Honesty symptoms and conditions

iVE POSTED BEFORE ABOUT THE CHRONIC HEADACHES I GET WITH THE MIRENA, I ALSO GET PRETTY MUCH EVERY OTHER SYMPTOM EVERYONE ELSE SEEMS TO BE COMPLAINING ABOUT BESIDES THE WEIGHT GAIN I ACTUALLY LOST A LOT OF WEIGHT INSTEAD, WHICH I WAS ALREADY A PETITE PERSON WHEN I GOT THIS THING INSERTED I WEIGHED AROUND 118 AND IT DROPPED ME DOWN TO 100. SCARY....IVE HAD TO EAT THE EQUIVALENT OF LIKE TWO GROWN MEN JUST TO GET BACK UP TO 110!! I AM DESPERATE TO GET THIS THING OUT BEFORE IT TEARS MY RELATIONSHIP APART MORE THAN IT ALREADY HAS, CAN ANYONE PLEASE RECOMMEND A GOOD BIRTH CONTROL, THAT COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE ME TO GAIN WEIGHT!!!???
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP AND HONESTY LADIES IM SO RELIEVED I AM NOT CRAZY AND JUST THINKING UP ALL THIS IN MY HEAD!!!

Mirena the BANE of our existence! I had mine put in January 2009 and then taken out this week. I thought maybe I should ride it out for awhile, see if some of the problems went away with time... and to be honest some of them did. The acne subsided, the cramps lessened and the periods became virtually non-existent. However, the headaches, the mood swings, the tiredness and depression and not to mention 20lbs along with boobs that went from C to DD, I couldn't handle them anymore. Removal was uncomfortable but 1/8 of the pain of insertion. I had some clotting but it only lasted a couple hours. I have been experiencing a crash in emotions but nothing worse than a "bad" day with Mirena. The only real problem I have run into was the PA that removed it. Please learn from this experience and don't become discouraged by ignorant and book smart doctors...
My doctor had the audacity to tell me that all of these "symptoms" were probably my body returning to it's natural state, that is to the way it was before I ever went on birth control. I was on Ortho for 8 years before I decided to give myself a break and insert. So what this woman was telling me was that there were no documented side effects to legitimize my issues. She was saying in no certain terms that from the ages of 13-18 before BC, I was fat, moody, irrational, with acne, craps and gigantic breasts. I was offended to say the least and tensely asked her to take it out and put me back on the pill. Now I am just praying I don't experience another catastrophe with whatever this "woman" has decided to prescribe me. You can be sure I will be doing my research before putting anything else into my system. Thank you ladies for your honesty and thank you medications.com.

I have an appointment this week to get a Mirena fitted. It was recommended because I have low iron, and have bad peri menopausal symptoms. I have been told that it helps mood swings, you bleed less which is good for low iron and is a slow release progesterone that helps balance out the oestrogen levels. I have been recommended HRT hormones before to tone down the hot flushes and mood swings but have refused to go there so I guess the doctor felt this was a good thing for me. I don't need it for contraceptive reasons either. Gosh after reading all this I will be ringing on Monday to cancel my appointment. Never felt good about having a foreign device in my body. Thank you all for your honesty.

I have been on this for 6 days for a UTI. I personally am not allergic to sulfa drugs and have had absolutely no problem while on it so I can't speak to specific side effects but I do have something to say about it. I'm a little confused as to why so many of you believe that this drug should be taken off the market. Surprise, a lot of people are allergic to sulfa drugs which accounts for the vast majority of adverse events described by nearly everyone on this post. And guess what, every single drug comes with side effects (Tylenol, Advil, Tums, etc. are no exception) and you accept the risk of those side effects when you put it in your body and weigh that risk against the possible benefits. It's not your doctor's or the drug company's fault you're allergic! Antibiotics, including this one, have saved millions upon millions of lives. It seems intuitive but it evidently must be said: if you're allergic to it STOP TAKING IT and call your doctor so he can prescribe a different antibiotic. Seriously people, it's not rocket science. Hives are a pretty straight- forward symptom of an allergy and one that can be diagnosed by the lay person. I am a medical professional, but even if I wasn't, you don't need an MD behind your name to figure that one out. Why would you continue to take it after having an obvious reaction? (a reaction that, by the way, is a well documented, clearly stated possible side effect of this particular medication if you'd taken the time to ask any questions whatsoever regarding your own health, not a surprise adverse event of a bad drug) It's not rocket science, it's common sense people. When I'm prescribed something I'm not familiar with, my first question is, "What do I need to know about this." Even after a satisfactory explanation, I look it up before taking it. In fact, that's how I found this post. Which brings me to my last point, why is it that people blindly put things into their bodies that they know nothing about. If the pharmacist doesn't explain drug information to you in person, that's what the little drug safety pamphlet attached to your Rx is for. Read it, that's why it's there. OR, there's always the option of using this wonderful resource called the internet. Use your brains for god sake and take a more active, responsible, and informed role in your own healthcare process. You are ultimately responsible for your own health, and to be completely honest, you're one of the only people who actually cares about it (guess what, your doctor probably isn't one of them because he has a hundred other pain in the ass patients with no common sense to keep track of). Think people...

