Physical side effects symptoms and conditions

I discontinued the Nuvaring in April after 7 months. I wish I had never starting using it. I had many physical side effects and I am still dealing with the psychological side effects. I was the angriest, meanest, saddest version of myself that I have never been before. I had an increasing bad mood always and was in a severe depression. I became violent and unfeeling when angry and then cried afterwards not understanding how I could be this way. It's quite possible that the worst side effect is the one that won't go away - the effect on my relationship. I hope that my post helps someone avoid the pain and heartache "the ring" brought me. Beware the NUVARING!!!

I just stopped taking Yaz after being on it for a year and a half. I thought I was just going through normal ups and downs, but after reading this I realize that I was wrong. I couldn't sleep. I couldn't be alone. I had panic attacks. I was a horrible person on Yaz. I cried at least 3 times a week for the stupidest reasons. I snapped at my family and my boyfriend. It got so bad that my boyfriend broke up with me because he could no longer stand my mood swings. Yaz ruined a year long relationship. In addition I have terrible physical side effects- over the past year and a half I gained thirty pounds, my periods were never regular, I was thirsty all the time, I had horrible leg cramps and pains in my upper arms...I am now off Yaz and on Lexapro. I lost 15 pounds and have only cried twice in the past 3 weeks. I haven't felt this good about myself since I started Yaz.

I've had mirena for ten months now and it's the only birth control that i didn't have these mental breakdowns with. but the physical side effects are more annoying than anything. I had my period when the doctor put in the mirena and it never stopped... i had my period constantly for 7 months. and i'm STILL spotting. not only that i have this constant discharge that my doctor seems to say it's normal. well it doesn't feel or smell normal that's for sure. i have to use a tampon and change it at least twice a day to keep it under control. i'm embarrassed by it but it's the ONLY birth control that doesn't screw up my emotional system. condoms don't even work because i usually have an allergic reaction to it, even sheep skin! i'm so pissed off about it. my doctor says i'm fine and it's normal but i'm not gonna do this for the full five years...

I'm 41 years old and I've been taking Loestrin 24Fe for one week. Never having taken bc pills before, I didn't know what to expect... but I feel good so far. On days 2 and 3, I noticed that I became highly sensitive, emotionally, and I cried a couple of times over something that may not have made me cry normally, similar to the way PMS sometimes makes me feel. By the end of day 3 that cleared up, and I've been in a pretty good mood ever since. I haven't had any physical side effects at all.

i had the mirena put in approximately three months ago (nov. 08). i have been thrilled with it! (so far.) i have been on antidepressants (zoloft, depakote er) for years, and although i have never really had any physical side effects from my menstrual cycle, the mental ones were total anguish. basically 2 weeks (or more) of the month i was in misery, severe depression (pre-pms, pms, post pms). since i have been using this iud, my moods have been great! none of the outbursts, depression, etc...that goes along with hormonal changes of a cycle. HOWEVER, i am only three months into using this, and unfortunately have not been keeping up with my "cycles" (since i have had little or no bleeding). this month i am a little more aware and am noticing feeling bloated, ab. pain, a little difficulty sleeping, some cravings, etc...i do notice a vaginal itching that seems to happen mostly around a particular time each month (which i am assuming is my "period".) so far as sex, it seems like it may have improved, probably just because i "feel" good. basically, what it seems like is that i am happy (maybe too much so, perhaps from the antidepressants?), when i am not having my "period" and during my period, i'm just pretty much level. unfortunately, i am enjoying the "highs" very much, and am thinking i may put up with my side effects (as long as they don't get too bad) in order to continue having them. (i have had the paragard in for the past 10 years, 2 children before that). it feels good to feel good, and not have to "dread" and schedule my life around my periods, pms, post-pms. i am soon to be entering into menopause (i'm assuming) which is something i have really been dreading, thinking i will not be in the bed (but under it) for years. i am hoping that mirena will make menopause a little more manageable. another HOWEVER, i have gained weight, probably 10 lbs. that again is almost a trade off. although i have never really suffered much physically, i have suffered mentally for years, and though it's hard for me to judge with no experience, i certainly think i would rather have the physical! (at least when i'm in the throes of it!)

