Leuprolide and Depression: What Users Say

• Bar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2020

For Prostate Cancer "Diagnosed with prostate cancer in April 2019, had a 6-month Lupron shot in May followed by 45 radiation treatments ending in early September. Went on vacation and able to do 2-3 mile hikes over rough terrain with only a little fatigue. Went in for a second shot in early November and they changed me to Eligard. They said it was virtually the same product. Within 2 weeks, I developed intense pain in my hips that has not gone away. Can hardly walk to the mailbox any longer due to the pain. Dealing with mood swings, minor depression, trouble sleeping, and have gained 30 pounds. Due to go back next Wednesday for another 6-month Eligard shot. Not going to happen."

• pof...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 25, 2020

For Prostate Cancer "I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 at 64 years old. My doctor said my best option for getting rid of the cancer was to have it removed. I went through the surgery in August 2014, but the cancer was not gone. I had 38 radiation treatments in 2015, and that kept my PSA low for two years. It went up to 1.0, and the doctor started giving me Eligard injections every 3 months beginning in 2018. I have severe depression with dark thoughts concerning my death eventually from this cancer. I also have weight gain and no sexual desires at all. I have no tolerance or patience, and it makes me very irritable. I must admit it works as it has kept my PSA below 1.0 for the last two years! I don't think I will take it much longer. My doctor is saying they are looking for a different treatment soon. I have no idea what that will be. It has taken all the joy of life out of me, and I am not interested in almost anything..."

• 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!"

• Jer...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 30, 2023

For Prostate Cancer "I have had my second dose of Eligard 45 mg, 6 months apart. Radiology convinced me I should do this to prevent the recurrence of cancer. I had a Grade 4, contained to the prostate. Had 28 radiation treatments. My PSA now is at zero. I have told the doctors I 'will not' take any more hormone injections. My life has been ruined. I am turning 76, but I have been an active walker, biker, lifted weights, etc., all my life. Now I have intense bone pain all over my body, my muscles are half what they were, and I have hot flashes all day and night. I force myself to exercise, but life is now hell. I get depressed and emotional. Wish I had never taken the first injection. Not sure if my body will ever recover. The doctors need to educate their patients with proper data and let them make a choice."

• Bil...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 6, 2016

For Prostate Cancer "I must say if I only knew what this medication was going to do to me, I would have never taken it. At the age of 61, this medication has destroyed my life. After each injection, it caused deeper and deeper depression. What at one time brought joy to my life is gone. There is no sense of any type of sexuality at all. Nothing brings joy to one's life. After each shot, it just makes it worse. The hot flashes are so severe I will have to change my work shirt a couple of times a day. I will soak a shirt within minutes. One has to remember that the Eligard will get rid of all your hormones. We are not made to run that way and there is no support that will help you deal with that or tell you what to expect. You are no longer male but not female either."

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

For Prostate Cancer "My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer 2 years ago. Underwent surgery to have prostate removed, as well as lymph nodes and some cancer that was on his bladder. He started the Eligard injections every 3 to 4 months since. His PSA levels have remained at 1.0 until recently. A friend suggested he take a multivitamin of Quercetin, zinc, stinging nettle root, Vitamin C, and D3. He has been taking it for 3 weeks and just went back in for another injection. His PSA was 0, but yet they still gave him the injection. If his PSA is 0, why would he need another injection? He continues to suffer from all the same side effects of night sweats, frequent urination, mood swings, depression, and loss of memory. I want him to stop the shots, but wondering if anyone else has quit taking the shots with a PSA of 0."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• klu...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 26, 2017

For Prostate Cancer "I was diagnosed in September 2016 with prostate cancer, and I have been on Lupron ever since. In between, I had 37 radiotherapy sessions. I have to be on Lupron for 2 years, but I would love to end it now. It has done okay at lowering PSA, but my QOL has suffered greatly, along with that of my dear wife. My mental health has taken a big hit with extreme depression and anxiety, and bodily I have no strength and no ED. It works great for some men without any side effects, but for others like me, they can be overwhelming. Best wishes to all on this journey. Kluff."

• Mrs...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2013

For Endometriosis "I was given the three-month injection in July 2012, with no mention of the potential side effects. I have been off Lupron for over one year and still have debilitating bone, joint, and muscle pain. I have had significant hair loss, short-term memory problems, and depression. My physical disabilities mean I will probably have to give up work. It is disgraceful that this drug was given to me with no discussion around these life-changing side effects. I'm worse now than before I started!!"

• 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."

• Jus...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 10, 2017

For Endometriosis "Many years of pain - After exploratory surgery and a part of one ovary taken, then laparoscopic 3 times to get rid of the endo, I thought this was going to be my saving grace! It has ruined my life, and I'm talking well over 20 years ago. If I remember correctly, it was a new drug they were trying at the time. Yes, it stopped my period and pain, but literally jumped from 110 to 140 in one month, had a complete breakdown, first time ever in my life breaking a glass table. Depression and anxiety and anger became my life. I reported all symptoms, even the little ones, such as sweating and not sleeping, hot flashes, etc. So not worth the lasting side effects, depression never went away! Don't use this drug, it took my happiness in life -"

• 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."

• 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."

• cak...
• March 2, 2016

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with endometriosis and polycystic ovaries when I was just 16 years old. I'm now 22, and I've gone through 9 birth control pills and 9 different gynos. I had a laparoscopic surgery when I was 17, which removed scar tissue and large cysts from my ovaries. After the surgery, I was on birth control (Seasonique, which is wonderful for endometriosis), and up until a year ago, I hadn't had many issues with pain. I started to get the pains again, along with bleeding for 3 months on birth control, so I went ahead with Lupron. After reading up on it, I was hesitant but moved forward. It stopped the bleeding, but the pain is still there, and now my joints ache every day, and also depression and suicidal thoughts are always there. Do not do it."

• 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!"

• geo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 1, 2024

For Prostate Cancer "Has helped reduce PSA from < 200 to .019 over 9 months of treatment. I've had 2 6mo shots. No problems with injections. Cannot differentiate which drug causes hot flashes, fatigue, and depression when receiving ADT. I'm receiving drugs and injections in my treatment. PSA number has steadily declined."