an increased appetite. My moods are horrendous, I’m constantly angry. My sex drive has diminished to nothing, and when I do try to have sex, I am very dry. It’s also painful, and I have gained a cervical ectropion (not sure if it’s linked, but seems plausible) since having it in. I also get sharp pains at the insert site from time to time. The only positive I have for Nexplanon is that I haven’t been caught pregnant, so I suppose it’s doing its job in that sense. I wouldn’t recommend it if you struggle with mental health beforehand."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 8, 2017
For Birth Control "I just wanted to add my experience with Nexplanon because there are a lot of negative reviews up here that really worried me when I read them right after I got it inserted. I'm 19, and I got my implant in January 2017, got my period a week or so later for about 4 days, and haven't had it since. At first, this concerned me a little, but it's really just a signal that the hormones are working. I experienced no weight gain and no acne troubles either. I'm not sure if this is relevant, but I feel as though I can attribute my lack of side effects from getting the implant directly off of 2+ years of birth control pills. I did experience minor changes in mood a few weeks after insertion, but I have been feeling completely normal since then."
- Sto...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- May 19, 2017
For Birth Control "I had my first implant in November of 2012 and haven't had a period since, and I'm now on my second implant. I had a light, irregular period before, but this has completely eradicated them, and I couldn't be happier. I've had monogamous sexual partners ejaculate inside, and I've never had anything close to a pregnancy scare. This birth control is honestly the best thing that's ever happened to me. Honestly, the numbing shot is worse than the actual incision for inserting/removing and just left a small bruise. I can't tell if it's affected my mood because I am on psych meds for other reasons and was before I started Nexplanon. No weight gain or acne either. This thing is a miracle for me."
- jdm...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- March 27, 2019
For Birth Control "I finally got this after months of debating and reading reviews. I noticed headaches right away. 7 months later, my headaches are extreme, as are my mood swings, no real sex drive, I've gained at least 10 lbs. I've always been a very happy person and good-natured person. Now, on this, I've never been so angry and sad. One awesome thing was my period stopped almost immediately, luckily, I didn't get the constant bleeding like so many others. I've been so exhausted and hungry all the time. Lightheaded, dizzy, and headaches are so bad I was ready to take it out myself. I finally got it out today, and I could never recommend. Hopefully, I will feel better soon."
- Jes...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 4, 2021
For Birth Control "Had Nexplanon for 6 weeks in 2015. Worst decision of my life. 1st week, arm sore at insertion, became painful, and then couldn't use that arm. Shooting pain, couldn't sleep on left side, and strength gone. Awful mood swings, hair thinned, plus 15 lbs in 2 weeks, bled horribly, large clots, always tired, heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and no energy. All new symptoms. Became depersonalized and felt outside of my body looking in. One minute was intense emotions: sadness or rage, then emptiness. Horrible thoughts or blankness... don't wish that on anyone. Went to the ER twice to get checked for extreme bleeding, barely left the house. The tech looked for a sac, couldn't explain my 8-9 weeks pregnant thickened uterine lining. Said it was very strange. My doctor wanted me to keep it longer, but I was falling asleep, even sitting up, worried my 3-year-old and 7-month-old would get hurt, seriously concerned for their safety. Also got some acne. Removal day, I felt better, and in 1 week almost back to normal."
- Bam...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- December 31, 2015
For Birth Control "I have had the Nexplanon in for almost two years now. I'm about to go get it out. The only positive is no periods. Now for the negatives: irritability, mood swings, depression, anxiety, uncontrollable anger, weight gain, acne, oily hair, and hair loss. I'm so unhappy all the time, and I thought it was something going on in my life, but I have nothing to stress about. I'm not pleasant to be around, and I used to be the happiest and most pleasant person I know. I'm getting it removed because I feel like I'm destroying mine and my son's self-esteem. Please don't get the Nexplanon unless you are trying to screw up your life. I will never recommend this birth control to anyone."
- Anonymous
- April 8, 2015
For Birth Control "My experience has been horrible. I got Nexplanon 6 weeks after giving birth. I had gotten pregnant while I was on the pill, so I wanted to try something different. I've been bleeding for three and a half months straight. Severe acne and mood swings. I've been feeling really depressed for no reason. I've gained 15 pounds I can't seem to lose. And this last month, I have been having horrible flu-like symptoms. It feels like it's taking over my life. I'm getting it out this month."
- 25...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- April 12, 2016
For Birth Control "I love, love, love this form of birth control. I'd been on the pill before and always forgot to take it... not really effective if you don't take it, ha. During the first 3 months, I had not had a period, but I was a bit more emotional, it didn't really interfere with my life, but my mood swings were noticeable to me. After those first 3 months, my mood went back to normal, but I started spotting really lightly for 2 months. It wasn't enough spotting for a tampon, but it was enough for a panty liner if that puts it into perspective for you. It took me about 8-10 months to get a period again, and now they're really regular. I haven't gained any weight, my skin is clearer than ever, and I am definitely not pregnant. This stuff is GOLD."
- 25...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- April 12, 2016
For Birth Control "I love, love, love this form of birth control. I'd been on the pill before and always forgot to take it... not really effective if you don't take it, ha. During the first 3 months, I had not had a period, but I was a bit more emotional, it didn't really interfere with my life, but my mood swings were noticeable to me. After those first 3 months, my mood went back to normal, but I started spotting really lightly for 2 months. It wasn't enough spotting for a tampon, but it was enough for a panty liner if that puts it into perspective for you. It took me about 8-10 months to get a period again, and now they're really regular. I haven't gained any weight, my skin is clearer than ever, and I am definitely not pregnant. This stuff is GOLD."
- 28a...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- January 8, 2020
For Birth Control "I got my Nexplanon inserted on 9/28/18. Very few hormonal issues-only 3 days of being extra emotional, like some users have reported, and then, while it took about six months for bleeding to become consistent and predictable, things were going great. I DID become pregnant on Nexplanon in November 2019. It’s frustrating to me that Nexplanon pretends to be more effective than it is, and it’s difficult to find other stories like mine out there, but they do exist because I’ve read some. Uncounted users. I lost the baby at almost 8 weeks because my bath was too hot (sounds strange but look it up). Very sad mistake. It’s been something I’ve been keeping quiet, but I did get pregnant on Nexplanon (yes, without protection), and it IS possible. Gyns act like it’s not, but that’s untrue."
- 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!"
See also:
More about Nexplanon (etonogestrel)
- Nexplanon consumer information
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (4,874)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Support group
- Drug class: contraceptives
- Breastfeeding
- En español
For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon in 2020 at some point. I have always had anxiety, but never this bad. It gets to the point where I feel like I'm going to pass out or as if nothing is real. My hair will not grow. I am so moody, and I start fights 24/7 with my fiancé. At first, everything was fine, but after a couple of years, I am ready to rip this out of my arm. I have an appointment in a couple of days to get it out. Getting this was the worst decision ever, and I don't recommend this to anyone. I have mood swings, fast heartbeats, feeling like nothing is real, headaches, tired tummy aches, it is terrible. DO NOT GET ON THIS."