November 6th
2009
5:24 PM
I'm a 56 year old male. I'm taking pred as a trial therapy for CIDP, which can be described as MS "lite". The treatment has been three days of one gram per day methylprednisolone infusion, followed, for the rest of the month, by 20 mg prednisone a day. Then another three days of infusions, etc. It's called "pulse treatment." Side effects have been a bit of insomnia, mainly during the three-day period of infusions, feeling a little hyper, slightly hoarse voice, huge appetite. I seem to be able to control these rather well, and haven't gained weight, so far. I'm told I look a little flushed, but don't have a Barry Bonds face, noy yet anyway. The two side effects that have been problematic: Flatulence. Ever read Confederacy of Dunces? I feel like Ignatius O'Reilly. The most problematic has been the urge to pee, which is most intense a couple of days after the infusions are complete. It's really intense for two or three days, then subsides a bit, but still makes me get up in the middle of the night, something that I've only rarely experienced before. Tests for urinary tract infection are negative. Will do this treatment for a few more months and then get spinal tap and EMG test to see if there's an improvement. Haven't noticed any so far, but that's expected.
-- By jmarch | Reply | Private Message me
November 4th
2009
9:54 PM
wow, I feel a little better reading everyone elses comments. I've been kind of freeking out. I started Loestrin 24 Fe 3 weeks ago because my period was really irregular (I went as long as 8 mos without getting it). I've been getting side effects ever since starting the pill... for about a week my breasts were so tender I didn't know what to do, wearing a bra really hurt and not wearing hurt bc my nipples were really sensitive. Then I was really nauseous and started vomiting. I've been really moody and cry out of nowhere and have been spotting basically since i started the pill. NOW I've been bleeding heavily with very bad cramps for the past 6 days and it hasn't let up at all. I've basically been freaking out because my period wasn't supposed to start until a couple of days from now and I was starting to get worried it wouldn't stop. After reading everyones comments I'm going to call my doctor for other options bc this is ridiculous... I hate being irregular but i don't want to wind up having my period for practically the whole month along with all the other side effects that go along with it. Anyone looking to start this pill... DON'T, and those already on it, good luck.
-- By ladida318 | Reply | Private Message me
October 27th
2009
10:17 PM
Hi everyone I am sorry for your pain but am so glad to know I am not alone.I had Mirena put in a little over a year ago and since have gained 30 pounds,my mood swings are just as bad as they were when i had postpartum depression,and i to have the lack of energy and acne. My periods have just about stopped I bleed for only a couple of days very very light that and convince is the only thing i like about it.I have a doctors appointment in 3 weeks and hope to get it out.I think I will just have the surgery and become sterile its got to be better than this.
-- By bugsmom | Reply | Private Message me
October 22th
2009
7:49 PM
I have had my Mirena for 3 yrs. (Oct 2006) For a long time my doctor, nurse and I joked about how I was the poster girl for this product. I didn't have much cramping with insertion, had one slight period a month later, and have been period free since December '06.
A few months later I broke out with the cystic acne and they put me on Yaz. It seemed to help for about 6mths. I then went off the Yaz and was fine for a few months, until I broke out again. This time Yaz didn't work. I've delt with them ever since. In the mean time I started having troubles falling to sleep. It was very sporadic at first until this past Jan. (09) My doctor put me on 10mg of generic Ambien. In July she cut me off. I had a full blown panic attack! The next day I contacted another dr who doesn't have a problem with me being on them. She put me on several anti-depressants until we found one that seems to be helping.
I have always been a people person, full of life and love for everyone! Now, I dread going to the store, or taking my boys (11,9 & 4) to soccer practice/games!
My husband has mentioned from time to time that I complain of a lot of headaches. Come to think of it now, they happen nearly every day to one extent or another!
I've been researching the Mirena the last couple of days because of the acne and sleeplessness. MOST posts talk about the symptoms beginning right away, making me think I was crazy and just looking for a reason to feel this way!
My husband has been my rock and is very supportive of me. He has no problems with me taking it out, but will NOT get the sweet lil V done! ugh If I can get this out and have the acne clear up. I'd be HAPPY!
