mini-pill (cerazette specifically) and depression/anxiety side-effects - a warning! Please read..

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After my horrendous experience with a mini-pill I felt I had to post this here as well as on the feeling depressed board.

I had my DS three months ago and after initial baby blues was starting to feel better. Went for my 8 week postnatal check and was prescribed Cerazette (the mini-pill) as I am breastfeeding. After about a week I started to feel really miserable and paranoid, gradually got worse until I could no longer face taking my kids out for the day as I just didn't feel I could cope.
Carried on getting worse to the point I was suicidal and kept thinking about harming myself or my baby. Spent a lot of time sitting with him and my DD throwing tearful wobblers and me sitting on the floor crying too!
Asked my HV for help and she got me a Doctors appointment - my HADS score was extremely high and I was put on anti-depressants, they started to kick in (although the side-effects were horrid) and I felt a bit more normal and so popped on to here for a look about. i hadn't felt up to even doing that for weeks! I saw a post about cerazette and mood swings and alarm bells rang. Googled Cerazette and anxiety/depression and found lots of stuff. I spoke to my doctor and came off all medication and lo and behold - I am totally fine again! Cerazette made me so mentally unstable, it was terrifying. I have had it yellow carded and suggest anyone else with similar issues speaks to their GP and does the same.
The fact that this pill is being heavily marketed to doctors at the moment (according to my HV) means more people are likely to be prescribed it, and at a time when they have just had a baby and therefore their side-effect symptoms could easily be confused with PND.
If you have recently had a baby and were feeling ok but suddenly start to feel bad or not yourself shortly after starting a mini-pill it might be worth considering changing or stopping medication to just rule out a link. Check with your doctor first of course!!!

Another one to add to the list here! I suffer from depression/anxiety from time to time anyway and, lo and behold, as soon as I started on the minpill/POP when DS2 was 2mo, back came the symptoms..... I came off that one (can't remember the name) and after a couple of months tried Cerazette. Exactly the same thing happened. DH even asked me if I needed to get away on my own, he was so worried about me getting angry with DS1 (he's 2.5, he's annoying at times, but still )
I stopped taking it (we have called it the psycho pill) 10 days ago and am feeling better but still not myself, how long have others found it takes to get out of the system? Am interested in the post about soya supplement to increase oestrogen levels, I always feel on top of the world when pg so maybe could do with a bit of topping up? But would that affect BF?

Hi again, It's been 3 weeks since I stopped taking Cerazette and thought it was worth an update. Within the first week I started feeling different, felt so free. My DH says it's like I'm back to the old me and thats exactly how I feel, like I'm me again. I've always been a laid back relaxed person, don't let things get to me, except for the last year that is. I still notice the same little annoying things my DH does but I can actually think logically and realise that it's no big deal so why let it get to me. A big difference compared to a month ago when I could barely go 2 days without getting hugely upset and angry at DH for silly little things. I'm enjoying life and marriage again for the first time in over a year. Not sure yet if I even want to consider another type of pill, too scared it will have the same effect. Anyone have ideas? If this pill effected me so bad will they all be the same? thanks

Hi,

I wasn't on Cerazette but have had bad experiences with both types of mini-pill I tried. These were Micronor (exactly same suicidal depression that people report on the Cerazette - was on for 3 months and it nearly ruined my relationship at the time - was 19) and Femulen (was on for 3 years - more mood swings and PMS than the grinding depression I felt with Micronor). With the Femulen I thought it was just 'the new me' and DP hadn't known me long enough really to think anything else . I came off it on holiday when I'd accidentally run out and I felt much better. I went back on it and within days the mood swings started again. DP threw them in the bin for me!

I now no longer bother with any hormonal methods as I am scared to, to be honest.

Yes, I think I experienced something similar but only recognised it in retrospect. I went on to have a Mirena IUS a couple of years later - and those hormones had an even more disastrous effect on me. I wonder how we can get some of this annectdotal evidence channeled back to the medical or pharmaceutical communities. Doctors still just seem to look in wonderment, and say 'well it shouldn't do'.

Ive only been on cerazette for 10 days and already suffering mood swings and spots appearing on my face, tingly fingers and dont know whether to keep taking in the hope it gets better, any advice? Im on it to see if it gets rid of my migraines but I dont know which is worse?

My Migraines were actually worse when I was on this pill I get far fewer since I stopped taking it.

MadisonT - it didn't actually make my migraine worse (unlike the combined pill). I only took it for three months, but during that time I had near constant regular (i.e. not migraine) headaches as well.

Ive decided to stop it after reading all the posts here because it doesnt sound like it gets any better, is it worth trying alternative POP or are they all the same?

Can't really say for someone else, but I've tried enough hormonal contraception now to decide they are just not for me. I suppose at least with pills you can just stop taking them (unlike implants or mirena). Really weird to think much of my late teenage neurosis was probably less due to the confusion of young adulthood, but due to a poor contraceptive choice. Even a simple questionnaire given to patients both before changing contraception and again a couple of months in could help stop this misery.

thank you op!
I am on ad having been diagnosed with pnd. I started with cerazette after dd was born. Previous combined pill ok so I will go back to that right away.