My Strangest Experience with Adderall Yet

First off, my deepest apologies if this post is way too long for it's own good. If anything, I'm surprised that I was able to write this much in the condition I'm in. I just strongly feel that people who are currently taking adderall should take get the chance to hear from a first-person experience while it's still fresh and some pointers from them, ESPECIALLY those who are new to taking the medication. This just may come in handy in the near future...

So for starters, I am currently a highschool student, as you know, the use of drugs such as adderall and other amphetamines are common in high school, and even in college. I currently have finals that I CANNOT afford to receive NOTHING BUT flying, perfect straight A's. Then again, schools and getting into colleges with so much competition have gotten much harder over the few years. Honestly, no really, honesty. I used to be straight-edge goody-two shoes, but the constant, beating high pressure of my grades and the dire need to receive straight A's cannot be helped and I eventually caved and gave in.

Grades mean everything to me... I gave up my sobriety for the grades, I mean, would you say that's unforgivable? Straight A student, responsible, healthy, and ambitious? Bad kid? I think NOT! So if you're in the same place as I am, I can't blame ya and people have no right to criticize your right to choose what are your priorities are and the sacrifices that must be given up. Don't feel guilty if that's the cause; you are not alone.

This reason for taking adderall is quite common actually, in the previous recent years. "A fall 2007 American College Health Association study found that over 90 percent of college students felt overwhelmed by all that they had to do.So it’s not surprising that some turn to illegal prescription drugs to boost their ability to study harder and longer. " (Source: http://www.bu.edu/today/campus-life/2008/05/02/other-side-adderall) In my case, due to the constant pressure from parents and the constantly-stressed beliefs that school, college, and your career is EVERYTHING, that's just how I am and I'm willing to take risks for it, even if it's my life FOR the sake of my future life.

I'm pretty sure there are those of you out there, who are going or have gone through the same experience completely understand and know what I mean. So for all you criticizing people! (Mainly those adults, who keep insisting that ALL drugs are bad for you and try oh-so hard to keep kids of drugs. You've had your time with all the bud and psychedelics, and whatnot, at least we didn't judge you! We're doing this for our future, so enough with criticism or cut the pressure.

We're not that much of mindless ignorant, juvenile delinquents that you think we are, cut us some slack, jeez. We're not stupid, we are well-aware that drugs have their side effects and consequences. I mean wouldn't believe that after years of programs school's offer such as D.A.R.E., that we get the big picture and we'd know by now? Lol when you really think about, programs like that become ineffective once a child has gone through his/or her teenage phase. It's the impulse to try things, to experiment. To do things for yourself, what makes you feel good and NOT doing what adults are telling you to do OR vice-versa, doing what they tell you NOT to do :P (ah, the first signs of teenage rebellion).

So what if they are bad and harmful to ourselves? We already know that, yet people all over the world continue to take drugs, despite the dangers and risks that they have to one's life and health. The warnings dont' stop them. You know why? Of course you do! Because people make decisions for themselves. It's the way of life. And that means, even if it takes some drugs to reach those goals. At least SOME of us, take certain drugs to get ahead and pursue something of value, so at least take that into consideration and believe that not ALL of us are drug addicts or miscreants because truth is, we're all really not that bad. So it makes you wonder, is it REALLY that wrong for people like me to take adderall for educational purposes?

Lol Eh, in most cases, blame it on the parents or the fact that it is extremely difficult to get into a good college or university :P No really. Duh. Thing is, there are also the psychological reasons behind why a person takes drugs. Whether it's for the high, the escape for emotional problems, or the just for the sake of taking them. I, on the other hand, had to make a choice on this. It was my decision, my reasons, by my hand. I chose this method. As a person, I rarely drink, smoke, blaze, or take any other drug as the matter of fact. I'm just taking adderall for the sake of college and other demands/requirements (No, it DOES NOT mean that they're encouraging students to take it, so don't take it the wrong way). I mean, I think I'm a good kid overall and I know taking adderall is not really the right way to go or path to choose; that it is a wrong, bad decision and abuse of medication. But again, hey I chose this, and it's my way of getting through parts of life.

I don't know about you but to me, it's completely worth the risk, side-effects, and the results.. I mean really, it's not like I overdose all the time or that I'm addicted (pray that I don't) on it all the time, truthfully this this only my 3rd time taking adderall. The last time of which went smoothly and pretty well, received nothing or any strange, out-of-the-ordinary side effects such as today. So, in case your wondering... No, my life so far has not become demoralized or unmanageable nor am I addicted to the substance, but I will admit that I have a slight tendency to rely on it sometimes. (Slight addiction or dependency?)

I took exactly 2 pills of adderall, rx capsules both of which are 20 mg.. which in total, equals 40 mg. I just want to know from what I mentioned above, what (like what kind of side-effects I should keep an eye out for) could pose as warning signals that I may have overdosed and perhaps, overlooked the effects, unaware of the risk I may be in. Maybe a few pointers and tips if you will, on how to lessen the effects, because as of right now, the numbing sensation is a little too much than what I expected and more than I asked for.

