May 11th
2009
3:14 PM
I had my Mirena Coil taken out 6 weeks ago, i had it put in in 2005 - it has been the most horrific four years of my life, i have never been to the Doctors so much as i have in these years, in fact i was so poorly i gave up working due to illness in September 2008. I had horrific abdomen pain, swelling of the stomach, but most of all the lower back pain and not being able to walk properly, just a shuffle most days, which in turn affected me mentally (i used to be a fitness fanatic). The list is too long to mention, but these last few months when i went to see my GP (even when i went to see a specialist) i always asked the question - ARE YOU SURE THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE MIRENA COIL? The answer was always NO!. How wrong they were, I insisted my Dr took it out (to his annoyance) it took three good pulls to get it out, oh my God the pain, it was embedded in me. within 24 hours there was an improvement in my back, needless to say i'm still suffering but not to the extent that i was.
-- By eveerin | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
December 11th
2008
9:48 PM
I had my Mirena inserted 6 weeks after I had my son (14 months ago) at the suggestion of my o.b. (she was using one also).... had I known then what I know now, my post partum birth control decision would have gone in a totally different direction! Insertion was very painful! Sex with my husband was awkward at first, mainly because he could feel the strings (they are wires!!!) poking him during deep insertion... After several weeks of getting used to the mirena, the nightmares started in! Sleepless nights, tossing, turning, dreaming about my fears and insecurities, and waking up sore... feeling like I had been run over by a truck! Moodiness and quick tempered feelings also came with the little devil... wanting to kill my husband and children over the littlest things like not eating all their dinner or not picking up their laundry...stupid stuff? My husband kept asking me why I was so angry, mean and hurtful...these are not traits I usually possess! I had become a bundle of tired, bitchy nerves! Then I had a trip to the emergency room, thought to be an appendicitis at first.....but no! I have a golf ball cyst on my right ovary, compliments of the mirena!! Now I have to have monitoring of this cyst until it bursts or is so painful I cant take it anymore and have to have it removed!!! Needless to say, I booked an appointment a few weeks ago and and have my mirena removed three days ago... I know it is going to take a while before I am "normal" and heal myself from this awful cyst, but I cant wait to love myself, husband and children again...if you are thinking of getting this inserted in your body, think again!!! Your doctors will not tell you what these women have experienced and gone through!!! Don't be a part of a class action suit down the line, money can't replace your health and well being :(
-- By tiredone | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
November 12th
2008
4:09 PM
During the three weeks I was using 150 mg. Wellbutrin, ringing in the ears gradually increased, mild headaches on top of my head, occasional light spasms around my mouth, constipation, and bladder problems. My sleep was unaffected, and my depression did not lift. My dose was increased to 300 mg, and by the fourth day, I was having serious facial spasms, intense headaches, louder and constant ringing in the ears, almost 'round-the-clock wakefulness, anxiety, difficulty thinking and completing sentences, pounding heart, amplification of sounds, jitters and quaking. I felt like a car, perpetually idling so roughly that all my parts were about to rattle right off the chassis. On the fifth day I took nothing. I've had some chills, a little nausea, headache, neck-ache (Isn't that weird?!) and some ringing, but at a lower volume that's hardly noticeable. This is the fourth day with no Wellbutrin, and I haven't had facial spasms at all in the past couple of days, have less nausea, and the very funky smell produced in my urine from the second week I was on the meds has calmed down. If I'm still in a depression it's been overshadowed by the most awful side effects I could have imagined. It felt like the spector of death was overtaking my body by day four of that 300 mg. dose. I had been on a hefty dose of Zoloft daily for almost ten years and never experienced anything unpleasant other than weight gain, my reason for trying to switch meds because I couldn't quit putting on weight no matter what. I am going to try SAM-e, and suggest that anyone looking for a natural alternative, with the prospect of few and insignificant side effects, do an online search. Whether I find success with the SAM-e, or if it falls short of what I need, I'll post here to let you know what happens. A month ago I thought the depression was the end of the world; I think the cure was worse than the disease.
