June 15th
2009
8:00 PM
I am a female in my mid-to-late 30's. I was on Topamax for about a year. The memory, vocabulary, concentration, focus, loss of words and 'confusion' got so bad it became a real problem at work and the rest of my life. When I started forgetting how to get home, the neuro doctor took me off of it. Those problems decreased a bit, but never entirely disappeared. After weening off the medicine, the full-blown headaches/migraines returned (Topamax only moderately relieved pain). So now in addition to the pain in my head, I have the lingering sides-effects to deal with. It cost me my job. I've been off Topamax for over a year and still have not regained control of my own thought processes. Among other things, it's embarrassing because I feel stupid. I no longer understand about half of what I read, have trouble following (and remembering) conversations, habitually forget what I'm supposed to do/have done/am doing. Forget being able to follow a series of directions. I am afraid Topamax has caused permanent damage to my cognitive brain functions and I have no idea what to do about it. Has anyone else experienced this problem?
-- By maverhe | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
June 7th
2009
5:17 PM
I just recently got the mirena three months ago and i have gained about 20 pounds and i just can't stand it anymore. The day i got out of the hospital i was already losing weight i went from 156 right before i had him to walking out of the hospital at 135 i continued losing weight then 8 weeks later i got the mirena and my weight shot right back up to 150 i am not a big girl i am short and small boned i really can't stand being like this it has gotten to the point where it even effecting my sex life with my husband. I am also having major lower back pain. Lets just say come Monday this thing is coming out and i am going back on yaz which what i was on before i decided to have my son it works fine and doesn't effect my weight.
-- By henryjre02 | Reply | Private Message me
March 21th
2009
12:53 PM
I must admit I am very surprised by all of the side effects of Advair. I have been taking Advair 250 for years and have NEVER had any problems. I'm 28, healthy, thin, and happy. I exercise several times a week. ALL drugs have side effects. I don't think it's fair for anyone to say "don't take Advair, it's a horrible drug" because it works for some of us. I was taking Flovent before but it didn't work for me. I needed a rescue inhaler several times a week. Since I've been taking Advair I don't even fill my prescription for my rescue inhaler! All drugs have side effects, but they don't effect all people!
-- By boardpunkchic | Reply | (7) replies | Private Message me
February 8th
2009
2:35 PM
I wish I never had the mirena put in at all. I've had it for almost 2 years now after the birth of my third child. I let the doctors talk me out of tubal ligation. Boy am I sorry for that. It seemed ok for about a year. My periods slowed down, everything seemed kind of normal. But now I have irregular bleeding, like one woman described as old, stringy blood. My hair is SO thin I had to go out and get extensions, again, like another woman. I cannot lose weight no matter what I try, and I've always been very active and do some hard core work outs. Still, I'm not losing anything. I'm bloated. Headaches seem to be more present. I called my primary care and am making an appt for tubal ligation and removal of this horrible device. Perhaps some women like it. I cannot stand it and can't wait to have it removed. I just hope my hair grows back ok:( Good luck ladies!
-- By christinex3 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
November 20th
2008
9:20 PM
I had my mirena inserted in March of 2008, after talking to two different doctors and doing a lot of research about my options. I had been on the pill but was really irregular about taking it (which renders it almost worthless). Next I used Nuvaring--a GODSEND when I was in college! I never had to worry about timing and just sent for another three month supply through the mail. I decided to get Mirena when I knew my insurance would end when I graduated. I and 23, and have been in a monogamous relationship for six years which means my risk of contracting an STD which would lead to PID (which can be very very serious when you have an IUD, and the IUD makes it easier to develop PID) is low. My docs also told me the reason they usually only like to insert Mirena into women who have had children is these women's cervixes aren't as tight and closed as a woman, like myself, who has never had kids. This didn't effect insertion for me--it was a breeze after a few ibuprofen.
I've had my Mirena for over 8 months now, and after the first 3 months or so my cramps (which were in my lower back and were very sharp) and my bleeding (which lasted about a month) were gone. I had periods for a few more months..but I have been COMPLETELY period/cramps/bloating/mood swing free for the past 4 months. I'm very happy about Mirena! A little acne, but NOT a big deal. Please remember these posts are almost all by women who have had bad experiences...What about those of us who have had good experiences? Mirena, like any hormonal contraceptive, effects different women in different ways.
-- By jamieu | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
October 20th
2008
5:22 PM
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.
October 6th
2008
1:01 AM
I've been using NR for 3 months. My husband and I used to sneak around to have sex and now my drive is completely non-existent.I have been racked with anxieties that keep me up at night. I couldn't sleep just trying to decide on my presidential vote! (How silly is that?) I've been irritable and can't handle the smallest stress. I've been feeling so exhausted I have to take a nap after going out of the house for just 20 minutes! Previous to using NR none of these were issues for me. I was starting to believe I had hypothyroidism until I saw this site. This has been my first attempt at bc. I hope other options don't effect me like this so I get my old, happy, sexy self back.
