June 4th
2009
3:20 PM
I have been on Yasmin for 2 years and i was recently diagnosed with an eye disease called keratoconus which is loss of vision and cornea problems and Yasmin might have been the cause of it. I also have had excessive weight gain that i can get rid of, depression, sleeping problems, and hair loss. I am concerned because i do not know if it is healthy to just stop taking birth control but i don't want to do more harm to my body.
-- By amondora | Reply | Private Message me
May 6th
2009
12:35 PM
I never had anxiety or depression before and consider myself quite happy and well balanced. A unique life event all of a sudden through my head on a tail spin. I became very worried, had panic attacks, became depressed, emotional and lost a lot of weight. My doctor prescribed Paxil (20 mg). He told me that it could take up to a month for the drug to be effective. At first I was miserable. The stress and the Paxil taken before bed, gave me insomnia for almost a month (I never had sleeping problems in the past and used to brag about my solid daily 8 hours of sleep). After 3 or 4 weeks on Paxil, I became a new person. I do not feel depressed, anxious, and I am now able to sleep without taking medicine. The issue that triggered my depression is still present but somehow it does not seem that threatening as before.
I did however started having night sweats. At first I was very worried as night sweats can be related to some kind of infection, but having no fever was reassuring. I was at peace when I found out that Paxil can indeed cause the night sweats. I intend to wean off Paxil in a few months, once my issue is put to rest and will do so with the help of my physician, but for now I must say that I highly recommend its help.
April 10th
2009
6:10 PM
Back in October last year i was having really bad pain behind my eyes - they hurt on movement. I went to my doctors 8 times within two weeks - he kept giving me pain killers saying it was a tension headache. The last appointment i had with him id lost the vision in my right eye - they eventually referred me to the hospital. After loads of tests and questions they finally put me on Steroids and strong antibiotics via drip and i had MRI scans but by then i had lost my sight completed and was told i would never regain my sight as my nerves were severely damage. After a week or so on Prednisone my sight was getting slightly better in the left eye which was great i could think about seeing my son again. I have been taking Prednisone along with loads of other tables one for my bones and nerves and folic acid and very strong painkillers etc for months. I tried to reduce my dose as directed and my condition got worse the pain behind my eyes came back and they they said i had C.R.I.O.N so now im back on a high dose and im also taking azathioprine. I have experienced all the side affects of this drug - Round Face (moon face) server muscle cramp - i was unable to walk for 8 hours a few weeks ago i was in so much pain. Terrible bad back - shoulder blades hurts. Terrible spots. Really bad heaches. Eye pain. Water retention. Sleeping problems. Mood swings. Theres to many to list. This drug helped me regain my sight but i cant wait for the azathioprine to get into my system so i can start to reduce the steroid and start loosing some weight and get rid of all the other side affects.
-- By kerrypring | Reply | Private Message me
March 22th
2009
9:52 PM
I am 18 years old and I have been on the NuvaRing for about a week and a half...already I have been extremely emotional. I am the kind of girl who never crys, and lately EVERYTHING makes me cry or upset. Granted, I do have a lot on my plate right now which adds to my anxiety and stress levels so that could be it too. My boyfriend doesn't like the feeling of it when we are having sex either, and it causes a burning sensation for me when we are finished. Ive experienced sleeping problems as well. Im not quite sure if it is because of everything going wrong in my life right now..or if it is because of the NuvaRing. I have also been experiencing back pain.