Unfortunately, I thought the first one got out out of my system but I'm starting to have rapid/heavy breathing, numbness (more specifically a tingly feeling) in my face/chest, both of my hands, and every time I get up to walk, my legs feel really numb/loose/weak, and it's starting to spread ALL (almost entirely) over my body, which obviously CAN'T be a good sign. Like I can barely get a hold of my head (feels like everything's spinning around) or my balance to even stand, never mind being able to walk :/ I was so woozy and dizzy, I almost fell on my way to the bathroom, which is only a few steps away! I can surely tell that I am not able to walk in a straight line. (Lights kind of dim when I'm woozy as I walk, like barely so it's not really scary, kind of trippy I have to admit). I am panicking but I'm willing and able to keep myself calm, the more self control I struggle to get the less numbness.

Despite all these things happening all at once, and that I should be panicking, I'm not afraid. I was well-aware of the consequences and the side-effects, i just never knew I would feel it so strongly. However, I am concerned with the the deafening of my ears. It occurred twice in the same hour, except just in the past 4 minutes ago as I was typing this, instead of everything becoming muffled, I only a constant grainy sound which kinda went with the rhythm of my numbness. All these prickly, numb feelings kinda synchronized with the grainy deafening.

I kinda like the feeling. And I am quiet satisfied with the extra push that I need for school, and the high that it's giving me. I won't say it makes you smarter, but it definitely helps me in my case. I was suffering from a major writer's block, but adderall definitely increased my productivity and made essays, test studying/taking, and just any tedious assignment a breeze, really. I apologize if it sounds like I'm trying to advertise this drug, but at least I'm being 100% honest. Really, couldn't have done it without and it really saved my life, now let's just hope if I DID overdose (cross my fingers that I didn't!) that I'll still live!

Again, sorry for coming off as if I'm taking this lightheartedly when important issues such as health/life is involved. Haha this really shouldn't be a joking matter, I just don't see the reason to panic. Blame the funny feeling that's causing me to behave this way.

Just from the past hour, I realized I started to worry a little, that worry grew into a slight concern, to a mild panic. And as my body quickly but gradually progressed in the numbness, I also noticed that my breathing gets even faster, and the numbness starts to travel in larger waves, which is not a feeling of which I enjoyed. So my advice, even though you're panicking, or if you feel to start get anxiety, TRY to remain cool. Doesn't matter what you do, a slap or two to the face to trying to out shake the numbness or just keep your body moving, (which I've done in the past 30 minutes, you'd be surprised that it helps a little).

But the one method that works for me is focus, let me try to explain the feeling when it starts to get a little overwhelming. Try imagining yourself like a camera, doesn't matter which (video or just camera). Picture that you're seeing through lens and maybe add the feeling of a something resembling to feeling slightly tipsy (but not exactly). It feels as though you're out of focus, try controlling, as spiritual and cheesy as this may sound, instead of panicking because as we all know, once a person starts panicking that's all they're focusing on.

One can only try to keep it together before his/or her anxiety levels worsen, which may have a possible amplifying effect of causing someone to believe he/or she is undergoing a seizure/heart attack. If anything, if a person was about under the point where they really believe they're going to have stroke, the MORE crucial and imperative it is to remain calm. The faster your heart beats which by the way, is a common side-effect, so don't panic just yet. You'll only make it worse. So the more you slow down your breathing, the slower your heart. And the less you panic, the less anxiety that causes your heart to beat faster.

So really try to focus on just focusing (if that makes sense), tell yourself to get a hold of yourself, and stay calm. As difficult as this may sound while in the state of panic, slow down your breathing. Your body is going to automatically breathe hard and fast, so it's really under your control. To help ease the numbness/tingly feeling if it's getting way out of hand, I recommend sitting flat on your butt, with your legs stretched out infront of you, this way the numbness/tingly feeling decreases and calms down just a little. While sitting in this position, lean forward, as if you're doing a pancake stretch or open pike. No need to overdo it, just stick out about 20 degrees from your hips, head over center-line. (Meaning your head has to pass your stomach).

To see if you're able to support yourself, try standing. Have something near to grab a hold on, or your legs will almost collapse like mine on my trip to the bathroom. If you can walk without toppling over or lose your footing, proceed with whatever you're doing, you're clear ;) However, if you're wobbling all over the place, I strongly suggest you take my advices above. I'm in this position as we speak, with my macbook propped between my legs, infront of me :)

IF ANYTHING, the very most important advice I can give you if you EVER take adderall or any other drugs similar to it, ALWAYS HAVE LOTS OF WATER IN REACH AND NEARBY. I DON' T CARE IF YOU HAVE TO KEEP A GALLON IN YOUR ROOM OR IN A CLASS WHILE TAKING A TEST, HAVE WATER WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES AND PLENTY OF IT. I REPEAT, THIS IS A MUST! I almost GUARANTEE you that you WILL get dehydrated and the effects of dehydration may worsen your state, more importantly your health.

So please, be safe. I thought 2 whole cups and 2 7.7 fl bottles of arrowhead water was enough, but boy was I wrong. My mouth and throat would get so dry that I would take like 1 swig every 5-10 minutes, so all that water disappeared shortly. Because I ran out of water, and still was unable to walk properly, I had a strong feeling that using the stairs wasn't a good idea.

