Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Mon...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on this medication for years and I am switching to a new one to have a period every 3 months. I googled the new one and got freaked out because of all the negative reviews, so I thought I would google the one I am on now. I have had no issues with it at all. No moodiness, no anxiety, no acne, no weight gain. It works like a dream. My periods were awful before Cryselle and this helped it so much. So this is for all those out there looking up google reviews and freaking out like I did. Trust your doctor, give it a try, if you notice bad symptoms talk to them. You should never stay on a medication for close to a year if it is no good. It does not take your body that long to regulate. I hope this post is helpful."

• sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2021

For Birth Control "This pill was so hard on me physically and mentally. I had 0 health complications before getting on this pill. Within 1 month on the pill, I experienced: severe nausea, hot flashes, and sweating in my sleep every night, loss of appetite, constipation, complete loss of energy (I could not do ANYTHING, not even cook dinner, like my body just did not want to move). I was tired ALL the time. 3 months on the pill: EXTREME heart palpitations, my RESTING heart rate was 140. I had EXTREME anxiety, paranoia, depression, and suicidal thoughts that completely crippled me and made me homebound for a month. I went to the ER several times because I truly thought there was something seriously wrong with me. My glucose level went up to 200. I developed high blood pressure. I felt like I was having an out-of-body experience, I wasn't myself AT ALL. It took me 7 weeks after I quit the pill to go back to feeling normal."

• buc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 28, 2020

For Birth Control "When I first started this birth control, I was extremely skeptical considering all of the reviews seemed to be negative. Prior to trying Cryselle, I was on 5 other birth control pills but had bad reactions to all of them. Severe acne, anxiety, depression, and non-stop spotting were some of the side effects I had on other pills. When I tried Cryselle, I had the best results yet. Light, little to no periods, no weight gain, no acne, no changes in mood. The first few weeks, I felt a little fatigued, but it went away after a month or two. If you are skeptical about going on this birth control, I recommend giving it a go. It was definitely worth it, and it's been the best birth control I've ever been on, with no noticeable side effects."

• Bir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m so glad I found this page with so many Cryselle reviews to see I wasn’t alone. I’m a generally happy person, but once I started taking this birth control, I started to experience VERY severe depression, anxiety, and I was very moody. I even considered seeing a psychiatrist because of how horrible I started feeling. Everyone around me noticed the changes in me. Seeing everyone else’s reviews helped me and encouraged me to change my birth control after seeing I wasn’t the only one experiencing this."

• Chr...
• July 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Cryselle for about a year before I was switched to Low-Ogestrel. This pill nearly ruined my life! Within the first month, I gained nearly 40 lbs. Then came the moodiness and apathy. By May, I felt literally insane. I had crippling anxiety, had zero interest in intimacy with my fiancé, and ended up in the ER with panic attacks. It was determined that I was estrogen dominant. *A pill only doesn't have to be exactly alike, just within a certain range to be called “equivalent.”* While I’m sure Cryselle didn’t help, things spiraled on this pill. I was prescribed medications for anxiety and depression; I have NEVER experienced either of these in my life. I am now on multiple regimens to bring down my estrogen and regulate my hormones. I have lost half the 40 pounds in 3 weeks and am dealing with acne and weird body odor as my body gets rid of whatever was in this pill. The reviews mentioning anxiety especially definitely held true for me."

• lee...
• July 23, 2018

For Birth Control "This was my first birth control pill I ever took. I wanted to start birth control to help my really irregular periods. I was probably 16. I was on it for a while and then switched to a different one to help acne, but switched back because I felt this was a better fit for me. Now, years later, I've been on it ever since, and it definitely does its job of preventing pregnancy, but I’m finally starting to realize why I’ve felt so emotionally and mentally miserable. I was one day away from scheduling an appointment to get anxiety medication before I looked up these reviews. On top of the constipation and stomach aches, this pill has sent my anxiety and mood swings through the roof. I’m annoyed at any little thing, I cry so much I can’t control it, extremely irritable, irrational thoughts I can’t control, and a constant lack of energy. My sleep has been so bad, I can’t stay asleep to save my life, and sometimes I just feel like I’m mentally going crazy. I wouldn’t recommend this."

• Han...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I got put on Cryselle birth control about 2-3 weeks ago. My anxiety and depression have been so bad I constantly feel like something bad is going to happen. At first, I thought it was because of stress from other things. But, I'm also getting bad migraines every day, and around the same time every day, I feel nauseous and dizzy, like I'm going to throw up, but I don't. It's making me think I'm pregnant sometimes, which is making my anxiety so much worse."

• Len...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 19, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking this birth control for a year now. It is so not for me. My hair is falling out in clumps, my anxiety is terrible, I sometimes get 2-3 periods a month, and I’m getting acne in places I’ve never had acne. Not to mention I don’t usually gain so much weight, but I’ve gained more in this year than I ever have. 1/10 for effort, but if your doctor recommends this, RUN!"