Ok, have just seen the "yellow card" link from a previous poster (PPT) to the Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority. Am filling it in now.

yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/

ive been on cerazette fo around 8 months now, and gradually ive found myself become more and more depressed, crying for no reason, shouting at my bf for no reason. town as i have no confidence! i cant look at anyone in im sick of feeling like this and want to be myself again, ive never been depressed before or selfconsious! ive also gained loads of weight and my sex drive has gone my bf is lucky if i want it once in 2weeks, ive only come up with the conclusion that it could be the pill and thanks to all you guys i now no it is!! im going to go to the gp tommorow. thank you

I had a horrible experience on Cerazette but had been on another mini-pill before that without any problems. Maybe change to a different type rather than avoiding the pill altogether.

sorry for my confusing post there dont no what happened, well i missed the pill the other day and thought wot the hell may aswell stop and see how i feel, so far so goog im only in my 2nd day but already feel happier and now im goin to the docs on tues to sort a non hormonal contreceptive ie coil or something. and i cant wait to get my sex drive back and im sure my bf cant either!! thanks guys you have been a great help!!

Hi All,

I'm so glad i have found this site - I've been on Cerazette for 4 months, 9 years ago i was put on Dianette as i suffered from really bad skin from the age of about 13 (am now 25) - i was moved from Dianette to Cilest about 4 years ago and then after i mentioned that i was having migraines they moved me to the mini pill...and what a nightmare it has been...funnily enough the first 2 months were ok, then all of a sudden my skin has got really bad, spots on my neck, back and face - even in my hair line...for me this was awful (vain i know!) but after struggling for years to clear up my skin i feel as if i have reverted right back to how i was when i was 14/15 with no self confidence and starting to feel as though i dont want to go out because my skin is so bad! I'm angry at the docs for putting me on cerazette especially as they know how my skin reacts - I dont know how my skin will react if i come off it either, will it it improve (due to no progesterone) or will it go back to how my skin was when i was 15 (because my skin needs both estrogen and progesterone to look relatively normal)!!! Anyway, the other side effect is that i have been losing some of my hair, if i was to run my hands through it i would have about 7 or 8 strands a time...it just feels really week and thin...which has never happened before...i have just read elsewhere that this can happen when on this pill! The worse thing is the moods...real black clouds, extreme anxiousness and becoming really angry at the drop of a hat...i dont seem to remember being like this on the other pills (although i have always been called a grumpy cow!)...The only problem is that I have been on so many pills for so long that i dont know where they finish and I begin...i have never 'not' been on the pill in my adult life! I have decided though (after a really emotional/teary morning of trying to cover my spots) that I am not taking todays pill, i want to see what i am like without taking any form of hormone, i want to see if my skin is playing up because i am on this pill and i am curious to see what my skin is like without any form of hormone in my system to see whether it has 'grown up' or whether it is this pill that is making it bad again...i want to see if my hair gets thicker and i really want to see what kind of person i am without this pill, will i be calmer and less angry/teary!!! My boyfriend is fully supportive as i dont thinks he likes how irrational i am at times so he has given me the thumbs up...so here goes...no more pills! I will write back in a week or so and let you know how things are going (in a way i am really excited!)...Keep strong ladies!

Good luck danni
Glad your bf is being supportive, will be v interesting to hear how it all works out for you.

Hi There,

I've only been on Cerazette for 2 weeks, I was previously on Marvelon for 15 years but was taken off it because I am over 35 and smoke, I tried Micronor but this only had a 3 hour window for taking it so was put on this. Bad move, although I have only taken it a short while my moods have changed, can't stop crying, I'm newly married but my libido has nearly disapeared. My husband is understanding but I dont think I can carry on with this pill. Considering the coil but not sure, if not then hubby will have to have the snip!!

Help!I have been taking this pill for about 6 weeks. Just having my first period on it and instead of lasting the usual 5/6 days I am now on day 10! And its still running bright red, if slowly, sorry tmi! Putting me off sex and reading these posts fills me with dread! I mean, assuming my period stops sometime soon, will I get into a less bloody cycle? Because its not worth it otherwise. How long should I bleed before going to docs?!

meanmutha, i understand how you are feeling ive stoped cerazette now for a week and omg i feel fantatic, my libido is back on form and no more crying at the drop of a hat!! i wanted the coil but the docs didnt want me to so on an other pill micronor, ive been on it before and i had no probs with it mayb try that before the coil, i think we all need to make a stand against the 'evil' cerazette!!

I stopped taking cerazette about a fortnight ago, and have re-discovered the sound of my own laugh, which had been missing during the months I took this pill. I'm feeling less depressed and distressed and anxious

Blimey! I'm half glad that it wasn't just me that this pill sent insane and half of me is very sad that so many people have been miserable due to this pill.

Can I just recommend again that if you have had a bad experience with Cerazette (or another pill) you can yellow card it by either going to yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ as linked by PPT, or by contacting your GP or Health Visitor directly.

I really feel that this pill should come with a warning that it can cause serious mental health issues, suicidal thoughts and depression rather than just the vague comment of "mood swings" buried in the list of other minor side effects.

Thanks for posting everyone, it's good to keep this relatively bumped for any other women who are prescribed this drug in the future.

help...I've just got back from my new doctors...my first appointment cus I was running out of Dianette pill...was telling him about the awful migranes I've been having for the past 3 years and straight away he told me no more dianette (orginally put on that pill by my old doctor for bad skin), and swopped me to Cerazette for contraception. He told me to perhaps use other contraceptive methods too, such as the inplant..that got me worried, how effective is Cerazette as a contraceptive if he recommends other contraception??
I decided to look it up before even thinking about taking one and now I'm really nervous! I am an anxious person as it is, with very low self esteem... I don't want this to become any worse! Esp cus I've just moved away from home and started uni (hence having a new doc).. the only "side effects" the doc mentioned was periods not being as "organised"...which is one reason I thought Dianette was great...
So help me ladies! Should I take this pill and "wait and see"? Is it an effective contraceptive? Are the periods/bleeding REALLY that sporadic/bad?

Hi

I can't believe there are so many posts on here about bad experiences with Cerazette! It's a shame but its also kind of comforting to know I'm not the only one

I was on Microgynon for a couple of yrs with no probs til I started getting headaches (which were most likely tension as I was buying a house! ). Doc put me on Cerazette, I got home, read online reviews and thought "no way" but when I went back to doc she convinced me I should try it as everyone's reaction to it is different.Started taking it and was paranoid I would get side effects but thought I was ok apart from generally feeling a bit yucky most of the time. Then suddenly started getting breathless, thought it was my asthma but doc told me it was anxiety and panic attacks. I asked if it could be the Cerazette, she said "I don't think so" and didn;t look it up or anything! Was given an anti-depressant, had a bad reaction and came off after 2 days, basically been suffering with panic attacks for 4 months now and at my wits end, waiting for a counselling appointment to come through. I suddenly thought, what if the Cerazette is causing it, looked on here and couldn't believe it ! Stopped taking it a week ago now, was really pinning all my hopes on this being it but so far no change. Sleeping badly, wake up every night with severe nausea and stomach cramps, horrible taste in my mouth, still anxious. Went back to doc yesterday, his answer was to offer me Yasmin (I thought you couldnt take a combined pill if you've had headaches??!! That was what the other doc told me!) and a differnet anti=depressant I keep hoping once the pill gets out of my system I will magically feel better, but its a struggle.

I've been on anti-depressants for a while, and Microgynon for years. A month ago my nurse changed me to Cerazette. My moods changed within a week, I could go from high to low in the space of 10 minutes. And the lows were very low, couldn't stop crying. Two weeks ago I took an overdose, which even my GP can't believe. No one asked me about my Pill. Yesterday I went back to the nurse, and asked about the side-effects of Cerazette. She mentioned mood swings and depression and has brought me off it immediately. I'm hoping it's going to solve the problem, but seeing all these messages is now making me really angry - someone should have picked up on the link between Cerazette and severe depression. I might not be here now. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that once the pill is out of my system things will improve...

Oh wow - finding this discussion has totally saved me!! My doctor changed me from Microgynon to Cerazette about 2 months ago, due to my age, even though I don't have any of the risks associated with the combined pill, e.g. high blood pressure, history of strokes etc. I didn't think much of it, as I've never had any problem with the contraceptive pill before. About 6 weeks ago, I experienced my first ever panic attack, which obviously frightened the life out of me. The 6 weeks following that have been an absolute misery for me. I've felt constantly anxious, as though something terrible is about to happen, even when in the safety of my home. I've been tearful for no apparent reason, I haven't wanted to go out of the house or see anyone, I've been constantly tired, and really wanting to do nothing other than crawl under the duvet and hide. I've had terrible dark thoughts, and I couldn't figure out why I was feeling like this, as nothing particularly stressful had happened or changed in my life during that period. I was reluctant to go to the doctor, as I didn't want to be put on anti-depressants, especially as I couldn't think of any reason why I would suddenly have become depressed!! Last week, I was telling a friend about how awful I had been feeling. She asked me if I was taking any kind of Pill, as she had known a friend suffer in a similar way. I was a bit sceptical, but finally on Sunday, after breaking down into tears once again for no apparent reason, I googled Cerazette and found this site. I was absolutely gobsmacked to read so many similar stories. I stopped taking it straight away, and even within 48 hours I started to feel 'normal' again. I'm now 5 days off it, and I feel like someone has switched the lights back on in my head. I'm enjoying going out again, my boyfriend is so relieved to have 'me' back, and I feel sooooo much better and happy. I've been back to my doctor and she has put be back onto Microgynon. I haven't started it yet, as waiting for my cycle to get back to normal. I'm a bit nervous about taking another pill after this awful experience, but I've been OK with it before, so will give it a go. First sign of any problems though and I'm off it!! I would advise anyone taking Cerazette that if you start to feel any of these terrible symptoms, stop it straight away. I really don't think it gets any better, and for me it was a totally evil pill.