Depo Provera and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Ale...
• June 17, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My life has been so awful after this shot. I got it in April 2015. I started bleeding right after I got the shot-horrible stomach pains, horrible pain, emotionally a mess. It is now June 2016. I've been off of the Depo since December 2015, and I've been bleeding nonstop. I am in constant pain. I can't enjoy making love, it is a mess and a chore, and I am so depressed. All the doctors just keep giving me, like, a, 'Whoa, you're bleeding that long!' and doing nothing for me."

• Mig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was placed on the Depo shot beginning of October (10/3/17) due to uterine fibroid complications: swelling, excessive bleeding, and severe pain. My period started two days after the injection, as scheduled. The OB told me to expect some bleeding for the first month, since I took it so close to my start date. Fair, I thought. However, I have been spotting/bleeding nonstop since that day. Today literally marks 30 days of bleeding. I have also since seen a significant increase in acne, as I typically have clear skin; I am fatigued more than usual. My anxiety has worsened. I will not be getting a second shot."

• AmJ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got my first Depo Provera injection at the beginning of January 2016. Within the first week, I started bleeding and have now been bleeding every day since. The bleeding goes from light to heavy, not too bad for cramps. I also have suffered vaginal dryness, which has been incredibly uncomfortable. My doctor and I decided for me to go on Depo due to me having suspected endometriosis. I did research about Depo for a month beforehand, but I completely regret my decision. I have also lost a lot of hair, been feeling stressed, and feeling down, and severe acne that has scarred my skin. My doctor encouraged me to get a second shot with the promise of it calming things down, but I refused, it has ruined how I feel about myself and wasted money on pads."

• Kod...
• August 6, 2018

For Birth Control "Yes, it keeps away the babies, but the side effects are terrible. I was fine the first 6 months, then I would bleed up to 2 months, heavy every day. It eventually just stopped. A couple of months ago, I started living EVERY DAY with horrible anxiety and panic attacks. I've checked myself into the ER about 8 times, just to find out I am totally fine. I never, ever used to deal with anxiety. I have a 15-month-old son, and my anxiety has stopped me from taking him places because of fear of me falling over if I had an anxiety attack. Coming up our stairs triggers my anxiety. I do believe I have slipped into depression, being that I'm scared to go anywhere. My shot will be ending at the end of this month, and I'm literally praying I'm back to myself. This is NOT ME. I have always been a fun, strong-minded female, and now I'm too scared to even take my son to the park. This depo shot has mentally and emotionally messed me up. I will be done with all birth controls after the DEPO experience."

• anx...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 2, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been having constant bleeding or just huge blood clots since I got the shot 2 weeks ago. Also, it's caused me the worst anxiety and depression I've ever experienced in my life. I would not recommend this to anyone ever..."

• Ray...
• January 26, 2020

For Endometriosis "I was put on the Depo shot a year ago to help treat my extremely painful periods. It stopped my menstrual cycle, so for a year I've been able to avoid the terrible pain I was in every month. However, the side effects have been awful. My whole face is covered in painful acne, and I didn't have this problem before the shot. I've experienced terrible headaches, I've spotted the whole year I've been on it, and had other discharge as well. My anxiety is through the roof, and it has worsened my depression. My advice is to stay far away from the shot if you can avoid it. I can say it's been nice not having the terrible pain endometriosis was causing me every month, but the other side effects are almost just as bad. I just had my last shot and will never take it again."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I think the Depo Provera shot is the worst choice I ever made. I had the first one in August 2019, I've been bleeding every day during the first week, then it stopped. I had my period last September, and it was over a week, now, in October, bleeding over 2 weeks. I'm tired every day and anxious and don't want to know about sex. I'm glad I found this site, now I'm sure that I feel completely different because of that birth control. I'm supposed to go next week for my next Depo shot, but I will definitely skip it."

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 24, 2017

For Birth Control "I am so thankful for this birth control. I switched from the pill to Depo because the pills gave me horrible anxiety and depression. Immediately after I switched, I was myself again. After two doses, my periods stopped. I know birth control affects everyone differently, but I have had no negative side effects at all. My only complaint is after every injection, I would get a headache for a couple of days. I'm 21, and I just hit the two-year mark, and my doctor recommended that I switch to a different BC this month, and I'm so sad and nervous... I am worried about getting the negative side effects of a new BC after being worry-free and comfortable for 2 years."

