October 17th
2009
2:17 PM
I have been on Wellbutrin SR for 1 year now. 100mg once in the morning. Have had 18-20 lb. weight gain, more anxiety(take alprazolam at night to help me sleep due to anxiety).I also at times hear a faint "door bell ringing" and am very short tempered towards my family.. Massive insomnia. I am trying to wean off and start over, but am experiencing major heart palpitations/anxiety along with alot more sleep issues. I don't know if my weight gain if from wellbutrin or alprazolam? My doctor said it was neither and it was because i'm in my 40's now. Wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!! Something is not right.
-- By cheryl68 | Reply | Private Message me
September 19th
2009
10:11 PM
I'm 24 and was switched from Yaz to Loestrin. My doctor indicated that this medication was around for awhile and would be similar enough to Yaz while being different enough to stop my spotting. Within the first few weeks, I noticed myself becoming dazzed and disoriented - like in the middle of the mall, I would forget where I was or what I was doing there, though only for a split second, and I forgot to take basic turns while driving to a familiar place and this NEVER happens. I also noticed immediate 5-10 lb weight gain, though I was eating healthier and exercising the same. And somehow I just did not want to be social at all (which is not like me). All of this freaked me out so I quickly got off.
-- By masha025 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 3th
2009
2:04 PM
I was put on 20 ml prednisone a day for PMR . My doctor said with such a low dose I shouldn't experience many side effects. WRONG! The first month was great. No pain and I felt better than I'd felt in years. Then the side effects started...every known side effect hit me. After being on the drug for two months I told my doctor I couldn't stand the side effects any more and to please ween me off. Two weeks ago which was end of third month I was completely weened off the drug. I still have blurred vision so bad I can't function...I can't work, I can't drive, I can't read. I can barely see at all. My question is will my vision improve? So far its seems to be getting worse and my vision was great before prednisone.
Depression was bad when I was on drug but seems to be even worse now that I'm off.
The only side effects that have diminished are appetite even though I haven't lost one oz of 40 lb weight gain while I was on prednisone and muscle cramps are not quite as bad. I am sleeping a little better and hot flashes aren't as bad..
-- By eambrose | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
June 8th
2009
12:18 PM
ok, so I am 28yrs old just had my second lap for endo and my doctor has recommended lupron, after reading this I am soooooooooo scared to even get near this med. Its like you either take this with the hope of saving fertility and no pain..or not and have endo ravage your body and you will live with unbearable pain!!! I have no idea what to do, my post-op surgery appt is this week, and i am so scared after reading this. Is there anyone that did not have weight gain, headaches etc...anyone that can testify that lupron actually worked for them? Cause right now its my health on the line, my ability to have children, my ability to have a normal life free of endo pain or these crazy, horrible side effects...please help me!!!
-- By lnbinion | Reply | (12) replies | Private Message me
May 20th
2009
7:58 AM
I had the Mirena removed after 5 weeks. In addition to bleeding which I expected, I experienced hair loss, 5 lb weight gain in 5 weeks, fatigue, muscle pain, poor concentration, lower back pain, blurred vision, foggy feeling.
I may have underlying thyroid issues which I will address.
April 5th
2009
2:39 AM
I last posted here that I started the ring March 6, 2008 that everything was going so far so good with the NuvaRing and its now April 5, 2009 and I'm getting off of the ring in one week and never putting in another one. In the past 6 months I have had no sex drive, few orgasms, a sharp pain underneath my left breast that comes and goes, and a 10 lb weight gain. I'm a 24 year old professional figure skater and should not be going through those side effects. I'm in excellent health and active daily. I have not had any headaches, no nausea, no depression, no fatigue, no acne problems, or spotting. I did not get on the NuvaRing to help my acne nor my periods, I got on the ring because I got into a relationship where I was having sex. I'm still in the relationship and its ruined our sex life. Not to mention I was paying $25 dollars for every ring and now its gone up to $54. I thought it was a smart idea to get on the ring because of the convenience but now I can do without it. Everyone should try the ring once to see how you react to it because EVERYONE is different. I'm just not interested in the aggravation anymore.
-- By missorange | Reply | Private Message me
March 18th
2009
10:31 PM
Reading these posts has given me a HUGE sigh of relief. I am desperate to find something else and get the hell off of Aviane. I think I've been on it since at least 2002 or 2003. Like many of you...I'm irritable, angry, cry, hungry, moody...an emotional basket case!! I start PMS 2 weeks before my period begins. I can flucuate at least 3-5 lbs a month. This month has been the absolute worst. I forgot to take a pill (totally normal for me to forget). I have had cramps, bloating, 5 lb weight gain ( I am training for a 25k, there's no way it's fat!), and actually have had my period for 1 entire week! I can not take it any more and I have a doctors appointment at 10:45 tomorrow morning! I will not leave there until I have a new prescription and an explanation.
