Experience side effects symptoms and conditions

Wow, it amazes me how many negative reviews this BC (birth control) received after doing a Google search and yet this RING FROM HELL is STILL on the market. And even worse, doctors who are prescribing it are CLUELESS. They don't give you the full extent of the side effects when you ask them about it. And when you don't ask them, they don't even tell you anything!

My first experience with NuvaRing was a positive one, or so I thought. I was on it for about 1 1/2 years, if I remember correctly. It cleared up my skin, made me gain weight (which is actually a good thing, considering I was always so rail-thin), breasts got bigger, didn't affect my sex drive...it basically took care of all the problems I was having before. However, looking back, I do remember gradually losing my mind, having dizzy spells, and depression. I don't remember why exactly I took the ring out, but I think it was because I didn't have insurance anymore to cover it. The experience of going off the ring wasn't too bad at all, from what I can remember.

NOW, just recently, approx. 9 weeks ago, I decided to give this thing a whirl for a second time because I mostly remembered the high points and I was dealing with acne breakouts on my cheeks when I turned 22 (which I never had before). I remembered how well it cleared up my skin last time, when I was dealing with mild teenage acne. Unfortunately, this time around, being on it for roughly 2 months, I didn't have such a great experience. Side effects came on strong immediately, and the worst I've felt. Like this one time, I was getting ready to sleep when suddenly, I felt like my chest was being sat on, like a sensation of heaviness or pressure on my chest and I could not inhale fully. I couldn't catch my breath if that makes sense. It lasted until I finally passed out from sleepiness. It was scary...also; I started to have acne breakouts as well, and developed rash acne AND 2 deep pimples that were large in size. This made me quickly remove the ring on the spot, even though I had just inserted 3 days ago. Other side effects included painful bloating, constipation, very bad cramps, negative mood, low sex drive, vaginal burning and dryness, occasional chest pinch or pressure, and zero motivation.

Also, quick question, has anyone experienced moments of complete stiffness or dazedness or whatever? For example, I remember I was eating a great meal and watching TV with my fiance when suddenly, I just started to slow down in movement. I just put my utensils down and placed my arms on my side, and my vision became out of whack. It went from blurry to clear, blurry to clear and I felt out of it and that something was very wrong with me. Like, I was spacing out hardcore. It was like being catatonic, but not fully. Not sure if this was directly related to the BC, but I've never experienced this before until I was on the NuvaRing...hmmm

Anyway, after taking the ring out about 4 days ago, I have experienced what seems to be yet a second withdrawal period (as well as headaches). And I just ended my "period" last week. Only had the damn ring back in for 3 days?? Now I'm concerned because I've read you can have side effects even while trying to GET OFF the ring? Such as hair loss, unrecovered sex drive, acne, and withdrawal bleeding which lasts for days to weeks. And I was only on the ring this time around for 9 weeks. I will keep you all posted on how long my withdrawal effects take to subside….

This is my personal experience with it and I think that the idea to directly penetrate hormones into our bloodstream with third generation hormones is just too much for us women to handle. Why is it that we women have to suffer through all this? Why don't men create a birth control for THEMSELVES and deal with it! After all, we can't get pregnant without a sperm so men should be on BC, not us! Grrrrrr…Sorry, another withdrawal side effect from getting off the ring (crankiness).

Good luck to all,
L.A.

hey everyone...reading every post makes me even more scared now. I was diagnosed with Bells Palsy on Jan. 13th. My doctor prescribed me prednisone and valtrex. 5 days, twice a day, 20 mgs. On the 18th i was finished with the pills. Very happy because the bells palsy went away. On my birthday, January 23rd. I washed my faced with Biore skin cleanser (which ive used for years) and it felt like as if my face was peeling off as i was washing it! I got so scared when i rinsed my face i actually felt my skin turning to leather. I got out of the shower and my face was round and beet red and my eyes were puffy and face was very very dry...The next day i woke up and my face was worse. I called my doctor and he told me go straight to the emergency room that i was having an allergic reaction to a skin chemical and get treated for an allergic reaction. I did just that. The hospital gave me another dose of prednisone. 60mgs the first day then again the same dosage that my other doctor prescribed me. Im scared to death now to take this pill. Yeah, my face went down and is not beet red anymore but what's going to happen next week once i come off??? i don't want to go against what the hospital gave me, but as im reading these posts, im up at 2:55 am and not sleeping..! help!