First symptoms: Acne
Then: Sleeplessness, Headaches, back pain especially lower, mood swings, anxiety/depression, oily hair, uncontrollable crying... I'm sure I could go on. The symptoms don't have to be instant. In my case they came slowly...
GOD BLESS!
-- By doasgirl | Reply | Private Message me
October 13th
2009
8:41 PM
I just started on this med a couple of days ago and it's already got me feeling ill. I have nightmares all the time, i was also just diagnosed with bipolar. Tired, slow movement, slowed mind, weight gain. Can't deal with this and i just started it.
-- By laketta30 | Reply | Private Message me
October 13th
2009
9:28 AM
Wow, after reading everyone else's side effects, I feel a little bit more normal. I just started the pack last Sunday, and the past couple of days I have been very emotional, angry, and crying for no reason. Also, my boobs are so swollen and sore! It's incredibly painful. I couldn't sleep last night, but I don't know if this is due to the pill or not. The doctor just put my on it to regulate my period, do you guys have any suggestions for different birth control that won't destroy my body?!?!
-- By stephanied | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
October 12th
2009
11:26 PM
I started on a 10-day course six days ago for chronic sinus infection. Strange things started happening but I didn't connect it to the drug at first... first night, I kept waking up and having weird nightmares, very unusual for me. On the second day a headache from hell kicked in and lasted about two days. This was really awful, just bearable, but I still didn't connect it to the amox until a friend sent me the link to this page. It helped to know what was going on because the doc told me NOTHING, which really ticks me off. I've also been feeling very, very down and hopeless, also not like me, and the last couple of days I've had strange aches and pains all over my body. These feel like they're deep inside and unlike anything I've ever experienced. I'm a male in my 50's and generally avoid drugs and chemicals of all kinds. This just reminds me of what's wrong with doctors... all they know how to do is prescribe drugs and operate. Forgot to mention the constipation followed by diarrhea on the second and third days. Ugh.
-- By westy49 | Reply | Private Message me
October 11th
2009
8:08 PM
Wow. I am in awe. I lost my mother June 7, 2009. I plunged into severe depression. I was already on Paxil. I started the generic brand of Wellbutrin (Bupropion) around June 30th. I noticed a big difference neurologically. But on to why I am posting... I noticed last week my hands were shaking uncontrollably and I could not stop them. I ran out of Wellbutrin and waited a couple of days to pick it up. I noticed a lot of the symptoms stopped. I have also had off the chart vertigo. I am talking extreme. I had tremors this morning and thought something was under the pillows on my sofa and jumped up to look. I then wondered if I was going crazy. I then went to my desk to work and crossed my legs on top the desk and the tremors started again.
I had thick bit fat hair naturally curly hair (which I still have most of it) . I started seeing hair everywhere in the car seat, the desk chair, on the sofa, the floor blah blah. Everywhere! If pulled on the end to check for split ends and the freaking hair came out. I notice last night that I could see through the temples of my hair and freaked out. So now what? Am I going to have to have a Donald Trump comb over. Seriously I had enough hair on my head for two people. You know how people buy really bad wigs that have way too my hair on them. They are long bushy and you know they aren't real? Yeah well that's my natural hair. So when I looked last night and saw what I saw - I totally freaked. The tremors this morning did it along with the postings here. I just flushed my entire bottle. I had only taken 3 out of it. I'm over it. I like my too big nappy natural hair. I'm going to do everything I can to get it back. My dermatologist friend told me to go to Costco and buy Men's Rogaine gel form (I'm a chick). Can I just say I'm about to put my little dog in my purse and we are off to Costco. This is really, really, really the suck. So here are the choices; do you want to be sane and bald? Or do you want to be semi-crazy and shake like a junkie? I say screw it. Hey, I have cold turkied off Ambien before (it took 14 days but do not try this at home!). I'm done with Wellbutrin. No guts, no glory.