-- By msthang | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me
September 17th
2008
10:28 AM
I have been on Aviane since January. I started taking it for extremely painful cramps that induced vomiting and dizziness. I wasn't taking it for birth control, acne control, or anything else. It worked wonders for my cramps. I had a regular period, no spotting, and no excruciating pain. That being said, the rest of my life was awful. I break out like crazy, put on a little bit of wait (nothing to really complain over), and worst of all, I have been in a hazy slump since I started taking it. I wouldn't say its been depression, but it is definitely a fatigue that I can't shake. I don't care about my friends or boyfriend or family until something or someone makes me aware of my blatant rudeness and apathy and then I burst into tears and cry for a whole day. Its awful, and I plan to not start the new pack on Sunday. I'm cutting birth control entirely and hoping it will change things. Has anyone else done this? I'm kind of scared of the side effects of stopping...
-- By bristj | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 13th
2008
10:36 PM
i took cipro for a UTI over 10 years ago and have had floaters, neuropathy, tingling, and numbness in my hands and feet ever since then. it was not until THIS YEAR that i stumbled upon information on the internet about CIPRO and its side effects. but immediately following my use of the drug i went to a doctor who insisted i had carpal tunnel and i asked then why is it in my feet? then a neurologist who found nothing and patted me on my little college girl head, told me it was "just stress," and prescribed me narcotics to calm me down. i threw the prescription in the garbage on the way out of his office... then was tested for diabetes and briefly thought i might have MS. eventually, after many docs finding nothing and my family thinking i was a total hypochondriac, i just decided to ignore the symptoms. pain in my joints, floaters in my eyes, numbness and tingling in my hands and feet. after years i figured if i wasn't dying from whatever it was and it wasn't getting any worse, then i would just live with it. one day when it was particularly uncomfortable i did an internet search and came up with CIPRO info. there was a class action law suit at one time because right around the time i took CIPRO, it was a new drug and had not been sufficiently clinically tested. there's no recourse for me now, but i feel better having solved the mystery.
i am appalled to see so many people still suffering in 2008 and this drug still being prescribed. i'm sorry you're all going through this. i tell everyone i know not to ever take this drug. i feel lucky to be still functioning. i am very healthy, just have the annoyance of these symptoms that never go away.
-- By waterytart | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
June 29th
2008
11:01 PM
I have been using Nuvaring for about 5 years now and I'm surprised to see all these posts about people being very unhappy with the method. I have nothing but positive things to say about the ring, except that it's an annoyance to have to take it out during intercourse (not due to the ring itself, but I think b/c of the size of my bf). Of course, as long as it's back inside in s not fair to blame every crying spell or pounds gained on the method. Take a good look at your mental/emotional health, physical health, stress levels, stressful events, medicines you are taking...these can all effect our bodies just the same as any hormonal method!!!
-- By ariel35 | Reply | Private Message me
May 16th
2008
1:31 AM
I started using Zyrtec recently after my niece received it from her doctor as the solution to her allergies. (We bought it at the drug store). My allergies are skin related where i walk and feel a deep itch in my thighs and anywhere else i have tight clothing. Also when i work out - i have itch deep skin. This is under the surface and very uncomfortable especially when you are walking/working out. Leads to confusion etc. I had never used any allergy medicine before but decided just to see if i would feel any different.
Anyhow, I started using Zyrtec the other day and almost immediately, I started fighting with my boyfriend - everything i was angry with him about came out. It was helpful but also i was very mean in my approach. I also started getting back pains around the spine area - not in the spine but around it and could not sleep until i took an ibuprofen. Today i experienced left shoulder and back pain. That was it for me and whats funny is that i took the lowest possible doze. So i am not touching that medicine again. I am a 36 year old woman. Its a strong medicine and something is strange with it (changes moods etc). I will have to change the medication for my niece before she goes through the side effects.
