Lupron Depot and Depression: What Users Say

• str...
• August 18, 2018

For Prostate Cancer "My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer stage 4 in 2014. His prostate was removed, and later, he started on Lupron Depot every 3 months. His PSA went down to almost nil. Over the next four years, he has been on Lupron according to his PSA levels. Though Lupron does keep his PSA levels down, his mood swings/anger and his irrational thinking have stressed our relationship. He is mean with comments to me and his actions. He needs Lupron to live, but it has killed our relationship. The oncologist who gave him his first Lupron injection did tell us that one of the side effects of Lupron was that it could increase moods and anger. I am stressing to you wives that Lupron is one ugly drug. It makes people who are receiving Lupron depots very miserable people and their partners/spouses very stressed out, scared at times, lonely, and sad for what is happening in their relationship. Lupron gives the patient quantity of life but not quality of life!"

• str...
• August 18, 2018

For Prostate Cancer "My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer stage 4 in 2014. His prostate was removed, and later, he started on Lupron Depot every 3 months. His PSA went down to almost nil. Over the next four years, he has been on Lupron according to his PSA levels. Though Lupron does keep his PSA levels down, his mood swings/anger and his irrational thinking have stressed our relationship. He is mean with comments to me and his actions. He needs Lupron to live, but it has killed our relationship. The oncologist who gave him his first Lupron injection did tell us that one of the side effects of Lupron was that it could increase moods and anger. I am stressing to you wives that Lupron is one ugly drug. It makes people who are receiving Lupron depots very miserable people and their partners/spouses very stressed out, scared at times, lonely, and sad for what is happening in their relationship. Lupron gives the patient quantity of life but not quality of life!"

• LJo...
• December 15, 2014

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with Stage 4 endometriosis and was prescribed Lupron. After reading all of the horrible reviews and side effects, I was terrified to try this. After chatting with my doctor, we both agreed that this would be the most aggressive treatment as my husband and I would like to get pregnant one day. I am on month 3 of the shot, and I have to say that I am pleased. The worst thing are the hot flashes. For me, they are at least 10 times a day! But I will take that over the excessive cramping and pain any day. I feel minor cramps occasionally during the time I would normally have my period. I have experienced no depression, weight gain, weight loss, bleeding, joint pain, etc. I am hoping after the treatments I will be able to conceive."

• Lex...
• October 5, 2015

For Endometriosis "Don't do it! I got the 3-month shot 1 month ago and have had these symptoms so far: constant and severe pelvic pain, sharp lower back pain, pain when the bladder is full and when emptying, lots of migraines and headaches, nausea, vomiting, high anxiety, extreme fatigue, very low mood swings, loss of appetite, and insomnia. The worst symptom of all is the severe depression, I have had several thoughts of suicide. I would rather deal with just the pain than all of these together. I was told by my doctor the only symptom I would get is hot flashes, and she had only heard of success stories with this drug, that was a total lie. If you react badly with other birth controls, do not do Lupron, it's a living nightmare!"

• End...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2014

For Endometriosis "Stage 4 endometriosis. I've been on Lupron for 3 months and will get another injection next week. I've had a few hot flashes, about 1x/day occasionally, but not every day. I have stayed below my original weight by about 5 lb. Some moodiness/occasional depression. But overall, I haven't had any major problems! I was very worried about side effects before starting Lupron, but am glad I did it. I want to be healthy! I'm getting married next weekend also, so have been planning a wedding at the same time. We're hoping to get pregnant next year!"

• Tir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2019

For Endometriosis "This made my pain much worse. It is the worst experience I've ever had with a medication! The side effects are much worse than the endo pain! This medicine shouldn't be given to women for endo! I have been in the worst pain and depression that I've ever had in my entire life thanks to this medication."

• See...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2016

For Endometriosis "I would like to address women who already struggle with depression, insomnia, or mood disorders, like myself. If you're already bad off, don't do this to yourself, it might be the final 'push.' I got the 3-month shot (+add-back), and it made me suicidal. My moods went from extreme anger to sobbing, insomnia, hot flashes, and my left arm kept going numb in daily activities! This went on for a month, at 2 months, I leveled out. Not far into the 3rd month, the hot flashes came back, cold sweats (felt like drug withdrawal), and my pain was back! I went to my OB/GYN 1 week early because of this to find I had grown 11 new painful cysts! It didn't even work, and to stop it is also unpleasant (withdrawals). Worst med decision I ever made! HELL!"

• Mel...
• September 27, 2018

For Endometriosis "I had severe cervical dysplasia requiring a portion of my cervix to be removed, chronic pain, PCOS, and was diagnosed with severe endometriosis following laparoscopic removal of many adhesions from my uterus and scarring of my ovaries. My OB recommended I do six to nine months of Depot Lupron after my laparoscopy to keep the endo at bay and help reduce scarring. I started out with the one-month shot and felt okay, a little achy, and some hot flashes. I went back to get the three-month shot. I was miserable, but my OB really pushed me to keep going with it. I am on my second three-month shot, and I am not me anymore. I am moody, extremely depressed, my bones hurt, I've gained 20 lbs, I'm fatigued, anxious, have insomnia, headaches, and have had horrible gastrointestinal symptoms. It is ruining my marriage. My work performance has suffered. I am foggy and forgetful. Everything is an effort. I will not be getting the last shot and hope this hasn't caused irreversible damage!"