-- By xoaox2 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
January 16th
2009
4:14 PM
WOW!! I cannot believe I found you all! I am having severe reactions after taking Avelox. I took it for 9 days, stopped it on 12/20/08. Sice then, I have continued to experience extreme dizziness, confusion, sleeping problems, stomach upset, depression and severe anxiety. Please someone tell me I have some sort of recourse here. I am about to lose my job over it. Thanks ~
-- By aveloxaftermath9 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
January 10th
2009
11:37 AM
Hi, I am a 67 year old male and I am glad I found these testimonies. I have been taking Lisinopril 5mg for over a year now and after reading all this you bet I'll stop taking it right away. My symptoms are pretty much the same as all of yours. Last night I had the worst episode, I started feeling a sharp and pounding headache which made me cry, along with memory loss, nausea, and my pressure was way up high. I really wasn't aware that this medication can make so much harm to your health, no wonder I felt so sick ever since I've been taking it. My symptoms are bloated belly, fatigue,weight gain, nauseas, hartburn, throat irritation, headaches, tiredness, sleeping problems, reflux and pressure in my chest. I hope all of this stops once I've discontinued this venom. This week I'll be seeing my primary doctor and we'll see what else she'll prescribe me,but I'll be sure to check it out first in the internet before I start taking it.
-- By acarlo42 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
December 20th
2008
10:49 PM
I have been on Topamax for about two years for migraines, and was very pleased that after the first month or two, most of the noticeable side effects (dizziness, flat-tasting soda, etc.) disappeared, and the Topamax has been very effective in cutting my migraines in half. However, I've recently begun to question whether other health problems I've been experiencing are actually Topamax side effects and I just didn't realize it.
The first is intermittent stomach troubles that have been ongoing for the last year. Starting last January, I started experiencing diarrhea, stomach pain, and other persistent gastrointestinal problems, and through online research, I decided that it was probably either a spastic colon or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I lost 15-20 lbs. in the spring and summer, but the problems would always recede before I took them to my doctor, then resurface just long enough to irritate me before disappearing again. It never occurred to me until recently that these could be Topamax side effects.
The other possible side effect that I assumed was an unrelated problem is interruptions to my sleep pattern. I have been experiencing some occasional bouts of sleep paralysis, and which researching this, read that in normal sleep patterns, one is supposed to enter REM sleep (when dreaming occurs) after about 90 minutes. I frequently enter into dream sleep in as short as a 20-30 minute nap, which does not seem to be normal. Again, researching this, the only two explanations that came up were narcolepsy, which I obviously do not have, and that my normal sleep patterns are being interrupted "by medication." So I'm back to wondering if it's the Topamax. Has anyone experienced similar sleep symptoms?
-- By mjd | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
December 6th
2008
4:19 AM
I had a Kenalog shot about a month ago, due to having more phlegm than even the doctor could believe. My allergies are heinous. However, I felt no relief from the congestion or mucus from the shot. (He also put me on Nasacort, which I've noticed, in my week of use, has improved things slightly.)
Anyway, for about a month, I've been feeling exhausted. This remarkable fatigue has been plaguing me. I can't get out of bed, I fall asleep any time I sit still for too long. And I get plenty of sleep.
So here I am, on the internet, looking up causes, thinking I could have thyroid problems or cancer. Until my chiropractor mentioned that it might be the shot. So I researched it, and have seen that other people are having fatigue and sleeping problems, as well. Now I think I know the cause.
In conclusion, the shot rarely helps anyone and mostly only causes problems. I suggest moving to California for allergies.
-- By entangledhere | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
November 25th
2008
10:21 AM
Started Januvia 100mg once a day in Oct 2008. Gained weight, Sleeping problems, headaches daily, cough, No improvement in my number they went to 300/400 at times, muscle aches to the point I did not want to even get out of bed, My heart felt like it was going to pound out of my chest at times I wondered if I was having a heart attack this lasted about 2 min, or so. Sweating, Numbness in both hands, this was worse at night I would wake with the numbness hurting. Numbness in the tip if my nose. Anxiety, no sex desire whatsoever, dizziness, I'm just a wreck at this time. I Stopped taking Januvia and with in 2 days most of the side effects had stopped or improved. I will NOT take this drug again.
