Medroxyprogesterone and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• Mim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2021

For Amenorrhea "This drug did the job, and that was to get my period to return. While taking the medication, I was nauseous and very anxious and emotional. I didn’t feel better until I finished the ten days of the medicine. When I was taking the medication, I honestly felt crazy the entire time. It took 7 days after the last pill for me to get my period. Like I said, it did the job, and the ends were worth the means."

• Meg...
• April 5, 2015

For Endometriosis "I started my first injection over a month ago for my severe endometriosis. The day after, I started noticing terrible mood swings, as did my family. I would get angry and freak out at the tiniest things. Usually cry over nothing. It lasted for about 4 weeks, and my moods have simmered down, but not as much as they should. He said to consider Zoloft because my hormone levels aren't normal, and I have anxiety. I have been spotting every day for the whole month and still notice some pain, but not as bad as it was before I started the injections. My ob-gyn said this was normal and assured me after the third injection this would go away. Hopefully, it does. I can now say I'm not living in hell 12 times a year."

• 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."

• 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."