Fortunately for me, I have an awesome older brother (who had also taken adderall and other medications before, might I add), to bring up a bottle of water for me. I'm so relieved that he was awake when I needed some assistance (Thank god he stays up late like when I do). I would've been ROYALLY screwed trying to climb my way down my huge, seemingly never-ending, staircase. Then my parents will definitely find out what I've been taking and that would lead to a huge disappointment :( ...unless i found some way to crawl back upstairs in time, which I honestly have to say may be the most impossible thing yet while under the effects of adderall :P

Anyways, this last bottle should do the trick and hopefully, last me for the rest of the night. I'm not positive but I may be coming down a little, so that's good news. I think.. Well there ya have it. My semi-scary, strange, odd-feeling experience ever.

As much as I was happy to give all that out to you guys, it all leads to one important question. From what you've read above and my detailed experiences, or even from your own experiences, the big question is... Did I overdose? Could it be possible that these signs and feelings/reactions are/were warning signs OR just part of the enjoyable high? Because I need to know whether I'm okay or not, despite that I'm calm and content. Truthfully, I can't tell and that I am unable to distinguish these 'feelings' from each other.

Because if the case is that I did overdose, that could be a big problem, either now or in the future that is, if I make it out of this one (Hopefully, its not life-threatening). I really need to know the body's signal(s) that will definitely let me know that I could possibly be in a bad situation, especially in case that this happens again and who knows, I may have really been in a dangerous state but really couldn't recognize it. So your opinions and sayings really do matter :) Not just to me, but to all the people who are asking themselves the same questions, worried out of their minds and in seek of help and advice.

So please, feel free to drop a sentence or a few. It would really help a lot. This way, I am more cautious taking the pill(s) and depending what your responses are, possibly lower my intake a tad bit. Or at least, just taking enough to get me working. Just the constant, tingly feeling makes me all giddy inside... So maybe realistically, I SHOULD be freaking out and panicking... Maybe even calling for help! :P But hopefully, someone out here will be kind to let me know your opinion and feel free to add suggestions before I resort to the sudden panicking and help :) Lol I bet by the time SOMEONE is finished reading this post and typing up their reply, I probably sobered up. Oh well, this ain't just for me, it's also for the rest of you guys out there, so this post will not be in vain :)

P.S. DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE YOU TAKE ANY OF THESE KINDS OF MEDICATION. SCRATCH THAT, DO RESEARCH ON ANYTHING GIVEN TO YOU, EVEN IF IT'S PRESCRIBED BY YOUR OWN DOCTOR! Trust me on this, it'll really help clear up thing and answer your questions, and more importantly, answers to questions regarding your health. I'm doing my research, why not do yours? It will only take a few measly minutes. As always said, better to be SAFE than SORRY!

R.-R. "nickname"

I was on percocet for 8-mos. for chronic joint and back pain. The Doctors never found out what the cause was and piled on the percocet. I was in heaven. It made my pain go away and I felt like the old me, happy and super friendly. I laugh now because I did not know at the time that I was on opiates. One day I was explosively mad at some issue with the kids and my wife gently whispered, "...hon, maybe it is the pills that are making you this way.". I was floored. Mt beautiful wife lovingly stripped me of all doubt that I was addicted, and that they were changing my personality. I stopped "Cold Turkey" right at that instant. It was horrible. I was in such pain! Every fiber of my being wanted to ease the pain just a bit. A week into my withdrawals (perfectly described elsewhere), the pain was gone. I remember the original pain being much worse....I was wrong. It turns out that when I got honest with myself, I could live with the pain. It was/is far better than needing to "Dose-up" before getting out of bed. I still have chronic pain, but I lost the monkey.

I am so glad I found this web site!! I am like so much of you but did not blame Mirena till now. I had a wonderful surprise with the pregnancy of my son, and never having been on birth control in my life Mirena sounded perfect for me especially cus we didn't want another child. I had it inserted 10 weeks after my baby was born in Oct 2006. I didn't have physical side effects but I do remember doing sit ups every day for 8 months and my stomach would not get flat. Well in the last few weeks I felt so bad about my body (my weight would go up and down 5 pounds, never more never less) and it was frustrating. I didn't want my husband to see me naked and sex was more of a chore. This is no way to live. So on Sunday It hit me what if its Mirena so I searched on the internet and god blessedly found this site, I called my Doctor yesterday and I'm going to have it removed today! I will post if its traumatic lol! Thank you ladies for your comments and honesty!

I have been taking Metronidazole for 10 days 500mg 3 times a day for a bacteria in my colon and in all honesty i have the metallic taste in my mouth , nausea , headaches , and cannot get erect.. I think it has affected me sexually because i am taking so much of it..This is the worst medication i have ever been on.

I am a 39 year old female in relatively good health. In the past year since taking Lipitor, I have had SEVERE thinning of my thick hair. I have lost nearly 2/3 of it, and luckily I had a lot, but I am thinning more quickly on the top of my head and you can now see my scalp. After reading this, I am stopping my Lipitor, tonight. I hope that my hair returns ... I have also had chest pain, leg pain, trouble sleeping, trouble with eyesight, trouble focusing, unexplained weight gain and extreme fatigue. I think I would rather take my chances with high cholesterol than be bald at 40. Nice eh? I complained to my doctor when my hairdresser called this to my attention, and she poo-pooed it and referred me to a dermatologist- who after months of waiting rescheduled. I will be BALD!

