Depo Provera and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Ber...
• April 15, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm on my second, and last, depo shot. The first time I got the shot, I only experienced spotting for about 2.5 months. During my second shot, I've experienced severe abdominal pain, causing me to barely be able to eat for a few months now, depression that comes and goes out of nowhere, headaches, weakness, and fatigue. Even if I sleep 8 hours, I still feel exhausted throughout the day. Since the second shot, I've had multiple anxiety attacks. I would not recommend this shot to anyone. I haven't felt like myself in months, and even the smallest amount of stress will get to me and cause an anxiety attack or depression. Before the shot, I've never had any of these symptoms."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2019

For Birth Control "The Depo shot has been very effective. I have only been on it for 3 months now, and I have experienced weight gain- a lot. I am 18, 5'6, and when I was first on the shot, I was 135 pounds. Now I’m 148 to 150 at the end of the day. It’s really sad for me. I was a varsity swimmer and have been lean most of my life. Some other side effects I have are bad anxiety, depression, being exhausted all the time, and loss of interest."

• Fan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2017

For Birth Control "I started the shot in June. The first month I spotted, and when it was about the time I get my period, it got a little heavier for two days and back to spotting for 2 more weeks. I've had heavy periods since I was ten. I don't have fibroids, just bleed really heavy. I recommend this shot if you have heavy periods. We don't use any other contraception, and no pregnancies here. The only reason I give it an 8 is because it made my anxiety come back. This is a secret weapon, and I think a lot of the negative reviews are just women who want to keep the Depo shot secret to themselves. Give it a shot, but also some time for your body to adjust to it."

• Kok...
• May 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on the shot for three years now. My first year on the shot everything went smooth besides the fact I spotted after sex. However, my last two years on the shot I gained 40 pounds. I experienced shortness of breath, depression, anxiety, pelvic pain, stiffness in muscles (which was awful because I was a dancer), tiredness, and a huge increase in appetite. Even though the shot stopped my periods and pain, I would not recommend this to anyone. Now my body is slowly getting back on track."

• Nev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2020

For Endometriosis "I cannot explain how bad the Depo-Provera is. I got this shot once in Sept. 2019 and am still having horrible issues from it, and it is now the end of May 2020. While on the shot, I bled every single day until Dec, when I had a huge bleed out. Since Dec, I have been bloated every day. Doctors now think I have an ovarian cyst that was caused by Depo. Also, I have been extremely moody since Sept! My moods and anxiety are so up and down. Never had these issues before. Another terrible side effect is my skin. My skin is extremely oily, and I believe this issue was caused by Depo. I've been through tons of shampoos, and nothing will solve my oily scalp/skin issue caused by this horrible drug. I'm shocked the side effects have lasted this long. I'm not sure when they will go away. But this drug has cost me hundreds, if not thousands, in medical bills. Very aggravated. This should not be given to women. Skip the Depo, please, unless you want to deal with all of this!"

• Bub...
• October 20, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "The worst thing that ever happened to me! I hate this type of contraception! I had my baby in June, so I was bleeding for about a month and a half. Then I decided to get this Depo injection, which was the biggest mistake ever! After one week after the injection was done, I started to bleed (again), already for 2 weeks. I am feeling dizzy, weak, anxious, depressed, and lightheaded! Waiting for my blood test results to see if I am not anemic. Because after giving birth, usually women are bleeding and already losing some blood, and now this terrible injection just made it worse. However, my doc prescribed me some drugs to stop the bleeding. It’s called tranexamic acid 500 mg, so I am taking these tablets. It's already the third day, but still the same."

• bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2018

For Birth Control "Worst experience of my life, be scared of this drug! I got one injection and slowly fell into a deep depression. Two weeks before my second shot, I was hit with every possible side effect. I quit my job and had to seek help to become myself again. This drug is too good to be true and not worth risking these side effects. It works great for some, but if you are looking into Depo because of convenience like I did, it is not worth it. I have suffered from depression, anxiety, nausea, extreme dizziness, loss of appetite, prolonged periods, and many more. Please save yourself the trouble and don't even try it."

• Ele...
• June 27, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm 17 years old, 5'4 and weigh 113 pounds. Got my first injection on May 22nd. The first few days were fine, got it while I was on my period, so it was immediately effective. The first week was fine, but after a while, I began spotting, and since then, I have been on a constant period with occasional cramps. I already suffer from some anxiety issues which Depo-Provera has intensified, but I expected this. I feel dizzy when I'm lying down to go to sleep, but it's gone by morning. No change in sex drive, but I've noticed most people's decrease. The site of injection hurt a little for 3-4 days, but now I can't feel it. I have little energy and can't walk to school anymore because I'm constantly too tired. Won't be getting this injection again, going to try the Nexplanon implant."