-- By moviseer | Reply | Private Message me
May 11th
2008
11:26 AM
I am soooooooo glad to have found this site. I, like many, many of you, also thought there was no way in the world all my symptoms were being caused by the Mirena IUD, because all of my doctors have told me time and time again that the level of hormones being released by this thing is SOOOOOOOO tiny that it couldn't possibly be causing all that's happening. I had the Mirena inserted in February 2007... by August of 2007 I started experiencing hives all over my body that began as a burning/tingling in my hands and feet, and within a matter of a few weeks had spread to my entire body. I now have had this on-going rash (hives) that never has fully gone away for the past 9 months. My doctors all could not tell me at all what was causing it. I have been taking antihistamines like crazy to keep it "in check" but some days even those do no good. My grandma and mother kept telling me to get this IUD out, but I told them it couldn't possibly be from it due to what the doctors had told me and because I'd had it in since February and didn't get hives until August. However, I truly believe this MUST be the cause, as it's the only new thing in my life during that time period... I've always used the same soaps, ate the same foods, and NEVER have I had any outdoor allergies. It MUST be the Mirena. In addition to the hives, I CANNOT LOSE WEIGHT, have stayed at 174 pounds since having this inserted. I have tried exercise, dieting, etc. and notice NO changes. Due to the ongoing hives my body is going through a constant fight against this allergy, and as a result, my neck has a giant cluster of enlarged lymph nodes that will NOT go down in size. Probably because my body never gets rid of this foreign body so it's continually tried fighting it and just can't so they stay swollen. I had my lymph nodes biopsied and I do NOT have cancer... I am going tomorrow morning to have it removed immediately and I will be absolutely STUNNED if it turns out to not be the cause. I am THAT certain the Mirena has caused all of this. I would NOT recommend this IUD to ANYONE. It is absolutely the worst thing I've EVER experienced in my life. I plan to get in contact with the attorney mentioned in an older post below about the class-action lawsuit. I have spent 9 months of living in pure misery with burning, itching, red and swollen hives all over my body, living in total anxiety not wanting to leave my house and have others see me and think I have a disease. Not to mention all the time and medical costs that I have incurred from seeing doctor after doctor that can't diagnose me.
-- By carlyandlee | Reply | (5) replies | Private Message me
April 26th
2008
2:48 PM
I had Mirena in for about 10 months due to being 35, a smoker and in a fantastic relationship, and having children 7 and 5-just had it removed 2 days ago (Thursday Morning)...I met my boyfriend just before insertion and although he thinks I am wonderful (God love him!) I am looking forward to feeling and showing him the "REAL" me...I have always been very patient and calm and happy and emotionally and hormonally balanced (even before and during my periods!) But have progressively gotten worse over the 10 months and gained 10 pounds! I eat pretty well and am extremely active and the pounds just coming on!! So, between this crappy synthetic hormone and the weight gain...who can be happy??? I was the amazing most happy pregnant woman with both of my children for goodness sake, this shouldn't effect me this way!!! For the most part up until a couple of months ago, our sex life was still active, but started to subside (on my end) I've had NUMEROUS UTI's and some of them were just feelings of them but no bacteria so I decided enough was enough...now 2 days after removal I am bleeding heavily (heavier than ever, bled right through tampons and soaked my shorts...thank heaven I am off work this weekend!!) But the way I look at it is I am just getting rid of all the crap this Mirena has caused my body to undergo and I am excited to get back to myself again. My children noticed I wasn't normal and my boyfriend, well, I am looking forward to showing him the "true" me...if he thinks he loves me now then he's in for it...lol!!!! Good luck to all of you ladies who are also having the problems with this stupid thing...but keep thinking positive, I believe it will make our transition back to ourselves much easier and quicker!
-- By lauraos | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
March 31th
2008
9:11 PM
I have been in Lisinopril for about a month. I have a dry cough that keeps me awake at night, headache, fatigue and lightheadedness. My doctor refuses to believe the cough is from the Lisinopril. He said I have not taken in long enough for it to be side effects. He keeps increasing the dosage from 5mg then 10 now 30mg my blood pressure continues to climb averaging 150/100 not dropping below 140/90 and spiking to 177/118.My doctor is not concerned and says come back in 2 months. I am calling him tomorrow and if he doesn't change my med. I will stop Lisinopril and find a new doctor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-- By richie01 | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me
November 30th
2007
9:30 PM
By taking Yaz my estrogen level was lowered drastically which made sex extremely painful. I also had a horrible mood which I didn't attribute to the pill until I switched and saw a major improvement. I realize this won't effect everyone but if you are experiencing burning after sex, try switching BC to see if that helps...it did for me.