-- By writerchick | Reply | Private Message me
October 8th
2009
5:54 AM
My post is going to read similarly to all the other posts. It's 2:45 a.m. and I got up, feeling like I was having a heart attack. I went online to see if I could learn more about Lisinopril. I've been taking 10mg for just over two weeks. I've been short of breath, wheezing, sore throat just started, had chest pains and palpitations, lowered body temperature, and mild anxiety. I was put on this medication to lower significantly elevated blood pressure -- at times as high as 212/106. That scared me! I don't want to have a stroke and yet, on this medication, I feel terrible. My BP is lower which is good and my headaches have subsided, but considering the side effects I've already experienced, I'm reluctant to continue with this drug. I see my doctor on in a couple of days and I'm hoping she has a better option. I also take Atenolol and am wondering if upping that dosage is a viable option as I've had no notable side effects with that drug. Thank you all for your posts.
-- By jblue | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
October 7th
2009
9:53 PM
I am 27 and I started birth control at age 21. I always had an irregular period with terrible cramping. I also had a very high sex drive.
The first pill I tried was Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo and I stopped taking it after 2 months because I felt depressed and I totally lost my sex drive. I always had perfectly clear skin and about a week after I discontinued this pill I broke out on my face and my back. I had a rash on my forehead. I also noticed a few dark hairs on my chin.
The next birth control I tried was the NuvaRing. This also made me depressed and moody.
I have now been on Loestrin 24 Fe for more than 2 years and this is the one that has worked best for me. The first few months I had my period and spotting. The first year on Loestrin I got my period once every 3 months and the period maybe lasted a couple of days and was very light. I must have taken more than 5 pregnancy tests. I asked my doctor about it and he told me that there was nothing to worry about not having periods. The second year my periods got even further apart. I went 5 months without a period then almost a whole month having a period (very light and a lot of cramping).
Besides having my period coming and going as it pleases, I feel great. My sex drive is still alive and I haven't experienced any mood swings. I do still break out on my face, usually around the end of my pack. I have not had a problem with breaking out on my back with this pill. I have gained a little weight, but after I hit 25 my metabolism really slowed down, so I cannot completely blame weight gain on the pills. I believe you have to work twice as hard to maintain a healthy weight when you get older.
With that said, I wish everyone the best on their BC journey!
-- By lo4me | Reply | Private Message me
October 7th
2009
4:07 PM
I was put on Yasmin myself sometime beginning 2007 and within a couple of days of using it I stared getting severe headaches, I was violently throwing up, I was extremely dizzy, I was also constantly tired, lethargic. My periods were constant and never stopping, just as they were on the adjective form too. I took me nearly 2 years to find a contraceptive that agreed with me. Finally I nearly gave up until one day my mother suggested why don't I try the contraceptive patch. So I went to my local doctors and queried it, he tried putting me off the idea as only 1% of women use it. But I tell you all ladies, since i have been on it, I have had NO side effects whatsoever, the patch even stays on whilst showering or bathing. My periods have never been so regular, my energy levels have risen, I have gained NO weight at all. I am truly amazed that so little women use it. I think it is THE BEST contraceptive there is. And unlike other contraceptives where if you want a baby in the future you have to stop the contraceptive and wait until it wears off, with this one as soon as the patch comes off you are well and truly free of contraception. It is amazing, I'd advised it to anyone. Only one minor tiny incy little side effect is where the patch was on, theres like little scratch marks where the corners lay. It doesn't itch and its hardly noticeable. Try it and see what you girls and women think.
-- By rhi84 | Reply | Private Message me
October 6th
2009
11:56 PM
My story is long and somewhat depressing. I have had horrible periods my entire life. I have tried birth control pills which caused migraines. I have tried birth control shots which caused 6 months of non-stop bleeding and endometriosis. Finally, I am told that I should try Mirena. I was hoping this would be the answer but it has been just another problem. I have had cysts every single month since insertion. The cyst always develops on the side that is ovulating and then ruptures a couple of days before the period begins (yes I still have periods). Sometimes cysts develop between ovulation and rupture quickly as well. Then the first couple of days of the period are hell because of horrible cramping pain. Yes, the bleeding during the period is lighter, but the periods are lasting anywhere from 9 to 12 days. I have been on prescription pain medication for this now for 6 months. I have no sex life because the pain is there every day. My hair is falling out and I am on the verge of tears all the time. I can not continue like this and have an appointment set up for later this month to beg the doctor to perform an ablation or simply give me the hysterectomy that I have been asking for over the last 15 years. My children are grown and I have no plans to have any more. Why do I need to endure this hell?