• Tay...
• August 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 18, and I've had 4 Depo shots. So many things in my body and personality have changed, and I have just today realized that it's all because of this shot. I have had horrible stomach pains almost every day, sometimes multiple times a day, sometimes coming with diarrhea. Also, I've had no sex drive, mood swings, terrible anxiety, and depression. I am never getting this shot again, any other form of birth control would be better than this one. Do NOT try the Depo shot."

• Nes...
• March 16, 2016

For Birth Control "I am currently on birth control and have been for a little over a year. I haven't had a period since I've had my son, and I've gained a lot of weight. I'm about to quit taking it, and I'm always stressed out, and my hair is falling out a lot. Never done this before."

• 31y...
• April 18, 2016

For Birth Control "After 1 week of receiving the shot, I had night sweats for 5 days. I've been having severe anxiety. My body aches like I have the flu. It will be one month I've been on Depo, the night sweats are away, but I'm having pain in my feet and in my knees. The odd thing is, instead of gaining weight, I'm losing weight. I've lost so far 12 lbs in almost a month. I'm starting to spot due to my period, which always comes on the 20th. Not getting cramping yet. I'm not going to get Depo again because of the night sweats, leg pain, and some minor headaches I don't like. I'm 31 years old and a mom of 4. My husband says since the shot he has noticed me more down and not in the mood. So I'm certain the Depo is causing all this craziness to my body. I'm getting blood work done to see if it's my thyroid."

• Lee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This Depo thing has ruined my sex life. Have been bleeding for 4 weeks now, was prescribed some pills including ibuprofen to stop the bleeding, but that didn’t work. Am all stressed out and can't wait till it gets off my system."

• Why...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on this birth control for month two when I started noticing side effects. People say they never get a period? I got mine three times in the span of a month and a half. These were three full seven-day periods with less than a week break in between. I became insanely depressed and had anxiety I could not handle. I spent every day crying because my emotions were out of control. I contemplated suicide many times but never tried. It took months to get back to some type of normal, and even now, a year and a few months later, I still get awful anxiety during my period and when I'm ovulating. Prior to the Depo Provera, I never had depression or anxiety. This was my first time, and I pray that this will be my last. Wouldn't wish it on an enemy."

• bek...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 22, 2021

For Endometriosis "I got my first injection in January this year for extreme periods (lasting months at a time) and cramping (so bad that I used to faint). Doctors didn’t want to do endometriosis discovery surgery, so they put me on the Depo-Provera instead. Within 2 weeks of the first injection, my personality completely changed; severe depression, zero sex drive, anxious, irritable, gained 35 pounds, extreme fatigue - the list goes on. I stayed on the injection because there was nothing else the doctor would do. I can’t leave the house without putting in an “emergency tampon” in case I start gushing blood in the grocery store. I still have severe cramps and crazy random bleeding, and the depression is getting worse. I finally switched doctors and have started transitioning off the injection and onto 5 mg progesterone instead. Do not get this injection unless ABSOLUTELY necessary. Totally ruined a year of my life."

• Hon...
• January 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I had 5 shots in total of the Depo. After my first shot, I had no bleeding, no cramping, I was in bliss. After my third shot, I experienced some random bleeding and also bleeding with sex. Before, during, or after. It wasn’t every time, but it was enough to cause concern. After my 4th shot, I noticed my anxiety skyrocket. I started thinking everything was wrong with me, sort of being like a hypochondriac. I had a lot of joint pain and breast tenderness to the point I was thinking I might have breast cancer (I’m 19). I had periods after sex that lasted up to 2 weeks. After that happened, I decided to stop the Depo and haven’t gotten on a new birth control because I am worried about what’s really going on with my body. I’ve only been off the Depo for 3 weeks but have heard it can take up to 8 months for your body to get back to normal. It prevents pregnancy, but I do not recommend it due to the side effects."

• aka...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 31, 2019

For Birth Control "Overall 8/10. I give it 10/10 for effectiveness. I am very petite - before the Depo I was 4'11" and 97 lbs (not anorexic, I eat all the time), and my periods were irregular to begin with. I have been on the Depo for about 3 years now and consider myself lucky after reading reviews - I experienced some weight gain (was 110 lbs at max) and a few mood changes. However, I started going to a gym 8 months ago and now maintain a good weight at about 105 lbs. I have not had my period in over 2.5 years, which is nice not having to deal with it. Only some cramps here and there and some anxiety, but it isn't bad at all, and I don't have to worry about whether it's going to work or not. Everybody is different! I only wish birth control was easier for women."