SEX DRIVE- I am writing this in caps to get your attention. I'm 27 years old, married 2 years to my husband who I have been with for 7 years. I am completely and madly in love with him but have no desire for sex. We fight about it every day, without fail. For so long I felt that I was a bad person. I have no explanation for not wanting to have sex. I don't want to get used to feeling this way. Our sex life sucks. I wish it was better but part of me doesn't care because I don't crave it. BUT- i did before, so I know there's something wrong. I won't settle for this feeling and I don't want my husband to feel this way anymore! I want to show him that I love him. I can't wait to get off Aviane!
Did I mention that i'm always tired? I'm constantly finding ways to increase my energy. From coffee to red bull, hydroxycut, spark, you name it. My energy levels are pretty high while I'm busy or working out...but the minute I stop, forget it...I'm OUT! It's gotten to the point where I've fought with my friends and family. Did anyone else fall asleep at 10:30 on New Years Eve??- I'm 27, I have no kids....problem? I think so..
The only constant in my life is AVIANE! Gee....ironic? I don't think so. Thank you to all the women that have posted their experience with Aviane. I have read so many of them. I also read a lot of them to my husband to reassure him that it has to be my birth control that is making me "asexual" and crazy! I look forward to visiting with my doctor, forcing her to change my birth control and finally, looking forward to starting a new life...I HOPE! I will be happy to respond to this forum to share my new experience....tbd!
Thanks again to all you other bloated, irritable, crazy, emotional basketcases that aren't having sex more than twice a week! Gotta love being a woman!
March 17th
2009
4:08 PM
I am having mine removed next month. I've had it since October 2007. The Dr. made it seem like it was the best damn invention ever! I've had depression, sever anxiety (I am on Lexapro), low sex drive, EXTREME fatigue, extreme mood swings, about a 30 lb weight gain, the "butterfly" feeling in my stomach, minor hair loss, sleeplessness. i cannot WAIT to get this thing out of me! I feel so bad for my husband and kids, having to live with me since 2007 being like this!
-- By jamieb02 | Reply | Private Message me
February 13th
2009
8:58 PM
Please. If you are in your 20's and do not have children, do not get the Mirena inserted. I know a woman who had 1 child and then had the Mirena put in. Once, she had it removed, she had multiple miscarriages and never was able to have children again. Especially if you have not yet had a child. Please do not get the Mirena inserted. It could ruin your ability to conceive. I had my Mirena for almost 5 years. I have 3 children and am in my 40's now. I had it removed 10 days ago. I previously posted about the side effects experienced. The worst were the Migraines and 25 lb weight gain. In the first few days I lost 5 lbs. I also had heavy bleeding and had to spend 3 days mostly laying down.
Now, the bleeding stopped. I am not so bloated, and my head is clear. I was never overweight before. Not even after I delivered my first 2 children. Now I am hoping to lose the weight and keep it off. I find it amazing that the Mirena pamphlet in my Gyn's office said weight gain is not a side effect.
I also have not had any Migraines since I had it removed.
I have read about a few others who removed the Mirena themselves. I even tried to but was unsuccessful and had to have the Gyn do it. It's not a good idea to yank it out yourself because you might damage the uterine wall or hurt your cervical area. Please have the Gyn take it out if you can.
I will post again and let you all know how the weight loss is coming.
January 31th
2009
11:28 PM
I am 23 years old and started the NuvaRing in November. The first month was great the 2nd month started with:
Crippling heart burn, Huge mood swings, Anxiety, Fogginess in my contacts, decreased libido, 15 lb weight gain, Inability to sleep through the night, vaginal irritation, debilitating leg cramps in the evening, and an insanely itchy rash on my stomach and legs.
After reading through the symptoms to go to your doctor with I decided to throw the bugger in the trash. I am outraged to hear the apathy of everyone's health care professionals. They should be brought before the medical board for such negligence. Short of death what side effects do they need to see that this is a HORRIBLE form of birth control.
-- By nomorenuvaforme | Reply | Private Message me
December 9th
2008
3:00 PM
wow! reading all of the posts on this page really puts a lot in perspective. I had my little girl in July, and had to wait until October to have my mirena inserted. Like a lot of you it was painful. I stayed very dizzy, had to vomit, and had a lot of cramping in my abdomen and legs. I bled for a month and a half straight, very heavily, and then just this month no period no bleeding. Still, I have headaches every day, nausea, rashes, dry skin, cramping, mood swings, stomach pains, and no sex drive. I can not loose a pound of my pregnancy weight, even with a balanced, no sugar, low salt diet. I just maintain my terrible 250 lb. weight. This makes it so hard to work. I can not take oral contraceptives because of the estrogen, and have even had problems with neutrals such as fe's. I want to be on birth control, but I don't know if it is worth years of side effects.