-- By mother04 | Reply | Private Message me
September 28th
2009
5:40 PM
I'm 24 years old and have never had a child. I've jumped around to different birth control methods.
I was on Depo-provera which made me gain mad weight, stop having my period all together and loss of sex drive. Then I decided to try Nuvaring...another poor mistake. I started having my period again and lost the Depo weight (plus some) but I became a loaded gun waiting to go off! I was biting everyone's head off and felt extremely bitter. It never stayed in place though and I felt like I was always fooling with it.
My next great venture (with which I'm still experiencing the "joys" of) was Mirena. I went to have it put in while on my period, a rather light one. The insertion wasn't agony but was no pic-nic in the damn park either. Afterwards I reinserted my tampon as my Gyno said was fine to do. I was in a world of pain by this time. I only walked a block before stopping at the nearest restroom and realizing that I was covered in blood and the pain was getting worse with each passing moment.
My boyfriend came to get me and I spent the rest of the evening crying, in pain and in the fetal position. It got better after a few weeks just in time for my check-up. The Gyno went on about the pain being 'normal' and that 'it would fade over time'.
Well, it's been 2 1/2 years and it still hurts. Sex in certain positions kill me, my hair is thinning, I've gain all the Depo weight back and just to remind me the bastard is there I feel stabbing pains randomly that last from a few seconds to a couple of days. I can still feel the string but c'mon....what's the freaking deal??
September 28th
2009
4:11 PM
The dermatologist gave me Bactrim to treat acne, I took the first pill in the afternoon and at night time I was vomiting and had fever.The next couple of days the symptoms went away but then they came back with itching, rash and lost my taste buds.I stop the medication and I am hoping that this symptoms go away. I guess I am allergic to this medication.
-- By pr70love | Reply | Private Message me
September 28th
2009
10:58 AM
I am 19 yrs old. I started NuvaRing about 12 days ago. I was hesitant to start with but my OB/GYN said it was the last thing to try to suppress my endometriosis. He assured me that the side effects were minimal and I'd feel like I did on the pill without having to pop a pill every day. After being on Depo Lupron for 6 months that sounded pretty good.
The first couple of days were fine, I just was a little tired but I thought that was from the surgery I had a week before. Then on the 5th or 6th day I started getting down for what seemed like no reason. Then I got this debilitating sharp pain in my lower left side. Not to mention heavy pressure. By the 7th day my depression was worse than it had been in about 6 months. My boyfriend told me that I seemed very much on edge and down. That upset me and I seem to be getting worse instead of better.. I started crying when a friend just said hi. I've only been on it for about two weeks now and I really don't think I can continue to be on NR.
September 18th
2009
4:12 PM
I was on Nuvaring for exactly 2 weeks and 1 day and for the first few days it was great. The only side effect I seemed to be getting was the breast swelling and tenderness. Then about a week in, I started getting cramps that were very short (5-20 seconds or so) but very painful, and then came mood swings. I was very depressed. I didn't want to go anywhere or be around anyone.I would get angry at my fiance and want him to shut up and go away if he tried to have a conversation with me, but then I would cry hysterically if he was on the computer or not paying attention to me for any longer than about 20 minutes. I didn't want to move from the couch. All I wanted to do was nap or eat. If I wasn't doing either of those I was yelling or crying. So, my fiance and I did some research and found that the nuvaring could cause all of that. I took it out, and my mood swings immediately became less severe, and now, after having it out a week are almost gone. The problem is, I just started my period this morning and I am just pouring blood like no one would ever believe, and I have cramps worse than I have ever felt before. I am wondering if I should go to the emergency room or wait this out and call my Gyno on Monday.
-- By curliegurlie1231 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 17th
2009
10:53 AM
I am in my early 40s and went on Loestrin 24FE 4 months ago. I have been very happy with it. it's been my first experience with BC and after the first couple of days, where I noticed I felt very moody, everything evened out and I have been fine. It doesn't even feel like I'm taking anything because I have absolutely no side effects. I take the pill every morning after breakfast. I know this medication is not for everyone, but I just wanted to put up a positive post to assure people that not everyone has a negative experience.