• Jen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 7, 2018

For Birth Control "I started this pill back in February, and for the first couple of months, I was fine-no side effects. And if you’re looking for a pill to regulate your period, this one works wonders. I never got breakthrough bleeding either. However, after the first couple of months were over, I slowly started getting into a funk. My mood is just “numb” all the time, and I never want to get out and have fun anymore. My anxiety is a 10 when it was usually a 4. Now I know everyone’s bodies are different, so they’re going to react differently to this medication, but I can’t stand not being able to focus or, like... be happy. I’m getting off of it finally and switching to another type, so wish me luck. Side note: this birth control also does its job in the pregnancy prevention category VERY well if you take it on time. I never had to worry on this pill."

• Emm...
• February 2, 2014

For Endometriosis "I started taking Cryselle almost 9 months ago to treat my endometriosis as well as to act as birth control. My OB-GYN instructed me to skip the placebos, and as a result, I have had virtually no cramping or breakthrough bleeding (common on my last pill). However, as she warned, I developed severe acne. The acne I could deal with, but the emotional side effects I cannot. I have become increasingly moody the longer I have been on Cryselle, especially around the time of my 'period.' I have also developed strong feelings of anxiety and depression. I had hoped when these symptoms began that they would lessen over time, but they have just increased in severity."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "WORST BIRTH CONTROL EVER!!! Positive: It helps with the bleeding and cramps. Negative: I never had health issues until now. I’m having the worst anxiety attacks, panic attacks, and depression. I feel like I’m going crazy! It makes you feel you’re in a dark place... If you have these symptoms, you should go to your doctor immediately."

• Nev...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 14, 2021

For Birth Control "I started taking this pill to regulate my period, prescribed by my doctor, and this is by far the worst pill I have ever taken. I have never been so sad, depressed, paranoid, and not to mention the terrible anxiety. I’m not an emotional person at all, I have always been a happy person, but taking this pill has made me lose myself very quickly. I feel like I live in my head and am never fully present. I have been taking this pill for about 9 months, hoping my body just needs time to get used to it, but it’s not, it is just making my side effects worse and worse. Not to mention the extreme hair loss I have from this pill, my hair has thinned tremendously. The only thing about this pill that has worked is preventing pregnancy. I still have cramps, bloating, mood swings, etc."

• Nev...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 14, 2021

For Birth Control "I started taking this pill to regulate my period, prescribed by my doctor, and this is by far the worst pill I have ever taken. I have never been so sad, depressed, paranoid, and not to mention the terrible anxiety. I’m not an emotional person at all, I have always been a happy person, but taking this pill has made me lose myself very quickly. I feel like I live in my head and am never fully present. I have been taking this pill for about 9 months, hoping my body just needs time to get used to it, but it’s not, it is just making my side effects worse and worse. Not to mention the extreme hair loss I have from this pill, my hair has thinned tremendously. The only thing about this pill that has worked is preventing pregnancy. I still have cramps, bloating, mood swings, etc."

• Deb...
• July 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on Cryselle for 2.5 months now. I've had acne all my life and had finally gotten it under control before starting Cryselle. It's out of control again. Additionally, I've had some serious anxiety, depression, mood swings. I cry all the time and have irrational obsessive, anxious thoughts. The benefits definitely did not outweigh the costs. My GYN is switching my prescription."

• ruu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 2, 2016

For Birth Control "This is the worst form of birth control I have ever been on. I gained 10 pounds in a month without changing my diet. I'm normally an anxious person and get hormonal around my period, but this pill intensified everything. I cried almost every day and got angry over stupid things, and I didn't have any anxiety-free moments throughout the day at all on this pill. Terrible headaches and nausea. I just got off of it, so I'm hoping it all goes away soon. I don't recommend this."

• Sad...
• February 19, 2018

For Birth Control "At first, this pill was wonderful. I experienced, after a few months, that I was super depressed and sad over nothing. Mood swings constantly and stomach pains all the time on and off my cycle. I became so sad I started having horrible anxiety and then panic attacks on the regular. I cried one to two times weekly over nothing, and my relationship started to get sour because of the roller coaster moods. Severe headaches and nausea right after I stopped taking the pill for my cycle and cramps so horrible I couldn't stand. I was also so tired and had no sex drive. I was unable to enjoy an orgasm because it took so long for me to have one I would give up. I always had a high sex drive, this caused more sadness and anxiety for me. I went on the website and had every side effect at least once and decided it was time to get off the pill. This isn't how a young 24-year-old should feel. Please read the side effects asap and do not take this pill any longer if you start to have these same side effects."

• CBa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2019

For Birth Control "This pill has made me so dizzy and lightheaded every single day, and given me the worst anxiety attacks! I have never had any health issues or issues with anxiety until I started this BC. I am dizzy and anxious sitting here typing this. It's the worst feeling. And due to the dizziness/lightheaded feeling, it sends my heart into overdrive and it starts pounding, then I get nauseous and have severe anxiety. I am glad I looked up the reviews before going to the ER, thinking I have some major brain issue going on because I have been so dizzy every. single. day. As of last night, I have stopped taking the pill. Pray this feeling goes away in the next few days so I can go back to being normal."

• Dev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I could have died while taking this medication, Cryselle. Spent about 3 weeks hospitalized recently because Cryselle caused me to get pulmonary embolism (blood clots in both lungs) and a DVT blood clot in my left thigh. I couldn't breathe out of the blue, crossing the street, and a car could have hit me, or I could have collapsed. An ambulance was called for me, and the CT scan revealed what I had at the hospital. Doc said it was from the birth control pills that I was taking for abnormal uterine bleeding. Now I have to be on blood thinners for 6 months. This has created so much anxiety in addition to the physical pain."

• Sal...
• January 26, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Cryselle 28 (0.3 mg) for 1 year and 3 months since I was blessed with terrible period genes. My periods were extremely heavy (almost like hemorrhaging), were irregular, and would last for 7-10 days. Now, I can track my period and my flow is normal (lasts for 4-5 days). I struggled with acne on my chest and back, it cleared up within 2 months. Before I took the pill, I was a very happy, carefree, and lived-in-the-moment type of individual. The first month, I would cry my eyes out every night. The symptoms got worse until I hit 8 months, and now I'm struggling with anxiety and depression. I never dealt with anxiety or depression before, and it doesn’t run in my family, so I would not recommend this pill at all. I finally hit my breaking point not too long ago, and I’m switching to a different pill. Clearing up acne and helping my period was great and all, but mental health is extremely important, and Cryselle 28 took me to a place where I would never want to go back again."

• Dev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2015

For Birth Control "This was the generic brand my original BC was changed to. The 1st month or so I didn't notice any changes, but recently, about 3 months in, I've been getting headaches, horrible nausea, and stomach cramps, and my period has gone back to being longer than shorter like it was on the first pill. I've never been one to feel unmotivated, lethargic, depressed, or anxious, but as of recently, I've been experiencing all those things, which is no doubt making stress-induced nausea worse, and I have just generally felt bad. I went to my doctor and had multiple blood tests taken and some other tests, but all came back with no abnormalities, leading me to realize it was a change in birth control. Ups? Worked and no breast tenderness. But that's it."

• tak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2022

For Birth Control "Went on this birth control at the age of 16 to regulate my cycle. My cycle was irregular since it started at the age of 13. I went to my pediatrician, who prescribed me Cryselle. During the second month of taking it, I noticed weight gain in my torso and face specifically. In addition to that, my appetite was insane. I had huge cravings for junk food and was hungry all the time and had lots of gas. I also struggled greatly with anxiety and depression. Literally cried myself to sleep in my room and experienced dissociation like I never had before. Panicking and crying about everything, including my existence. I did get my period every month, but at what cost? Don’t recommend it."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2019

For Birth Control "My doctor recommended I switch to this birth control about 2 months ago because of my worsening cramps on my period. This medication has worsened my anxiety, caused my depression to be through the roof, and made me break out with acne all over my face. My anxiety is so bad sometimes that I can’t even work up the courage to walk out of the door and go do things during the day. I had never struggled with acne in the past until I was put on this medication. Now I have acne scars and pimples all over my forehead that won’t go away even after getting medicine from a dermatologist. I am seeing my doctor on Friday to get off of this horrible birth control and get my life back on track. Do yourself a favor and NEVER go on this medication. It will make you hormonal and make you feel crazy."

• sen...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I have taken Cryselle for nearly eight years now. I was prescribed this birth control when I became sexually active. Its purpose was to control my abnormally heavy flow and to prevent pregnancy. For the last three years, I have been miserable. I did not believe that my worsening anxiety and depression were caused by my hormones, much less the prescription that I had taken for seven years. My blood pressure has been recorded at very high levels. My sweating is excessive and I have panic attacks regularly. My anxiety has never been so out of control, and I have withdrawn from my friends and family because of my uncontrollable mood swings. I have turned into an impulsive, irritable, and unhappy woman out of nowhere, and I need a different hormone therapy as soon as possible. If you experience worsened depression with this medication, please do not wait like me. Everyone's body is different. Go speak with your doctor."

• Mel...
• December 9, 2015

For Birth Control "This is such a terrible pill. I have never ever felt the way I did while I was on this pill. I took the pill for 4 months. The first month was okay, I had no symptoms at all. However, towards the end of the month, every day I either had a headache, had anxiety, was very angry, or miserably depressed. I couldn't stand the person next to me, any person who made a noise or laughed too hard. I was very mean and so frustrated towards everything my boyfriend did and said, and the next day I would feel bad and apologize. This pill made me feel like a crazy person and was driving me insane. One minute I was laughing, the other I was crying. I do not recommend this pill to any girls out there, this pill is terrible!!"

• Mrs...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 4, 2018

For Birth Control "I would not recommend this pill. I've been on this pill for 5 years, and at the beginning, it was okay to use for my acne and to use for regular periods, but over time, my acne comes back horribly. I have severe anxiety and I hyperventilate. I absolutely have no sex drive. It's been making me beat myself up. My mind goes crazy all the time, overthinking. I have extreme anxiety and depression, and I have crazy mood swings. I realize that I've been changing the way that I am and being angry over small things, or I cry for super small things. I've also been having chest pains that I read are a side effect. I would not recommend this pill, and I'm deciding to go off as soon as my pack is up. I would not recommend it long term."