-- By archeangeluriel | Reply | Private Message me
December 5th
2008
2:40 PM
I've been reading just now today of the side effects. What made me was I was at the dentist yesterday for a root canal. Couldn't do the original routine visit due to other worse problems had occurred. I've been on the Mirena for 9 months now. Guess what?! I've had every side effect that has been mentioned by every person. The new side effect that has not been listed is that I think it also has an effect on your teeth. The "Depot" shot has effects on your bones & teeth and I'm sure the Mirena has something to do with this year's bad review at the dentist office. In fact my habits of taking care of my teeth are great.... from drinking water all day long to now chewing sugar free gum...and since the Mirena my teeth are getting worse & worse! My dentist wanted to know what I was doing different? I didn't think of it at the time, but I have a hunch this is a source for my constant dental visits, not among the 38lb. WEIGHT GAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! & COUNTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this WILL BE REMOVED AS SOON AS THE FIRST OF THE YEAR.....HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ME!!! CAN'T WAIT!!! My husband thought I was becoming a hypochondriac(if i spelled that right)!!!
I
November 19th
2008
8:20 PM
so happy to have found this site! I have been taking loestrin 24 since mid July, making it almost five months on this medicine. IT IS HORRIBLE. to say the least. for almost a year and a half I was on NuvaRing, which surprisingly I liked, aside from the almost 20 lb weight gain and virtually no sex drive. Who needs birth control if you don't have a sex drive? So anyway, I switched to loestrin 24 in July. BIG MISTAKE. for the first few weeks of this pill I lost all appetite and hardly ate a thing. In the past few months I have been experiencing incredible anxiety, uncontrollable thoughts, and depression. This pill is messing with my head! It almost cost me and my boyfriend of two years our relationship because of the way it makes me crazy. I experience increased heart rate, especially when I wake up and strange leg cramps. I have always been funny, outgoing, and upbeat about life until this pill. This past weekend I was a social recluse and just felt like being alone. I cry over the littlest things and am so irritable when someone says the slightest things. I have been overly mean to my mom, sister and boyfriend over the simplest things. Something is not right with this pill. I thought I was just losing my mind until I read all these other posts. Thank goodness I'm not alone. I had an appt. with my OBGYN today, told her all my symptoms, and she gave me a trial pack of Femcon FE. I am very wary to start them because I have read it has very similar side effects to Loestrin. Has anyone found a good birth control that actually makes them a happy, normal person?! Jeeze, I am ready to swear off hormonal birth control for good! Please let me know if anyone has any experience with switching from Loestrin to Femcon? I just want to be my old, happy self again!
-- By crazy4soup | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
November 18th
2008
7:20 PM
After being treated for two major crohn's flares since 2005, I have had all the regular treatments for crohn's. Remicade gave me a liver abscess so the only choice left for Mass General Dr. I see from the MGH Crohn's and Colitis Center was Humira. It is helping to keep me in remission after a long bout early spring, but since Humira Pens were added to my treatments and medications I have had short term memory loss, lack of concentration and foggy head. I have been off and on Prednisone without the memory loss, but have had a bit of a fog due to it. This has been bad enough that after attempting over a month to get back to my teaching job, I have had to ask for a leave. Has anyone else complained about this problem with Humira?
-- By capthugh | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me
November 18th
2008
1:20 PM
I am a 27 year old who has been on birth control for the past 11 years. I was on Ortho Tri Cyclen for the majority of that time until my sophomore year of college when the doctor suggested I switch to the "shot". Depo Provera caused me to bleed continuously for several months on end and I was then switched back to pills by my new gynecologist. He placed me on a generic form of the ortho which again worked wonders for several years. At 25, I started bleeding constantly from the generic and was switched to several Loestrin 24 which completely stopped the breakthrough bleeding... initially. After a year of it, we were back to constant bleeding. The ONLY side effect I have ever experienced from birth control is breakthrough bleeding. I moved cities and with a new town came a new doctor who thought Femcon might work. I was prescribed it in May and have been taking it for nearly 6 months. Over that time I have been so happy with it as there is no bleeding except when there should be. That is until I read today that my increased anxiety (I have a diagnosed anxiety disorder to begin with), vivid, realistic nightmares, and 15 lb weight gain could be caused by this pill. I am getting married in January and my dress barely fits at this point because of the weight gain. I go to the gym 5 days a week for cardio and weight training yet keep getting fatter... I thought I was stressed out by the wedding and that is what was causing my emotional imbalance... I really thought I was losing it. I just called my gyno and left a VM asking if this could be the reason... Don't quit taking a birth control based on other peoples reports, they are all going to react differently to different people and all meds come with an initial side effect that goes away once your body is accustomed to having that hormone or chemical in it. Initial nausea is common... I have always had it when I started a new medication, especially birth control. It goes away after a couple of weeks. Will keep you posted.