-- By 1967dako | Reply | Private Message me
September 15th
2009
3:47 PM
I'm 29 years old, and this is my second time trying Loestrin 24 FE. I took it a couple of years ago, and stopped. I couldn't remember WHY I had stopped, until now. My side effects are probably mild compared to what some women experience (as I can see from reading these posts), but still, they have caused me to have to take the day off work today, which I am not happy about. I'm on my fourth week of the pill, and just a couple of days ago I started the light bleeding. Although the bleeding is light, the sensation in my uterus has been terrible - almost the feeling of having cysts burst. Stabbing achiness that has lasted for a couple of days, and caused me to lose sleep (Not something that I normally have with a regular period). I have also been more bloated than usual, (which seems to come and go), I've been slightly nauseous, and have had this dull headache for the past couple of days. (Whether the headache is simply due to lack of sleep, I have no idea, but I normally don't EVER get headaches.) I realize that it takes a few months to adjust to the pill, but I sure hope my symptoms aren't going to continue on this way or get worse, as I understand some women have experienced. Comparing how I feel to what others are reporting here is helping. I realize it's not just me, and it's not just in my imagination. We'll see how the next couple of months go.
-- By azgirl | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 11th
2009
7:23 AM
August 4 ER visit following fall and opening of incision recent knee replacement surgery - given Levaguin 500 mg and Rx for 8 more. Feet
numbness started first couple of days - tingling - told doctor Aug. 10 and
stopped taking the drug on that date. Have to drive without shoes to feel the pedals. Gait now affected.
September 4th
2009
6:26 PM
I haven't gotten the Mirena put in yet but am terrified! I heard such bad things & then I found this site & I just want to get my tubes tied now. I am 24 and my fience is 30. We are trying to be responsible and not get pregnant until we feel we are ready and in the right place in our careers to support a child the way we never were. I did wonderful on Depo (no weight gain, hair loss, skin problems, nothing) but was taken off it due to the potential of lowered bone density after being on it for 10 years. I tried Ortho & Ortho-lo and both of them made me have bad mood swings, headaches, and I gained 17lbs. I tried Seasonique but that made me have migraines and the worst cycles of my life. I just got switched to a Progestin only pill that is supposed to be similar to the Depo but I can't take the every day same time pill thing. I can never find a good time to work with. The MIRENA has been on my mind for a year now and I just want the real honest straight up facts...not the doctor version. Please help me!
-- By desp2ntgetpreg | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
September 4th
2009
1:54 AM
I posted a couple of days ago about the hair loss I've experienced with Welbutrin and I have since went out and bought the GMC Ultra Nourish Hair since it's been recommended from those on this site. I also stopped the Wellbutrin last week (by slowly winging myself off) and I've actually lost MORE hair. It's all over the place when I shower and style and I have bald spots on my scalp (it's thinning evenly)...which is sad for a 29 year old woman (or for any of us experiencing this). I was hoping to hear back from anyone who has had this experience and stopped Wellbutrin. How long did it take for the hair loss to stop and for the hair to grow back? Will it grow back? It's so upsetting to shower and style my hair anymore because I lose so much.
Also, I wondered if anyone used any shampoo that helped? I did go to a Dermatologist and she said that I had Dermatitis and prescribed a shampoo which isn't working at all. I honestly think it's the Wellbutrin.
Any help or advice would be very much appreciated! Thanks so much.
-- By unlucky | Reply | Private Message me
September 4th
2009
1:54 AM
I posted a couple of days ago about the hair loss I've experienced with Welbutrin and I have since went out and bought the GMC Ultra Nourish Hair since it's been recommended from those on this site. I also stopped the Wellbutrin last week (by slowly winging myself off) and I've actually lost MORE hair. It's all over the place when I shower and style and I have bald spots on my scalp (it's thinning evenly)...which is sad for a 29 year old woman (or for any of us experiencing this). I was hoping to hear back from anyone who has had this experience and stopped Wellbutrin. How long did it take for the hair loss to stop and for the hair to grow back? Will it grow back? It's so upsetting to shower and style my hair anymore because I lose so much.
