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

[RedFraggle]

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!!!

[babez]

I was on the cerazette mini pill for just over a year , ive come off it last November 08 in the hope of getting pregnant again but chance would be a fine thing .... ive not had a period yet!!!Anyonw else had this trouble?

[poppa]

I've just found this forum & what an eyeopener... I was put on cerazzette 8 weeks ago due to being over 35 & a smoker, Was offered the minera coil but turned it down because of an abnormal smear result.
So far I have been less energetic, more spotty, producing small amounts of milk, loss of libido, numb hands in the morning, Spotting for the last 3 weeks, Back & leg pain & generally not myself Oh & despite joining a gym-gaining weight.
I'm throwing them in the bin!!!! & He will just have to wear a raincoat if my libido reappears!!

[jaimenic]

Hi,
I too have been on cerazette now for about 5 months and feel constantly angry and agressive. I have a daughter who is 15 months old and I seem to have points where I have absolutely no patience with her even though she's only doing what babies do naturally!! I am constantly tired and have a definate loss of libido and fell like I have a coiled spring of anger inside me at times waiting to explode. It is definately only since I have started on this pill so I am going to see the Family Planning Nurse today to see what she says. If she asks me to persevere, I may kill her the way I feel! (Only kidding)

[MarchNowFebMum]

Thanks for all these important posts - and thought I would share my exp on Cerazette. No emotional side effects at all but terrible terrible headaches (and a bit of spotting). Dr pressuring me to keep going 'to see if it will pass' but these posts make me wonder if something is wrong with this pill! Been on a month. I will finish the cycle and then chuck if no better.

[jaimenic]

Update: I came off cerazette and went straight onto Microgynon and 3 days later I feel like a new woman. I have had fun with my daughter today for the first time in months and feel so much happier. Anyone experiencing these problems should see their doctor asap to sort it out.

[toni1984]

I have was on Cerazette for 7 months, my mood swings were horrendous. To begin with I was just crying all the time and just really depressed. I went to the doctor and they told me to keep with it as due to me being a smoker and my weight if I went onto another one it could cause serious health problems. Then they went the other way and I was just shouting or getting moody with my boyfriend over the smallest of things. i was a nightmare to be around. I just wanted to hurt him, I even chucked stuff at him. He broke up with me last week - who can blame him I hated myself and thought I was an idiotic crazy bi*ch. I came off it straight away as I thought what was the point of taking it when I have no partner. Since I have stopped I have started feeling myself slightly again and thought that was due to me and my partner splitting. I have not come on my period yet and googled to find out why as before when missed one pill I would come on immediately. I found this site and after reading your stories I feel relieved - it was not me it was the pill. I cannot believe it has taken the best thing in my life away from me :0( I wished I had found this site before.

[burba]

Thank goodness I googled this morning! I've been on Cerazette for just over a week. I was recommended this pill because it is apparently safe to use while breastfeeding. Normally I'm a very motivated and positive person but almost instantly since taking the pill I have been feeling upset, lacking in confidence and like many of you have already said - like there is a constant black cloud over me. Only this morning did it cross my mind that it could be the pill. I'm stopping right away and will let you know how I feel in a few days. One question I have is if this is recommended for breastfeeding mums and they say it does pass into the milk what if this is having an effect on our babies as well?

[RedFraggle]

Hi Burba - Glad this helped. Re the passing to baby, that concerned me too but I was told that it was only a tiny amount that was passed on but. (but then I was also told that it wasn't the pill making me mental )

It wouldn't surprise me if it had an effect on my DS. when I was on this pill I spent most of my time sitting on the floor crying with him laying on his playmat next to me also crying. It is possible that he was just picking up on my utter misery though...

Hope you feel better very soon.

[Deborandum]

Hello

I have just sat here and read in detail everyone of these posts regarding Cerazette. I came off Cerazette on February 20th 2009 after my boyfriend and I decided that it may have been the cause of my behaviour towards him. I had been on it for about 3.5 years and during this time I added 4 stone in weight (admittedly not all through the pill!), I had terrible mood swings. I lost all my confidence and became a hermit. Christmas 2008 became a turning point for us and our relationship has been a little rocky to say the least so we decided that I should come of the pill. My GP does not know this yet but I have an appointment later today to discuss.