-- By patriciacarol | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
September 13th
2008
1:08 AM
Vitamin D deficiency. Severe.
Fatigue/Exhaustion
B12/Folic Acid deficiency-resulting chest pain
30 lb weight gain post Yasmin
Plugged ears/pressure
Elevated potassium
Depression
Total lack of interest in life
There is a wealth of information of fellow sufferers at Create a Forum, under health, medications if you type in Yasmin. Or google Yasmin Survivors. Its an international forum that has grown exponentially.
August 18th
2008
11:09 PM
Blurred vision, 15 lb weight gain, irritability, insomnia, excess hair growth (exacerbating my PCOS), nausea, nightmares, fuzzy thinking, bad memory, lose train of thought mid-sentence. Been on 100mg for 3 months. Doctor upped to 200mg but after 3 days on it and 3 days of no sleep, I dropped back down. Helps a bit with my depression, but I feel sort of numb. Not as bad as on some, but not good.
-- By scarpetta1978 | Reply | Private Message me
August 4th
2008
8:20 PM
I was on lisinipril for 10 months. I have never felt so terrible in my whole life!!!! I am 34 years old and this was my first BP med. I had dizziness, bloating, 20 lb. weight gain, tiredness, pain in my arms, back and neck. I could barely eat yet I gained weight???? I had nausea and even vomited at times. I had anxiety, depression and my hands would shake. The symptoms would come and go so I figured this is how I have to live my life. So I tried to deal with it. I had to quit 2 jobs because of the dizziness and finally thank god found this website. After reading everyone else symptoms and knew I wasn't alone--- I decided to go to the Doctor's and get on a new med. I am now on norvac and I do not have a single side effect! All the symptoms of that poison are gone and I have never felt better!!!!!!! Get off lisinipril- It is not in your head-THE SIDE EFFECTS ARE REAL!
-- By kkkbbbrke | Reply | Private Message me
August 2th
2008
12:49 PM
Let me just start out by saying that I am so glad that I found this website!!!
I am 22 years old and have a 3 year old daughter. After giving birth to my daughter, I opted for the Mirena as my choice of birth control because of how convenient it was. I have never been good with remembering to take a pill everyday, so this seemed like the perfect option for me.
When I went in to get the IUD inserted it hurt like hell.The months to follow were not very pretty either. I experienced cramping, general pain in the abdomen and irregular bleeding. My doctor assured me that many women experience the same side effects the first few months, and that the pain and bleeding would eventually get better. It did...but the other side effects didn't.
For the past three years, I have attributed the following side effects to the changing lifestyle of becoming a mommy and a very hectic and stressful career. I have experienced severe lethargy and fatigue(even after getting a good night's sleep and sometimes a nap), decreased lebido(again, I am only 22 years old!), nausea after intercourse, feelings of being constantly bloated, 20 lb weight gain(after the baby was born!), irritability, feelings of being angry for no reason at all, measurable hair loss, extremely dry skin, facial and all over body acne(I have NEVER had a problem with acne until the past year). Honestly for the the past 3 years and especially int he past year, I just feel like crap. Almost like I felt when I was pregnant! I can't tell you how much money I have wasted on pregnancy tests in the last 3 years, because I have not had a period and I know that at 22 years old I should not feel like I am 60!
My husband told me not to have the IUD inserted, and he has been begging me to have it removed ever since then. After reading the blogs on this website I realize that my husband is right(darn!).
I am making an appointment immediately to have this thing removed. I am hoping that I will soon be feeling like my old self again. Good luck to everyone who has had this damn thing inserted. It is definitely not for everybody!!
May 25th
2008
2:51 PM
21 lb. weight gain, hoariness, night sweats, extremity cramping, hair loss, numbing, tingling and burning sensations in arms, hands, face and scalp, clearing of throat consistently, joint pain, muscle aches. Advair 250/50 for 9 minuths.