-- By mari475 | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me
April 9th
2008
4:25 PM
Both my children, ages 4 and 7, are currently taking Singulair chewable tablets for their seasonal allergies. They have been doing so for about three months. At first, I was not consistent in giving them the medicine. It wasn't until recently that I decided I should give it to them as prescribed, once daily before bedtime. During this time I heard about an incident linking this medication to a suicide. I shrugged it off thinking this could not happen to my children. Little did I know that this medication has other serious side effects linked to it. For the past few weeks, my own 7 year old daughter has experienced many of those side effects including stomache aches, headaches, trouble falling asleep, irritability, mood swings, crying spells, and traumatic nightmares. She used to be a fun loving child who loved waking up to go to school. Now she does not want to get up in the morning and hates going to school. She cries easily over the smallest thing and complains frequently of headaches and stomach aches. My son on the other hand has become overly aggressive and I had concluded that maybe his video games or cartoons were to blame. Well, today I found your website and I will take them both off the medication indefinitely! Their allergies were not as severe to begin with so I figure that they should do okay without it. I will probably look into more natural/ herbal remedies to soothe them when they do get their allergies. I will definitley be reporting back as to their results.
-- By sgarcia91 | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
April 3th
2008
8:13 PM
Wow ladies!! First off, thank you, all of you, for taking the time to share your stories.
I had my Mirena inserted mid March 2008. It is April 3rd today, and so far I'm not a fan.
Insertion was easy. I barely felt anything. Minor cramping afterwards, some spotting. The worst part was the black gritty sand like discharge. (previous poster compared it to coffee grounds) Every time I sat down or stood up I could feel the grit rubbing inside me. It was the most AWFUL feeling in the world.
I have been spotting every single day since insertion. I did have a full period (started a few days before Easter) and it lasted about a week and a half. It was moderate to heavy. I did have more than usual cramping for me. And with every cramp I felt a sharp stab in my uterus. I imagined it was my uterus pressing down on the IUD. It was very uncomfortable. Now my "period" is over and I am still spotting! Its strange though. My discharge is clear, but with streaks of purpleish/brown blood. Its not typical spotting. But i've ruined one too many pairs of good underwear so its starting to get on my nerves!!!! I thought this was supposed to STOP bleeding. I've bleed every day in some shape or form.
My one month checkup is on the 10th. I am going to express my concerns with my doctor, but I know she'll blow me off like everyone else. I am getting a lot of pressure from my husband to keep it, despite the side effects. We already have 4 children, and dont want any more for a few more years.
Other side effects I am experiencing that I can only assume are from the Mirena (they might not be, but I cant explain them any other way):
- I feel stupid! Im spacey, i cant think straight. Very forgetful. Simple jokes go over my head.
- my vision is wacky. I feel like im staring through a haze. I have a hard time focusing on objects or fine print. I have never had a vision problem before!
- i feel weak and woozy occasionally.
- extra crampy. and often feel pings and pangs in my uterus.
- increased thirst
- slight paranoia. I actually feel like all my friends are mad at me, when i know they arent.
- I sweat at night.
- moody.
- my nails are all dry and splitting. I normally have very healthy nails
- a general feeling of laziness. It takes a ton of motivation to get up sometimes. I have 4 kids and I work full time...I'm not a lazy person! I cant be! So this feeling is very frustrating!
- I'd rather sleep than have sex. which for me is abnormal. I am more of a hornball than my husband usually. hahaha
wow this list is longer than I thought!!
I'm going to give this thing more time. But so far I am not a fan. I know it works for some women....but these things were not in the little pamphlet they pass out! I guess if they were no one would get this thing!
Thanks for listening!
-- By missangi | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me
January 8th
2008
7:39 PM
I'm 28 years old and just began my second pack of Loestrin. The biggest annoyance is the fact I've been bleeding for 3 of the last 4 weeks. I got my period on schedule and began taking the pills the first day. The period lasted 11 days. Then I had a normal week. Then I started bleeding again, with less cramping but more bloating. The bleeding has been going on for 11 days now. My breasts are tender but not uncomfortable. Mostly my moods are normal but there are short spans when I get overly emotional(the sad, not angry type). Especially the first week I was taking the pill. I've gained a little weight but I'm hoping it's just from the holiday feasting. But darn this bleeding. My Dr. say it's just my body adjusting but I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. I'm giving it another month before deciding if I should give it up or not. Also, my face has been breaking out more.
-- By qwerty5 | Reply | Private Message me
December 19th
2007
12:37 PM
I had a Vertebral Artery Dissection and was put on 5mg of Warfarin a day. Since then I have felt a constant dizziness/lightheadedness that wont go away. It's not so bad that I can't deal with my day, but more of an annoyance. It kind of feels like I just drank a beer really fast and now I'm buzzed.