• Kel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2019

For Uterine Fibroids "I got the Lupron 3-month shot in January. I’ve had so far now the hot flashes, some abdominal pain, depression, and now these headaches I keep getting. The bleeding stopped, which is the good part. But the headaches have got to go. I don’t like to have to keep taking medication. Those are my only issues."

• Sad...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 14, 2023

For Prostate Cancer "My husband cannot comment, as he died 5 years ago. He was diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer. He also had radiation treatments. He suffered from fatigue, depression, and insomnia. Radiation caused damage to the urethra. His prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test was low while on Lupron Depot, but he was miserable and committed suicide. It would have been nice to have an alternative treatment. He didn’t want to live that way."

• eab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2018

For Endometriosis "Only a few weeks in, and I already hate this. I’m 19 and was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis. My doctor said the Lupron shot is my only option in regard to treatment, before a hysterectomy. I’ve been on birth control for 5 years prior for intense pain, but it didn’t help at all. Two weeks in, my bones hurt, I’m constantly hot and nauseous. Depression, I feel, is on its way. I can’t stop crying, and I feel very sad about life. Which is unlike me, I’m a very positive person. My pain is also more intense than before. I feel very helpless because I don’t want to have a hysterectomy at 19, but I hate this medication already. I don’t know what else to do."

• Lie...
• January 19, 2016

For Endometriosis "The side effects have lasted years, and Lupron itself caused depression. And I gained over 40 pounds rapidly within three months after use. It gave me seizures, and I had blackouts on top of the usual side effects. I was hospitalized for three days because of the seizures. Not worth it! I'm still plagued by the ungodly side effects every single day! Worst decision I ever made. Never again!"

• Lal...
• November 5, 2018

For Endometriosis "I will say I virtually have no periods and have had maybe 3 endo pain days that don’t come close to what the pain used to be. NOW the side effects are horrid! BUT I’ll take the side effects over the pain in periods. My bones ache, not unbearable, but uncomfortable. The night sweats, bad but bearable. I’m tired lots, but I can function with some caffeinated tea & B12 for energy. Mood swings and little depression/anxiety. It’s not intense depression for me, like nothing that makes me want to harm myself, it’s just more of a dark cloud following you around. So if you have mental “instability” before taking the drugs, make sure you talk to your doctor. I did not lose hair, and my hair did NOT thin/fall out. I did not gain weight. The side effects still make the medicine worth taking because I have no pain or real periods. I get the shot every 3 months (I’m on 9 months) and take a pill that comes in the shot package. The pill is taken daily, shot is every 3 months for me. Good luck!"

• Swe...
• January 6, 2017

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with stage 1 endometriosis after I had a laparoscopy. My doctor suggested Lupron Depot for six months (2 shots). I have been on Lupron Depot for almost 3 months where it is time to get my second shot. I am almost sure I will not get the second shot. I am in worse pain than I was before the shot, and I have had NONSTOP bleeding. You are not supposed to be bleeding while on Lupron, especially for three months. I have an appointment with my doctor soon about my next step. The medicine is supposed to rid you of pain-but for me, it caused it to worsen. In regards to other side effects such as hot flashes, depression, mood swings, etc., I don't have any of that! Bottom line, I wish I never would have gotten this medicine."

• Can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 23, 2020

For Endometriosis "Lupron ruined my health. It made me depressed and have suicidal thoughts, which are not normal for me at all. I did not continue after month 4, and unfortunately, because I wanted to stop the medication, my doctor would not see me anymore. Please research the ingredients and side effects before you choose to take Lupron. My doctor told me specifically not to look up the side effects... Not wise!"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 11, 2018

For Endometriosis "I received my first shot almost 2 weeks ago. I am on the 3-month dosage. Absolutely no side effects the first couple of days, but pelvic/abdominal pain began day 3. My period came as normal on day 12 of getting the shot. I was really hoping to not have any at all. I will gladly deal with the more common side effects if my pain and period will go away! Only a few bouts of nausea and moments where I’ll feel so sad. I’m 39, no kids, and have been suffering from debilitating, life-altering pain since 12! I’m praying this helps!"

• ema...
• October 17, 2019

For Endometriosis "Using Lupron Depot for endometriosis. Have an injection once a month, have just had my third injection. Missed period by 2 weeks, so hopefully no painful period this month. I have had my last two periods, but they were nowhere near as painful as the ones I used to suffer with. I am experiencing hot flashes quite regularly, but they only last 10 to 15 minutes, so it’s something I can cope with. I am also going through stages of feeling quite anxious and depressed, but hopefully these symptoms subside and this injection helps me for the future, as I’ve recently spoken to my doctor who said this will help fertility in the future, as I am 20 and have always wanted children, something I thought was just going to be a dream when first diagnosed and had my fallopian tube removed at 17."