• Lad...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 7, 2019

"I have been on the Depo-Provera for over two years now, and I couldn't be without it. Apart from on-and-off bleeding for the first two months, I've not had a period since I started it. I don't have to suffer with the pain anymore, and I don't become an emotional wreck for a few days a month. I do suffer from anxiety, but I do not believe in any way that it's connected to having the Depo. I've gained weight and lost weight along the way. The gains have been due to not being particularly bothered about my weight, and the losses have been due to being motivated to do something about it, simple as that. I dread the day my doctor advises me to stop taking it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 16, 2015

For Birth Control "I got it when I was 21-22 years old. I was excited about it at first because you don't get periods, and it's every 3 months. However, I did get spotting in between, which was expected. The worst part about it was the effect it had on my mood swings. I got severely depressed and had high anxiety and would lash out a lot. I was also hungry all the time and probably gained 5 lbs at most. It really affected my performance in school and my close relationships."

• CJa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 27, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been using Depo for about two years now. I think I have stayed on it this long due to the convenience of it. I never experienced most of the side effects, but I did gain about 5 pounds that will not drop. My period lasted for almost a month when I first got the shot, but then went away completely. That is a huge bonus for me since I had extremely heavy, long, and painful periods. For me, the depression and anxiety were definitely the worst part of it. I do believe circumstances played a part, but some of it was certainly due to hormone imbalance. I have experienced these side effects on and off for the duration of my use. I am looking to get off it now because of the threat of loss of bone density. I am at my two-year mark. However, I do think if that was not a problem, I would stay on it."

• MOO...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I took one shot at the end of Feb. 2017. Missed my next dose on purpose because the Depo completely killed my sex drive. A week after my missed dose, I had severe anxiety, had to leave work early because of it. I've struggled with anxiety in the past and had learned to keep it under control very, very well. This time I could not stop the intrusive anxious thoughts, and life had been going well, so no reason to be anxious. I also experienced a period of depression which seems to go in and out. It's been 2 months since my missed dose, and although it's less, anxiety and depression are still there. I would not recommend any type of hormonal BC to anybody because, as far as I can see, many other types of BC cause the same effects during or after."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got my 1st shot in Feb 2016. My tubes are tied, but Dr. recommended I get it to help stop the cramps I'd get prior to the shot. I bled the first 3 months after the shot, and it didn't help, so I asked my Dr. if I needed it again. He said to try it for 6 months and stop if it didn't help. I got my 2nd shot in May 2016 and bled for that 6 months. Then I stopped as it never helped with cramps. It's now April 2017, and I still have side effects-mood swings that are destroying my marriage, depression, anxiety, headaches. I've lost 32 lbs (only weighed 122 prior to the shot), dizziness, fatigue, acne, no sleep or too much, feelings of going crazy, and cramps worse than before. I was told with a regular period, the shot will leave."

• 123...
• June 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I switched from a hormonal contraceptive to Depo Provera in January of 2013, never had any problems (weight gain, acne, irregular bleeding) for the first year and a half and only bled about a week or two before my next shot was due. Starting about 8 months ago, I was bleeding almost 2 months before every shot, and the last shot I received in March, I continued to bleed 2 weeks after getting the shot. I also noticed an increase in extreme depression and anxiety. I have also spent the last 6 months dealing with breakouts (which I never had before) and an increase in keratosis pilaris on my face (not sure if it's related to a hormone imbalance). I would never recommend this shot to anyone."

• Anonymous
• April 21, 2012

"I went on this birth control because I wanted to gain a little bit of weight, but I ended up gaining 15 pounds and couldn't exercise my stomach off because the shot made me so tired, even when I would have 3-4 days off from work. I never had the energy to do anything. This shot made me moody and depressed! Not to mention it made my anxiety off the roof! Every day I would almost get a panic attack from the smallest worries. After I got off it, a couple of weeks later, I felt like a brand new person! Back to my old self. Happy, energetic, and fun to be around! The only thing that was good about this birth control is that I never got my period."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2022

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on Depo before many years ago. I don't remember bleeding for months on end. I got my first injection on Jan 7th, 2022, and I've been spotting, heavy bleeding sometimes, clots, and it comes out of nowhere. When I think it's stopped, NOPE. I have to wear a tampon every day, regardless if I'm bleeding or not. 9 out of 10 times I am. My mood has turned to depression and horrid anxiety. I have acne now that I never had before, and I just feel unwell. I WILL NOT BE GETTING A SECOND INJECTION!! Ladies beware, it also dries you out down there, so sex is uncomfortable and hurts."

• ang...
• August 20, 2016

For Birth Control "Seriously messes with my emotions so much. I already live with anxiety and depression, and the Depo just makes it so much worse! I hate it. I get pissed off at things I shouldn't get pissed off at! I have all the period symptoms (cramps, emotions out of whack, retaining water, and a horrible craving for sweets) and irregular bleeding. I'm gaining so much weight, and I'm not even eating unhealthy. I have a strict diet and workout, and I still gain about a pound or two every two weeks. Do NOT recommend the Depo to anyone. This sucks."