-- By jlke4 | Reply | Private Message me
September 25th
2007
1:54 AM
Hello all.. I had posted after being on Yasmin for about a week and now I am into my second month. Last post I reported no side effects whatsoever and now I can say my first period ever on birth control (20 yrs old) was perfectly manageable, 5 days and pretty well painless. Still no weight gain or loss and no change in personality, if anything I'm a little happier because I am not so constantly irritated by my own menstrual unpredictability lol. The only thing I can say that has changed since taking the pill is the appearance of cystic acne... I used to encounter one of this type now and again but in the past few weeks they've been coming in the night, 2 or 3 at a time, usually chin and forehead. Yikes. Definitely a major annoyance but for anyone else who is experiencing this.. I have always found my skin's saving grace to be TEA TREE OIL!!! Love it. I wash every day with a bar of soap called Thursday Plantation and it is amazing (especially if you leave a bit of soap on as a kind of spot treatment overnight). Anyway it continues to be extremely helpful in managing this annoying side effect so that I can enjoy the benefits of a regular period and no pms or cramps, oh and no babies. lol. Good luck to everyone, and remember do your research but don't let all the negativity scare you away from something that could be good for you, because everyone is different. Glad to see some positive posts here this time tho! I will return again myself if anything changes :) xo
-- By brightside | Reply | Private Message me
September 12th
2007
7:36 AM
I had a grand-mal in October of '06, so I was first prescribed on Dilating. And then in December of '06 they also had me on Lamictal, but 50mg daily along with 300mg Dilantin. I was totally off Dilantin as of March '07 and was taking 200mg Lamictal daily. I had no side effects from Lamictal until I started noticing in May that I had staring spells. I didnt pay attention to it at first, and then I noticed that my staring spells were happening way more frequently. And if that wasnt bad enough, as time progressed, I started feeling spacey, had shortness of breath every once in a while, and a bit of anxiety. Now it is up to the point where Ive just about had it, since I've been spacing out wayyyy too much, and I sometimes feel SO fatigued for no reason...like the lifes been drained out of me. My vision has also been getting blurry which is another big annoyance. What Im wondering is that why would they give you medicine if it wasnt out for too long or even officially approved? Im hoping I can get off this medicine! I wanna drive and actually be able to pay attention to normal things instead of spacing out.
-- By pixiedust | Reply | Private Message me
August 2th
2007
10:57 AM
I've been taking Yasmin about four years...and about a year ago, I kept remarking that I think Yasmin changed its formula because I experienced terrible water retention (at least 6 pounds every month) and psychotic mood swings two weeks before my period. Originally, I started taking Yasmin to restart my periods which I lost for 3 years, supposedly due to weight loss (I lost 40 pounds in four months). But after I gained 20 back, still no period. This is when I started taking Yasmin and within 30 days it gave me a period like clockwork. I was fine for a few years, though very reclusive, which I thought was my depression - I do have a history of it. Funny, while taking Yasmin, I attributed my moodiness to PMS not depression. Since February of 2007, I have gained 10 pounds and my breasts have increased a cup size. As a result, my gyno and my shrink decided I should take Yasmin straight through so I didn't get PMS, or a period for that matter. The only reason I'm not depressed anymore is because I take Wellbutrin and Clomipramine. So now I don't get the pychological symptoms anymore -- just the bloating, constipation, huge boobs (they were big before) and general annoyance. To think it could have been the Yasmin all along! When every doctor told me I was insane...getting older...body changing...bipolar! One I finish the last pill, I'm taking matters into my own hands and kicking Yasmin to the curb. I would seek a Dr.'s help, but I'm sick of them shrugging me off. I'll report back. *Fingers crossed.*
-- By layah8 | Reply | Private Message me
August 11th
2006
1:11 PM
I am extremely sensitive to SSRIs and most drugs that affect the CNS. However, Paxil always seemed to be a miracle drug to cure depression, at least until I have to taper off of the medication. I've been on and off for about 4 years now, because it always seems to make me too high to function, no matter how low the dose is. This time I came off of a low dose of Paxil after a couple of weeks (my body simply can't handle it).
