I have been taking Yasmin for 5 days so far. I take it before bed...

I have been on OTC for several years -- didn't love it, but had an okay experience. Last month during my gyn appointment the nurse practitioner talked me into trying Yaz to conteract the high levels of fluid retention I have on OTC. I had high hopes for this pill due to claims that it lessened symptoms of PMS and the supposed diuretic effect. After a few days I started noticing changes in my moods -- bouts of depression and severe anxiety. I took into consideration that my body was getting accustomed to a new drug and decided to see what happened. I also thought that maybe my symptoms were due to taking the pill in the morning instead of at night when I had been taking the OTC. These symptoms persisted for three weeks -- it was like raging PMS -- EVERDAY. I discovered this and some other online forums last week and was relieved to hear that I was not alone, I wasn't going crazy, and there was something I could do to alleviate my suffering -- stop taking the drug! I've been off two days now and the anxiety and depression are lingering but starting to cease. After reading the online forums, I also discovered that I was experiencing some other physical symptoms that I did not attribute to the drug at first, but now see the connection. These symptoms include: red, bloodshot eyes; excessive swelling around the eyes in the morning; intense leg cramps; mild vertigo while driving; yeast infection (chronic for the last month); gum inflammation; itchy, red spots on arms; inability to concentrate; loss of appetite at times; and mild cramping.

Please think twice before trying the drug. I'm glad I "saw the light" quickly. I can't imagine being on this for months or years.