-- By lynnda | Reply | Private Message me
May 6th
2008
1:10 PM
Hello,
I was reading the information you posted about the side effects you were having from mirena. I too have been having problems-40 lb weight gain in 5 months and extreme hives/welts with joint pain. I called the FDA in Florida go to there website and they sent me a packet-also would love to get involved in a class-action lawsuit. I have since contacted a Class-action lawyer by the name of Justin Wikin 850-916-7450 to procede with a lawsuit email me with questions if needed
******
Amaya A.
-- By amayaa | Reply | (5) replies | Private Message me
February 19th
2008
8:53 PM
This is my third time on Topamax...and I am weaning myself off again...The first time I loved it! I don't drink pop so I could care less about the taste issues. I suffered some tingling so I took Magnesium for that, some fatigue, low blood pressure, etc. But, due to a rapid weight loss (I was already small) and low blood pressure my doctors took me off. Then when I put some weight back on and the severe migraines persisted, I was put back on. Then, lots of tingling, dry eyes, fatigue, NO weight loss (apparently it only works the first time for loss) and weird vision disturbances and feeling dopey and not being able to talk, teach to type. So, I stopped again. Well, I can't live with the headaches, so on again. Well, it's been over 2 and a half years total now and I am just now beginning to see the real effects of this nasty medicine. I have been "sick" for over a year and no doc (10 total) can figure out what's wrong!!!! I have been researching a lot and come to the conclusion that it very well may be long-term use Topamax effects...45 lb. weight GAIN in a year and a half, constant nausea, severe fatigue, skin rashes, female infections non-stop, dry skin, lips and hair, dental issues, muscle and joint pain, pins and needles in feet, eye twitching, constant cold hands and feet, metallic smell to hands, body odor,insomnia the list goes on and on...Some of these I just noticed when my neuro (who thinks Topamax is the only cure!) upped my dosage again due to daily headaches and I started researching. I am currently weaning off of 150 mg. (100 at night and 50 in the am). I have been on up to 250 mg before. Although it used to help my headaches, the side effects are just too much to bare.
-- By duncana2002 | Reply | Private Message me
January 26th
2008
6:53 PM
I was given 20 mg of Prednisone for 10 days for a rash and joint pain.
The pain went away and I felt great the rash got a little better. Two days ago I took my last pill. I woke up that night and my knees gave out. By morning I was great! Next night I woke with knee problem again had to slide down the stairs to the living room. I got to wondering if the knee thing could be associated with the Prednisone. I got on line and read all this terrible stuff. I am so Horrified! Today I am in pain like my body is bruised and my face is swollen a little. I have acid reflux as well. Non of this is typical for me. My knee thing is ok again, but I am just appalled! I have no MED insurance. I hope this isn't the beginning of worse things I am not taking that drug now. The Dr. didn't say I needed to taper...
I hope I have not damaged myself by taking this drug! My heart goes out to all of you! My question is - Why are the Dr.'s prescribing this terrible drug?
-- By harvesterbornagain | Reply | (24) replies | Private Message me
November 19th
2007
9:57 PM
Dear all
I am taking Synthroid 200 mcg for the past 3 months and have noticed at least a 10 lb weight gain(from 210 to 220). I am not overweight since I am 6'5, but I am worried that it may be from the Synthroid. Can someone give me some advice?
Thank You, Mihai .
Advair HFA (9) Mirena (8) PredniSONE (7) Yasmin (4) NuvaRing (4) Loestrin 24 Fe (2) Lupron (2) Wellbutrin (2) Tegretol (2) Lamictal (1) Topamax (1) Humira Pen (1) Ovcon (1) Advair Diskus (1) Singulair (1) Femcon FE (1) Aviane (1) Lisinopril (1) Desogen (1) Synthroid (1)
November 2th
2009
12:56 PM
I'm so glad I'm not alone. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in July 2008, so I was placed on really strong medication the cut the effect of my current BC to 50%. So I decided to have the Mirena placed. It was placed Jan. 2009. A few weeks later, I experienced tenderness and swelling in both my breast. I went to see my GYN and she said it was normal and it should subside soon, but she sent me for an UltraSound to make sure. The results showed that my milk ducts were dilated. (And I was not Pregnant) A few months later I was experiencing severe depression, mood swings,bloating, facial acne, cramps, but the worst one of them all was the itching in my breast. Not to mention the 25 lb weight gain and my breast doubled in size. I would eat at any given time and had cravings. I felt like I was pregnant all the time. When I mentioned the itching to my doctor, she said I needed to see a dermatologist. I saw one the same day, and he also said he thinks it's the hormones in the Mirena. So I had it removed today. I hope everything goes back to normal.....
-- By onekisha00 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me