Nikki and Depression: What Users Say

• Sin...
• December 2, 2020

For Acne "I’ve been on this Nikki birth control pill for about 3 weeks, and so far the side effects suck. It makes me feel more depressed, stomachaches, and it’s really hard for me to eat without feeling nauseous. I switched from the birth control Junel Fe, which did nothing for my skin. I’m also currently on spironolactone (have been for 3.5 months), which has helped my skin a lot. However, since switching to Nikki (Yaz generic), my skin has started breaking out like crazy. The zits I’m getting are huge, and some are painful. (I have 4 zits on my face right now that came out of nowhere.) Before I switched, I wasn’t getting these kinds of zits. However, I will say that I have a lot of hope! First of all, I was expecting an initial breakout. Breakouts are a common initial side effect of switching BC pills. From reading other reviews, most people say it gets worse before it gets better. I’m sticking with this. A few months from now, I’ll post an update on here to report on how my skin is doing."

• Avo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2020

For Birth Control "Nikki ruined my life for 6 months. While taking Nikki, I got really bad depression, would cry daily, and was in the darkest of places. My life was going well, but I was miserable for no reason. After I stopped taking Nikki, I felt like myself again. Crazy how a little pill can do such crazy things to your head and body."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2021

For Birth Control "Personally, it gave me huge amounts of anxiety and depression. Before starting the pill, I was a super happy 'normal' person. After taking this birth control, it was like my daily life was a struggle with anxiety, and I was lucky to have a day without any symptoms. Absolutely horrible experience for me. I was taking it to control my PMS and severe cramping I get during my period, and it did an amazing job with that, but not worth the anxiety."

• cc2...
• September 28, 2017

For Birth Control "DO NOT TAKE THIS IF YOU WERE SWITCHED FROM GIANVI. I was on Gianvi for a year and had no issues at all, and my pharmacy switched me to Nikki last month. Since I switched, I have bloated, felt depressed, and have acne (and I have never had more than two zits in my entire life). Do not let your pharmacy switch you to Nikki! I am going to try non-generic Yaz and see how that goes. I do not usually write reviews, but these last few weeks on it have been miserable!"

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2020

For Birth Control "I had the worst mood swings with this pill, always felt on edge and depressed. As well, it kept me bloated, no weight gain, but I couldn’t lose weight with diet and exercise. I lost 5 lbs within the first week of switching pills."

• ple...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 27, 2019

For Birth Control "Nikki is horrible. It gave me severe depression, and if I hadn’t figured out that Nikki was the thing causing my depression, I might have been the end of me. I’m not kidding. This brand of birth control is absolutely horrible, and I beg of you not to use it. Please, please, please take the time and money to get the right medication for you. Do not use this terrible brand just because it’s cheap. I know that’s easier said than done, but please put your mental health first because it is so extremely important."

• She...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking this for probably 8 months from NuRx, and I’m finally making the much-needed switch. I had my daughter about 2 years ago and thought my increasingly crippling depression and no sex drive were just because of stress. Then I talked to my doctor, who said that’s very common with this birth control, and she doesn’t even like to prescribe it because of this! I will say my periods have never been so regular, but it is really frustrating. If I don’t take it at the same exact time every day, I’ll end up having another week-long period. But based on other reviews, I’m glad I finally decided to do some research. Everybody is different, so maybe this will work great for someone else, but definitely not me!"

• Mor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I have my tubes tied, and I suffer from PPMD and PTLS. I went back on birth control after not taking any for 4 years because I wanted not only extra protection from pregnancy but to get my period symptoms under control. I told my doctor that I used to take Yazmin, so she recommended Nikki this time around. About 3 days in, I started breaking out in pimples in places I normally don’t get them, like on my forehead and around my nose... (I only get acne on my jawline right before starting my period). I am now 3 weeks in and am suffering from HORRIBLE depression, so much that I am suicidal at this point. My sex drive has been nonexistent, and for the life of me, I can’t get wet. This BC has caused a huge strain on my mental health and relationship. I’m only 3 weeks into taking Nikki, but I am going to stop taking it right now, not another pill down the hatch. Terrible and wouldn’t recommend."

• Wic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I was switched from Gianvi birth control to Nikki (generics of each other, same hormones, same dose) by my prescription plan. I wish I had done research prior to taking it. Nikki was the worst birth control experience I've ever had. Only two weeks in, I experienced severe IBS and stomach pain. My anxiety went through the roof, and I became extremely depressed with no appetite, fatigue, poor focus, and no motivation. My breaking point was when the medication began inducing panic attacks, which I had never experienced before. Ultimately, I made the decision to stop taking this birth control, and after a week, I'm beginning to feel like my old self. I would not recommend this birth control to anyone. Please be cautious when switching to generic medications. Just because it has the same active ingredients does not mean the formula will work the same for everybody."