• Can...
• January 10, 2020

For Birth Control "Depo ruined my life. I had anxiety and depression to begin with, but it was well-managed with antidepressants. I went on Depo, and it made me go from 118 lbs to 150 lbs within 3 months. I lost all motivation, sleeping 16-18 hours a day, only getting up for work and working out as I was disgusted by my body. While on it, I had some bizarre suicidal ideation that subsided after the 3 months. I only had one injection of Depo. It’s been over a year since I was on it, and the doctor told me that it’s possible that Depo made permanent changes to my metabolism, as I have been unable to lose the weight despite rigorous exercise (~12-14 hours/week, I am an ex-varsity athlete and am no stranger to intense workouts) and, if anything, a LESSER caloric diet than previous to the Depo. I have been unable to find a medication that is effective at treating my depression. This should NEVER be prescribed to anyone, especially someone with a mental health history."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 29, 2019

For Endometriosis "Please do NOT take Depo if you have anxiety. If you already have anxiety, Depo increases your anxiety to an unbelievable extent, and it becomes unbearable. My hair was falling out in big clumps. I had stomach issues for three months and lost a significant amount of weight. After meeting with a new gynecologist, my therapist, and dermatologist, we all figured out that it was because of Depo. It also did NOT help with my Endo. I had a 19-day heavy period, the worst cramps, and brown discharge for 49 days (not an exaggeration). Please be careful."

• kay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 7, 2015

For Birth Control "Effective and not disappointed. After the first 3 weeks on the shot, I had a heavy period for almost 20 days, but after that, absolutely no period, no cramping, spotting, nothing! Some weight gain, but I'm successfully burning that off. The only downside is the depression and anxiety, but those are occasional. They only happen within the first couple of weeks of taking the shot, and I just got my third dose. Love it, but it's not for everybody!"

• Kck...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 16, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was on the shot for 2 years straight about 3 years ago. I absolutely loved it, and I would have recommended it to any of my girlfriends. I didn't have one period and no cramping for 2 years! Loved it! Not even 2 weeks after missing my last shot, I became pregnant. My daughter was born in 2013, and about 2 months ago, I started the shot again. Worst decision of my life! I have not stopped spotting! Every damn day for almost 2 months, and I'm starting to get really crampy, and I've had terrible migraines. I've been having mood swings, and I've never experienced anxiety so bad in my life. I would seriously consider looking into the side effects and reading up on the shot before you get it."

• And...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I got this Depo Provera shot for birth control at my 6 weeks postpartum appointment. I didn’t read any side effects, which is my fault, I should have done my own research. The first month I bled for 3 weeks straight, heavy flow. I noticed my mood was all over the place, and depression was at a high for me. I gained about 15 pounds just being on this for 3 months. My knees hurt when I sit on the floor, and that has never happened before. My anxiety is through the roof. I’m always on edge and have lost so much sleep. My sex drive is so dead right now, it hurts to have sex. Literally, it hurts. I only did one round of this shot, and I won’t be getting a second one. Please do research and talk to your doctor about this shot before getting it!"

• sar...
• June 23, 2018

For Endometriosis "I hate this shot, it ruined my life. I had very severe side effects that started the day after I got the shot and have not stopped. My old provider refused to admit that my pain was due to the shot. I have constant cramping, constant bleeding, migraines, my hair is falling out, my depression is worse than ever, increased anxiety, insomnia, muscle soreness, joint pain, and mood swings. I was told that this shot would stop my period, it did not, it just made my period last for 10 months, and it is still going. I will never get this shot again, and I do not recommend this shot for anyone."

• Ley...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2021

For Birth Control "Please read!! I got Depo Provera 2 months after I had my daughter for birth control. Worse decision ever. I know everyone reacts differently to a drug, but trust me when I say stay away from this. I got only one injection that lasts three months, but that was enough to destroy my mental health. It was horrible, made me gain 10 pounds in just three months, gave me the worst depression and anxiety of my life. Two years later and still no recovery, my doctor had to put me on antidepressants. Please read the reviews before you get the injection because after you get it, it will be too late!! This drug should be out of the market. I give it one star. It is awful, don’t do it."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I started the Depo shot a year ago. Originally, I bled for 3 weeks with a few days off. After my second shot, I bled for 2 weeks and had 2 weeks off of my period. Then, once my period started up again, it never stopped. So, I've been bleeding since the end of January, which makes almost 9 months that I've been bleeding/spotting with not even one day off. There were times when it stopped for a few hours, but I guess if it came right back, it never actually stopped. I didn't gain weight, I've struggled with mild depression, anxiety, poor appetite, fatigue, lots of nausea, and abdominal pain. My last shot was at the end of March. I'm getting the pill tomorrow to help regulate my hormones. I'm afraid of all birth control now, but I hope this works."

• hat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2018

For Birth Control "First time ever trying any type of birth control. I made the mistake of not doing research before getting the Depo shot. While it is a convenient drug, it gave me a lot of side effects. It led me to depression and anxiety, which are two things I never felt before taking it. It also gave me night sweats, mood swings, and low libido. There were so many days when I felt so empty and dead inside. I hate the Depo shot so much. To this day, I still have depression, anxiety, low libido, and mood swings. The Depo shot doesn't work for everyone, and it's going to stay in your system for a long time."

