Nexplanon and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• g19...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 17, 2023

For Birth Control "I am totally appalled by the lack of information regarding the side effects of this implant that is given to women before having it put in. The nurse I spoke to said nothing about negative effects besides the fact that it may interfere with my periods. It was simply made to sound like the best thing ever. Within a year, I had gained so much weight that I would be out of breath just walking down the road. After 2 years, the weight gain was so bad my GP put me on tablets for fluid retention. I didn't realize until last month, after coming across a TV show by chance about the lack of proper information provided to women regarding contraception, that the implant was to blame. After suffering from anorexia all my life, I am now obese!! And as for mood? I am in tears over everything, back on anxiety medication and antidepressants, as I have suffered from blood clots. I should not have been given it in the first place! BAN IT!"

• Kay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 21, 2023

For Birth Control "Do NOT get it!!! I got the Nexplanon inserted a year ago, and I'm getting it removed next week. It has been the worst experience, both physically and especially mentally. I gained 10 pounds and am constantly bloated, and I am someone who is a very healthy eater and regularly exercises. My skin also plummeted, and I now have painful acne. I am also bleeding CONSTANTLY!! I'll go for 3 weeks bleeding and 1 week not bleeding. Finally, my mental health has completely spiraled!! I have constant mood swings and waves of anger that have been completely ruining what are supposed to be special moments. I have zero control over my emotions and reactions, as if my brain and body are separate! I'll be telling myself I'm angry and crying over nothing, but I physically cannot get out of the terrible mood I am now somehow in. I am not myself anymore, and you are not alone if you feel this way with Nexplanon. I cannot wait to get this mood-controlling parasite of an implant out!!"

• Jay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 9, 2023

For Birth Control "Don't do it. This thing drove me insane with the mood swings. Plus, the irregular bleeding is a no. I once had a period for an entire month. Never again."

• Scr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 28, 2023

For Birth Control "I gained 23 pounds in less than 3 or 4 months. I developed a complex ovarian cyst that burst and sent me to the ER. I am experiencing cystic acne galore, horrible mood swings, and loss of energy. Do not recommend."

• 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."

• 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."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 23, 2022

For Birth Control "I’ve had the implant for over a year now, I’ve never had an issue with it until now. I’ve had two heavy periods in the last month, they have been so painful and heavy it made me poorly. This year hasn’t been the best as it is, but I’m definitely not myself. I’m more aggressive, so emotional, intrusive thoughts. I knew it was the implant causing the issues with my periods, but I’ve only just sat down with my mom and finally had an open conversation and connected the dots. I’m ringing the clinic tomorrow and having it taken out. It’s not worth what I’m going through, I’m experiencing all these beautiful things in life that I should be enjoying, and I’m not. IT'S COMING OUT."

• Jas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 24, 2022

For Birth Control "I'm currently doing this only 3 to 4 days in... I already want it out. My breasts are tender, my mood swings of suicide have been pretty bad, anxiety has been bad, and when I get up, I'm lightheaded and sore. Also, really bad chest pains. I've had these all my life, but they've grown horrible since I've been on this. I want to get it taken out already, but I'm scared my parents won't let me. I'm also scared about the chest pain. I haven't seen anyone really say anything toward that direction... does anyone know if I can get it out 3-4 days in? If so, how do I tell my parents I really don't want this due to I stay in bed all day? I feel sick while being mentally sick. This absolutely sucks, and I'd never recommend getting this. PLEASE, I DIDN'T DO MY RESEARCH. I'm still spotting, but it's too short to tell."

• KAM...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 20, 2022

For Birth Control "I am desperate to get this implant out. It has given me anxiety, loss of sex drive, mood changes, dizziness. I have also gotten acne from it and gained 3 stone in weight. My doctor persuaded me to keep it in last time I tried having it taken out, so I have had it in for 2.5 years. I have an appointment for it to be taken out tomorrow. Never again!"

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 1, 2022

For Birth Control "I definitely agree with everyone here saying that Nexplanon has altered their moods and has affected them mentally as well. I have been on it for a year or so, and holy moly, has this been an emotional roller coaster for me. I already struggle with depression, but it has definitely increased with this and also has led to more suicidal thoughts. I don’t feel like myself, my mind is always foggy, and I constantly feel numb, wanting to push everyone away. This all couldn’t even be related to the implant, but it has for sure gotten worse ever since I got it inserted. Did I also mention the weight gain that comes with it? I know it is different for everyone and studies can’t back up this evidence, but I seriously believe it has something to do with the implant. I had lost weight easily before, but now I find myself constantly craving more food and it is harder for me to lose. This hasn’t been a good experience for me so far. I can’t wait to make an appointment to take it out ASAP."

• Jos...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 1, 2022

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."

• A...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 24, 2021

For Birth Control "My wife had this implant about a year ago. It was sold to her as a birth control device. Let me tell you, it’s certainly worked for birth control, as she’s not had sex since. She won’t even be touched. She has huge mood swings, is constantly on edge, and seems to have nothing to give. She also doesn’t think that anything is wrong. But I know how she was before the implant."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 7, 2021

For Birth Control "I have had the implant in for 7 months, and the toll it had taken on my personality and mental health is unbelievable. Health-wise, I barely get my period. When I first got it, for the first month there was constant bleeding, but ever since then I've only had my period once. I do not feel myself on this, I cry way more often, and I'm way more moody and irritable now. I will also lash out at people for the most stupid things and cause petty arguments because of my mood swings. I do not recommend personally, but we'll all have our different experiences."

• Jes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 6, 2021

For Birth Control "I want to start by saying this was my first experience with birth control. Knowing me and how I am, I didn't think I would remember to take pills or get the injection regularly, and this also seemed more cost-efficient. I have never had too much of an issue with depression, anxiety, or mood swings. Nothing I felt I needed help with, but within the first few months of having this implant, I was having mental breakdown after mental breakdown. I would be sobbing to my now husband about how different I felt and sad, empty. There was also a MASSIVE change in my sex drive as well. We were extremely active, and it was like someone pulled the emergency brake on it. It was so hard to work through and continued to be hard. My implant expires in January of 2021, and I am so happy. I'm tired of feeling exhausted and angry 24/7. I just want to feel normal again and finally STOP bleeding because seriously, I was on my period like the entire time I had it. But hey, I'm not pregnant, right? Ugh."

• Dee...
• December 1, 2021

For Birth Control "Nexplanon is awful! Completely changed my life for the worst. Within a month, I experienced extreme anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, mood swings, crying spells, suicidal thoughts, you name it. I want my old life back! I had it removed yesterday, and now I’m having the worst panic attacks of my life. I just pray that this is just my body’s way of regulating again. Do not get the Nexplanon!"

• Bir...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 1, 2021

For Birth Control "I was 19 when I had gotten the Nexplanon placed. It was great for probably the first two months after being placed. Then I started to have “breakthrough” bleeding that lasted until I took the implant out, which was about 10 months of consistent bleeding and having to use feminine products. This medication made me very emotionally sensitive, and a lot of things made me feel upset, and I would cry. I had my implant taken out in March of 2021, and I have since developed severe Major Depressive Disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Now I must say that I’ve been on lots of birth control pills, and all of them have caused me to bleed, so this may just be my body being sensitive to hormones."

• Anonymous
• November 1, 2021

For Birth Control "I knew I would be taking a risk trying the Nexplanon implant, but I had a bit of confidence that it would work well for me because my friend highly recommended it. It was probably the worst choice I could have ever made for birth control. Like many have said, the spotting that comes as a side effect is more like a full-on flow that lasts for 2-3 weeks at a time. My personality has also changed drastically since I started this birth control. I have terrible mood swings, cry for no reason all the time, flip out about the littlest things, and generally just feel like a failure and bad about myself all the time. I just graduated college, and I’m trying to start my career. This drug has certainly made it feel impossible for me to accomplish anything. Please don’t get this!!"

• Lol...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 27, 2021

For Birth Control "I don't typically leave reviews for things, but I felt it was absolutely necessary after my experience with Nexplanon. I received the implant a week after my daughter was born. I had a traumatic delivery and was instructed to not get pregnant for two years. The Nexplanon was recommended to me because of how effective it is at preventing pregnancy. While it was absolutely effective in preventing pregnancy, the side effects were not worth it. I bled almost daily for eight months. During this time, I had low sex drive, increased anxiety, mood swings, and intrusive thoughts. I'm thrilled to say that I had the Nexplanon removed last week. The bleeding is nearly over, and I already feel less anxious. I do not recommend this product, especially to women prone to anxiety and mood swings."

• Tif...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 24, 2021

For Birth Control "Nexplanon literally changed my life for the worse. I was on it for an entire year because I couldn't do the full however many years it is. I got it when I was 17 years old and took it out when I was 18. After about 3 months, I experienced horrible mood swings, acne, and weight gain. I was bloated, and no matter if I worked out, I would still gain weight. I'm 5'0, and I used to be 137 when I got it in, and when I took it out, I was 155. It is hard to lose the weight after one year. It made my depression worse and was the reason I was so suicidal. I wouldn't want my worst enemy to get it."

• Sop...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 1, 2021

For Birth Control "Nobody will tell you the truth behind this product. It goes into your arm, so it must not be noticeable, right? Nooope. The whole basis of its advertising couldn’t be farther from the truth. I’ve had Nexplanon for almost a year, and I STILL haven’t been able to exercise using that part of my arm or sleep on that side, sometimes I’ll literally wake up to move my arm. In the shower, I have to try not to bump it, and I cannot comfortably cuddle with my bf because it’s so sensitive. The doctor told me I’d only have irregular bleeding during the first month, and that was another lie. To this very day, I still experience irregular bleeding each time after unprotected sex and even when I’ve abstained for weeks. This product does a great job at preventing pregnancy, and does an even better job at turning you into a psycho. Never-ending mood swings, disorientation, abusive behavior, you name it. This birth control should have never been glorified or approved by anyone."

• Mai...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 30, 2021

For Birth Control "This is my second term of Nexplanon. The first 3 years I was on it, it went smoothly. I didn’t have any issues at all. But this go around, it’s been so bad!! And I’m getting it removed in 5 days. I have extreme acne, and this is the first time I’ve had it like this ever! No matter what I do, it won’t go away. I’m at my heaviest, 220 lbs, I feel so disgusting! I’ve changed my diet, and I exercise, but still can’t lose any weight! I have crazy mood swings, I’m always depressed and mad. I have no motivation to do anything. I’m always tired. I didn’t even know I had anxiety until now. I have bad migraines every single day. I bleed for about 27 days at a time, heavily at that. And my period is unpredictable. This birth control is a nightmare!!!!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 25, 2021

For Birth Control "I started with Nexplanon immediately after giving birth to my son. It was already enough that I was super emotional throughout my pregnancy, but to continue being so emotional while having this implant was too much. There were times I felt depressed, cried so much even for the littlest things! The feeling of depression really did it for me because I have been on oral BC and never experienced that. At first, I thought it was just the postpartum, but 7 months later, no more postpartum and still the same feelings. The cramps are ridiculous, I bled for 7 months straight (spotting) after having it put in, I have my menstrual now and it’s going on 2 weeks of torture. I guess everyone has different experiences, but mine wasn’t pleasant with this one."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2021

For Birth Control "Really don’t feel this is for me; I’m 42, gave birth 5.5 months ago and have been using it for 3 months, but despite various health practitioners trying to talk me into giving it ‘more time,’ I’ve decided today to get it removed. Over the past 3 months, I’ve put on more weight than during pregnancy, have had ridiculous mood swings, distressing thoughts, night sweats, headaches, odd ‘pressure’ around my womb, unbelievable acne that I haven’t experienced in 25 years, and the insertion site still throbs at times. But most concerning has been the past 48 hours when the ache has increased. I’ve had visual disturbances, chest pains, and now they’re doing checks for a pulmonary embolism. At 42, other than some mental health issues, I’ve never had any health concerns. I have the implant, and I’ve got all these ailments within the same 3 months of insertion. It also concerns me how hard it is to find ‘reviews’ of Nexplanon online (other than here) from actual users."

• Dis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 11, 2021

For Birth Control "Con: HUGE weight gain. I got Nexplanon put in right after I had my son. I had it for 15 months. The whole time I had it in, I didn't get a period at all, not even spotting. Getting it put in and taken out was easy and quick. It only burns when they give you the pain medicine around the insertion area. Pros: I didn't get pregnant, I didn't get my period, it's easy to use, and you can just forget about it. Cons: I gained a lot of weight really fast. 75 pounds. My depression and anxiety got worse. And I got mood swings. I would not suggest to anyone to use Nexplanon. On the fact alone, I believe it makes you gain weight. (I talked to other people who had the same experience)."

• Meg...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 19, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve been on birth control for as long as I could remember. I’ve tried the pill, the depo shot, and the patches. I got Nexplanon inserted three years ago mainly because I didn’t want to remember having to take a pill or set up a doctor's appointment for the injection. The first year was fine, but after that, my whole life turned upside down. I didn’t relate it to the birth control, but I’ve had severe depression and anxiety, which I’ve never experienced in my life until Nexplanon. This needs to be taken off the market. I’m a very mean person on it, and I get my period for weeks at a time. I’m always crying and being irrational, not to mention the horrible acne this thing puts out. Worst experience of my entire life. I can’t even begin to explain the emotional rollercoaster this type of birth control has put me through."