I was on Loestrin 24 for a year and was having issues with mild acne, which I have never experienced in my whole life. I was also having major issues with my contacts. My eyes were always red and really bothersome. Now I have been off of Loestrin for a few weeks and back on Yaz and feeling great! I love Loestrin since I would never get my period, except 2x in the whole year and it was barely there. But now on Yaz, I don't have acne or trouble with my contacts. Plus I had gained weight on Loe and now losing a couple of pounds. The difficult thing is that the doctors tell you that you shouldn't experience side effects from these pills, such as weight gain, since they are such low hormones, but I think it's definitely possible. Anyways, if you are on Loe and reading a bunch of this stuff and nervous, it's fine, it's a great pill and you never get your period! How great is that! And in the beginning there may be breakthrough bleeding and spotting, which is normal while your body adjusts. But if you have other issues, later on, you just have to decide if you prefer side effects or your period?? It's your choice! lol! I am loving Yaz though!

I have been getting Kenalog shots for over 5 years for rheumatoid arthritis and have never had 1 side effect. Mostly I had gotten them in the butt but once I got them in both knees because of the inflammation, I couldn't walk. If the doctor gives them to you in the butt and he knows what he is doing you won't have any problems.

I was perscribed Sulfamethoxazole for MRSA. This is my list of complications so far:

CANNOT FREAKIN SLEEP!
itchiness
confusion
some memory loss
moodiness
loss of appetite
jitteriness

yeah..some of them are listed as side effects...but most of them are not,but I found from websites like this, that several people experience side effects not listed.

I'm not worried. I'm just glad my infection is going away. I just don't like not feeling myself. It's sort of like Lex Luther...when he "goes crazy" for a few months on Smallville.

Hi, I was on Prednisone for a little over a month for Crohn's disease. I had minor side effects while taking it: couldn't sleep, no patience, dehydrated, dry eyes. It is the side effects from AFTER stopping prednisone that concern me. I''ve been off Prednisone for 3 weeks and I think I am losing my hair and getting acne-that I didn't have before or during taking Prednisone. Anyone experience side effects that started after stopping the med?

I have been reading all the comments and I can't help wondering if I am atypical, but I have not had any of these side effects. In fact the only thing that Lisinopril has done for me is to lower my bp. I was 130 over 90 and now 116 over 78, so it sure works for me!

I have been on Neutontin for about 8 or 9 years. I still experience side effects that I just can't get rid of. I take 400mg 4 times a day. I have swelling of my abdomin, hands, legs and feet. I feel drunk and ditsy. I have memory loss and find it very hard to concentrate. On the up side, I am very happy and feel as though I can accomplish anything when I take it. I have the courage to do things I normaly wouldn't do. I am taking it for seizures and also nerve pain from a back injury. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced anything like this.

I've tried other pills before and never had problems like I did with Yasmin. The first time I tried it I didn't experience side effects right away, but eventually I became extremely depressed, suffering waves of anxiety that made it impossible for me to do my job on some days and very nearly ruined some of my closest relationships. It took me a while to figure out that the feelings of despair and hopelessness were coming from the Yasmin. Even though these forums are full of women reporting these same symptoms, the manufacturer doesn't list them in the (already lengthy) side effects. Like other women have reported, I would wake up in the morning and just cry for no reason--it felt like my life was falling apart. When I quit Yasmin, I got better right away. Several months later I thought I would just try one of the remaining Yasmin pill packs I still had. It was such a bad idea! Within days I was struggling with very severe anxiety/depression and had to ride out the whole month. I'll never make that mistake again. This drug should be taken off the market if you ask me. The danger far outweighs the benefits.

I'm not sure why the side effects surfaced when they did or why some women experience this and others don't. Since I heard that the reason some birth control pills cause depression is because of vitamin depletion, I tried taking vitamin suppliments (especially B6) but the symptoms were so severe I'm not sure if it helped.

To desperate boyfriend(s) and others out there that might be struggling to understand the emotional side effects of Yasmin, I can only say that in my case the impact of the anxiety/depression/etc. on my relationship with my boyfriend was very significant. I became incredibly insecure, paranoid, oversensitive and emotionally needy and we had a hard time discussing my emotional state because I would only break down and cry whenever we talked. It was a complete nightmare. The only way we got through it was by recognizing that it was the drug, not reality, that was causing the problem. It was incredibly difficult to do, and I am very grateful that all that is behind me now.