The side effects seem to be that I never really went off of the drug. My thoughts are not as complex as they were, my libido is almost non-existant, I pay little attention to detail, and I can't get stressed about anything (not even to get my work done). My memory is bad and I don't fantasize or daydream about anything. It's almost as if I'm stuck in the present constantly, not thinking about the past or the future, thus causing little thought before I speak or act (thought about the consequences).
I don't know when this will end. It's been months and I feel slightly braindead, but happy. I need to bring myself back to normal so that I can do well at my job (I have a fairly high level job in higher ed), and plan for the future... back to grad school.
Oh, one last side affect is that if I do get pushed into anger or annoyance, about a second later I can't even remember what I what the outburst was about, while the other person is still recovering from the outburst. Not a good thing at all. I wonder if anyone has any suggestion or similar experience? I can't wait for this to be over, if it ever will be.
March 23th
2006
5:15 PM
I started taking Sulfameth 3 days ago 2 times per day. I have the this for a total of 14 days and after reading, am nervous about what may come. I already experience dry mouth and extreme thirst. I have already gained about 4-5 pounds since starting it, but I expect its mostly water weight, since I can't stop drinking!! I feel slightly dizzy and sluggish. One slight symptom that is mostly an annoyance is the skin around my nostrals feels tight and cold- almost numb- although its smooth to touch. I'm aftraid it might continue to the rest of my face. Also, my digestion has been all messed up.
-- By michelle.designer | Reply | Private Message me
February 10th
2006
8:30 PM
I am at the end of week 2 on Topamax for daily migraine relief. I am enjoying the low appetite side effect (-5lbs!) but am having a severe problem with my eye twitching. Was quite relieved to read through to see another had also experienced this annoyance. How long do the side effects last? My migraines are not as strong though they are still present on a daily basis. My main problem is dizziness - does anyone else have success with controlling dizzy spells? I was hoping the Topamax would help. Maybe when the dosage increases?
-- By mlarens | Reply | Private Message me
December 28th
2005
8:36 AM
In initially I was on Singulair as it was first released for patient use. Side effects drove me to stop taking the drug for about two years and I stopped seeing my Pulmonary Doctor. I was having leg and arm cramps, very painful and progressively getting worse. I spoke to my lung Doctor, he said it may be my weight and inactivity; spoke with my PCP and he said could be many things maybe medications. Neither pursued the problem, so I stopped taking the medication.
Leg cramps subsided, not totally but enough to make a noticeable difference. Unfortunately I was hospitalized for my asthma in December 2004, and again 7 months later. I was immediately put back on Singulair again in December 2004. However once again I am having horrible cramps, so much so I am seeking information on line to help sort out the problem.
I would say be persistent with your Doctors, I was not but will most assuredly be this time.
Take your on line information to them, have a copy for them on hand and let them know this is impacting your quality of life, not a simple annoyance.
This is your life make sure they understand the issue and be specific, show a calendar of how and when this occurs. Even make a note of food types and activity as a means to help diagnosis the problem. This helps to show tow things, one it is a major issue and two you are serious about making sure the Doctors pursues this problem. In short you have committed to doing the homework and know you want action.
-- By klegend | Reply | Private Message me
Mirena (3) Yasmin (2) Singulair (2) Lamictal (1) Loestrin 24 Fe (1) Sulfamethoxazole (1) Warfarin Sodium (1) Cipro (1) Paxil (1) NuvaRing (1) Wellbutrin (1) Topamax (1) Aviane (1) Zyrtec (1) Yaz (1)
August 23th
2009
10:20 PM
I had switched from Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo to Trinessa, and Trinessa was making my OCD and anxiety go through the roof. I was thinking that Yaz would be the best choice for me. I decided to talk to my doctor, and she gave me a month trial to see if I liked it or not. I messed up my pills a little bit, so I was late starting. I took my last placebo pill and finally started. It's been a lot of very light bleeding, and brownish discharge. This is my main annoyance with the pill. My periods are normally mildly heaving and last about five to six days. This period has been very light, almost non existent, and I am currently on day two. I have also experienced some mood swings, fatigue, and anxiety.
-- By lefebvre18 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message meI will be switching back to Ortho this week.