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Implanon and Depression: What Users Say (Page 5)

Reviews for Implanon

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Kat...
  • January 23, 2016

For Birth Control "This implant destroyed the last 4 months of my life. After having it inserted 6 months ago, at month two I started developing horrible, debilitating anxiety, sadness... mood swings. I lost a relationship that was very important to me because the anxiety made life unbearable. Doctor's testing results today show my hormones are really imbalanced - progesterone is extremely low. Why isn't this being taken off the market?"

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  • Kaz...
  • April 6, 2016

For Birth Control "OMG, the worst thing I have ever done in my life was use this birth control!!! I had it since March of 2015, and I've been bleeding ever since EVERY DAY!!!! Doc said it will take up to 6 to 7 months for my body to adjust, but JESUS... The mood swings I've got are insane... I cry for everything, feel sad, depressed..... I'm always hungry.... I've gained like 30 pounds with this.... My relationship with my boyfriend is going down since I get angry about everything and suddenly sad... I'm getting it removed finally this Friday.... Don't get this!!! It will make your body think you are pregnant, and you will have those symptoms every month... rate this a 1 cause I couldn't give a ZERO."

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  • Kaz...
  • April 6, 2016

For Birth Control "OMG, the worst thing I have ever done in my life was use this birth control!!! I had it since March of 2015, and I've been bleeding ever since EVERY DAY!!!! Doc said it will take up to 6 to 7 months for my body to adjust, but JESUS... The mood swings I've got are insane... I cry for everything, feel sad, depressed..... I'm always hungry.... I've gained like 30 pounds with this.... My relationship with my boyfriend is going down since I get angry about everything and suddenly sad... I'm getting it removed finally this Friday.... Don't get this!!! It will make your body think you are pregnant, and you will have those symptoms every month... rate this a 1 cause I couldn't give a ZERO."

1 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Try...
  • July 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had it since April 2015. I decided to have it removed. While using this birth control, I have gone from 180 to 220 (even with exercise). I have found myself to become depressed and started using Wellbutrin (150 mg). Originally, I did not want to have the BC removed, however, the bad outweighed the good (health-wise). I have used the IUD (constant yeast infections), the depo (weight gain). I have not tried the pill because I just wouldn't remember to take it, so I have decided to get my tubes tied. This option is not for everyone, but I am older, divorced, and already have 3 children. Try it, if you see negative signs, have it removed right away, don’t wait like I did, research, and try something else."

1 / 10
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  • The...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I originally wrote that it was great, but only had the Implanon for 2 weeks. Then something happened, not sure what, but I literally could not sit still anymore. I felt my heart was going to jump out of my chest. I was so depressed, foggy, sad, crying a lot, wanting to choke my husband and kid (all thoughts, but sure freaked me out)...it freaked me out so much that after a month and a half, I got it removed. I even looked up on YouTube how to remove it myself!!! My doctor did not give me any beef on removing."

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  • The...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I originally wrote that it was great, but only had the Implanon for 2 weeks. Then something happened, not sure what, but I literally could not sit still anymore. I felt my heart was going to jump out of my chest. I was so depressed, foggy, sad, crying a lot, wanting to choke my husband and kid (all thoughts, but sure freaked me out)...it freaked me out so much that after a month and a half, I got it removed. I even looked up on YouTube how to remove it myself!!! My doctor did not give me any beef on removing."

1 / 10
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  • Mel...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 25, 2016

For Birth Control "Worst birth control ever. I would not recommend this birth control to anyone. I experienced non-stop bleeding to the point where it was affecting my sex life with my boyfriend. I was always depressed, horrible mood swings, I got severe nausea and got sick to my stomach on it. And the migraines were the worst. I thought the implant would be convenient due to the fact that I don't have to remember to take it every day. But I'm so glad it's out."

1 / 10
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  • hns...
  • August 23, 2016

For Birth Control "I had the bar placed in on May of 2014. Since then, I've had extremely bad depression, which I had to go on medication for. And when I got on the birth control, I weighed 90 pounds on the dot, now I weigh 137 pounds, and that weight is the hardest to lose. But with that said, I got the bar placed in for free from my school health center. I haven't had my period at all, and this form of birth control works really well. My side effects won't be the same as everyone else's. But I highly recommend the bar. I'd rather have the extra weight for the three years rather than a child to take care of for 18."

8 / 10
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  • Ken...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • May 8, 2017

For Birth Control "I got the rod put in Feb of 2016. Sooo 14 months, and this thing has been bad ever since I got it. I got my period like a week after and was on it for two weeks. I usually only get my period for 3 or 4 days. But my periods stayed like that for a while, then they started lasting 3 weeks, and then I'd spot for the last week. And now I've had my period for a whole month. I'm getting this out ASAP. I have changed from the person I used to be. Always moody. Kinda felt like I was a little depressed. But I did lose weight on it, but so not worth it and I wouldn't recommend."