• Sco...
• May 2, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on the Depo shot since October 2014. After my first shot, I bled for 2 months straight. I consulted with my doctor, and she said it was normal. I got my second shot, and I bled for 6 weeks straight. Within the 2 shots, I started noticing acne, headaches all the time, and lots of anxiety, fatigue, dizziness, and I find myself being hungry all the time. I told myself that I would not get a 3rd shot. I have severe cramps, and I have not bled since the 6 weeks after I got my 2nd shot, so I was happy about not having a period. I decided to go ahead and get the 3rd shot. I have not had any bleeding, but the acne and headaches, anxiousness, dizziness, and fatigue are all still happening. I don't like what the shot is doing to my body, therefore, I"

• Lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I tried the Depo-Provera shot for about one month. I kept an open mind about Depo despite all the negative feedback my friends had given me. I should've listened! I gained 15 lbs on this shot, and I was CONSTANTLY eating and NEVER felt full. My anxiety got so bad to the point I didn't want to leave the house. I constantly felt tired and moody with a lack of energy to do anything. The worst part was that it made me a monster. I am a very level-headed, passive person, but this shot made me angry at EVERYTHING, to the point where my boyfriend pointed it out. Lastly, I spotted constantly. While I had no period, I spotted pretty consistently, and it was very annoying having to wear a liner every day. The only positive thing I have to say about Depo is that there's no way you could get pregnant on this shot. I finally feel like myself again now that it's out of my system. Never again."

• dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2016

For Birth Control "Side effects are the worst. This shot has ruined my life for the past 3 weeks I've been on it. I have body tremors, hair loss, headaches, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, weakness, and that's just some. I have gotten anxiety. I don't want to do anything besides be in my house. I've never been this kind of person, and it's scary. Poison to my body. Do your research."

• Roy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2019

For Birth Control "My 1st Depo-Provera shot was in August, and I have been sick since then. It stopped my periods, but I'm spotting, I'm forever exhausted, I get a horrible headache and pains when I'm hungry, my mood swings are so terrible, and I always want to be alone. I'm so depressed and anxious, and I feel like a zombie. My next shot is on the 18th, and I'm not going, I'll seek alternative contraceptives. I'm not a sickly person, but this shot has got me sick for 3 months."

• lex...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I don’t recommend this shot! I should have done my research, but I let my Dr give me the injection on 11-8-19. I have been spotting daily, I had to go to the emergency room because I thought I was having a heart attack. My EKG and blood work were normal, except my D-Dimer was extremely elevated. I had a CT scan with contrast on my chest, the Dr thought I had a blood clot, but I did not! Blood pressure 161/88. I have gained over 20 pounds since my shot. Anxiety is unbearable, I am literally sick! You are better off dealing with the problem than having this shot!"

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2019

For Birth Control "Only had one shot and made my life hell, been itchy so bad the doctors had to put me on strong antihistamines, have a stomach ache all the time now, started with back problems, have been bleeding for 3 months straight, nightmare not heavy but brown like discharge. Every time is actually making me so depressed, made my anxiety ten times worse. I can't wait till my body actually gets back to normal, that's if it does. I had headaches nonstop for weeks too, not good when I have two young children to look after. I had a really bad reaction to this, I ended up going to the hospital, and they told me never to have this again. Only one shot and feel like absolute garbage, had my shot on July 1st as well."

• Ems...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2016

For Birth Control "I opted to start Depo after giving birth to my firstborn. Prior to taking it, I was having problems with anxiety and infrequent panic attacks following his birth; as I assume many new mothers do. Following the injection was one of the worst bouts of depression I have ever experienced in my life. I went to several psychiatrists as well as my GP, seeking treatment. Because I am breastfeeding, there was not but so many medicines they could try. Celexa made me hallucinate, and a week or so into Zoloft, I experienced a panic attack that I couldn't calm down from. I began smoking again to cope. We're a low-income family, and I couldn't afford to keep going to the doctor. I eventually gave up. The injection wore off, and the depression did too."

• Que...
• April 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 25 and have been on Depo for about 14 months, and the only good thing is no periods! But I still have cramps from time to time. Since using Depo, I have been diagnosed with anxiety and outrageous depression to the point I'm on meds. I noticed a lot of stomach pain, tingling in hands or feet, feeling nauseated when eating food, hair loss, and weight gain. Went from size 16 to 22. Always in a down mood, and it killed my sex drive. This drug is definitely not for me. Been off for 4 months now and still no sign of a period. Hopefully, it changes soon."