• Mon...
• September 18, 2016

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with ovarian cysts and endometriosis at 18 years old (very early to find). I've suffered 4 years of this before I got diagnosed until eventually I was rushed to the hospital from the pain. My only option was Lupron Depot shot, I got the 11 mg one. Worst decision of my life. I am thankful for having 100% coverage because it would've been a waste of money. I feel sad, depressed, anxious, it's awful. I already have depression and anxiety. I feel like I'm going through withdrawals, I get heat flashes. The pills they give, what they call Norlutate, didn't help the symptoms, I've noticed they made it worse. I had headaches every single day. I wouldn't recommend this shot. I'm still having period pain, and it's been 3 months."

• aha...
• April 2, 2017

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with endometriosis when I was 16, started 6 months (6 injections) of Lupron therapy at 17, and felt amazing. Yes, I gained weight and got the hot flashes, depression, and swollen legs and feet, but it was all worth making the pain go away. Fast forward 5 years, and endometriosis is back with a vengeance, plus I had a golf-ball-sized cyst on my ovary. So I had the lap to have the endo burned out and the cyst removed, and of course the next step was up to me, and I begged for Lupron! Sadly, I've been let down the second time around. Symptoms are all the same, but now the pain is still persistent, even in my 6th month. Major sad face about that."

• Ozz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 9, 2024

For Prostate Cancer "Started with bicalutamide for 3 months, seven weeks of daily radiation therapy, including Firmagon for 2 months, now on Lupron Depot for the past 14 months, all this after robotic radical prostatectomy as my PSA had started to rise again. Scan showed cancer cells active in the pelvic area, currently on my last Lupron Depot injection with 4 months until it ends. Many side effects: depression, huge loss in strength and endurance, hot flashes, 4KG increase in fat around my torso and breast areas. I try to go for a 5km run about 3 times a week to keep some muscles working. I am 77 years old and was a champion age-graded runner before this."

• Neu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 16, 2023

For Uterine Fibroids "I was put on a Lupron Depot shot monthly, with add-back hormones because of my age (29), after trying a number of unsuccessful treatments for heavy bleeding from fibroids (multiple, 10 cm largest). The first period on Lupron was heavier than normal, but I did not have one again until 3 months after my last shot. I only took it for 6 months because the side effects were horrible, but on the bright side, I didn't have a period for 9 months. The side effects I experienced were extremely dry skin to the point of peeling off my face in chunks, zero sex drive, significant weight loss, and depression. I was put on a higher dose of add-back hormones to try to address the side effects, but ultimately stopped filling my prescription as I wanted to feel like myself again. To date, it is the only intervention that has controlled bleeding from my fibroids, other than the Kyleena IUD. Fibroids have grown back since stopping Lupron."

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2022

For Uterine Fibroids "I have had many years of heavy, painful periods. Diagnosed with a bulky uterus (size 16 weeks) with endometriosis and fibroids. My gynecologist recommended Lupron Depot to shrink my uterus before going for laparoscopic hysterectomy. I'm 53 years old. I have had 2 shots now and am going for my 3rd next week. I have had a lot of side effects from this medication: night sweats (not every night, mild), insomnia, no energy, restless legs/muscle spasms, depression (cry every day at least once), and mood swings (my poor family). So next week when I get shot #3, I am hoping that he will have my surgical date booked as I cannot live with the pain and constant bleeding. The shot plus add-back therapy has only given me hope that I will eventually get back to normal and a better quality of life."

• Fau...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 9, 2021

"I took this drug when I was 8 years old, to stop my body from going through early puberty. I’m now 19, and I can say this drug has ruined my life. I have extremely severe depression and pain almost everywhere. My thyroid doesn’t produce anymore, I have had a headache almost every day since then, and my joints are in a lot of pain. Please, for the love of God, only take it if it’s your final resort. The only thing positive I can say is that it technically did its job, but for me at least at a severe cost."

• Sco...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 17, 2023

For Prostate Cancer "Diagnosed with prostate cancer with a Gleason 7, PSA 8.2. Received a 6-month Lupron shot on Nov 15, 2022, and 20 sessions of radiation starting Jan. 18, 2023. I have suffered hot flashes several times a day and night, and they have become more intense in the last 6 weeks, by that, I mean I get completely soaked several times a day and night. I have gained around 20 pounds, have a loss of muscle strength, neuropathy in my hands, bone pains in my feet, back pain, mood swings, and lack of motivation to get moving. I do ride my bicycle several times a week, about 100-plus miles, and this is how I keep my sanity. Last appointment with the doctor was on May 15."

• Anonymous
• November 17, 2009

For Uterine Fibroids "Hot flashes throughout the day; moodiness and moderate depression, and moderate fatigue."