• Wic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I was switched from Gianvi birth control to Nikki (generics of each other, same hormones, same dose) by my prescription plan. I wish I had done research prior to taking it. Nikki was the worst birth control experience I've ever had. Only two weeks in, I experienced severe IBS and stomach pain. My anxiety went through the roof, and I became extremely depressed with no appetite, fatigue, poor focus, and no motivation. My breaking point was when the medication began inducing panic attacks, which I had never experienced before. Ultimately, I made the decision to stop taking this birth control, and after a week, I'm beginning to feel like my old self. I would not recommend this birth control to anyone. Please be cautious when switching to generic medications. Just because it has the same active ingredients does not mean the formula will work the same for everybody."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2022

For Birth Control "I am up at 3 AM writing this after having what has now become my nightly routine of crying and questioning the meaning of my life. The depression is so bad that I can’t function on a day-to-day basis. It wasn’t until I looked at my pill pack that I suddenly realized that this severe increase in depression coincided with when I started taking Nikki. I decided to see if other people were experiencing this, and lo and behold, yes."

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2019

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "1st time using birth control, and I’m taking it for PMDD & heavy/painful periods. About to finish my 1st pack. I was scared when I first started the pill - lack of emotions, no focus, irritability, a bit of stomach upset. Mood was the worst - I was swinging high and low & felt like I was on a roller coaster. I already struggle with depression/anxiety, so the birth control was worsening my mental health. HOWEVER - I think my body has adjusted to it now & I’m feeling a lot better. My mood is stable & I feel like my focus is back. Been spotting brown & it’s beginning to turn into blood now, but pretty light. I’ve had minor cramping, but it’s nothing compared to before. It’s crazy to have my period so light & not painful. Giving the 3-month trial period a chance to make sure this is a good med for me. All I can recommend for other people is to give it a chance. You can always get off it if you need to...don’t judge the pill based on negative symptoms you have in the first few weeks."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this pill for about 2 months now, and my period has been going for 15 days and counting. It’s been a constant heavy flow with cramps out of this world! This medication is very concerning because I am overall a very happy person, but I have gotten severely depressed within the past month to the point where my mind is uncontrollable with bad thoughts. I do not recommend this product to anyone."

• Oli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 20, 2021

For Birth Control "I've taken birth control since I can remember, but when my dad lost insurance, I was off of it for maybe six months and felt the best and was the most happy I had ever been. I started taking Nikki about four months ago, and I feel like a zombie. I cry at least twice a day and am constantly angry or depressed when nothing is wrong. I am extremely aggressive for no reason. After coming to the internet for help because I could not take this any longer, I threw my pills in the trash! It's amazing how much it has changed my life in such a short amount of time. Please, do not take these."

• kat...
• October 24, 2018

For Acne "I went on this pill to help alleviate severe cramps, lighten periods, and improve acne. I originally was on Aviane, but found that its progestin hormone caused acne, so I switched to Nikki. While on this pill, my periods were worse than when I was on Aviane. They were heavier, and my cramps were worse-they barely responded to Advil. My acne, however, was totally fine. Honestly, this pill is great for skin, and I've noticed a huge positive change; however, I've decided to switch pills due to the other side effects. I've become severely depressed on this pill, irritable all the time, horrible mood swings, and EXTREME fatigue, not to mention loss of sex drive (I NEVER want to have sex anymore-my libido is at 0%). I didn't experience any weight gain or breakthrough bleeding, though. I would honestly say it just depends on the person. I thought the side effects would disappear, but I've tried this pill for 8 months, and there is no sign of them going away."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2022

For Birth Control "I’m giving this a two only because it was prescribed to me for my debilitating cramps that caused me to call out of work because I was unable to move from my pain (my boyfriend had to carry me to the bathroom type unable to move), and the pain was almost gone aside from an occasional cramp that would leave me winded. For me, however, the side effects of this birth control were not worth it. While Nikki is supposed to make your period light/stop completely (stop completely was the goal for me), Nikki made my periods LONGER, my last month using it, my period lasted for 9 days, along with spotting, which I never experienced before using Nikki. I also became a lot more depressed and anxious, and the weight gain was horrible as I gained about 20 more pounds. If any of this is relatable, PLEASE reach out to your doctor rather than just waiting it out like I did."

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 3, 2021

For Birth Control "I did not like this birth control at all. For me, it helped me not get pregnant, but that was the only positive. It made me very hormonal, depressed, cramping 3/4 weeks of the month, and I experienced my first migraine I’ve ever had in my life, and it was insanely painful and agonizing. I stopped taking it after having that migraine, and I had only been taking it for 2 months. I finally decided all the negative side effects were outweighing the pros, and it wasn’t worth it anymore. I’m 28 and have taken birth control since I was 17 on and off. This was, by far, the one with the worst side effects for me, personally."

• Cou...
• November 24, 2020

For Acne "I just quit Nikki after being on it for two months. In that time, it had severely worsened my depression, gave me extreme fatigue, and caused mood swings. I didn't want to get out of bed most days, and I ended up missing a lot of my classes because of how tired I was. It even caused me to develop a yeast overgrowth in my digestive system. I first went on birth control two years ago, my doctor prescribed me Junel, and it cleared up my acne with little side effects. I stopped birth control for a year and just recently went back on because of an acne flare and was prescribed Nikki. I quit a few days ago after I realized the pill was causing all of my symptoms, and I already feel better. Of course, birth control affects everyone differently, but please don't try to push past the negative symptoms. Honestly, this experience has made me quite cynical of the pill. I've decided to heal my acne holistically and plan to get a non-hormonal IUD. Good luck to anybody going on this pill! I hope it works for you."

