| Key to ratings for depo-provera: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken | Date Added | |
| | F M | | | | ||||
| Change sort order by clicking arrow under column heading. | ||||||||
| 3 | To prevent pregnancy | I have gained 15 lbs in 2 months and 1 year later am struggling very hard to lose the weight, I cant fit any of my jeans, before the shot I was skinny, never had weight issues, and I was the same small size for over 5 years. Now even with diet and exercise I have to basically starve myself just to lose a few pounds. Even though I eat plenty I am always hungry, I have a increased appetite for cookies, cakes, and junk foods. Once I have 1 cookie I want to have another and another and it is hard to stop eating them. I was never like that before the shot. Its gotten so bad to where I cant keep junk food in the house anymore. I also feel like I cant even eat full meals without seeing it on the scale the next day. I have extreme depression, I used to have hair down my back but now its broken all off :(. One day I am ok the next day I am really depressed and crying. I have decided to switch back to the patch which is what I had before. I feel the shot has made me ugly. I look at pictures that | The 1st time I was on it for 2 years and had no weight gain, hair loss, or depression. This 2nd time I started it in December 2008 and started noticing the weight gain, depression, and hair loss in February 2009. I liked the fact that its just once every 3 months, it is good at preventing pregnancy, there are no interruptions before sex and there are no periods. | F | 24 | 1 years | 2/8/2010 | 1 | im 19 have been on depo for the last 2months and can not stand the side effects that come with it. sure it stops you from getting preg but at the same time the side effects make you feel as if you are. i get really dizzy tired all the time moody and get bad anxiety which makes me think of sucidel thoughts i really feel like i am going crazy and hope it will where of soon i have a 20month lil boy and can not deal with these side effects working and looking after him. | F | 19 | 3 days | 2/8/2010 | 4 | to not have anymore kids | headaches,no period(yay), no sex drive, vaginal dryness, mood swings, depression,aching bones,when sleep at night wake up in sweats, fingers and arm numb,knees throbbing, when i run ifeel like my legs gone break(literally) | I am glad that I have no period and havent had achild in 3 years since I got on it. But the side effects are not worth the chance get on the mirena and deal with that. I hate not have ing a sex drive. I am married and went 4 months without sex n my husband a good chrietisn man turned to porn OMG, this shot is not worth me losing my husband and on top of that the mood swings that kills him so much so we had to go to counseling to try to save our marriage. | F | 22 | 3 months | 2/6/2010 | 1 | Birth Control | Serious weight gain, loss of sex drive, bloating, what I can best describe as a "false pregnancy" almost | At first I loved this drug. I liked that I didn't have periods on it, it's very inexpensive, and you only have to think about it once every 3 months. However in the 4 years I was on it I gained 40 lbs. and I have no doubt it was the Depo's fault. Not only did I gain weight, it was IMPOSSIBLE to lose until I went off of it even with dieting and exercise. I went from a size 5 to a 12, which is just ridiculous. I had absolutely no sex drive. So if that's the "birth control" it offers.... LOL! The once a month bloating was terrible. Made my jeans fit even tighter, thus depressing me. The final straw was the pregnancy symptoms I got. Breast tenderness, mood swings, and morning sickness. I wasn't pregnant but I sure felt it! I'd never recommend this to anyone. It also depreciates the calcium in bones, which I think is reason enough to have it pulled off the market since it is for women. I now take Orthocyclen, skipping the placebo/spacer week (as directed by my OB/GYN) so I still don't have periods. I have none of the side effects I had with Depo and have finally started to lose the weight I put on. | F | 26 | 4 years | 2/6/2010 | 1 | Ovarian cyst | I have had headaches, depression, mood swings, I don't want to eat, my stomach hurts all the time, feel like I'm in a fog,and I hate the way I feel unable to control the way I am feeling. | I took the shot to get rid of a cyst and now I wish I had tried something else. I hate this drug. I will never take this again. I never knew something could make you feel so bad so fast. Was given the shot on Monday and by Thursday was feeling so depressed I had to talk to my husband about the way I am feeling. I have never in my life felt this way. I hope and pray this doesn't last long. Please, no one take this drug. It should be taken of the market. | F | 36 | 1 months | 2/5/2010 | 5 | Heavy periods | Absolutely no bad side effects. I stopped getting my period within a month of the first shot. I even lost 25 pounds while on this shot and think that birth control should not be used as an excuse for weight gain. I think it is great and saved me much pain. | F | 23 | 1.5 years | 2/3/2010 | 5 | Prevent Pregnancy | Weight Gain. Loss of Period | I seen all these negative comments about the depo, but I have yet to experience all of the negative things everybody is saying. the only thing I have experince is gaining weight (which I have no problem with because i'm trying to gain weight) and i don't get m period.. I love the depo shot | F | 22 | 9 months | 2/2/2010 | 5 | Birth Control | Acne on my legs, no periods, mood swings | Just want to let a few people on here know that if you ask your doctor for the pill while your on the injection it will stop the bleeding, you only have to take it for a few weeks. And ignore everything you have been told about not being able to fall pregnant straight away, i was on it for 3 years, come off and fell pregnant within 2 months!! I do agree with the mood swings however, and i have really bad acne on my legs. | F | 25 | 3 years | 1/31/2010 | 1 | prevent pregnancy | This shot made me extremly depressed. Thoughts of suicide major mood swings. Before i got the shot my husband of almost threee years and i got along great and after he threatned to leave me because he coulc not stand my mood swings all the time. I swear this shot makes you bi polar. I would not recommend this shot to anyone i got on it because it was the easiest method of birth control but I would get my tubes tied before even thinking about taking this shot again. THIS SHOT SHOULD BE BANNED FOREVER! | This shot made me extremly depressed. Thoughts of suicide major mood swings. Before i got the shot my husband of almost threee years and i got along great and after he threatned to leave me because he coulc not stand my mood swings all the time. I swear this shot makes you bi polar. I would not recommend this shot to anyone i got on it because it was the easiest method of birth control but I would get my tubes tied before even thinking about taking this shot again. THIS SHOT SHOULD BE BANNED FOREVER! | F | 26 | 3 months | 1/26/2010 | 1 | couldn't remember to take the pill | I had constant bleeding for 5 months, then my period went away (blood-wise anyway) I gained 23 pounds, had over 3 months of almost constant diarrhea and vomiting (while still gaining weight) riddle me that batman. my back constantly hurt, my arm and foot feel almost arthritic now, I was exhausted constantly, exercise caused too much body pain, constant cramping,and severe headaches. | There is absolutely NO redeeming quality about this shot. DO NOT GET IT!!!! My doctor even told me that if my cycle didnt return within 10 months, that I would have to have hormone shots and that I may or may not be able to have children again. I am a single mom with 1 daughter. I am not looking to have kids now....but it is upsetting to think I may never be able to again. Do not get this shot. It is not worth the long term body problems you will have, possibly for the rest of your life. | F | 22 | 1 years | 1/25/2010 | 3 | heavy periods/ migraines | weight gain, anxiety, depression, digestive problems | I was supposed to get my last shot 2 months ago and decided against it, because I was becoming too depressed and thought it may be due to the shots. I loved not having a period, but I'm paying for it now. I started mine 3 weeks ago and let me tell you, it is still going strong. I really wish I would have never been on it, because the weight gain and psychological issues are not worth the benefit of that monthly visit. I'm wondering if this period will ever stop. | F | 22 | 12 months | 1/24/2010 | 3 | to prevent preegnancy | vaginal dryness,abdominal pain,weight gain,overall feeling of un well,extreme decress in sex drive only good wasno period until i stopped it after 3 years getting a period every 2weeks! | does exceptionally well preventing pregnancy | F | 19 | 3 years | 1/24/2010 | 1 | control heavy periods | severe acne, hair loss, weight gain, extreme breakthrough bleeding, period everyday for 4 months | do not get this shot! I have lost 4 months of my life and listened to my dr and went in for the second shot in hopes that my body will acclimate to it!I have been bleeding/spotting for 4 months! of course you wont get pregnant , you cant have sex if you are bleeding this bad!once the shot is in your body there is nothing you can do, at all!I have lost so much hair that i may have to get hair growth meds!!I never had acne before in my life and now my forehead and back are COVERED! THis shot is horrible and should be removed from the market! | F | 33 | 4 months | 1/24/2010 | 1 | to stop heavy periods & cramps | continuous bleeding, hot flashes, weight gain, bloating, mood swings, no sex drive, depression | I got the Depo shot in Sept '09 & has had a period everyday since. Got married the next month, October, and still had heavy bleeding. How disappointing is that to have your period on your honeymoon?!! My sex drive has pretty much disappeared. I feel so guilty b/c I cant even please my hubby at times because I feel fat & ugly. When I look in the mirror, I no longer see myself. Went back to the doctor in december & he stated it's normal to have bleeding for 3 months & getting the 2nd shot should lighten up or stop. FALSE!!! I regret ever getting the shot again in december. This is January 2010 & haven't gone one day without having a period. In 4 months, I've gained 28 lbs!!! I even exercised & still put on weight. It's really upsetting to go in your closet to put on an outfit & nothing fits. I was a size 10 & now I'm a size 14. I'll never get the shot again. For anyone reading this, please DO NOT get the shot!!! | F | 28 | 4 months | 1/24/2010 | 5 | Birth Control | I missed my period occasionally but who wouldnt want that! | It is amazing to get the shot once every 11-12 weeks and not have to worry about a pill. A year and a half later and Im still not pregnant, it does its job. | F | 22 | 1.5 years | 1/23/2010 | 2 | forgot to take pill everyday | weight gain, COMPLETE loss of libido, panic attacks, mood swings | I began taking depo provera when I was 17. I took it for two years on and off when I would get into a relationship. most of the time my period would come back a month after i was off but this last time was different. i got one shot and it hasnt worn off yet. I always noticed that once in a relationship about 4 months in my sex drive would disappear. i always related it to just getting use to the relationship but the other constant would be the depo shot within the first 2 weeks of a new relationship. i figure that might contribute to my lack of libido 4 months into a relationship after the drug has had time to have its affect. also panic attacks. i wasnt sure what was causing them but i seem to have anxiety issues and had a panic attack where i had to get up and start running and actually drank a glass of wine to help me calm down. but this is after being off the shot for 8 months. i have now been off the shot for going on 10 months and I have yet to get my period back. i would love to get back to normal and feel normal again, but my period doesnt seem to be on its way. | F | 24 | 5 times | 1/22/2010 | 1 | Birth Control | Headaches, cramps, period lasting longer than one month, dizziness, tiredness, panic attacks, mood swings, depression, trouble breathing, loss of sex drive, weight gain, hot flashes, acne, darkening of skin around mouth | I basically experiences every side effect possible from this drug. I never considered what I was putting into my body before getting the depo shot- I loved the idea of not getting a period and it never occurred to me that I was more or less putting my body through menopause. I would not recommend for ANYBODY to take this drug as a form of birth control because it does not outweigh the side effects, plus I've heard that 30% of people still get their period while on the shot which indicates that they are still ovulating (and can get pregnant). I gained 12 pounds within 2 months, my panic attacks and depression got so bad that I had to go to the doctor to get all kinds of pills to help me deal with myself until this stupid shot wears off. I feel like I lost my mind on the depo shot. I only got the shot one time and I will NOT be going back for my next one. Some websites about the shot say it can take 14 weeks to wear off and others say side effects can linger for 6-8 months after getting it. The synthetic hormones in the shot store in your body tissue so if you are desperate like I am to get it out of your body, drink lots of water, exercise, eat raw organic vegetables, and consider going to a health food store to buy herbal remedies to help detoxify your body. Please, please, please reconsider before getting the depo shot- it is not worth it! It is natural for your body to have a period and drugs are not the answer to try and make it go away. | F | 21 | 1/22/2010 | 1 | Ovarian cyst | quick 15 pound weight gain, severe depression, panic attacks, mood swings | My gyno suggested depo provera (1996) for an ovarian cyst. I didn't know any better, so I got the shot. Within mere days I was weeping uncontrollably over virtually nothing! Massive mood swings began after that, gained 15 pounds in less than a month and then began having severe** panic attacks day and night. I honestly thought I was going insane. I had no idea how long it took for this drug to get out of your system!! I asked my doc and he said a couple of months! BS! I did research and found that it can take up to a year before it leaves your system. After 6 months I saw a psychiatrist who put me on antidepressants and anti-panic drugs. He diagnosed me with bipolar disorder and it took me years to realize my problem was this HORRID DRUG! Finally after 12 YEARS, I got off antidepressants and am still weaning off klonopin for panic prevention. I was too scared to stop the drugs to treat the problems caused by this toxic substance. I advise NOBODY to take this junk!! I was so relieved when a new psychiatrist told me he thought my mood problems were largely hormone related. | F | 48 | 1 times | 1/15/2010 | 1 | to build my blood up / I'm anemic | Headaches, loss of sex drive, mood swings | I took my first shot in September of 09, I have had light bleeding every since. I still had a period each month also. This has been a horrible experience and I will not take it again or recommend it to anyone. | F | 40 | 4 months | 1/14/2010 | 1 | not good with pills | irregular bleeding especially immediately after sex, mood swings,loss of appetite, nausea. | started the shot in july and didnt take my last shot on dec 24 because of the continuous bleeding i was having...now i'm off i've been experiencing pms symptoms for almost 2 wks and no period...but after sex bleeding is visible..what the hell?? this is irritatin.my nipples are sore,bloated, gassy and excessive stomach growling.....can someone please helP?? | M | 26 | 2 times | 1/14/2010 | 3 | Ovarian cyst...last option | Tremendous weight gain...mood swings...digestive problems...depression..and who knows what else is from this | I used this as a last alternative from severe ovarian cyst and bad side effects from BC pills...Wish I would had been more informed about what I was getting into....At the time when I was taking it I thought only side effect was weight gain until I started researching myself and realized all my other issues were actually from this...Now I have quit taking it and feel like I am a crazy person...I know there has to be help to get my body back to a normal state... | F | 24 | 9 years | 1/13/2010 | 3 | Birth Control | On this for 12 years, and now off for 8 mos, due to missing the window and decided not to go back on. Have not yet had a period, experiencing extremely sore nipples, and now this week, my breast feel like they have gained two pounds a piece and they are very hard. Feels like I am pregnant. Like all of the other symptoms listed, I thought I had them just because I am 41 with an active family: tired, achy, gain weight easily, irritable, cranky, depressed at times. | F | 41 | 12 years | 1/13/2010 | 1 | sign this petition please if you have been affected by side effects | http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Depo-Provera | F | 36 | 2 years | 1/13/2010 | 3 | I couldnt remember to take the pill | Loss of sex drive and mood swings | I got on the shot because I could't remember to take the pill everyday. I thought the only side effect was weight gain and bone loss (I take Vitamin C daily) I just realized the my sex drive is like gone. My boyfriend and I are struggling alot because of it. After reading all the other comments I am scared to get of the shot because of the seide effects that can occure. I wish I new before or I would have picked another method. Not having a period is great but not worth it. | F | 18 | 2 years | 1/11/2010 | 1 | heavy periods | heart palpitations, high pulse rate, 15 lb. weight loss, diarrhea, indigestion, insomnia, shakiness | I got so sick and waited until my body came back to normal to write this. I had my last Depo shot, May 2009. Up until then, I was fine. The 4th shot changed everything. I was constantly at the doctors. All they could find was high cortisol. I was sent to an Endocrinologist. She said all of my symptons were 100% because of the Depo. I started to feel better mid November. I was put on bio-identical hormones to trick my body back. I got my period on January 2nd and it was completely normal. I do not recommend Depo to anyone.One of the doctors I saw told me he would not give Depo to his dog. It messes with the hypothalmus. Please think twice before using this. | F | 48 | 4 times | 1/11/2010 | 1 | i thought, "No period, WOW! But No. | Im having all kinds of body aches, migraines, irritability and the largest mood swings of my life. Ive been pregnant and that wasnt this bad. I really wanted the call a suicide hotline the other day, I was about to loose it. Def not gettin that next shot this month | No periods? yeah right! I bleed all the time-at least spot. how irritating is that? | F | 23 | 3 months | 1/11/2010 | 1 | to avoid pregnancy | i had to add more to my first msg one wasn't enough | as i continue to scroll threw other msgs i see all my reacurring systems flashing threw me once again wish that i to could turn back time and never started this drug u really have to do ur research before doing anything these days. to add on to the symtoms i had i also had the the loss in sex drive along with severe dring out. becoming a non social person when i use to be bubbly and funny everyone enjoyed having me around which now they dont. if you know any females close to u which may be ur sister daughter cousin nieces or friend or just a stranger please dont recommend this product to them. some side effects can be reversed but only threw time and no one can tell how long that would be others may become permant like the bone distansity which i also found out iv got 6 cavities over the time of becoming a lab rat to this drug. and yes if u r ever considering having a family well u better keep ur fingers cross and pray to ur guarding angels because it wont happen as soon as u think when u have been on this drug for 2-4yr or 6-8yr or 10+more yrs. my 1st injection was at age 17 with my first child ur still a child urself at this age and dont know better the 2nd injection was at 20 after having child #2 and now with the 3rd injection back in mid dec.09 this was obviouly not my way of starting of the new year with my hair falling out at 26 im just in such disbeleif in this drug and im stopping it for good 3times (of injections) was enough heart ack and pain for me that im not eve | F | 26 | 11 weeks | 1/10/2010 | 1 | to help ease my worries of periods | many different mood swings,suicide attemts/thoughts,weight gain,depression,body acks,and now the hair loss | This is now my 3rd time around tring and experiancing with this med after having my now 3rd child. it has been almost 5yrs since i had the last dose with my 2nd child before i almost ended up in the loony ben for crzy pple. almost had my kids taken away at the same time this drug was not only taking my self worth and importance but it had completely distroded everything i had. if i had to sum it up in a small sentence it was like being additied to a street drug like crack or methodone or something like that. i had no care in the world for anything that met dear to me including my own children. but at the same time going threw HELL was like waking up in a haze memomory or like being trapped inside your own body fighting ur demons and thats exactly how i felt. when i had my first breaking point which ended me up in the hospital tring to OD on prescription muscle relaxants and slitting my rist i knew enough was enough so i thought. i also have been one of those pple who have had the severe migrain headachs and back pain repeated mood swings mostly the angry ones along with many sucidly thoughts/attemts. i had no clue on what those things ment so i confided in a friend who did researching on the computer for me and told me to get off as soon as possible but since i didnt choose to take her advice iv lost a great friend to me. i lost all my friends and family and including my husband of a almost 2-5yr relationship i say that because he stuck around as long enough to what he could | F | 26 | 1 months | 1/10/2010 | 1 | birth control | diarrhea, tingly hands and feet, no sex drive, did not like to be touched whatsever, heart palpatations, every pregnancy symptom (all negative), no period..period returned right away then nothing, ovarian pain, extremely swollen and super painful breasts(more severe than pregnancy breats), increased appetite, HUGE WEIGHT GAIN (kept on my gestational diabetic diet 150 carbs per day gained 30 lbs in 3 months... hard to keep weight on when on this diet during pregnancy but while on this shot decreased carb diet from 200 per day to 150 STARVING ALL THE TIME yet weight kept packing on) | started depo march '09till august '09. had first post depo period oct16-31 '09. the extremely light one nov 18-21 '09. now feel pregnant but 3 negative tests. more than 55 days late. i spoke with my doctor and she wants me to do i pERIOD DIARY to track my cycles for 3 months. um.... how can i do that when im not gettin......g my period and every symptom of pregnancy??? she didnt even offer or tell me to come in for a blood test to confirm whetther i am or not. they never tested for pregnancy when i first recieved the shot or during my second and final shot. im calling in for a new doctor. this is my body and if somethings really wrong waiting can actually hurt me more.... thanks for listening. i still think im crazy and this is all in my head but at least i know that there are many many other women in the same boat as me going crazy and waiting. | F | 27 | 6 months | 1/10/2010 | 1 | Birth control | Diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, bleeding all the time, and mood swings. | I would not recommend this shot to anyone, I've always been a high energy person. I worked long hours before i got this shot for a couple of years and it never phased me. But, now that I've gotten the shot it seems like i can sleep for fifteenth hours and still be tired. I'm always upset or angry about something now, and before i was usually happy or content the majority of the time. I'm still on the first shot and have been bleeding heavily for about two weeks now. Also, i have been getting constant headaches every day. Finally, i get to the appetite change, I don't eat more, i eat less. I can't even stand to look at food half the time, sometimes even the smell of my favorite foods make me sick. I would NEVER recommend this shot. | F | 21 | 1 years | 1/8/2010 | 1 | Birth Control | Massive weight gain, increase in appetite,no periods. | I gained 21 pounds in weight and it was all in the wrong places!! I felt bloated and was hungry all the time. I watched my weight creep up every time I had a check up and the Depo. I came off the Depo in March. Since September 09 I have lost 21 pounds, my periods returned and I am my usual slim self, I have joined a slimming club where you have green days and red days!! and I have increased my CV work at the Gym to increase my metabolic rate, I believe that all these three factors have helped me to return to a normal weight. I have been to hell and back with the effects of this injection as I became very depressed due to gaining weight and I thought that my partner would leave me at some stage!! My friend at work told me I would lose the weight after six months and that support kept me going. I was never told how much weight I would gain and I was never given proper guidance or support when I was given this injection. I would advise any woman not to have this injection as it causes no end of problems and these are irreversible until months later. Think twice before you consider this form of contraception. | F | 41 | 9 months | 1/8/2010 | 1 | contraception | extreme tiredness/lack of motivation, irritibility, suicidal thoughts, feelings of low self worth,constant bleeding, mood swings, not knowing who i am or what i want, anxiety and panic attacks which havnt been present for years, change in bowel habit,lost 1/2 a stone in a week...and then gained almost a stone the next week and half, heartburn, indigestion,bloating, heart palpitations...and on and on | in the 1st 2 weeks i was extremely moody and felt suicidal up to twice a day...didnt know wether i wanted to be with my oartner..and there was no apparent reason for this, sex drive was extremely low in the 1st month, diarhea in the 1st month, bleeding started just before the 2nd injection was due, i thought it was slightly longer than usual...but didnt think it would continue with the 2nd injection...about 30 days and counting. with the 2nd injection came increased anxiety, irritibility and a huge panic attack along with smaller 1s. Since the start of the injection i have been sleeping a hell of alot , have had bloating, indigestion and heartburn...none of which i have ever had before. The suicidal feelings made me leave my mediaction in the hands of my partner..scared to have it with me. Scared of socialising...and before this injection i had been better for 2 or more years. The acid,constipation etc and weight gain made me feel so pregnant...i was paranoid non stop...i wouldnt recommend this to anyone....research and dont make the mistake i did..i feel like im falling apart... | F | 20 | 4 months | 1/4/2010 | 3 | birth control | weight loss, no period, no pms symptoms, loss of libido | I took depo on and off for about 6 years, and I was one of the few that lost weight on it, about 25 pounds, for that reason I loved it. The other side effects I could do without. I went off the shot about 12 months ago, my cycle still isn't normal, one month I will get my period like 2 times, other months I don't get one at all, or it's only like 1 day. I am 28 and went off the shot so that I could start a family soon, I guess it was a little more long term than I thought..keep that in mind if you are deciding to use this. I don't have a normal cycle yet but I do get all the symptoms associate with it like moodiness, pretty bad lower back pain, etc. If you are on it or are planning to take it remember there are other options that are less long term and that do not mess with your body's natural cycle. | F | 28 | 6 years | 1/3/2010 | 1 | birth control | It seems that I am displaying a lot of the symptoms all ready posted on this site. I feel as if this drug has turned me physcotic, i am aggressive, abusive, embarrassing,in pain and often have sucidal thoughts- although I am stronger than that! My husband dislikes me i am sure and since been on the depo i have gained 3 stones ( I am so sad witrh myself and I feel there is no one to help me!) | Severe weight gain,physcosis, aggressive, abusive, embarrassing, pain and sucidal thoughts. NEVER EVER TAKE THIS POISON & I AM A QUALIFIED PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENTIST, WITH FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE | F | 36 | 3 years | 1/3/2010 | 1 | birth control | side effects; cramps in the leg, abdominal pain,weight gain, eating more often,never ending cycle | 2 doses of the shot and still have a cycle | F | 17 | 5 months | 1/3/2010 | 1 | Not sure Why | Head aches, server back pain, server cramping and stomach pain, nausea, bleeding....DO NOT GO ON THE DEPO....i was on the pill at one point and never got any side effects...on this i got many! What sucks more is i will probably be in pain for the hole 3 months..its only been 2 weeks and its already effecting my love life and work life. I will never get this shot again and dont reccomend it to anyone. I am also very upset that my dr did not discuss w/me anything about the shot. If he had i would have told him rigth away to put me on the pill. i would have been able to control how long i took it then so instead of 3 long months plus possible more if it dont leave my system right away. I could have taken the pill just until my leavels were back to normal...DO NOT GET THIS SHOT!!! | I had gotten pregnant last april and made it till 22 weeks(which was sep.) and at that time i had had a still born. I never actually got another menstrual cycle and in late november i found out i was pregnant again. Shortly after i was told that again it would be another miscarrage. I had a dnc done and while recovering my fiance advised the dr i was against going on the shot but right when i got back from recovery they gave it to me anyways. I guess they thought it would help lower my hormone leavel which i guess was important at the time. but im sure other froms of birthcontrol would have been just as effective and could have been easaly stopped after my levels have gone completly down, but now i have to waite even longer. After that not even a week later i exsperianced alot of pain especially in my back and stomach. i went to urgent care and they werent sure what the pain was from so just put me on pain medication and sent me on my way. A few days later i was back again, and again was given muscle relaxers(which did not take sence could not function on them) and another pain medication which did not work. I now know from looking up the shot that my problems are from it. I am very upset that dr put me on this form of birthcontrol sence he knew i would want to try again right away to get pregnant. but now will have to waite awhile plus have to deal w/the pain which is hard when i am a waitress and on my feet 5 days a week. | F | 24 | 2 weeks | 1/3/2010 | 3 | Contraceptive | Progressive weight loss. Loss of libido, dryness contributing to loss of libido. Initially heavy bleeding for first 3 weeks, then no period or on rare occasion spotting. I used to have bad PMS, so having no period helped control my mood swings. | My problem is not with being on Depo, but when I decided to come off it. I'm one of the unusual tiny percentage that actually lost weight on depo. I was on it for 2 years, and by the end of the 2 years I lost about 8 or 9 kilograms! I did not change my eating habits or appetite, nor did I increase exercise. I was taking no other medication so can attribute the weight loss to the depo. I thought this drug was a god-send with regard to having no periods and much better moods. However, I when I decided to come off the injection I suffered some uncomfortable symptoms. After the first missed injection (3 months after the last one) and progressively over the past 12 months since my last jab I have gained back weight no matter how hard I try to keep it off. I still have not had a period, however do have pms-like symptoms every month including bloating, tender breasts, headaches, back ache and insomnia - however no period follows all these symptoms! I understand it takes up to 18 months and sometimes 24 months for fertility to return. It has been just over a year and still no period! I'm almost tempted just to go back on depo to lose weight again.. but really want fertility to return so I can start a family soon! I guess my overall comment is that as a contraceptive it is extremely effective. A bit too long term though! Hard to gauge how one's body will react to getting rid of the chemical over time and how long it'll take for fertility to return. | F | 27 | 2 years | 12/30/2009 | 1 | birth control | Back pain, headaches, Moodiness, suicidal thoughts, made me crazy. | don't get on this birth control. I've tried everything and this by far is the worst. I'm finally on a low estrogen pill. I was a happy person up until getting this shot. Gaining 20 lbs is just one of the motivations for getting off depo. In addition, I became moody and mean often(especially with my husband). Also lost my sex drive COMPLETELY. Hope these side effects will go away soon as I've only been off depo for a few weeks. I kept up with the shots for a year hoping side effects would dissipate but they only got worse. | F | 35 | 365 days | 12/29/2009 | 4 | Birth control | very long periods, periods every 6 months after the first year, hair loss, weight gain, PMS symtoms without having an actual period, calcium loss resulting in enamal loss resulting in cavities. | I started on Depe when I was 17. The first year I would bleed and spot for 45 days then no period for 45 days. It was horrible. After a year, I would only have my period every 6 months or when I had high stress. My hair thinned out. I gained 25 pounds in 5 years. I would have all the symptons of PMS (moodiness, breast tenderness, appetite change, fatigue)every month but not actually have a period. I also have had 8 cavities in the last 5 years. I had never had a cavity in my life until 6 months after being on depo. I actually have mineral deposits on my teeth which strengthens them. I drink milk take supplements and I brush and floss my teeth two times a day but still I get cavaties. Now I am getting off of Depo. It's been 6 months. At 3 months I spotted, but now I have a period with heavy bleeding last more then 4 days. I used to bleed heavily before I was on Depo but it only lasted a day or so. I'm not sure if that is suppose to be a side effect. | F | 22 | 5 years | 12/26/2009 | 5 | switched after takin pill for 4yrs | Decreased sex drive | I switched to the depo shot after taking the pill for 4yrs, I didn't like having to remember to take a pill everyday and I liked the idea of not having a period. I've been on it for 5 and a half years, I don't plan on getting off it anytime soon. I haven't had my period at all the whole time I've been on it, no spotting either. I love it. The doctor told me that the people who expierence lots of bleeding and awful side effects that its because its not working the way it was designed to, it just doesn't work right for some people, everybodys different and its working out great for me! Only bad thing for me is the decreased sex drive but its dealable, I have a busy life and don't have a lot of free time anyways and I like to get a full nights worth of sleep. The only other bad thing is the bone loss but I take calcium supplements so hopefully its helping! | F | 23 | 5 years | 12/23/2009 | 4 | I have been on depo for the last 8 years. About 3 years ago I took a break because of the bone density but the test came back normal. Just recently I came off of depo because I was married and my husband wants to start a family. I have a 9 year old son and we are wanting one more child. I got on depo because I had the most awful cycles and I cramped so bad I had to miss days of work. I really enjoyed the no menstruals. My Dr. did say that after coming off that it could take up to a year to become pregnant, which is around the time we are plannig on conceiving. | My Dr. told me the first time I got off of Depo that I needed a form of BC to regulate my cycles again, so I got on the patch. I had regular, lighter cycles without issues so I couldn't complain. I just came off 2 months ago. I haven't had my period yet bc I haven't started my new bc patch so I will see how that goes when I begin my bc on Sunday. The only issues that I have had when off is the swollen, sore, itchy breast. It really is a pain and it hurts to touch especially when taken off my bra. I think this is one of the reasons I stayed on for so long because when I missed shots it would happen. I also recently have gained about 30lbs even when killing myself in the gym it will not come off, so I am looking forward to getting back in shape. Would I take depo again after conceiving probably. I really did like it, but I know I can't stay on it forever. IUD is really not an option for me, I hear the side effects are sometimes worse than the product. | F | 27 | 8 years | 12/23/2009 | 1 | 4 kids is enough | gained 29 pounds with the last shot, fatique, insomnia,sore back, feeling depressed once and a while, no energy and just feel like hang out at home all the time...and OMG I have been bleeding continually since my last shot in Aug (its now Dec 22) prior to that I would always start bleeding again about 2 weeks after getting the shot. My Dr is aware I have been bleeding for so long yet doesn't think anything of it, nor does she express any regret on not telling me the "possible" side effects...clearly she has no idea what its like to wear a pad for 5 straight months...yup...just a tad choked and hope this will stop someday....I wonder if it will and when...mmmm | My dr. suggested depo because of my age and I smoke and the BC isnt good for smokers or ppl my age. I was married 15 yrs to a "fixed" husband after our kids and am in a new relationship now for the past year and a half and this is why I went on it...thank God he still loves me. I have not taken a shot since Aug yet still have the poundage...only benefit is I now have boobs..haha...I have never weighed this much and it REALLY bothers me and need it to be gone...I have a closet full of clothes that dont fit...I wish I did research b4 taking this. I never knew about ANY side effects...would I suggest this shot...HELL NO!!! I would rather have my guy use a raincoat. | F | 40 | 4 times | 12/22/2009 | 1 | 4 kids is enough | gained 29 pounds with the last shot, fatique, insomnia,sore back, feeling depressed once and a while, no energy and just feel like hang out at home all the time...and OMG I have been bleeding continually since my last shot in Aug (its now Dec 22) prior to that I would always start bleeding again about 2 weeks after getting the shot. My Dr is aware I have been bleeding for so long yet doesn't think anything of it, nor does she express any regret on not telling me the "possible" side effects...clearly she has no idea what its like to wear a pad for 5 straight months...yup...just a tad choked and hope this will stop someday....I wonder if it will and when...mmmm | My dr. suggested depo because of my age and I smoke and the BC isnt good for smokers or ppl my age. I was married 15 yrs to a "fixed" husband after our kids and am in a new relationship now for the past year and a half and this is why I went on it...thank God he still loves me. I have not taken a shot since Aug yet still have the poundage...only benefit is I now have boobs..haha...I have never weighed this much and it REALLY bothers me and need it to be gone...I have a closet full of clothes that dont fit...I wish I did research b4 taking this. I never knew about ANY side effects...would I suggest this shot...HELL NO!!! I would rather have my guy use a raincoat. | F | 40 | 4 times | 12/22/2009 | 1 | Birthcontrol | Being a active mother in my childrens lives i condoan birthcontral in the early teen years to prevent any mishaps. Depo sounded like the perfect form of birth control for a teen, no periods and never forgetting to take the pill. After her first injection she was a demond child, angry, depressed and totally defient, her home and social life suffered! We decided not to get the second injection and i now have my outgoing, loving, fun and full of life child back!!! | F | 15 | 3 months | 12/21/2009 | 1 | Hard to remember the pill. | Almost constant bleeding...no wonder it is rated so highly effective - who is having sex with all the bleeding!? | I do not plan to get the 3rd shot and would not recommend this form of birth control to anyone. | F | 48 | 2 times | 12/18/2009 | 5 | Birth control/Control heavy painful | less heavy periods, less painful periods | Been on depo 6 years, awesome. I am heathly, bone density normal, no weight gain, happier, no babies, light periods. Depo doesn't cause strokes or DVT, pulmonary embolism or myocardial infractions geniuses!!! it decreases endometrial cancer by 80%, decreases risk of iron deficiency anemia, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, and uterine fibroids, endometriosis and incidence of primary dysmenorrhea, ovulation pain, and functional ovarian cystsaverage return to fertility is 9 to 10 months after the last injection. By 18 months after the last injection, fertility is the same as that in former users of other contraceptive methods. Maybe you shouldn't consume sugar or breath traffic air either | F | 22 | 6 years | 12/17/2009 | 1 | We didnt want a baby at the time | Weight gain, head aches, anxiety. | I took one shot in june of 09, never took my second one in september of 09 because of all the issues. I never had a period while on tat first dose and now, here it is dec. 09 and still no period, no spotting, no cramps. We are trying to have a baby and cant I guess since I am not having a period. I have no symptoms of a period at all, and its been 6 mths since my one and only shot. I still have not lost the weight or the anxiety. I dont know what to do as we are desperately trying for a new baby but Im sure I cant get pregnant without a period right? | F | 29 | 1 months | 12/14/2009 | 1 | PREVENT PREGNANCY | MOOD SWING, GALLBLADDER REMOVED, DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG!!!! | F | 18 | 1 years | 12/13/2009 | 1 | Birth Control | No period, head aches, body aches, joint pain, anxiety, weak, back aches, sensitive skin, weight gain, hair loss, depression, mood swings, low sex drive | I was put on the shot shortly after having my 1st child, whom i got pregnant with while i was on the pill(at 17 yrs old). I was on the shot for 3 years with no problems, my doctor told me it wasnt reccomended to recieve the shot more than two consecutive years and that i should consider switching to a new method. So it was back on the pill, shortly after, while on the pill, i became pregnant with my 2nd child. After she was born i insisted i be put back on the shot since it seemed to be the only method that works and it was just a bonus that i had no period. That was 2 years ago, and I am still on the shot now but have recently noticed over the past year my body has felt like its falling apart. I feel very weak, and achy, my skin is very sensitive, ive had major hair loss, my weight is at a halt and no matter what i do eat healthy, eat junk, are active or do nothing, its at a stand still. I've had horrible pains in my ankles, knees, and wrists. It hurts to walk down the stairs, sometimes i cant even hold my 30lb child because i am so weak. I always blamed this on bad diet, not enough vitamins and what not, but the more i read into depo, the more im starting to believe that im not falling apart, the depo is destroying me! After 5 year of what i thought was a miracle drug, last week was my last shot. Im going to give my body some time to recooperate and see what happens from there... | F | 25 | 5 years | 12/12/2009 | 1 | Contraception | Weight gain (4st in total), complete lack of sex drive, Thrush, Depression, Panic attacks and many more! | I was on Depo due to not being able to have the pill. I came off it in July 09 and started my first period two weeks ago after not having one for five years. I has not stopped since. I currenlty have really bad cramps, feel dizzy and sick, totally exhausted and very tender breast.My symptoms seem to be getting worse and NHS Direct say that this is normal after coming off Depo!The worst side affect for me was the painful sex and thrush which nearly wrecked my long term relationship. I would advise anyone who is thinking of going on Depo to seriously consider other options. If I could turn back the clock I would not have gone on it!It maybe the easy and lazy option but in the long term you pay for it! | F | 22 | 5 years | 12/10/2009 | 1 | I just gave birth in September, & on my postpartum check-up, I wanted to go on any form of bc that is really good. So my Dr. prescribed the depo.. After 2 weeks, I started to notice back aches & anxiety attacks, I didn' t know that it was anxiety, So the first time that I had it, I panicked because I had shortness of breath, & went into the ER. I did all kinds of tests; scan,heart ultrasound, x-ray, Ekg.. & to my surprise, they all came out normal. The doctor told me, I don't know whats the problem here, but everything seems to be normal. It must be anxiety that you're having. I was so shocked, because I never thought I would go through such a thing! So I did a follow up at my regular doctor the next day and she told me that it was the depo shot that caused my anxiety, so I'm not going to take that anymore. Up until now, I still have shortness of breath & I get startled easily. I've gone to a therapist, but it doesn't seem to be working, I | Do not take this shot! | F | 19 | 1 months | 12/9/2009 | 3 | Painful periods | Acne, 60 lb. weight gain, moody, depressed, absolutely no sex drive, loss of period (happy about that one) | I got my first shot in April 2008 because my period got so bad I was willing to try anything to stop it. No doctor will perform a hysterectomy because of my age so I tried the shot. It worked, I never had a regular period after that. I would have spotting but that's it. Now, 9 months after my last shot I still have not had a period. I stopped getting the shot because I gained 60 pounds. My poor husband has stood by me the whole time even though I know it's been miserable for him because of me not desiring sex at all. We were both miserable. My sex drive is still low but it's better than what it was. I developed another symptom early in 2009 but I'm not sure if it is because of the Depo or not. I began having these tics and was referred to a Neurologist who thought that it could perhaps be Adult-onset Tourette Syndrome but now he's thinking Dystonia. I'm supposed to see a Movement Disorder Specialist later this month to see if they can come up with something. Has anyone else had anything like this happen? | F | 27 | 1 years | 12/8/2009 | 5 | period control / birth control | none | i took depo for 15 years - from the age of 15 to 30 years old. for me it was the wonder drug - i had no side effects and no period for 15 years. i maintained a weight of 100 pounds the entire time and was so happy. a year ago, my obgyn sent me for a bone density scan, and it showed that i have the bones of a 90 year-old woman - very frail and brittle. she demanded that i get off the shot immediately in order to reverse the loss. i was on the nuvaring during the last year, which has sent my weight to a whopping 150 pounds, which at 5'4" is ludicrous, considering i have gained half my previous weight and now weigh 1.5 times what i used to. i no longer recognize myself, both physically and internally - just don't feel right, don't feel like myself. i had a mirena iud inserted last week in order to get my body back to the condition it was in during the depo, so i am currently hopeful. had my doctor not refused to continue giving me this shot, i would still be on it. | F | 31 | 15 years | 12/7/2009 | 2 | Birth Control | Extreme weight gain (40 pounds), sex drive remained in tact | This drug causes weight gain and decreased bone density. Immediately after switching to the pill, I started to lose weight. | F | 22 | 1 years | 12/7/2009 | 1 | birth control and regulate periods | headaches, decreased appetite but weight gain anyways..muscle and joint aches, irregular bleeding, bad cramps, heavy bleeding | worst form of bc EVER! idk where to begin..this is the first bc ive ever taken and my doctor told me that it would eliminate my period and i wouldnt have to take a pill every day. I got a bruise on my arm from the shot but thats the least of the side effects..before this shot i rarely got headaches and considered myself lucky but during the 9 months they were atleast a couple times a week id say. For the first 2 months i didnt have a period which was great, and then about 10 days before i was supposed to get my next shot my period started and didnt stop until i got the next shot. Before getting depo i never had cramps either, but on it i would get cramps where id be doubled over in pain and just couldnt even move until it was gone. The blood was more of my uteran lining then blood which worried me because it was never like that before. after the 3rd shot i decided not to get it anymore because instead of not getting a period like my doctor said, i would have it for 2 or 3 weeks at a time. so to answer the question if it works as a birth control, the answer is yes, because you never get the chance to have sex except one lucky week a month MAYBE. ive now been off of it since Nov 11 (now Dec 7) but have had irregular bleeding/spotting since about the first week of Oct. I can't go anywhere w/o pads. Now that i'm off it my stomach seems to feel and look a little flatter even though the scale reads the same..NO i would NOT recommend this product | F | 18 | 9 months | 12/7/2009 | 1 | Contraception | Acne, oily skin & hair, vaginal dryness, night sweats, numbness/tingling in hands & arms when sleeping, swollen breasts, weight gain around the waist | I got oily skin & acne from the start, assumed it would settle down but it never did. After the 5th injection the other side effects suddenly got a lot worse so I decided to stop taking depo. A year & a half after my last injection my periods are only now getting back to normal (I had them about every 2 weeks for 9 or 10 months). I also have swollen breasts & discomfort in my upper arms & legs due to swollen glands for the past 5 months. Thankfully the other side effects are gradually wearing off. Before I got my first injection I was told it could take "up to a year" for the depo to get out of my system, that my bone density could be affected through prolonged use & that my periods would most likely stop while taking it. I was not warned of any other possible side effcts. I've also had a sore throat that flares up every few weeks & leaves me feeling exhausted by evening; I don't know if it's connected to the depo but it started a few weeks after my first injection...the doctor says it's a low grade virus that my body has been unable to shake off. | F | 30 | 15 months | 12/6/2009 | 5 | To prevent pregnancy | No or minimal periods. It helped reduce my cramps when I had a period. | I seen all of these negative comments about Depo and I thought it was strange that I didn't have any of the mood swings or anything. I liked not having a period and no cramps. The only things I don't like is the possability of bone loss(the main reason I stopped taking it) and not being able to get pregnant right away. If it wasn't for the bone loss issue I would definately get back on it after we have another child. | F | 23 | 2 years | 12/4/2009 | 4 | Birthcontrol | I haven't really had any side affects, i have been on it about 2 or 3 weeks. I'm normally moody and tired, i have lost weight though. | I possibly have endometrios, it runs in my family, my doctor said that it seems to be the best treatment because it could get rid of it. Birthcontrol pills don't work for me, they make my period work and my cramps worse to the point that i can't even walk around at work. | F | 17 | 3 weeks | 12/1/2009 | 1 | Regulate menstrual cycle | Headaches, neck and back pain, achey joints, mood swings, 3 week long periods. | I took the depo shot to regulate my periods. I was having a period every 2-3 weeks, and was told this would stop that. I have been having a period now for 3 weeks and have been having neck and back pain and headaches. I also didn't realize the risk of osteoporosis after being on the shot. After doing more research I will not be getting the next shot. I wish I would have researched more before agreeing to get it in the first place. | F | 32 | 2 months | 12/1/2009 | 1 | birth control | headaches, backaches, vomiting constantly, vomitting blood, spittig up blood, aches everywhere, awful cramps, hair loss, took it four months ago only once and stopped taking it... still no period.And depression and anger. | I don't reccomend anybody to take this shot. Although it's an upside that i didn't get a period for the first two months when i did it lasted for nine days... unusual for me. I vomitted blood and spat up blood and still am doing it. I feel depressed and my bipolar is worse. I did research and found out that this is most likely the cause to all of my problems and found out some woman are suffering infertility after getting the shot. My doctor didn't tell me ne of this would happen. Wish i did more research. | M | 20 | 3 months | 11/29/2009 | 1 | Prevent Pregnancy | Increase in migraines, weight gain (20 lbs), anxiety, spotting, acne, skin became oily | I have been on it for 6 months. My next shot is supposed to be Dec 4, but I will not be taking it. I'm going back to old birth control. The weight gain didn't seem to bad and the acne could be cleared up with extra work in taking care of my skin; those were my thoughts after the first 3 months. I loved not having a period and not worrying about chronic yeast infections from the pill. Depo is so not worth it in the end. Our bodies just aren't meant to have something completely screw with our cycle like Depo does. After 6 months without a period, I began spotting out of no where. I have acne and have gotten 6 cysts in 1 month and have ingrown hairs all over my legs and have gained 20 lbs. I feel disgusting, not to mention the horrible anxiety I have been experiencing. I am a very strong person who has been through a lot and now I am terrified of everything and worried from the time I wake up to the time I go to sleep. Also, I have horrible vivid nightmares every night and migraines. Apparently my body is trying to tell me that something isn't right and it's obviously the Depo. I know it sounds like a wonderful idea, but it is not worth throwing your body out of whack. | F | 22 | 6 months | 11/26/2009 | 2 | to avoid pregnancy | depression>>>suicidal ideation, anxiety, change in appetite, mood swings, trouble sleeping, stomach pains | While it was VERY convenient to just have the shot and mind my own business, it caused a lot of mood swings for me. I am already being medicated for anxiety and depression, so I assume that I was predisposed to the mood changes, but I noticed that my thoughts were extremely hopeless during the time when my cycle should have been going. My boyfriend noted the change in my behavior and told me to never get that shot, again....so I listened :) | F | 24 | 90 days | 11/24/2009 | 1 | Birth Control | hmm where do i start....mood swings, no periods, no sex drive, nearly ended my marriage, depression, weight gain, angry most of the time, low self worth.....the list goes on | I started taking this jab in Apr 09. I went to get a smear test done after i had a baby and it was recommended to me. I should really have done reaserch but we usually listen to what doctors say because we expect that they know best. I've since had two more which totals 3 jabs in 2009. I was due for another end of October but after what i've been going through and the extra reaserch i've done i decided to stop taking it. Its been 3 months now and i'm yet to see my period. what scares me is hearing about the irregular bleeding after you stop it. Ive been home from work for months depressed. There was so much ( and still is) so much fighting and arguments in my marriage that at one point we talked about divorce. I just generally felt like crap and not myself. I thought this jab was perfect when i heard no periods and how well it works as a contraceptive but they don't tell you the side effects you have to do your own reaserch. I would NOT recommend Depo- provera to anyone. I will NEVER touch it again. | F | 25 | 5 months | 11/23/2009 | 3 | No pregnancy | Moodiness, anxiety, weight gain, fatigue, bruises at injection site | It is great for people who do not have regular schedules and can not remember to take pills but there are a lot of negative side effects so I do not recommend for extended periods of time(under 2 years). For the first six months I did not notice any change but lately I have been irritated and sleepy a lot. I have also gained about twenty pounds, which isn't too bad because I've always been underweight. After eleven months of being on it I've noticed some spotting. The biggest problems for me are the fatigue and the anxiety, I am busy with school, work and a family and get regular sleep but it never seems to be enough because I am always feeling like I need a nap and always feel worried and anxious when there isn't anything wrong. I understand that this is different for everyone and hope you do too but I just hope that I can help another woman identify any side effects she may be experiencing and inform newcomers to the possible side effects. | F | 25 | 11 months | 11/22/2009 | 3 | RASH AFTER 3 YRS OF BEING ON THE SHOT. | I DECIDED TO GET THE SHOT AFTER I TERMINATED A PREGNANCY. I WAS THRILLED TO NOT HAVE A WORRY OF BECOMING PREGNANT. THEN I HAD THE REACTION AND HAVE BEEN OFF OF IT FOR 6 YRS. I CAME ON HERE TO FIND OUT IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD IRREGULAR PERIODS AFTER BEING OFF OF IT TOO. WHAT I MEAN BY THAT IS...NO PERIODS AT ALL. SOME MONTHS. EVEN 2 MONTHS IN A ROW..? WHEN I DO HAVE ONE IT IS CLUMPY AND GROSS..NOT FLUID LIKE USUAL. I WENT TO THE GYNO AND THEY EXPLAINED TO ME THAT NOW THEY ARE SAYING THERE IS A TWO YEAR MAXIMUM FOR BEING ON IT... | F | 34 | 3 years | 11/19/2009 | 3 | Birth Control/Avoid Migranes | Nausea, hot flashes, extreme anger (especially with my boyfriend), weird psychological episodes, weight gain (about 15 lbs), fatigue, lack of motivation, some acne episodes, a general overall feeling on 'unwell'. Basically, not feeling like myself. | I cannot express enough how happy I am to have found this website. I was truly beginning to think something about me had suddenly gone wrong and that I was developing a mental disorder! Seriously! I have experienced many of the same side effects that most other women have on here, especially the hot flashes, dizziness, weight gain, fatigue and the psychotic episodes. I am normally a level headed person who is mature enough to handle most any situation. But since being on the shot, I started in May 2008, I have almost lost the ability to keep my cool! Especially when it comes to issues with my boyfriend of two years. It was recommended that I go on the shot because I was suseptible to migraines. The only thing the doctor told me was that I may gain weight as it increases appetite, and I would not have a period...yeah! NOT! I am due for my next shot this week, but I will not be getting it. I am going to go back on the regular 'