Etonogestrel and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• 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."

• CJa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I had the Implanon inserted 3 years ago. The first 6 months was okay, thereafter, I started getting terrible headaches. Breast tenderness where I could hardly lift my arms. Constant periods... having literally 3 days a month period free. For the last 6 months, I have been waking up with night sweats. I started at 72 kg and now weigh 58 kg. No appetite. No sex drive. Worst decision I have ever made regarding contraception. I can't stand feeling like crap anymore. I am taking it out on Saturday."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Ver...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I had the Implanon in for 8 months, and after the first three weeks of getting it, I got an extremely heavy period, and it didn't stop for 7 months. I also started getting more headaches and nausea always! And I'm constantly tired! It's gotten that bad, I'm getting it taken out this week."

• Cal...
• September 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I got this inserted in April. Going on 5 months now. I have had period, after period, after period, and they last about 2 weeks. No sex drive, headaches, acne, mood swings like no other. I'm tired of feeling sick to my stomach day in and day out. How am I supposed to care for my 7-year-old while going through this? All my doctor told me is it's not regulated yet, give it 4-6 months. 4-6 MONTHS? I get cramps, but not the normal period cramping. It's down lower and hurts like hell. I wanted this to work out, but I'm not going to go through this for 3 years."

• Ash...
• September 2, 2014

For Birth Control "Have had Nexplanon for 9 months. Insertion left a bruise, and the first week was difficult with headaches as my body sorted out the hormones. Overall, this has been an effective product. Does the job as a contraceptive. Only get a period every three months, but they are getting heavier each time, which worries me. They last about a week. I have gained about ten pounds, and depression and anxiety have gotten worse. You really need to weigh the pros and cons before choosing this method."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2016

"I got the Nexplanon implant because my periods would come with extreme cramps that put me down for 4-5 days. I would sleep all the time and couldn't help but cry because I was in so much pain. So, my OB suggested a birth control, and I heard really bad things about the Depo shot, so I didn't want that, and I hadn't heard anything bad about the implant. So I went with it rather than the shot. I had the implant for three months. In the time that I had it, I had nothing but horrific migraines, cramping, and I bled for 3 weeks, stopped for 6 days, and now I've been bleeding for 30 days. I've had a headache since 2-1-16. I am an emotional wreck. I cry at the stupidest things and I get upset over nothing. I highly recommend not getting this implant."

• 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."

• lal...
• June 20, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had my Nexplanon for about four months now, and I am so happy I got this! The insertion was bearable, and I got some breakouts the first week or so, but it wasn't too bad. So far, my period has been pretty much regular, I have a lighter flow, which is great, and I get fewer cramps. It still lasts about 5-6 days, but I'm not complaining. I haven't had any spotting in between periods. Also, I never had a history of having headaches, but after getting it, I do get a few headaches here and there that last 5 minutes, but nothing bad. I was nervous because of all these bad reviews, everyone is different, but just give it a try, please. So far, I am really happy I got it, and it could work out for you like it did for me!"

• ste...
• March 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had this birth control for almost two years now, and in the beginning, I had horrible mood swings, granted, I was already diagnosed with depression prior to getting this birth control. On top of the mood swings, I gained 20 pounds despite going to the gym religiously and creating meal plans. What really is driving me to get this removed are the headaches that it causes, as well as feeling lightheaded, nauseous, tender breasts, and tired all the time. I was really worried for a while, thinking I had a serious condition, and after a couple of tests, my doctor realized it was the implant's side effects. The reason I'm giving it 5 and not something lower is because it is amazing at preventing pregnancy, I just wish I would have reacted better to it."

• viv...
• April 25, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had this since Jan 4th, 2017. It's been almost four months, I've had two periods that have lasted me three weeks. That is the only downside. I've been on many other birth controls, this is the only one that I have not had any major depression on. I feel completely normal. I've lost 20 pounds since, it's been easier to lose weight as I work out! I've now recently developed some really bad headaches here and there, I'm not sure if it's from the implant or something in my life. I recommend, procedure very easy and fast!"

• Ama...
• June 28, 2015

For Birth Control "Absolutely LOVE this birth control! I had Mirena previously for 2 years and had the most awful experiences with it. As soon as I got Nexplanon, all of my symptoms from Mirena disappeared. I have been more energetic, have had no headaches or pain whatsoever! Absolutely recommend it."

• 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."

• Lee...
• July 31, 2015

For Birth Control "I like it. OK, for the first 4 months, my bleeding was nonstop and horrible headaches, but I went to my doctor and she wrote me a prescription and told me to take the birth control pill also for 1 month straight to control the bleeding, and it worked. I haven't really had a period since then. In November, it will be 1 year with me having it in. No weight gain, and if so, it's me because I love to eat. Lol. But no other side effects for me! If everything stays this way, I will probably get it in again after my 3 years is up."