I am at the end of my 4th year with the Mirena and except for the first three months of on and off cramping I have have a wonderful experience - no weight gain, excellent sex drive. I have been very glad to not worry about pregnancy. However....here it is, I have been having unexplained itching for the last year and my doctor cannot figure it out. I have also been having heavy hair growth on my chin and lip...I am 39 years old. I plan on having it removed to see it the itching ends. I have been grateful to have it because I hate condoms and cannot take the pill. I think each person needs to weight the benefits and side effects. Thanks for all of your honesty :)

I had Mirena inserted one week ago and there was some minimal cramping directly after the insertion but I have had nothing ever since and I am hoping it remains that way. I am so sorry to hear of all the negative side effects that Mirena is causing some women but I am interested in hearing some of the more positive feedback.

In all honesty Im terrified my parents made me get the shot i got it about 1 year ago completing the cycle of 3 shots and I am hoping to god i don't get any side effects. I am 15 years old and after my first gardasil shot i began my period I don't know if this was due to the shot or not at the time i was 13 so i just hope that they pull this vaccine from the market it is destroying peoples lives and IS NOT WORTH THE RISK! THERE IS LITTLE GAIN AND SO MUCH AT STAKE I ADVISE NO ONE TO RECEIVE THIS VACCINE NO MATTER WHAT YOUR DOCTOR SAYS PLEASE JUST WAIT UNTIL THEY HAVE MORE RESEARCH DONE ON THE VACCINE DON'T MAKE YOUR DAUGHTER GET THIS VACCINE IT MAY RUIN HER LIFE 30 YEARS FROM NOW JUST PLEASE, DON'T.

I am 40 years old, divorced, 2 children, in a monogamous relationship for 2 years, all credentials as a perfect candidate for Mirena. I originally decided to have Essure, but my doctors convinced me to wait a few years, as it is peramament, irreversible. So last week, after much research, through the internet, and friends, I had Mirena inserted. I was looking forward to the spontaneity, and done with the side effects of condoms, spermicides, and the like. The first day was not pleasant, I had a terrible migraine, back pain, and heavy bleeding. Since then, the side effects have come & gone from time to time. I have experienced nasal congestion, stomach aches, diarrhea, more migraines, and fatigue. I decided to give it more time, in hope the symptoms would subside. Until the other night, when my guy told me he could feel the threads, and it was quite painful. I am not sure why so many of us have all these issues. I recall from the early 70s, there was much controversy regarding the IUD. I thought the research and improvements would make it safe & risk free. I can only say, that based on my mood swings, bleeding, cramps, and now this sensation my guy feels, he described it as a mini electrical shock, I am regretful of my decision. I will make an appointment to have it trimmed, and give it the 6 weeks to see if any effects improve, or at least subside. I wish I had read these blogs before I hade Mirena inserted, I would have reconsidered other options. Thank you to all of you for your honesty. I empathize & sympathize with all of you. I will keep you posted throughout my progress. Good luck to all of you!

Hello Ladies...There are so many comments that I could not get through them all. I am in my 3rd month on Loestrin 24 Fe. The first month I thought that I just had to be pregnant too based on all the symptoms I was having. My period has yet to start when it is suppose to start or finish when it is suppose to finish. The second month I thought that I actually was having a 3 day period but about a week later I started bleeding again for about a week. My cramping has been a lot worse as well. I know that you are suppose to give your body time to adjust to it, but I am not sure I can wait it out with this pill.

My doctor told me before I even started taking this pill that no birth control pill is perfect and that they pretty much will all give you some type of negative side effect from nausea to weight gain to dryness to lack of sex drive. I appreciated her honesty. My thought is that when picking a birth control pill its like picking THE LESSER OF THE EVILS. My fiance and I would rather not get pregnant right now, but I feel like a different person and I miss me.

*****

Hi, I had mirena placed two months ago after giving birth to my 3rd child. I wish I would've seen this site before I make my decision of using Mirena. My first symptom was chest pain and it was followed by heart palpitations, lower back pain, dizziness, heart burn, etc...... I asked my obgyn and he said "IS NOT MIRENA" the cause of your symptoms. I had to see a Cardiologist because I felt that I was going to die in any minute from a heart attack. My Cardiologist said you are to young to have heart problems. I had an ekg, blood work, echo, and stress test done. nothing seems to be wrong with me "Medical terms" you are fine. But I knew something was wrong, I got my own diagnosis "MIRENA" was the cause of all my symptoms. I have it removed about two weeks ago and I finally feel normal again. No more side effects. Please ladies do your own research really good before using this or any other medication that your doctor gives you and please DON'T trust your Dr. 100%, they are not always right. Good luck to all of you.