• col...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I would not recommend this pill to anyone. It straight up tried to ruin my life. I've only been on this pill for a month and I had normal side effects for the first week (moodiness, nausea, etc.), but as time went on it just got worse and worse. I started to have major anxiety issues, which is something I haven’t dealt with in years, and it also caused me to have depression that’s gotten so bad in such a short time that my doctor had to put me on antidepressants. I’ve been angry ALL the time for absolutely no reason, it almost ruined my relationship because I would get mad at my boyfriend every single day over the most stupid things, but it was absolutely uncontrollable. This past month I’ve felt like I was going insane. My acne did get better and my period has been a lot lighter, but it’s not worth it. I’d rather bleed for the rest of my days than have to go through that again. Just don’t do it. Spare yourself."

• sas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 24, 2024

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "Immediately fixed my PMDD/PMS issues, which was a godsend. I finally felt normal, and it was within the first pack or two. I’ve had some days where I’ve been depressed and lacking motivation, but I wouldn’t say it’s constant. I have not gained any weight, but it’s been a bit harder to lose weight (I was already trying to lose some before starting Nikki). Acne seems relatively the same for me! My biggest qualm with this is my sex drive is 0 here on the 5th/6th month. It started out super strong, then about 2 months ago just disappeared. I’d say I get a “spark” in the libido department maybe once a month. Maybe. Rough trade-off for me personally - it fixed all my issues (or did not worsen any pre-existing issues like acne or weight gain) but destroyed my libido."

• kri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 16, 2022

For Birth Control "I used this very successfully a few years ago to control PMDD symptoms; I tried taking it again a few months ago and had a much different experience. I'm 32, and previous use was 25-27 years old, if that matters. I haven't had kids but do have some childhood trauma. The first time I took it was okay-second time... OH MY GOD, THE MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS. Incredibly anxious, paranoid, depressed, suicidal. I had what felt like several mental breakdowns where I couldn't stop hitting myself, crying, shaking, etc. THIS IS NOT NORMAL BEHAVIOR FOR ME. It almost destroyed my relationship. Everything triggered anxiety and paranoia. Everything. It was a dark pit that I never wanted to go back to. I stopped taking it after 2 months (I figured I just wasn't 'used to it'), but the change in my personality was so obvious my partner noticed immediately that I was no longer taking it. The symptoms I had on Nikki were worse than the PMDD symptoms I used to have. PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS and track your mood if taking this."

• Fat...
• August 1, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on Nikki for a year now. This is my first experience with birth control, and unfortunately, I did not know enough to recognize that this pill is the cause of my symptoms. The worst being that I have been incredibly fatigued and exhausted, no matter how easy I take things or how much sleep I get. I have had difficulty focusing, excessive teeth grinding, mood swings, irritation, very low sex drive, constant headaches, emotional distress, crying, and mild depression. I have been to two doctors who can't find anything wrong with me, and I have had multiple blood draws, with no conclusion. This morning, it occurred to me to research my birth control. I can't believe that I have gone an entire year with these symptoms and not figured it out. I am an incredibly healthy woman. I have a great relationship with my body, and I know when something is off. I feel so terrible that I have put my body through this for so long. I will be discontinuing this BC immediately."

• iha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2022

For Birth Control "If you are slim and petite, this is not the drug for you. This drug completely ruined the way I see myself; it made me extremely depressed, gain up to seven pounds in one week, anxious, interrupted my ability to focus, and destroyed my self-confidence. The only plus side is that it keeps your skin clear. The nature of Nikki is not a diuretic; therefore, you do not lose any water weight. While still eating the regular amount of food I consume, I still gained weight from the shift from a different drug. I 100% do not recommend this to anyone and wish I never took it."

• Try...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m just trying to inform girls that may be looking to take this birth control. Pros: did help me with my acne, did help with period pains, didn’t gain any weight, was cheap. HOWEVER, there were many bad things about this BCP. My periods weren’t very regulated, my libido was almost 0, the side effects just went on and on. The worst was erratic and depressed moods, which I knew was an issue when I wouldn’t even get up out of bed. My coworker even told me she immediately had to get off it for the same reason. I thought maybe it was just me, but after she told me I knew it wasn't a coincidence. I was reluctant to get off of it because there are some good things about it, but it became too much. Yes, it is different for everyone, but if I could go back and find a better one, I would."

• MCR...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 2, 2022

For Birth Control "This pill was fine at first, but it gave me so much anxiety after about a month. I don’t recommend this to anyone anymore. My depression has become so bad, and the weight gain is out of control. I’ve never had this experience with birth control, so I don’t recommend this to anyone that’s suffering with anxiety already. It is effective in the sense that it will prevent pregnancy, but the effects are ridiculous, so please be safe if you use this!"