-- By bje17 | Reply | Private Message me
March 17th
2007
5:02 PM
the mood swing side effect is very real. I'm currently taking a very small dose of prozac to counteract it. it doesn't effect everyone that way, and from what I understand, it can be just a temporary side effect due to the titration. once you stablize on a dose, it should lessen I'm told. after I nearly bit the head off a produce guy at nearby market for no reason at all, I knew I didn't want to wait and see, lol.
i've been on it for about 10 months now and i've had plummeting potassium levels, so much so the doc prescribed prescription potassium supplements and a excellent quality multivitamin plus minerals. that seems to be doing the trick.
I am showing hair loss and extreme weight loss too (so far over 30lbs), problems with gums. I can treat the gum problem with biotene, but the hair loss is a problem and the weight loss, well, i can stand to lose a few lbs.
I also have night sweats which are just weird and have problems with body temperature regulation.
all this on a whopping 45 mg a day!
still, I love my topamax. it's the only thing that's eliminated most of my every other day migraines.
-- By miwsnw | Reply | Private Message me
January 29th
2007
7:46 AM
I started taking the meds and I had very bad abdomial muscle pain, my eyes were acting funny , I finished the meds and my eyes side was worse I hade pain in my eyes and very blurred vision I checked my sugar and it was high.. I sure do hope that this didn't effect me in a bad way .. will se dr for follow up
-- By luv915 | Reply | Private Message me
June 10th
2006
10:46 AM
I am a 44 yr old male and I have been on Lipitor for several years. I started getting muscle weakness but thought nothing of it other than getting older. I am starting to feel fatigue, pain across lower back and buttocks legs and arms. I have also started to notice memory loss both short term and long term which has effected me alot lately. I am going to stop my Lipitor after reading all these articles with similiar side effects. I will report my progress when I see a difference. I can only hope that the memory loss goes away so that it doesn't effect my work or ability to work.
-- By xlexluther | Reply | Private Message me
September 4th
2005
4:53 PM
i have been on it for a week and i feel so depressed.... thoughts i would get upset about before, i could get over quicky, but now i have been crying like all day.. i have been with my bf for almost a year and we get along great, like i love him to death, and all of a sudden within the time i starte taking my novaring, i got upset about us and i started feeling like he wasn't even like my bf anymore, and i have never felt so upset aver a thought like that ever, i mean i have thought about us not being together before, but not to this extent, i didn't understand what and why i was feeling sooo depressed, it was as if it felt like i wasn;t even going out with him for soo long, i just started feeling really really wierd... more different than i have ever felt about him or anything before.. and i started to freak out and cry hysterically! im 19 and i have no idea why im feeling so wierd... but this all started about i started taking the ring. Thing that would of bothered me before didn't effect me or grasp me like they all of sudden do now, its like im freaking out over something now, that i never freaked about before, its like my whole mind changed and moods changed on how i thought or felt about things....
has anyone else experienced stuff like this, if so let me know by just typing your side effect.. thanks everyone for makeing realize, that i was acting hysterical over little things, and just severs depression!!!
-- By shwillis | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
June 1th
2003
2:26 PM
JOINT PAIN, LEG PAIN, WATER ON THE KNEE, GOUT SYMPTOMS, WHAT A WONDERFUL DRUG!
I have been on 20mg for a month and a half. My doctor has said it cannot be the ZOCOR. I have never had problems like this before. Almost two months since stopped taking medicine but my knee has limited use. DO NOT TAKE ZOCOR!
Mirena (6) Lisinopril (2) NuvaRing (2) Topamax (2) Advair Diskus (1) Zocor (1) Dyazide (1) Methylpred DP (1) Lipitor (1)
August 30th
2009
1:10 PM
I'm a 46 year old, Caucasian female, average weight. I was on Lisinopril 10mg once a day for 3 months. I'm in relatively good health (except for a slight increase in B/P).
During that time I experienced:
gagging cough (especially at night)
depression
anxiety (mild)
no menstrual cycle (it came back 4 days after stopping the drug)
dry nasal passage (including polyps)--this seems to be clearing up with Fluticasone.
feeling of an irregular heartbeat
I did go to my doctor and he said that the side effects are common; however, he said that this medication shouldn't effect my menstrual cycle... well, it did. He did put me on another B/P medication and told me to stop the Lisinopril.
I'm posting this because it's been hard to find anything out about a lack of cycle for women who were taking this drug. I wanted to share my experience to let you know that you're not alone. Always follow your instinct with medications you're taking. You know your body best!
-- By ztoamom | Reply | Private Message me