Since coming off the pill I have felt a variety of different things both positive and negative. Firstly, my moods have been better. I am more relaxed and seem to have some of my old personality back. I am constantly hungry so am eating like a trojan. I dont sleep as well as I used to and often wake up in the night thus making me tired all the time. I have had 3 migraines in 3 weeks and have had a constant headache since coming off it (hence me visiting the GP today). My boyfriend has also said that I have a lot more lubrication when we have sex and not just 'down there', my mouth is also very lubricated and I tend to dribble a lot!!!!! I have just started my first period in years as I never had any whilst on Cerazette and its very very heavy and the stomach pains are something I havent felt in a long time! They hurt.

So even though there are mainly negative things that are happening to my body the one thing that reigns high is that my moods have reduced, I have motivation and I am getting out the house more.

Lets see with the GP has to say later then hey?!?!

[Deborandum]

Sorry for the double post but I mist ask if anyone has suffered from memory loss whilst on cerazette.?

I used to have memory as sharp as a button prior to being on Cerazette but since being on it I have been having problems remembering simple things so much so that I have 2 diarys, my phone calendar and I write constant lists.

[kingy19]

When people talk about 'dark thoughts' here, such as self harm etc, did anyone also feel like they didnt love their OH? Not particuarly anger, just obsessive thoughts about it? Have thoughts such as they didnt love them anymore etc?

I've also had the self harm thoughts and I've NEVER been like that.

Turning point came for me yesterday when I literally sat at work crying my eyes out all day.

I have constant anxiety and i cant muster the motivation for anything, I just want to go to bed and hide.

I came across this thread yesterday and decided to come off this pill. Heres hoping it helps as im thoroughly miserable!!!

[kingy19]

When people talk about 'dark thoughts' here, such as self harm etc, did anyone also feel like they didnt love their OH? Not particuarly anger, just obsessive thoughts about it? Have thoughts such as they didnt love them anymore etc?

I've also had the self harm thoughts and I've NEVER been like that.

Turning point came for me yesterday when I literally sat at work crying my eyes out all day.

I have constant anxiety and i cant muster the motivation for anything, I just want to go to bed and hide.

I came across this thread yesterday and decided to come off this pill. Heres hoping it helps as im thoroughly miserable!!!

[notcitrus]

Just to say that I started Cerazette when A was 7 weeks, when I had my usual SAD kicking in along with terrible thrush pain and the exhaustion from a young baby, and had no side effects at all.
If anything it made me happier than usual!

But I know pills affect people differently and best wishes to people having possible side effects in finding meds that work for you.

[Clarabelle74]

I was wondering if anyone who has been on Cerazette and gained weight on it could tell me how long it took them to loose it once they came off the pill. I have been on it for 3 years and came off 3 weeks ago and have felt pregnant and bloated ever since.

After over 2 years of eating well and exercising like a maniac, with and also without a personal trainer I was at breaking point. I then found this website and realised this is a problem for other people. I have also had terrible mood swings, bad skin, thrush, have felt very low in myself and not wanted to go out and about the way I used too and have had a massive loss of libido which has caused no end or arguements with my husband. I thought all of these things, including the weight gain was down to anxiety caused by the very traumatic bith of my baby 4 years ago. My doctor suggested I go for counselling, which I did and I guess I felt slightly better but not much. I was also treated for IBS as I had constant upset stomachs and was running to the toilet every time I was eating and still gaining weight. I got that I wouldn't go out for dinner etc as it was too embarrassing. Once again I was told all of this was down to stress. I couldn't believe what I read on this site and how many people have had similar problems. I went to my doctor and expected to be told I was being paranoid and she told me she had been on the same pill and had to come off it for all the same reasons. I felt a real weight had been lifted and I now feel so much better in myself. My only complaint is that I have actually gained a couple of pounds and I expected the weight would start coming off instantly.

Apologies for the extremely long post!!

[Neon123]

Hi
I also am on Cerazette, i was put on this pill due to high blood presure.
But since starting taking the pill in November i have put on half a Stone, which i'm confused about i havent changed my eating pattern so just pinning it on the pill.

I also have been having mood swings, and low sex drive which is not good.

I have notice a few ppl have mentioned their periods had stopped during taking Cerazette but mine havent they have been very unprediciable.

I'm thinking of stopping it to try and get my body and hormones back to normal and hopefully try for a family.