Also, I wondered if anyone used any shampoo that helped? I did go to a Dermatologist and she said that I had Dermatitis and prescribed a shampoo which isn't working at all. I honestly think it's the Wellbutrin.
Any help or advice would be very much appreciated! Thanks so much.
-- By unlucky | Reply | Private Message me
September 4th
2009
12:15 AM
I have had the Mirena for about 3 years now, I first started having noticeable symptoms about 6 months ago. I started having panic attacks out of left field. I am a very happy person, with a good life so I could not understand what was going on with me. I thought I was going crazy. My daughter had to go with my mother for about 2 weeks as I didn't want her to see me the way I was: having panic attacks, paranoia, depression, crying fits. I was put on celexa to help these problems. It worked for the panic attacks, but I'm still moody and can only sleep if I take a 2.0mg of klonopin. I have never had these problems before. I cannot say it was the mirena, but I doubt I have any other reason for it. I recently started getting really bad cystic acne on my face, chest, back, and even on my scalp. I have gained about 25 pounds and cannot get it off for the world. I only have one daughter and a lot of help from my husband and my mother, so I can't understand the feelings of fatigue that plague me. I have a horrible year. Just the anxiety and panic attacks alone have changed me completely. I thought I was abnormal and sometimes just wanted to die. I do feel better, but as I read, I wonder if taking it out will help with the weight, acne and fatigue as my other problems seem to have just vanished after only 2 weeks on celxa, which I thought strange but was thankful nonetheless. I spoke with my doctor today about removal and she gave me a rx for the acne and said we should think about it.... I think I'm all thought out.....
-- By egm1223 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
Mirena (78) Singulair (22) NuvaRing (21) Loestrin 24 Fe (18) Lisinopril (17) Yasmin (13) Levaquin (11) Doxycycline Hyclate (8) Yaz (8) Lipitor (6) Femcon FE (6) Wellbutrin (6) PredniSONE (5) Synthroid (5) Gardasil (5) Lamictal (4) Avelox (4) Zocor (3) Topamax (3) Omeprazole (3) Omnicef (2) Levoxyl (2) Simvastatin (2) Zyrtec (2) Keflex (2) SMZ-TMP DS (2) Toprol-XL (2) Sulfamethoxazole (2) Budeprion (2) Paxil (2) Kenalog (2) Cephalexin Monohydrate (2) Acidophilus (1) Warfarin Sodium (1) Lupron (1) Adderall XR (1) Lexapro (1) Advair Diskus (1) Fosamax Plus D (1) Maxidex (1) Hydrochlorothiazide-Lisinopril (1) Gastrografin (1) Metoprolol Succinate ER (1) Macrobid (1) Geodon (1) Lovenox (1) Amoxicillin (1) Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim DS (1) Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (1) Perio Med (1) Januvia (1) Seroquel (1) Epzicom (1) Bactrim (1) Lamictal Orange (1) Fosamax (1) Zoloft (1) Biaxin (1) Quasense (1) Neurontin (1) Nasonex (1) Adderall (1) Depakote (1) Tri-Sprintec (1) Necon 0.5/35 (1) Phentermine (1) Periogard (1) Imuran (1) Effexor XR (1) Lotrel (1) Chantix (1) Isovue-370 (1) Ultracet (1) Trileptal (1) Morphine Sulfate SR (1) Zipzoc (1) Advair HFA (1)
November 11th
2009
9:46 AM
I have been taking 20mg of Simvastatin every night for about 4 years now and after coming across this site I have decided to stop taking it. I have been feeling particularly unwell for a couple of days, decided to do some research and can't believe what I am reading on this site! For the last year I have suffered terrible pain and loss of movement in my neck shoulders and arms and shooting pains in my legs along with muscle tics. More recently dizzy spells and quite severe tinnitus and headpain and fatigue. I have also found that my muscles tire very quickly when doing the smallest of tasks i.e: changing a duvet cover! The night sweats are particularly bad which I have been putting down to my age but may be to do with the statins. I am praying that these symptoms will reverse once I stop taking them but remain skeptical after reading other peoples comments on here!
-- By suecar | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me