Good luck to those of you who are still dealing with these symptoms and thanks to all the other posters here that have validated my experience...

I have been on ovcon 35 for about 3 1/2 weeks and have already begun to experience side effects. within the first 2 weeks I didn't notice anything too drastic but the past week/ week and a half they have begun to spring up like wildfire. I have been naseous throughtout the duration I have been on this but I also have an ulcer so I figured it was caused by that. Also I have been overly emotional and moody at points during my cycle where I never used to be. I began to experience what my mother told me was morning sickness ( naseua in the morning and stomach aches when I first wake up), I have agined about 3 or 4 lbs, my breasts have been extremely sore and sensitive and I also feel as if they are getting larger but they stopped growing about 2 years ago. The first two weeks i had spotting and my period came very early this month (the 3rd week instead of the 4th). This morning I experienced a very painful charlie horse in my leg which i have never previously gotten.. these side effects seem to be the norm after reading all the other posts but this is my first BCP and im a little bit nervous. It was prescribed to me because i have very painful menstrual cramps which, at times, have caused me to pass out from the pain. Does anyone have any recomendations of another BCP I could possibly use with different side effects or should I stay on this one??

I am a 41 year old nurse who has been put on Yasmin a few days ago for terrible cramps and PMS problems by a doctor from a world reknowned teaching hospital. My periods cause me to lose 3 days from terrible cramps and a couple of days from the PMS (depression beforehand). I was so excited to hear about this pill that I began taking it on day 1 of my period. I am prescribed to take it 30 days monthly, to stop my periods completely. I am on this site because the past day and a half has been a virtual gas brigade! I have not stopped diarrhea and gas that closely mimics colon problems. I am glad I found this site.
I must keep in mind that NO MATTER what BCP I take I will experience side effects, that is inevitable. I too will be more influenced by the words of the other women who are experiencing negative effects. I want to be positive about things because I have come to the end of the road in terms of solutions for my dysmennorrhea which is just getting worse as the years go by. I want to believe that this may be my solution. If after 3 months trial I am still experiencing this nasty gas and diarrhea and leg cramps I will certainly discontinue use and move on to some other option.
Thank you all for your input and remember sometimes the power of suggestion is not a good thing.

I've been taking Synthroid (Levothyroxine) for about 17 YEARS. I was diagnosed with Grave's Disease, and opted for the radioactive iodine. After two years of trying to control the disease with PTU (which has serious bone marrow depletion side effects) I decided to go for the one thing I knew would work. Of course, the treatment with the radioactive iodine is very tough to estimate, and I went from hyperactive to hypoactive. As a result, I'll take 200mcg (0.2mg) for life.

I think it's important to understand that Synthroid is not a drug. It is a hormone. When you take Synthroid, you're engaging in hormone replacement therapy (HRT). You really won't experience side effects from the hormone, but you will experience problems if the amount of hormone is not within a "normal" range. Too much or too little will be a problem for anyone. What's critical here is to take the hormone at the same time every day (without food -- calcium will block its absorption), and monitor your hormone level frequently to establish a solid baseline.

The hormone will take days, or even weeks to reach its peak, and the duration is variable. BECAUSE IT'S A HORMONE, TAKING MORE OR LESS THAN IS NECESSARY WILL PRODUCE UNDESIRABLE RESULTS. Any "side effects" are really the result of improper dosing.

Having said all of that, I've never had a problem with Synthroid -- once my optimal level was determined. I worked closely with my MD and together decided that I was best at the upper side of "normal." I've made only one change in the 17 years, and that was to increase the dose.

Here's something to consider: If it weren't for this hormone, and the science behind HRT, I probably would have died years ago.

I have been using Yasmin for two and a half years now and have not experienced any of the side effects listed on this page. In fact, I took Allesse for six months prior to starting on Yasmin and suffered horrible mood swings. I spoke to my gynecologyst and he explained that one women may do well on a specific brand of birth control pill while others may experience side effects on that same pill. You have to find waht works best for you.

21-year old male taking Levaquin for 11 days for sinusitis.

Side effects in chronological order:

Chest Pain and tightness/Tachicardia, high blood pressure, had to go for a ECG the day after beginning the drug. Brought it up with the doctor who told me it was not the antibiotic.

Tension Headaches (intermittent) and mostly towards the evenings/nights. Even had some pain in my right eye for 2 days, when I looked to the corner of my eye.

Neck and back pains, which I think may cause or at least exacerbate the headaches.

Insomnia as well.

I shall stop taking it today and go see my doctor to discuss this. I feel less worried now that I've been enlightened about how many people experience side effects with this drug. Of course you read the "possible side-effects" leaflet and dismiss it. I won't be doing that again.

Good luck to all, Thomas.

I've been taking Yasmin for two years. I always had severe cramps to the point where I would pass out. My doc said Yasmin would help. I was amazed how it helped w/ my cramps after about seven months being on the pill. I thought of Yasmin as the "miracle drug". I wouldn't have to take pain killers anymore!

Well...I've learned a lot today and I will not take this BCP from now on! I didn't realize that a lot of my "problems" were related to me taking Yasmin. I thought I was the type of person to never experience side-effects...that's why I never thought the pill was making me feel the way I did. I'm still in shock. My main concern was these unusual headaches I would get that wouldn't go away (and I still have it now! It's in one spot on the back side of my head...and it's always in the same spot). Two years ago, I had such bad headaches...and I even had an MRI to rule out a tumor and aneurysm. My doc diagnosed me w/ having Migraines. I believe migraines are hereditary (no one in my family has them). I did a little research and found out that oral contraceptives could trigger migraines. I had no idea! I looked up side effects for Yasmin and found this site. And a lot of my problems are listed here:

About me: Age 30, non-smoker, drink rarely.

Negative Side Effects:
- Headaches...localized, won't go away...more annoying than painful.
- Dizziness: especially after I eat
- Blurry vision: I never linked this, but I got prescription glasses shortly after taking yasmin!!
- Moodiness: I would get extremely angry at little things that didn't matter. I've noticed it would get worse each month. I am so not an angry person...now I know why I was acting that way.
- Shortness of breath...even when I wasn't working out!
- Chest Pains...about once a week. I thought I was having a heart attack.
- Achy joints
- Toenail fungus: I couldn't believe this either. My toenails started to look unhealthy. I just learned yesterday that oral contraceptives could cause this. Looking back, it started around the time I was taking Yasmin. Anyone else have this problem?
- Vaginal dryness: I've never had to by KY til recently! Never linked it either.
- Blemishes: some breakouts around period time...but not really bad.

Side effects I have NOT experienced: no weight gain, no anxiety attacks, no lack of sex drive, no brown spots on face, no nausea or gas, no or little pain in breasts.

All my symptoms didn't come at once. They've developed over the period of time I've been taking Yasmin. If they did come on all at once, I would have known it was the pill causing it right away and would have stopped imeadiately. I believe that all BCPs do have negative side effects. I'm going to stop taking these pills and ask my doctor to really evaluate my needs instead of using me like a guinea pig by giving me samples and just saying "try this or that...if that doesn't work, then try this." How effective is that? Well, the pill did work for the cramps, however, it brought many other bad things with it. I'd rather not take a BCP. I just pray my excruciating cramps don't come back! I wish all you luck.

I'm a 64 year old active femal and I've been taking Zorcor since the 22nd of April 03. I have developed a lovely case of tremors that are getting worse. I have gained weight, become really irritable and developed pain in my left knee.
I was relived to see the symptoms I've been experiencing could possibly be due to Zocor. I can at least stop taking the drug. I have taken two other types of Stanin drugs (both about 15 years ago) on one I became ill and the other I would have increased episodes of my scalp getting the creepy crawly feelings crossing it. It got so bad that it would go on almost all day long. My doctor kept telling me that it wasn't the drug. I did stop taking it though and slowly it went away but it really took years. My doctor told me if I experience side effects with Zorcor, to deal with it and try and get my cholestrol down again, it's over 300.
Good luck to the rest of you guys and thanks for sharing. It's been a help to me.

I was just prescribed Neurontin for PLMS (periodic limb movements in sleep) - basically, I twitch all night long. I also tend to experience side effects from most medications. I'm not on anything else except Prevacid for GERD and xanax as needed (about 1x/month). I also take a supplement for my joints, and 5HTP for mild depression/anxiety (works wonders!).
Can anyone offer some advice? Anyone else take Neurontin for RLS or PLMS? Sounds like most people posting here are taking many more medications than I, &/or have many medical issues. Was wondering what to look out for. Can anyone list some basic, common side effects, and those more serious to look out for? Thanks!