Has anyone taking Premarin vaginal cream for atrophic vaginitis had anxiety as a side effect?
Question posted by moonmuse on 23 Jan 2010
Last updated on 7 December 2019 by beachcomber11
I am 62 and am very sensitive to side effects of many medicines. I have been taking Premarin vaginal cream for atrophic vaginitis, prior to possible surgery or use with a pessary for a prolapsed bladder. I have just finished the initial dose of taking 1 gram of cream per day for two weeks. Now I am to take 1 gram twice a week till I see my gynecologist in March.
I started to experience a lot of anxiety that increased as I continued taking the Premarin cream. I have read that a side effect from the cream can be mental/mood changes, but it refers mainly to memory loss or severe depression, which I don't have. My gynecologist said to stick it out through the initial dosing.
The anxiety has made it very difficult for me to do my daily tasks. I already have an anxiety disorder, which is being addressed, and prior to taking the Premarin, my anxiety level was reasonably stable. Also, about a week after I started taking the Premarin, I had an epidural steroid injection for lumbar spine pain. I am wondering if anyone has experienced such a reaction to an epidural steroid such as anxiety.
I have also experienced anxiety after a couple of weeks of using premarin. That's why I began this research to see if anyone else is experiencing the same thing. Nothing else has changed in life except the use of premarin. After I finish this tube of it, my gyncologist is switching me over to DHEA which is a natural hormone. Prayerful, it will be a better fit for me.
Votes: +0
MI
midwestma
23 Jan 2010
I understand completely what you mean. I had a hysterectomy at the age of 29 right after my last pregnancy. I had a tumor the size of a small cantelope, which was there during my entire pregnancy too. I thought for sure I would lose my baby. God kept her and I both safe she turned out fine. I digress... I was first put on early menopause pills premarin .625 for about five years. Then I started to have some severe side effects from it, bleeding , excesseive drying of the vaginal walls, no moisture at all regardless of "foreplay". I hope I'm not overstepping my bounds here with too much information. If I'm out of line please let me know ok? I waited too long to ask for anything else, and the old saying is true, "use it or lose it" is true.. I develped the atrophic vaginal syndrome. I was prescribed the vaginal cream to use. I was doing fine for about a year, and then it seemed like the moods/anxiety/ and memory loss. When I confronted my doctor she looked at me "blank". It took me a couple of visits before she took me serious. "My own suspicions are that she spoke with some other doc's regarding my symtoms"like the OB/GYN docs etc... then she felt like maybe it was time for a change . It can be frustrating. Instead of 1gm three times a week I only use one gm once a week, this seems to have lessoned the side effects. I also use the OTC KY gels they offer now, as the dryness is painful during coitus. Making it very hard to get into the "mood" if you know what I mean? Now I feel much better I also take Valium for muscle spasms, but it has also helped my other anxiety levels with regard to sex also. In fact so much so I know longer dread having sex. I hope this helps you out a bit. Who ever said the "Golden Years are Wonderful"... LIED BIG TIME!!! LOL...
My best of luck to you... Bless you!
Votes: +0
MI
midwestma
24 Jan 2010
I forgot to add that during the day when I was feeling anxious and having anxiety attacks, My Dr. told me that she didnt' think it was in any way related to the premarin cream, I disagree with that as I didn't feel this way until I started on this cream, as I taperd off using it so often all of those feeling of anxiety lessened also. IMHO, these Doctors have no clue what we go thru with regards to menopause. We get "generic answeres", blank stares", or they want to write you another RX for something else!!! Like a quick fix or something!! This is all to amazing for words.''!!! Bless You!