Thanks to all of you for posting your experience with NuvaRing. I've decided to take it out after a week and a half of use. There is the possibility of my body becoming used to these hormones over time, but I can't take these side effects for one more day. I've never been a huge proponent of hormonal contraceptives after having been on the pill previously in my life, but now I am certain that it's not in my best interest -- especially this method! I must say that the physical side effects are much milder than those of the pill; no severe cramping like I've had in the past, only mild nausea. However, my mental state has been completely unbearable! I am a very active, cheerful, love every moment type of person. Of course I become moody and even bitchy from time to time, are we not women? =) This is different. I have been severly depressed to the point of demobilization and even suicidal thoughts. I knew that the ring may be a factor but I planned on just pushing through until these hormones worked with me. Now I see they are working against me, endangering my work, my relationships, and even my life. Totally not worth waiting to see if it may subside. I've lost my all my optimism, motivation, and rationality since inserting this foreign thing and I'm willing to blame it all on NuvaRing for the chance that my state of mind will return to normal. TAKE IT OUT and find another way.

I have been weaning off Prednisone for sometime, from 50mg down to 5mg in two week steps, 5mg at a time. I've had quite a few of the physical side effects of Prednisone, though none so severe that I would have considered not taking the drug, as it is helping the neuropathy that it was described for. When I hit the 5mg dose, I really seemed to be having trouble with my mental state. I seemed to switch back and forth from knowing what was going on to wondering if I was starting to go insane or losing touch with reality. Hard one to explain. It seems to occur later in the day when I am fairly tired. Back on 10 mg for the last three days and seem to be tired but not so mentally confused. Don't know if this is all from the Prednisone, though. Has anyone out there had any seemingly similar mental things happen on this drug. Thanks in advance for answering if you have had these experiences, they are scary and am hoping that it is the drug and not something else.

I would like to know who is NOT experiencing side effects from Singulair.
We are not.
My 7 years old started Singulair three months ago because of allergy issues. She had asthma attack every other week, running nose all the time, she was so miserable, she missed many days of school and she couldn't exercise .Since she started to take SIngulair her allergy improved, no more asthma, no more running nose. SIngulair did not change her way to be. She is doing very good in school (she is above the average..) she does piano, ice skating, she is purple belt Tae Know Doe, speak two languages, she is doing great in everything. Of course she has her "bad moments" but which child does not?
I tried homeopathy, but it did not work, she got worst and worst. I was supposed to give SIngulair to my daughter a year ago, I did not because I was afraid of the side effects. But I wished I had started before because I could have avoid so much steroids since she had asthma most of the time. The doctor convinced me to use this medicine when she said " You think SIngulair has side effects, yes sometime it does, but do you know the danger of using steroids so frequently in a little body?" Then I thought I had to give a try. I am glad I did. Of course I keep watching my daughter behavior closely and reading all the possible side effects of this medication. I forgot to say that beside singulair my daughter is also taking Pulmicort, two puffs once a day.

as anyone who has gone off yaz started bleeding like it was their period? I took my daughter of this because of all the bad side effects, moody, depressed, dizzy, listless, liked to sleep, loss of appetite, and spacing out, and would get angry at anything, she is a senior u cant be spaced out in school. this morning she had blood when she wiped, like it was her period. if anyone had this let me know please

okay ladies, I'm not sure what you all are experiencing since I'm not a doctor. But I will tell you that a huge amount of your symptoms can either be age related or post baby related. I have four children ages 15, 6, 5, 3.
The beginning stages of the Mirena granted are not pretty and can last for months. I was having a terrible time with my periods and was out of commission for the first three days of every cycle each month. I have had my Mirena for almost 2 years now and am going on 41. I had to wait it out for about 6 months before seeing any huge improvements. I will tell you this, over eating and NOT eating a healthy diet of fruits and veggies will aggravate bloating and mood swings. You could have these with or without the IUD. I never lost my hair unless I was 3-6 months post partum.
A diet rich in potato chips, bread, meats and cheesy pizza will show on your hair skin and nails. The typical American diet will leave even your special guy moody. As we age the expectation is that we will always feel 18 and I have had to come to grips with how my body ages and how I take care of it. A new baby whether it is your 1st or 4th will cause unwanted fatigue. I still struggle with fatigue because not everyone sleeps thru the night including my hubby so my sleep gets disrupted a lot. There are several things you can do to help your Mirena work for you and not scare you. I NEVER lose my sex drive unless I fail to exercise even a little each week and have fought back with a super charged diet. I'm not perfect at it but boy does it ever help. Sugar has a HUGE impact on your hormones and fatigue level. Limit it. Got to bed as early as you can and avoid late night TV. Don't give your precious zzz's to some silly show that won't help you be a better person any way. Get moving and add a little (or a lot) of weight training to your days- your sex drive will soar and your body will thank you. Pray for wisdom. God will help. Sometimes he uses fatigue to slow me down and focus on what is really important. Granted not everyone can handle an IUD. But if you try a little self care and be patient you might find that it works for you. I had heavy bleeding and at my age the doc said I got it just in time because from 40-50 I could expect more of the same. I am grateful for it because I felt like I was dying every time I had a period. A little fatigue is worth the benefits. Keep in mind that even your little ones get tired. They need naps and they are kids. We need rest in the afternoons too. It's okay to stay off the phone and rest a little if you can. My energy drainers are TV, negative people, talking on the phone too much, eating too much especially when I'm not really hungry, the wrong foods when I do eat, and not getting sleep or exercise. Start small and see if over time it doesn't make a big difference before you throw in the towel. Blessings to all and especially the new mommies.

I am so glad I found this web site because I knew my husband was going through changes and I knew something was wrong. He was having mood swings, talking crazy like he was going to dye and we were going to be harmed if we left the house. It was very strange and not like him. He was very impatient and he had a cough like something was in his throat. He would cough really hard. I know at times he had a very distant look and a look of confusion. I asked him what the doctor gave him for his blood pressure and it was Lisinopril. He has been using this medication for about three weeks and I told him today was his last day taking this medication. We are going to use apple cider vinegar to maintain his blood pressure, fruits and vegetables and regular exercise and see an alternative medicine doctor.

Ten years on zyprexa and seventy pounds gained. Decided diabetes risk too high, tried to change to Geodon, horrible. Zyprexa has done me great good (no delusions, less paranoia, out of silent stupor) but after ten years I feel maybe my life and skills have progressed to point that I don't need it. Tried to go off it before but terrible physical side effects, ready to try again.
Think my very bad anxiety disorder is driving all other symptoms (including psychosis!) so will try antianxiety meds and then off to meditation. Ultimate goal: no meds.

I've had Mirena in for about a year and a half now. I've never had anxiety and depression so bad in my life! It was to the point where I had to get on ant-depressant meds. and I was going to get anxiety meds. tomorrow! My hubby and my mom urged me to come online and check out the side effects first and I stumbled across this site. I'm so glad that there's nothing wrong with me! This just isn't worth it! I'm going to warn everyone that I know!

I've been on 160 mg at night for most of this year. When my doctor switched me to a different anti-psychotic (Invega), I started having suicidal thoughts, so I went back on Geodon. I feel like I am happier and starting to do more things, but I have horrible physical side effects like brain zaps, energy running through my face and teeth, pins and needles in my eyes and on the tip of my tongue...It also gives me horrible insomnia. I have to take 25 mg of Ambien and 6 mg of Ativan at night just to get to bed! and then it makes me tired in the morning, so I take Provigil to stay awake during the day. I am confused as to what to do because I feel more sane and am becoming less preoccupied with myself daily, but these physical sensations are freaking me out!

I haven't had a whole lot of bad side effects from methadone. Mostly all good ones. I have started to gain weight but I think that means that I just need to start exercising and eating better so I don't continue to gain. And also I have had some swelling in my feet and ankles, itchy skin, severe drowsiness, confusion at times, sweating and hot flashes, irritability. But compared to what I was going through when I was a really bad drug addict that stuff is NOTHING!!! I am also off of drugs( except for methadone of course) and I don't even think about them or desire them at all! I have been like that since the very first dose of methadone. It is a wonderful drug that has saved my life and as long as you are careful and take good care of yourself physically and mentally and stay away from other drugs ( especially benzos) you will be just fine. You will lead a normal wonderful life. Having to go everyday to get it is a small price to pay. And as long as you don't use you can start bringing it home instead of going everyday. Its all up to you. Most people who die from methadone use are mixing it with other prescription drugs and other things that it shouldn't be mixed with. Just be educated about methadone. It is also a wonderful pain killer. Much safer than all the other narcotic meds. The negative physical side effects are minimal compared to all the wonderful stuff it does!!!!

I am 18 years old and finishing up my 3rd pack of Aviane this week. I have tried other brands of birth control and had to stop after only a month of taking them because I had severe depression. My mood swings were horrible the first month but now they are less frequent. I just started college and there is a change in my diet so all weight gain I know is from my pattern of eating and not the pill. Since I've been on this pill I have never gotten my period during the 7 "reminder" pills, I get it 7-14 days earlier and experience pms symptoms for about 5-7 days before that time. On top of that, my periods are lasting 7-10 days on this pill. I feel like I only have about a week where I am not pmsing or on my period. I have noticed a lot of hair loss as well, to the point it's starting to embarrass me. I also get randomly angry for no reason.

Despite these major down points, I am doing better on this pill than other pills. I am less depressed than on other brands, I have no problems with my sex drive, and my mood swings are less often compared to other brands. I can at least tolerate these side effects. But in all honesty, I'm frustrated. This is the third brand of pills I've tried and I don't know if I should switch because I feel like I'm always pmsing or on my period. I feel like I have to choose between emotional side effects or physical side effects with birth control. I do not know if I should consider trying another brand or just accept that this is the best experience I can possibly get while on the pill.

I couldnt believe all the posts on here, Im not crazy thank god. I've been on the NR for over a year now, and progressivly been getting more depressed, and feeling down right nuts sometimes. Along with feeling like my emotions have been totally out of control (crying for no reason), Ive had physical side effects from the stupid thing as well, weird discharge, really painfull swollen breasts, headaches (which Ive never had a problem with), Horrible (scary) blot clots when I do have my period. Ive lost over 45 pounds in the past year, which sounds great except it's from not having any appetite sometimes for days, not to metion the nausea I get when I do eat. My doctor blew me off regarding the emotional side effects, but now I know Im not the only one and it must be the hormones doing something to me, the ring is going in the trash today, hopefully I'll start feeling better soon.

I have been taking Lamictal for just over a year. Some of the side effects have been noticable for a few months, but others seem to just be appearing and getting worse. I have loss of balance and coordination, my vision is gettng worse, I have a hard time concentrating and finding the right words, I forget how to spell common words, I have short-term memory loss and feel spacey. I can always figure it out, but it takes longer. I began doing Pilates every day about 3 months ago and still cannot get the routine down and it is just as hard for my muscles as it was in the beginning. I can't seem to lose weight and have horrible acne on my face. I had 2 seizures before beginning Lamictal and am suppose to be on it for 2 years before trying to go off. Without insurance though, I am unable to do follow-ups w/ my neurologist and she seems unconcerned and unsypathetic to my situation, not giving me the time of day. She never even told me all of these side effects could develop, much less that they might begin long after I started taking Lamictal. Has anyone had these side effects after having taken the Lamictal for so long then stopped taking the Lamictal? Will these side effects go away after I stop taking it??

I took Doxy as an anti malarial precaution. Worked fine, no physical side effects. Did get bitten by mozzies in a major endemic area in Nuigini but no Malaria. However, for the time I took the drug (and I did follow doctors orders for the full course) I was visited nightly by the most vivid and horrible nightmares that made it quite an ordeal to go to sleep. Now, I suffer no mental illness or take any mind altering substances. I have heard annicdotally that other people have endured similar side effects. Any other Doxy dreamers out there?

hi all,
for all you ladies in the uk that want to report your side effects please fill out the yellow card section on the following website. i am so angry about the problems i have had since being put on yasmin that i really really wanted to do something. i know many ladies on here have listed sites for reporting the side effects but they seem only to apply in the USA. this is the uk equivelent. www.mhra.gov.uk click the yellow card tab on the right hand side or click on the online services tab on the top and follow the links there. please please please ladies do this,maybe if enough of us report the awful things we have suffered someone will listen instead of just fobbing us of with a dodgy diagnosis! it may also stop other women having to live the nightmare we have had to.it only takes a few minutes and could potentially prevent this happening to other women or at least make our gp's aware of the possible mental,psychological and physical side effects instead of just sending us off with a prescription for anti depressants.

hope you are all hanging in there...... sophie,silke,murph70..how are you all doing?

sarah

Hi everyone,
It's been 8 months now since my last pill. I am feeling so much better, but still deal with anxiety during ovulation and during my period. It is manageable, but still bothersome on a smaller scale. All the physical side effects and weight gain are gone, but this anxiety thing is taking a bit longer. At least I'm not living in a constant state of panic with repetetive OCD-like thoughts like I was a 4-6 months ago. It does get better, but just takes time. Take care all of you out there in Yasmin recovery. Good luck.

I've only been on Yasmin for a little over a month. I haven't experienced many physical side effects but my mood swings and such are terrible. In fact I'm sitting here crying as I type this....and the only reason I can figure out is that my boyfriend is an hour late coming. I worry constantly and my mood changes randomly. I get really paranoid and have these big stress and anxiety spells. I also seem to be more impulsive. I haven't had any problems with my sex drive or gaining weight, but I have had more headaches recently.

I was thinking I was getting used to Yasmin and the side effects were stopping. I realized I had a really good week last week...I didn't really connect until today that the reason that week was good was because I was taking the sugar pills.

Kenalog has been amazing! My allergies cleared up and I can smell more clearly than I can ever remember. No physical side effects, except that I have a mysterious (and assumed to be related) loss of reaction to spicy foods (I can eat hot peppers and they seem mild). It's a very strange effect, but it's certainly worth the positive effects.