Thank God I found this site. My doctor thinks I'm mad, she has a Mirena herself and thinks it's wonderful. I had the Mirena put in because of severe blood loss anemia two years ago. I've had a headache on the left side of my head for 18 months. Heart palpitations right before my unpredictable periods, chest pain, serious stomach upsets, numbness and tingling that made me think I had MS or a brain tumor, and countless other frightening symptoms. I had Hodgkin's Lymphoma when I was 23 which was successfully treated, this Mirena has had me concerned daily that I had relapsed and that it just wasn't being picked up. I've been so frightened of what's been happening to me, but now I will INSIST that the thing is removed right away. Thank you so much for you honesty about your symptoms, I no longer feel alone.

i have been taking dorxy 100 mg once a day along with a .3% differin cream for mild acne. I have been taking it for about five weeks now. I am twenty years old. At first it only upset my stomach so I took it with food/milk and that helped. But as time progresses, I feel as though my symptoms are getting worse. I constantly have a headache, I am sensitive to sunlight (I do not burn that easily, but bright lights irritate me), loud noises, light headed, sick to my stomach, dizzy, confused. I have severe back pain and pain in my wrists, ankles and especially in my knees. Thankfully my boyfriend has been dealing with what could also be side effects, I easily change moods, I am depressed, I suddenly cry over ridiculous immature situations, I am insecure and refuse to believe anyone that compliments me. I loose my temper easily and never feel like taking part in sexual activity with my boyfriend. I also feel paranoid and worried at times, I feel overly stressed. I do have a lot on my plate with my personal life but I have never acted this way about situations before.

Basically, being happy to crying in half a second, always feeling tired and lazy, no energy, and not being hungry then starving, and feeling sick and dizzy are basically making me wonder if this medicine is worth these side effects. I do not want to risk putting my baby in danger if I ever get pregnant a few years after taking this medication and from what I have read, it could have a life long effect on our bodies.

Although my acne has made me miserable all my life, and seeing the results of it clearing up so quickly makes me SO happy, I am hoping that eventually I will grow out of it. Because in all honesty, we are putting our bodies through so much, all just to have clear skin! Someone out there thinks you are beautiful, regardless of your acne. So I am probably going to talk to my Dr. and discontinue the doryx. I just can't take the side effects any longer. Besides, I read online that in most cases, after you stop taking Dorxy, the acne comes back. Sigh, I don't know guys! This is a tough situation for all of us.

Best of luck, take care everyone. :)

I am soooo glad I found this website!! Please read further!!!! I had a horrible experience on the NuvaRing. Can't even begging to explain, but I want to express my knowledge to anyone that is on this site. I think doctors should ask every patient that requests the NR if they have had or have symptoms or have been diagnosed with depression, or at that, any mental illness. With women most mood disorders are somewhat hormonally linked along with some kind of chemical imbalance. The ring has a very strong hormone in it that can cause all sorts of problems for women in this category. However, it is probably great for some people. I was only on it for 2.5 weeks and I was screaming at my fiance for no reason then I would lay in bed and just feel hopeless and cry for hours. I know I have suffered from depression for a great deal of my whole life, but I had it under control until I put that little devil inside my vagina. We, my finance and I, thought it would be great to not have to keep forgetting pills and having a pregnancy scare once a month. We didn't link the two together until I told my therapist that I started the ring and he told me to immediately take it out!!! He said DEPO and NuvaRing are a big "no-no" with mentally frustrated patients. So, to all you ladies out there, the ring is good if you have never been to a psychiatrist!!! If you are on any type of SSRI or Benzo's then you obviously have a mental thing going on....stay away from these type of BC's because they are just simply toooooo strong. I hope this helps doctors and patients.

I HAVE BEEN ON THE LAMICTAL FOR 5 MONTHS NOW( FOR MINOR BI POLAR EPISODE). AT FIRST I FELT A LITTLE "SPACEY" AS I HAVE INCREASED MY DOSAGE EACH TIME I NOTICED VERY PAINFUL MENSTRUAL CRAMPS, WORSE PMS, EXTRA LONG MENSTRUATION CYCLE, JOINT PAIN IN THE HIP, FORGETTING EVERYTHING( LOSS OF SHORT TERM MEMORY), AND EXTREME TIREDNESS IN THE DAY AND NOT SLEEPING AT NIGHT. I HAD BEEN ON 75MG A DAY ( 2 IN AM, 1 IN PM) AND THEN UPPED MY DOSE TO 100MG(2 IN AM, 2 IN PM). THE SIDE EFFECTS ARE WORSENING, ESPECIALLY THE JOINT PAIN. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED PANIC ATTACKS AND IRRITABLENESS THAT I HADN'T HAD BEFORE. WORST OF ALL, IS THAT I HAVE GAINED ABOUT 27 LBS WHILE TAKING THIS MED. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS? PLEASE REPLY TO TELL ME THE BEST REMEDY.

I am a 31 year old mother of 3 boys. I had my Mirena inserted in June 2006 at my Dr's suggestion to trying a "worry free" birthcontrol. I had it inserted while on my cycle & it hurt pretty bad. I almost passed out & it took the Dr almost 30 mins to do the procedure because I wasn't dilating. I cramped for a couple days afterwards and then that was it............the beginning of the worst decision I ever made for my body! Since I've had my Mirena in, I've been back to the OB/GYN 4 times with pain & complications. I also have not had a period or any bleeding at all since insertation. About 1 month post insertation I had to go to the ER because I developed a Cyst on my Ovary that had ruptured. A pain VERY simular to labor! I visited the GYN Dr again at about 6 months after insertation to make sure it was in place & because of pain and back aches/cramps & I had developed more cysts on my ovaries. The Dr said that 20% of women who have the Mirena develop these Cysts. Shortly after that visit another one ruptured. At 9 months after insertation, I began experiencing pain with intercourse, still was cramping, having headaches and I went back to the Dr. The Doc said everything "looked" fine. But I was NOT fine......I had started gaining weight slowly about 2 months after insertation & have not STOPPED! My GYN Dr keeps saying that it's all in my head & can't find cause to my issues,his Diagnosis... Pelvic pain & Over Eating.