-- By sonya_j | Reply | Private Message me
November 13th
2008
3:29 PM
I have had Mirena now since August 29th '08. I was one of the people that was lucky enough to not experience any pain what so ever when it was inserted. Not a single bit of discomfort at all!!! I did have my period though so that may have had something to do with it. But ever since I've had Mirena I've gained 12 pounds, my husband and I fight all the time, we have been together for 15 years and haven't fought this much as long as we've been together, I'm always depressed lately which is weird for me at this time of year because until Christmas I love this time of year!! I've had a few anxiety issues, I don't sleep at night, my poor kids I snap over the stupidest things, the fatigue oh my the fatigue. I've had sleeping problems for many years now but I can't even sleep on sleeping pills most nights either and I could before. The last couple of weeks now I've experienced gas (I mean gas very regularly) out of the blue didn't think that had to do with Mirena but then I started reading this site, some days I'm constipated others I don't stop going. It seems I get the "spotting" one week straight done for a few days then here it is again. My husband feels it when we have intercourse. If and when we have intercourse these days it's not enjoyable for me and not him either, he can tell it's not enjoyable for me, let alone he can feel the thing. I have a very clear completion (normally only get acne at that time of the month and only a couple), lately I've broken out along my hair line, getting pimples in spots I didn't know you could get them. And with the weight gain and acne it makes me feel real good about myself. I look like I'm pregnant again some days. And I'm bloated all the time. Oh the one I almost forgot about the hot flashes, I'm 31 years old having hot flashes.
I was thinking that my body just needs to "adjust" to this thing inside me, but after reading this why wait and make it worse with more symptoms I don't have yet?! Like the cysts, I guess as far as I know I don't have them yet.
I just want to feel like myself again. I'm a happy person, normally motivated to clean my house, normally don't feel like I have a grey cloud over my head, I hate feeling like I have a scowl on my face all the time. These are the memory making years for my kids, do I want them to remember the always crabby yelling mommy? No I don't. Well I'm gonna go cry now and call my doctor to have it removed. Thank you for having this site it's made me feel like I'm not going crazy and it's not just me! And you know what I will respond back in a few weeks after having it out and let you know if I've gotten rid of any the "side Effects" the doctors claim have nothing to do with Mirena!
October 31th
2008
7:00 AM
I have been making inquires as to how and if the fda will conduct investigations in to permanent damage left from this drug.Although on taking my son off this drug i saw a 90% improvement,i am still missing the final piece,is it that he lost 3 years to this drug or did it do damage that cannot be fixed,we as parents need to know.The FDA responded to my letter,they said if they see a trend in reports from medwatch,it may prompt an investigation .I am asking all who still have missing pieces to file a report.What has happened is a tragedy,we need to explore ever option for continued success for our childrens future.Good Luck to all,Keep Fighting
-- By flindy | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
August 3th
2008
10:08 PM
I keep feeling like I have to yawn and can't catch my breath I take 150 Mg of it I take it at about 10:00 am every morning would I be better taking it at a later time?
-- By albinaz | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
July 2th
2008
11:31 PM
I was on prednisone for a little over 2 months for my asthma and it got even worse so my dosage got upped and I overdosed on it and had real bad mental side effects from it. i'm a healthy male who has worked out for the last 8 years, i'm 22 years old and 225 lbs with a good build, i workout every day and run 3 miles a day. i was taking 10 mg pills 3 times a day and then got up to taking a 50 mg pill once a day and within 2 days of taking the 50 mg pill i was HORRIBLE. the mental side effects were so bad, i didn't even know where i was or who i was at times and now it's about 5 months later and i'm still noticing the mental side effects, not quite as bad, but it's like a constant headache that never goes away. i talked to my doctor and he sad that they can last several months after you take it but won't be permanent so i'm still just living with it and at times it feels like it's rough and tough to deal with but you just have to keep thinking that it will get better. the sleeping problems can also be a problem too, but for anyone out there who is debating on taking it, I WOULD DEFINITELY NOT RECOMMEND IT, STAY AWAY AT ALL COST IF YOU CAN
-- By noprednisone | Reply | Private Message me
May 5th
2008
7:39 PM
Our son was put on Singular almost 2 years ago to help with his "moderate" asthma. It has been the hardest 2 years for our family. My son who was already very senstive became very depressed. He showed no interest in anything. He was always sad and very down on himself. He had awful night terrors/nightmares. He didn't want to go to school or do anything. We continued to sign him up for sports/piano/scouts and it was a battle to get him to go. He always had headaches, which I thought were because of dehydration and made him drink water. We had him seeing a therapist trying to help him with the sleeping problems and the depression. We switched his room with his sister to physically make him closer to us at night. He was anxious and very irritable. If something went wrong, he couldn't handle it and had complete meltdowns. If he didn't eat anything for a while and his blood sugar got low, he was uncontrollable. To add to the problem was he was never hungry so I would have to force him to eat something about every 2-3 hours to prevent the meltdown.