Has other ppl experienced these problems,

[minkymoo1]

I started Cerazette in November which ruined a new relationship he said I was an emotional wreck and depressing!!!! I thought he was just an ass hole. Started another relationship in January which has just ended as he said I was negative, exhausted, no interest in sex whatsoever! It is this pill. I have gone from really skin (use Elemis) to large angry red spots, greasy forehead and back which I didnt have before. This is an odd one too I have terrible sinus problems ie tender face around that area and catarrah which I dont ever have usually. So tired since becoming single AGAIN I am in bed every night aT 9.00pm!!!! Ive been really bitchy at work too actually saying things you usually just think. Having read all your posts Im stopping this nightmare pill tonight. Thanks to everyone that has written youve saved my summer being miserable xxx

[LizalFrizal]

I have been on this pill for 4 years, at first i thought it was just what i neeeded and the no periods bit was an extra bonus! All of sudden i have noticed that my mood and temperment has changed, i feel annoyed more easily at things i wouldnt have before, i feel like crying all the time, i lack motivation to do things and to be honest im fed up with it!I feel it has changed my personality by making me more insicure about every thing. I have decided to come off this awfull pill today and see how if it causes any change! Fingers crossed for a lift and happy feelings return!!!

[TwilightFan]

Hi there, this message is really aimed at Kingy19.
Iv only just stumbbled across this site and im actually crying as i can finally put a reason dwn to my on/off depression...cerazzete. I was put on these nearlly a year ago now, im 20 years old and im used to having a livelly and bubbly personality. Since being on the mini pill i have had bouts of depression, terrible mood swings and recentlly thought of ending my 5 year relationship, having bad and confusing thoughts about loving him.
Reading your post in particular has made me think more positive, iv decided to come off the pill and see my doctor, all the effects wrote on these threads are linked to what i am going through at the moment.
Thanks for helping me out guys.

[Chik]

MY DW has lost all desire and interest( normally all over me everynight!!)This is the second time we have engaged this OCP called CERAZETTE lets hope for a reversal of side effects tonight!!
Concerned Husband

[mizpah4444]

HELLO
i have read all of the messages and have been on this terrible drug for 18 months-it has changed me into a monster.
feel depressed offered anti dep from gp and valium havent taken them yet
terrible headaches dead arms and hands in the night and morning,weight gain,blurred vision,loss of confidence,breathless,
the worst symptom is vaginal soreness with has been unbearable now since christmas,awaiting gyno appt because no 0ne can tell me what is causing it now i think that i have found out,
has anyone ever had any soreness that would not go away,
i have been so sore that i thought i was going mad and that the gp thought i was making it up!
sex is a no no at all still kept taking this drug though never thought it could be that,
stopped it 2 days ago and feel slightly better
any help please

[rinni123]

I have been on Cerazette since last July (had no period in this time) and stopped taking it on 30th March, does anyone know how long it will take for my periods to start again? Thank you

[Ayam]

Hi, I've been reading the comments on cerazette with interest. I started taking it a few days ago and woke up this morning, crying uncontrollably for no real reason. I started arguing with my partner - on the grounds that he doesn't love me (all having no basis in fact). I am sure it is the impact of this pill. I feel low, flat and depressed. I'm going to give it a month and then re-evaluate, but on the basis of the comments so far, I think there is an element of truth to this side-effect being experienced by some of us out there! p.s. I'm an experienced medical scientist and not prone to jumping to anecdotal conclusions.

[Izzianin]

I've been on cerazette for about a year now. And as of last night am no longer taking it. It's the only thing I can think of that would cause me to feel the way I do now. Depressed. I have also lost any sex drive I had. Which is a bad thing as I've not been married a year yet.
I know it does work for some, but it's not for me.

[dizzybtnbabe]

OMG I thought i was going mad, i have been on cerezette for 4 years now and the mood swings have got that bad that i have beaten up my current partner for no reason at all... thank god i have read all your postings and have today booked an appointment to see my gp, Im depressed and crazy and cant handle these mood swings coz im afraid i will do someone some bad damage if i continue to take this bloody pill...

Thanks you for posting on this site and show me the light.... I was beginning to think i was going f*uckin MAD!!!!!!

[tigana]

I went on cerazette in January this year.
I had been on microgynon for years and had been depressed for roughly the same ammount of time ( but only for 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off - roughly. Took me aaaages to work it out as pill-related!). Not fun AT ALL.

Cerazette has sorted it out. No more depression for me (