Today, I have had my Mirena in for almost 2 years and here's what I have been experiencing:

ME----------------------------------------------
Weight Gain---60lbs to date
Daily back aches---Constantly taking Ibuprofen & Tylenol
Depression---Family Dr gave me Prozac last month
Anxiety---Family Dr gave me Xanax last month too.
"Feel Like I losing my Mind" feeling
Ovarian Cysts---was given Naproxen by OB Dr
Enlarged Breasts--went from a C cup to a DD cup (1st side effect I noticed)
Acne---developed on my back
Headaches---Lots of them!
Night Sweats/Excessive Sweating
Hot Flashes
Mood Swings---(Bad!)
Dizziness

HUSBAND-------------------------------------
Says "That D*mn thing is Sticking me" & he's always "sore"

Due to Insurance issues I was not able to have it removed. My employer at that time did not cover BC. My family DR has been my Best Friend lately and Tells me to have it removed. He feels that it is what is causing all my problems and that suggestion was also recommended by the ER DR. I saw last month with my Anxiety attack.

I recently became eligable for Ins through my new employer & call my Dr yesterday to have it removed and to go back on the pill. I made my Appt for April 22nd.

BUT.......................................they called me today & told me that before I can have it removed I have to come in for a "Consultation" with my OB/GYN DR and explain to him WHY I want to have it removed, so we can "TALK". ARE YOU SERIOUS??? I explained why, all that I've been through, the weight gain, the past visits to them should be reason enough. I was told that I'm the "ONLY" patient who has had/mentioned these problems and if my Family Doc had any test or any records that support why I should have it removed I should bring it with me. I'M SHOCKED at their answers and you better believe My hubby & I are going to that "TALK with the Doc" next Wednesday! I Will have it removed on the 22nd!

I've done alot of research on my Mirena lately & I wanted to tell my story about my "Mirena Struggle". I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who has experienced these side effects and that I wasn't really losing my mind. I hope that after removal, I can get my life back and my health back in order. I wish you all the best in your decisions and I will keep you posted on my "recovery".

Ive been taking Biaxin for 11 days now - about to finish up my 12 day course of the stuff. The doctor gave it to me to treat a staph infection on my leg. Staph infection appears to be going away.
I haven't noticed the metallic or gross taste at all, which is weird, because of so many accounts of it here. I have noticed an increased appetite and really intense gas - sleepiness, lack of motivation, dreaminess, blahness. My dreams have been vivid too, but not nightmares. I just noticed swollen gums today. Its strange that I didn't experience the anxiety that is frequently reported - as I used to have panic attacks and constant anxiety back in the day. I guess a mild restlessness is pervasive.
The main thing is the increased appetite and the gas... But this could be possible tapeworms or parasites as I just got back from Guatemala. Maybe I got off easy with this drug? After reading this, not sure if I want to take the last 2 pills in my possession. hmmm..

What a wonderful site.. thanks for all of you and your stories. I too was a Lipitor user ... 20mgs/day for at least 6 years. I didn't notice any problems until last summer. I couldn't grip a golf club so I didn't play all summer. My doc told me it was arthritis. Strange, no history and never had any problems til then. As the months went on, things got worse. Burning in my upper left arm muscle, so intense it would cause me to have to sit down. Heart racing, pain in back, shoulder and jaw, I thought I was having a heart attack. Started reading about Lipitor and told doctor I wanted off. Of course he said no way and he did an MRI thinking it was skeletal. He sent me to a neurologist, who immediately told me I have statin myopathy. Cause...Lipitor!!! Amazing he admits this, also told me his own doc prescribed it for him and he will not take it because he sees too many patients with these side effects. I am liking him and his honesty. I have been off Lipitor for 2 weeks now. Hands are much better but muscle weakness and burning and sometimes tremors persist but I am optimistic that this may take time but I will recover.

I have been using the NUVARING for over a year. I have gained 12lbs because I am bloated all the time and want to over eat. I used to be active, fun and happy. Now I hurt all the time, my lower back aches like I am in Labor and my breasts hurt. Sex just grosses me out, which never happened on any other form of bc. I can hardly stand myself I am so cranky and tired.

I have a history of migraines (which I now realize began with my IUD which had hormones too. But nothing like the migraines with the NuvaRing.) The NuvaRing has seemed to worsen them and they last for weeks. Also, I barely have a menstrual flow and am depressed all time, no energy and am angry for no reason. My quality of life is awful and now I know why. After reading your blogs I removed the ring right away. My husband has made an appointment to ensure I never have to have birth control again. I want to be the happy, thin and pain free person I used to be! Now I have hope. This method of bc is not worth the problems it has cause me and my family...and my career. I am in "sales"...you can't be depressed and be in sales.

Thank you all for giving me hope with your honesty!! I thought I was going crazy.

Has anyone else had severe migraines last for weeks since starting the NuvaRing? Also, anyone here ever had the IUD??