The good news is that he has been off of Singular for over a month now and he is a new kid. He is excited to go to practice and will ask his dad to play catch with him in the yard. He is happier and we have not heard once "this is the worst day ever" which we had heard all the time before. He has not had one headache and seems to have a little bit of his appetite back. He is happy and holding his head high. Now, he still doesn't want to go to school (what 8 year old boy does), but he doesn't fight me when I tell him it is time to go. He does not have the meltdowns or the irritability. He even showed some empathy to my husband last week.
My husband and I are amazed at how different he is. We are also very upset that for almost 2 years we made his life miserable by forcing him to take this drug. I think for kids that are already sensitive to things it heightens everything! I am filing a complaint with the FDA and spreading the news to all my family and friends. I hope this information helps! I know I have learned a lot from reading these posts.
-- By denvermom | Reply | (5) replies | Private Message me
April 17th
2008
11:56 PM
Hi all. Thank you for the posts-- this helps put my own symptoms in perspective. I'm a 28-yr old female and have had severe asthma since I was a toddler--which resulted in a childhood full of long hospital stays and all kinds of toxic drugs which aren't even prescribed anymore. I've been taking advair for about 3 months and have noticed that my mood has been off. I'm normally a peaceful person, not easily rocked, practicioner of yoga, etc. But for the last 3 months I've had sleeping problems (very severe in the 1st month-- to the point that I couldn't sleep at all) and have been experiencing anxiety, with heightened awareness of my breathing patterns and the occasional racing heartbeat. I've *never* had anxiety before. I went in for an EKG and they found that my heart is normal. Since I'm not a worrier or a person who is prone to anxiety, this was very disturbing for me-- I couldn't understand what the underlying cause was. This has had negative effects on my work life and my personal relationships--I'm just not as energetic as I used to be. I'm going to go off the drug and will report back to this website if I notice an improvement in my anxiety levels and sleep patterns. If so, then the cause will be obvious.
I wanted to make one more post just to raise awareness about another asthma drug I've tried. I took singulair in the past (about 5-6 years ago). At first it was a wonder drug-- totally clearing up all symptoms allergy and asthma related. But it did a number on my digestive track for the first 3-6 months of use-- I could not digest anything (and I eat very healthily--lots of fresh fruits and veggies everyday and little meat). I eventually went off that drug and tried it again this past year after a bad bout of the flu and some consequent sinus infections. I only took it 3 times and each night I had a horribly violent nightmare. Normally, I'm what you might call a happy dreamer-- maybe an average of 1 nightmare per year, if even. I stopped taking singulair on the 3rd night, and on the 4th night my dreams went back to normal. This was truly a disturbing experience, and I feel sure that singulair was responsible-- all the dreams were of a paranoid nature. I haven't had a dream like that since, and it's been more than a year since I stopped taking that. Asthma medication seems to have the potential for psychological side effects that everyone should be aware of. It is only fair that doctors warn their patients so that they know what any possible changes in their moods might be from. I really wish my doctor would have mentioned something to me. I'm sure I would have tried both drugs anyway, since I also know that people react different to different medications. But I certainly wouldn't have stayed with Advair as long as I have, knowing what I know now.
I wish all of you health, peace and happiness. I hope you are able to get well and live normal lives.
-- By gradstudent | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
April 9th
2008
11:42 AM
My daughter had an appointment with a gastrointestinal doctor this morning because of her stomach problems. (She has been off of Singulair 10 days now and ALL symptoms- leg pains, abdominal pain, dizziness, sensitivity to light, severe mood swings, depression, anxiety, severe tantrums have all vanished) We kept the appointment with GI because our physician advised us to. He found it hard to believe that Singulair could be the cause of all of her symptoms. Well the GI also found it hard to believe that Singulair was the cause but said, "The proof is in the pudding." I have filed a complaint with the FDA on medwatch.com. It was very easy. I have also asked the doctor to file one as well. I also gave the doctor a printout of the studies done. Hopefully with more and more people filing complaints the FDA will act quickly. There is so much indisputable evidence regarding adverse reactions. It is unbelievable how many stories sound just alike. So many children have lost years of their life due to this drug. Parents have spent so much time and money trying to figure out what is "wrong" with their child. It is a shame so many have been incorrectly labeled all because of a drug they were taking!!
-- By rams0509 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
April 9th
2008
5:45 AM
I have been on Advair for the past three years after a severe asthma attack on Oct 2005....what a mistake..I got all the side effects possible...really! Rash, arrhythmia, tachycardia, eye problems, runny nose, shakines, depression, anxiety, sleeping problems, nausea, muscle cramps or muscle spasms, hoarseness or voice changes, sinus infections, abdominal pain, dizziness, etc, etc and it is gatting worse! I am on 100/50 once...every two days! I could not stand all of this anymore- Does anyone know about some other less dangerous medication (Albuterol gives me the worse arrhythmia) Is it sensible to note that Advair and another dangerous medication; Paxil are from the same maker: glaxosmithkline pharmaceuticals? No wonder! Any input/help will be most welcome-A very worry French guy in San Francisco-
-- By lolito | Reply | Private Message me
April 8th
2008
12:49 PM
Thank you so much for all the information! My son was prescribed Singulair pills this fall. He has been taking them for seasonal allergies and we had no problems. These were the sample chewable kind. Then came the pills... Unfortunately I did not see the news or read the article about the side affects of Singulair. Within 4 days my happy well adjusted 10 year old had serious sleeping problems along with stomach aches. He will wake up screaming and crying and cannot tell me what is wrong. He said he had a nightmare but doesn't remember what it was about.
My husband was away on a business trip when I started him on the medicine. He came back to a very unhappy and sleepy child. I asked my son what he was scared of and he asked me to tell daddy that he does not feel safe while he is out of town. He can't sleep unless he is by one of us. He's not safe. His bedroom is 15' from our bedroom! He loves his doctor and begged that I call Dr. Becky so he can talk to her.
I could not take this anymore and started thinking about what was wrong. I went through all his activities, friends he's played with, school problems, anything! Then it hit me, effects of Singulair!
Wow, what an eye opener. Fortunately my husband did not have him take it this morning. He will not be going back to this medication. Ever!
Thank you for the information once again. I hope everyone's child gets better. Everyone wants a happy well child. No child should have to go through this. They have enough pressure as it is without the meds making things worse.
Maeri
-- By mar7 | Reply | (7) replies | Private Message me
April 4th
2008
12:42 AM
Update: Our son has been off of singulair since the 28th of March.....he had experienced most of complaints and ailments that affect other children. Since then, he is still tough to get to sleep - probably a 3 year old thing - but is better that before. He is also sleeping much more soundly and waking on the right side of the bed. He is still complaining of the leg cramps and sometimes still limping around for a while, and also complaining of stomach aches... I suspect those too should disappear after some time, however, he is no longer complaining that the lights and sun hurt his eyes. It is as though a major fog has been lifted - he is listening to us more the first time we speak rather than having to fight over things such as cleaning, or behaving. He is not as physical with us or his brother as before. And, the most important thing....he seems truly HAPPY - he has been napping all week at day care, and is proud of his accomplishment! He is focused in Karate class - listens to his Sir - engages in the activity with the other children - is more vocal and energetic....and once again PROUD! His Karate teacher - Sir - noticed an immediate difference in our beloved son - he was so surprised that Singulair is to blame - he said that our son is a complete different child without a trace of the drugged, insecure, and quiet boy he knew a week ago.
This Saturday our little boy will be testing for his yellow belt and he is so excited that he can hardly contain his HAPPINESS!!!!!
One last thought though.....I am extremely worried of any lasting mental or physical implications this drug could have on him - what does the future hold for our son - could this drugs nasty side effects cause some crazy long term side effect we have yet to see???
-- By mommybaby | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
April 1th
2008
9:39 PM
These stories sound all too familiar! What a nighmare this is for so many people. My son is 7 yrs. old and has been on Singulair for 5 YEARS! His dr. prescribed it for "cold induced asthma" which was a complication from RSV. Just about every time he got a cold he would develop pnemonia. The Singulair along with a nebulizer seemed to help his breathing. At first he was clingy. He wouldn't leave my side. We had to take him out of preschool because of it. Then, slowly his behaviors got really weird. He experienced severe anxiety, depression, self hatred, worried that me and his dad were going to die, sleeping problems, seperation anxiety, trouble focusing, stomach pain...etc. I too thought that I must be a horrible mother. My 9 yr. old isn't on any medication and he is a normal child. I thought I was doing something wrong with my youngest boy! My husband and I were seriously thinking about taking him for mental professional help. We have been to his dr. two seperate times to discuss his behavior problems and he basically blew us off! There are no side effects listed (from his prescription) that have anything to do with behavior problems. I always check the paper I get when I refill his prescription. I haven't given him this junk since March 28th as soon as I heard the news. Finally, all the pieces of the puzzle fit! I have seen improvement already! Last night he actually asked to go to bed. Before it was a terrible struggle to even suggest that he goes to bed. He did his homework tonight without any difficulty focusing!! That was awesome to watch! I hope he continues to get back to the sweet and happy boy he was a such a long time ago! He and his brother share a room and have bunk beds...right now I hear (for the first time in forever) him laughing with his big brother! Oh, what a beautiful sound!!!!!
-- By laura_seeley | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
March 28th
2008
10:48 AM
My 8 year old daughter has been taking Singulair for 4 years. She immediately began having sleeping problems. I never connected it to Singulair. When she was 5, she had a check-up with her Asthma/Allergy doctor. I received a new prescription and had it filled at Costco. She became more irritable and the sleeping problems persisted. After I had the second refill and had the information sheet Costco had given me, I decided to read the about side effects. That was when I realized she was taking the 10mg dose for ages 15 and up at 5 years old. I knew she was taking a different dose but it was new script because she had been at the doctors and I thought the doctor had just increased the dosage. I called Costco and had them check the original prescription and sure enough they had entered it wrong in their system and was given an OVERDOSE. They did pay for any tests for Physical damage (blood work and liver), and gave me free pills that were dispensed incorrectly. I assumed everything was ok now that she was back on the 5mg. dose again. She has still continued to have sleeping issues and her aggressive behavior has gotten worse. She has consistently had stomach problems, daily! A month ago I had an evaluation done for academic purposes, When the Psychologist was done he was saying she was a sweet girl. I proceeded to tell him about her violent outbursts. Just that morning her brother, 6yrs.old, was walking by her and out of the blue she took the pencil in her hand and slashed across his chest. I told him these were typical of the behavior at home and I had tried all type of discipline to no avail. HE WAS SHOCKED. He said that wasn't her personality at all. After talking to him a second time, He said it was probably a combination of her age, hormones starting to kick in and sibling rivalry! I knew it was more than that but still never connected it to Singulair! Well, as of today she is off the Singulair. I can't wait to see if her behavior changes. I see these posting go all the way back to 2003! If only I had thought to look online first!
-- By lsonuga | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
August 8th
2007
7:00 PM
I have been two weeks on Remeron in combo with Ambien. It sure takes care of my insomnia, but I have nightmares every night, sometimes scary. It does not seem to help my mood swings, which seem worse than ever.
-- By maxooz | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
July 9th
2006
4:10 AM
I am on topomax for bulimia. it has been amazing considering the fact that i have no appetite and diahhrea all the timeand my menstrual cycle is off. also, i have the tingling sensation in my hands and feet, which hasn't gone away in a month-isn't horrible, though. i wake up in the middle of the night and very early in the morning. (never had sleeping problems like this before). also, very thirsty all the time, dry mouth, but can't seem to drink enough fluids. however, this has medication seems to help my eating disorder like nothing else. i'm going to half my dosage and see if this continues to work. although the side effects are there, until i'm comfortable enough to do this on my own and not binge, this medication has been a a life saver for me! it's worth it b/c of the appetite suppressant issue. i have no urge to use symptoms at all.
-- By sweetharmon78 | Reply | Private Message me
Singulair (9) Effexor (3) Topamax (3) Yasmin (2) Advair HFA (2) Zocor (2) Kenalog (2) PredniSONE (2) Lipitor (2) Lisinopril (1) Januvia (1) Mirena (1) NuvaRing (1) PrednisoLONE (1) Avelox (1) Welchol (1) Levaquin (1) Paxil (1) Avonex (1) Remeron (1) Guaifen-C (1)
September 26th
2009
2:06 PM
I felt I should share my story, even though it is quite lengthy, since it is similar, and every story helps those who are still unsure.
I went on birth control at the age of 15. I tried several kinds, but all of them made me nauseous. I was on Mircette the longest, and seemed to be doing fine. Then around '03/'04 I started seeing a new ob-gyn, who told me that my problem was that I had a low tolerance for estrogen, and that was what was making me feel so nauseous. She said there was a new type of pill specifically for women like me called Yasmin that had very low doses of hormones. I was excited about starting the new pill, and did right away.
I continued taking Yasmin until about a year ago, when I switched to the generic of Yasmin, Ocella, due to the fact that my insurance didn't cover Yasmin and it was becoming expensive. On the Ocella, which I took for two months, I felt bloated like I had a basketball in my stomach, constipation, and other issues. I was told by the pharmacist that I was probably allergic to the additives that are sometimes in generic pills. So I decided to find out which birth control was covered under my prescription plan, call my gyno, and switch.
My gyno called in Loestrin Fe, but they filled it with the generic, Microgestin. I took this for approximately 3-4 months, and felt absolutely terrible, with panic attacks, crying, sleeping problems- the whole bit. So I thought that I should go back on Yasmin, no matter what the cost, and attempt to regulate again.
I went back on Yasmin six months ago, and though some of my symptoms have improved over how I felt on Microgestin, I am still a mess at times. I have moments when I am anxious and moments when I am absolutely joyful. I get really angry over little stuff, irritable and snappy. Then I get weepy and feel terrible about being snappy. Then I'm happy again. It's an emotional rollercoaster. I was never like this before- my moods were even, and I handled stress well. And I was always pretty happy-go-lucky.
Physically, I have ear fluttering/clogging/pressure/popping/pain. I'm getting fairly frequent migraines, which I never had before more than once a year. I, too, have numbness on the right side of my face in which it feels like my eyelid is swelling, neck stiffness and pain, and numbness of fingers and arm. I went to the ER a while back because I thought something was severely wrong due to symptoms of dizziness (vertigo) and right-sided numbness. I have severe TMJ and jaw pain, which I didn't have before, and allergies, which I also never had before. I have heart palipitations and sometimes random chest pain under or to the side of my breast. All of these symptoms have started to occur in the last six months after going back on Yasmin.
I went to an internist, who did blood tests, checking for thyroid issues and checking hormone levels. My thyroid was temporarily hyper, but my hormones were, according to the test, normal. But when the blood test was done, I wasn't experiencing any symptoms, so I'm not sure if it's accurate.
My yearly exam with my gyno is coming up in November, and I'm going to discuss these things with her, but I'm afraid she'll look at me strange for thinking that these symptoms are related to Yasmin...
Ironically, the only time it seems that I'm feeling pretty good is when I have my period! Which I guess would be when I have no hormones in me whatsoever! I feel happier and my sex drive goes back up, and my moods even out.
I am now considering, after reading these posts with all of you that were kind enough to share your stories, going off of Yasmin for good. I'm not sure what, if anything, my gyno is going to recommend, but I was considering trying an IUD instead...
-- By meaganj | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me