2 / 10
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  • Bec...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 16, 2018

For Birth Control "I had the Implanon for 12 months. During that time, I had, on average, 17-day long periods with maybe 3 days' break before they started again. I experienced severe cramps, migraines, diarrhea, complete loss of sex drive, and gained over 20 kg. I was also diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety. Since having it removed 2 weeks ago, I have lost 5 kg. I feel fantastic and am going to see my doctor about coming off my antidepressants. My relationship has improved because I’m not having ridiculous mood swings, and my sex drive is coming back. My doctor kept assuring me that my Implanon was not causing any of my issues, apparently, he was wrong. I’m so glad I stood my ground and removed it against his recommendation. It was the worst decision of my life having it, and I’m so grateful to have it out."

5 / 10
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  • Jes...
  • July 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I got the Implanon 4 years ago, (didn't want to get pregnant) as I was allergic to the pill, and was very clumsy with taking it. I thought the rod was an amazing option. The beginning was crazy with periods all over the place, and extending for long periods. That was for the first 6 months; however, after that, my periods disappeared for the rest of the journey on the rod (2.5 years). I got my first one out this year in June, and had another one placed in. The pros are no periods and not having to worry about getting pregnant. The cons: depression, loss of libido, weight gain, loss of self, and in saying that I mean I changed (my personality was bubbly and happy) to sad, moody, angry! Different! I know the rod screwed with my hormones."

10 / 10
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  • Be2...
  • November 2, 2017

For Birth Control "My first was fine, no problems at all. My second implant, well, day-to-day headaches, feeling low, and put on 2 stone in 9 months. No energy, bleeding every 2 weeks was not what I wanted. I'd rather have my tubes tied. Please be aware, not all implants are the same. You may have a good 3 years, but the next one could be horrible."

1 / 10
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  • Cor...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • January 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I had been using the implant for 5 years, as it was much easier than taking a pill and was known to be effective. In the first year of using this, I had no period whatsoever and thought this was great! However, for the remaining 4 years of using this, I suffered with constantly bleeding. It was not always heavy, but there was rarely ever a day when I was not spotting or could not wear a pad. This proved very difficult with dating and relationships, as I was never off my period and sex was pretty much always off the cards. The implant caused me to suffer with the most crippling depression and anxiety, and I had counseling for this (all gone now since its removal), a weight gain of 50 pounds or more, which would never budge. Please don't get this!!"

3 / 10
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  • Bub...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • April 15, 2016

For Birth Control "So, after having the implant for 8 years. Yes, that's right, I've been crazy enough to have this 3 times. Was fine at first. Then I started getting depressed, gained 7 stone throughout the years I have had it (on and off by dieting), depressed, unmotivated, tearful, low sex drive, acne. I've got severe acne scarring on my back, face, and chest and even feeling suicidal at times and constant, heavy, painful periods. The only reason I have had it as long as I have is because I heard horror stories about other forms, and I am forgetful, so the pill is not suitable. I've decided to pluck up the courage to get the IUD and finally say goodbye. THANK GOD! Can finally get my life back hopefully!"

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  • Moo...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 26, 2016

For Birth Control "Now, I'm not saying no one should use this contraceptive as the effects it has on people vary, with some having no problems at all. My experience with the implant is one I wish to forget, as it was very unpleasant. The only positive is that it did its job and prevented me from getting pregnant, and the negatives are the side effects I faced with it: constant pain in my arm where the implant had been inserted, depression, low and agitated mood... they were the main ones. I had to put up with it for six months because the doctors refused to remove it and gave me the combined pill to help me with my depression, but it worsened it. It is out now, and I do feel better, my arm doesn't ache anymore. Having it put in is a big regret for me."

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  • Dis...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • August 20, 2016

For Birth Control "My experience with this has been absolutely rubbish. It's 99.9% effective because I have been on my period for about 90% of the time. I had the implant inserted in 2014, I've had it in for 2 years, and my periods and mood swings have been dreadful. I was told by the doctors it would take about 7 months to actually settle and not to have intercourse with my partner until it had! After 7 months (I know we waited), my periods were much more irregular, and I was depressed and down for no reason. The only good thing about this is I haven't become pregnant. BUT I am going to have it out next week because I was admitted into the hospital for blood loss because of my period! I do not recommend this to any woman (or teen) who is considering the Implanon."

2 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • March 5, 2010

For Birth Control "I have had Implanon exactly 2 years. I loved this birth control for the first year and a half. I had absolutely no period or weight gain. It was an easy and effective birth control. However, last August, I started having my cycle again. The bleeding was the heaviest it's ever been, very clotty, and unexpected. Often, I would have bleeding every other week. The length of the period is long and extremely heavy with cramping! My mood has drastically changed since restarting my cycle. I have depressed feelings and often don't feel like getting out of bed. After starting my cycle back, I experienced weight gain. Went to the gyno yesterday, and since starting back in August, I've gained 30 lbs. No change in my diet, and I'm only 21. I'm getting this birth control out!"

