Megestrol and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 8, 2012

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This medication has taken me on a roller coaster ride. I am oversensitive, moody, hypersensitive. I can't sleep and I have gained 8 lbs in 30 days. It does control the bleeding, but it is not worth putting up with the side effects."

• Reb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Prescribed for heavy bleeding with large clots. Bleeding went on for 15 days, lowering my hemoglobin. I went to the E.R. and was administered 3 units of blood. Megace was the only thing to work to stop the bleeding. That being said, it has lowered my blood pressure significantly, caused stomach pain, insomnia, gas, and constipation. I am not comfortable using Megace, but it has stopped the bleeding. I do not like the medication and wish I could take something else."

• Ser...
• March 15, 2021

For Unintentional Weight Loss (Underweight) "My doctor started me on this medication on February 17, 2021, due to failure to gain weight. I am pleased to say that I went from 98.12 pounds to 115.8 as of today (a few days short of taking it for a month). The downfall I’ve noticed with this is that I have horrible insomnia, more agitated than normal, and my hot flashes are the worst! Other than that, it seems to be doing what it’s supposed to do. Has anyone else gained 5 lbs a week being on this medication? Does the weight stay after you stop taking this medication? I am currently taking 10 ml once a day."

• Aal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "After heavy bleeding for 3 weeks, the doctor prescribed 40 mg megestrol, once a day, for 7 days. Bleeding did not fully stop, but it was light enough to resume daily activities comfortably. I experienced increased appetite, but I have been actually losing weight. Energy levels were fine - probably better since the bleeding decreased. I also experienced some restlessness and trouble sleeping, but that could be attributed to other medical concerns on my mind."

• 60...
• October 8, 2013

For Endometrial Hyperplasia "I have endometrial hyperplasia without atypia, and my insurance refuses a hysterectomy. I have been on megestrol now for over 2 1/2 months, 40 mgs twice a day. Hot flashes, insomnia, and bleeding, BUT I have been shedding the excess tissue of my hyperplasia. I go back in 2 weeks for yet another biopsy and will see if the hyperplasia is gone. One other effect is very strong urine from this medicine. I had tried regular progesterone, and I could not tolerate it. Major bleeding and egg-sized clots. So far, megestrol is working for me. Time will tell, but I am hopeful of being able to stop taking it."

• mac...
• December 3, 2014

Megestrol for Endometrial Hyperplasia "I took this after I had surgery on my ovaries. It gave me bad insomnia, hot flashes, and really bad weight gain. Once I was off of it, I was okay. I am once again on Megace for hyperplasia, and I am experiencing hot flashes and weight gain once again, but now within the month that I have been taking it, my blood sugar is going up, and I am fatigued all the time."

• Gem...
• March 25, 2018

For Endometrial Hyperplasia "I was diagnosed with complex endometrial hyperplasia about 2 weeks ago. I actually ended up in the ER from blood loss. I almost died. Had to have 4 blood transfusions. Had an emergency D&C and tests came back complex endometrial hyperplasia. I've been on this medication, 40 mg twice a day, now for 2 weeks. The only things I'm experiencing are constipation, insomnia, and mood changes. My doctor wants me back in 3 months to do a biopsy and also get an IUD. In 3 months, we will see how I'm doing. I hope it goes away because my fiancé and I want to have a baby, but everything has been put on hold until the doctor gives us the 'okay'. I only gave 7 stars because I haven't been on it long enough or had a check-up yet to see how it's working. But for me, it's been pretty mild."

• Lun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2020

For Endometrial Cancer "I had an oophorectomy due to a tumor on one ovary and had lost so much weight and could not eat or function properly. I had increased anxiety, insomnia, and no appetite. Megace helps me sleep, and I eat normally while I'm on it. It has helped me gain almost 15 pounds in three months of being on it, with regular sleep and no cysts/tumors! Truly saved me!"

• SNi...
• March 15, 2021

For Endometrial Hyperplasia "I have been taking this for about 2 weeks for hyperplasia with atypia. I had not really had any side effects until last night when I began to have these awful leg cramps that made my legs feel tight and weak. My heart began to race, I couldn't sleep (insomnia), and I just started feeling overall bad. I sent my doctor a message and await a response. If these are the side effects, I don't know if I can continue these meds. I am supposed to take 40 mg once per day for 3 months."

• Sti...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2017

For Endometrial Hyperplasia "I was diagnosed with complex endometrial hyperplasia with atypia on 8/9/17 and began megestrol on 8/12/17. I slowly began experiencing common symptoms such as weight gain and increased appetite, but then I slowly started experiencing increased mood swings, irritability, insomnia, itchy body, and shortness of breath. What made me finally call the doctor on 9/19/17 was being up at 3 am with the inability to breathe. I was informed to discontinue due to allergic reactions. On 9/21/17, I began with joint pain and swelling in my hands and wrists. By Friday, 9/22/17, I couldn't function for myself at all. My entire left arm and both hands were useless, and I ended up in the ER where I learned this is all allergic reactions as well."