I am very happy I found this website. I used Advair since August 2007. About a month in I was a bit moody and would loose my temper, but at Thanksgiving I went to Bali for a holiday and fell into an awful depression. I had no idea what was wrong but cried and was very irritable. Also thought everyone didn't like me and they were all mad at me. Paranoia I guess. I saw my GP when I came home and she gave me Lexapro, then Wellbutrin. I couldnt sleep, eat, sobbed all the time and never wanted to leave the house. I looked up Advair and saw a lot of others who had went into a depression on it. I have been off a week and I can only say that it has gotten so much better. I came off all the meds and I am eating normally, sleeping a lot better and the sobbing has stopped. I really think that the Advair was the factor. Hope this helps anyone who feels/felt like that.

Hi All, I am a 37 year old mother of 4, with a history of severe Hemiplegic migraines (up to 14 a month). I've been on Verapamil and Topamax for 7-8 months with a gradual increase of the Topamax to 150 mg a day. Before I start writing this I have to preface it with two things: First, Before Topamax I was one of those women my friends refer to as a "Supermom", I home school my kids and used to love it, we normally have a lot of fun and I have a successful, happy marriage. Second, on Topamax, I went from 14 migraines a month to 0. It didn't happen over night, they went away as we ramped up the dosage, but for the last few months I have had no migraines, I can feel it occasionally when my head is fighting one off, but nothing an Advil won't stop, and for those of us who've lived with trying to care for kids while having migraines (especially Hemiplegic) you may understand why I initially put up with the following: I started out with the tingling in my hands and feet (that went away in a couple of months), word finding difficulties (which never really went away, I just learned to accept it),occasional blurred vision which never lasts very long but which has been an issue the entire time I've been on the med, and weight loss ...I am 5'4" and was only 118 lbs to start with, and have nearly "disappeared" into a size 0 and 105 lbs, and it doesn't matter how much I eat, I've been trying 3 meals, snacks, cookies, candy, you name it, I can't gain weight. I was never nauseous, no diarrhea, I just don't get hungry... I had to start wearing a watch at one point to remind myself to feed the kids, because if they didn't ask, they weren't getting lunch until 2:00 because I wasn't getting hungry! Soda does taste like metal (fortunately I don't drink it normally anyway), and you do get loopy with one glass of anything alcoholic.
Then to add to the lovely appearance of skin and bones, my hair is falling out. Before Topamax I worked out regularly, I am even on commercials for my gym (recorded a year ago), since Topamax, I was so tired, depressed, and so afraid of losing weight that I stopped working out. Now a woman who has always made it a goal to set a good example for my daughters that a fit body is the goal, not a thin body, has her mother in law telling her that she looks "bulimic"! In August I noticed I was crying a lot, then I thought well, maybe it's the Topamax, so I started drinking more water and it went away... so I've been very careful to drink A LOT of water and only decaf tea while on this med, but apparently that wasn't enough, because a few weeks ago my husband pointed out that I stopped showering every day. I have been crying at the drop of a hat for a couple of months again, and I have never been someone to cry in public, I have even started crying in front of my daughters friends' mothers and near tears in front of her teacher over the littlest things... then last weekend I found myself with four hours to myself in my house for the first time in months and I was thinking about how I might be able to use it for unspeakable things like running away, or worse... if those aren't signs of a pretty severe depression I don't know what are, fortunately I recognized them and put them together with the memory problems, etc. As for the memory loss, there have been problems with that for months as well, my daughter has been telling me I "have a bad rememberer" , This weekend everything culminated and other people were recognizing the memory issues that I had been keeping private until now (including my husband). Before that, I would be in the kitchen cooking and forget what I was doing, I went to drive to a party this weekend and forgot where I was going, so I called a friends husband and he had to tell me four times where to go before I could retain it (at first he thought I was joking) and then I still couldn't remember the name of the place, only the # and street, I haven't been able to remember routes to places I used to drive... I'll find myself sitting at a light not sure where to go, and making mistakes with our money because I forgot whether I did or didn't pay a bill (something I've never done, we have always had excellent credit). On Topamax I went from feeling like an attractive, successful, good mom,with a happy family... to constantly stressed, even by things I had previously enjoyed doing, and a completely depressed failure... but I had no migraines. I have now been weaning off the Topamax for a few days. I was playing phone tag with my neurologist... so due to the urgency of the problem I took myself down to 100 mg a day. I have since spoken with my neurologist and I am going off of it completely... by the way don't ever discontinue this med without ramping off of it, doing so can cause a seizure. I am unbelievably grateful that I put 2 and 2 together the weekend I had time to myself and got lost going to the party and I already feel more awake, less tearful and depressed... I know that things will be ok anyway. I hope that anyone reading this who is having memory or emotional issues on Topamax and just brushing them aside (because they don't want to risk going back to the migraines or whatever), will get off this med. Please realize that this med could have cost me, my kids and my husband a lot more than my migraines ever will. I have never experienced depression before Topamax, and I can't say that I'm completely back to myself yet, but I hope that when I am off this med I will find normal again, and I pray it will be without migraines, but I know that I wouldn't wish these past few months that I've put myself and my family through on anyone. Now, I need to go take a shower :) , then I'm going to my neurologist to pick up some 25 mg samples to continue ramping off! Good luck to you all!