3 / 10
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  • Jan...
  • June 29, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had my Implanon for not even 5 weeks, and I have had the worst mood swings and depression. It's been ruining my relationship with my boyfriend because I constantly ask myself if he loves me anymore and things like that (I know he does, but the Implanon says different). It's given me severe anxiety, super upset, and breaking down in tears every day and have an empty feeling in my stomach. I've never felt so emotional and sad before. I really want it out, but they said wait 6 months and it might change, and I might get used to it, but it seems so long. Anything can happen within 6 months. I really do not suggest this if you do not like crying over everything, especially TV ads because they had a puppy."

2 / 10
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  • bst...
  • July 12, 2009

For Birth Control "I got the Implanon in May 2008. I was told I would have irregular bleeding for the first 6 months, then it would stop. It's been 14 months, and I have had my period ever since I got it put in. I've been very patient since my doctor kept saying just wait another month and maybe it'll die down. My mood swings are off the charts, I find myself always being angry and depressed. It's so annoying to always have a tampon on, and I can't even mention how that affects my relationship with my husband. I also have horrible acne. The only positive things I can say about the Implanon are that you don't have to remember to take the pill and I didn't gain any weight from it. I made an appointment to get it removed tomorrow, I can't take it anymore."

2 / 10
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  • ste...
  • October 8, 2009

For Birth Control "I just had my Implanon removed today after having it for a little over a year and a half. The ONLY good thing about the Implanon was the convenience of it; I never had to worry about taking a pill or constantly refilling a prescription. HOWEVER, the Implanon made me more moody, emotional, depressed, and anxiety-ridden. I spotted for 6 months straight after I had it put in and then would randomly get my period. I gained 25 lbs. The only good thing about Implanon was peace of mind. But the side effects were not worth it."

3 / 10
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  • Imp...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • July 8, 2015

For Birth Control "I could cry now! This is my 2nd Implanon. 1st was out in 9 months due to mood swings and feeling so low all of the time. I cannot use the combined pill due to family history of cardiac problems and migraine myself. The POP makes me bleed constantly without a break, and I ended up anemic using the coil (IUD). Decided last year to give the Implanon another go just in case it was a one-off bad experience.... 6 months in and I have gained 20 lbs and feel horrific. Anxiety++, depression++, stress++, weight++. Making an appointment to have Implanon removed. Only plus to Implanon for me is that I don't have any periods. That's the only plus. Insertion and removal is easy, having done it once before. Lack of periods is great. Never again."

2 / 10
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  • Imp...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • July 8, 2015

For Birth Control "I could cry now! This is my 2nd Implanon. 1st was out in 9 months due to mood swings and feeling so low all of the time. I cannot use the combined pill due to family history of cardiac problems and migraine myself. The POP makes me bleed constantly without a break, and I ended up anemic using the coil (IUD). Decided last year to give the Implanon another go just in case it was a one-off bad experience.... 6 months in and I have gained 20 lbs and feel horrific. Anxiety++, depression++, stress++, weight++. Making an appointment to have Implanon removed. Only plus to Implanon for me is that I don't have any periods. That's the only plus. Insertion and removal is easy, having done it once before. Lack of periods is great. Never again."

2 / 10
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  • Amz...
  • April 23, 2021

For Birth Control "On Implanon, I was having constant intrusive thoughts and was losing control of my own thoughts. I had it removed about 4 weeks prior to expiration, June/July 2020. Around August, I started acting irrationally, which concerned my friends, eventually, I ended up bedridden in a nasty depression that I felt to my bones. I could physically feel the depression, the pain someone must feel in order to take their life. For the 3 months following the Implanon removal, I started to experience dissociation, panic attacks more intense than I had ever known. It was like I was drunk and floating back and forth inside my body. The most shocking part was that during that 3-month period, it was like a paranoid psychosis, and I ended up convinced I had multiple personalities or that my personality had been fragmented off into different sections of my personality."

1 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • August 20, 2021

For Birth Control "I have had my implant for a year now. I haven't gained any weight, instead, I am losing weight. I have no acne at all. I have really heavy and long periods (10-21 days), this is what makes me feel like removing it. My mood swings are horrible! I become so depressed for nothing. I like it that I won't have to worry about having a baby anytime soon, but I just wish my periods stopped like most of the people. But we aren't all the same so yeah... for now, I am still going to keep it."

7 / 10
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  • Kha...
  • November 25, 2015

For Birth Control "The Implanon that was stuck in my arm went missing! I had to go to the hospital to get it out, and it was crazy painful as they hit heaps of nerves while digging in my arm! But that's nothing compared to the awful, gutted feeling of depression and worthlessness I had for 4 years."

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.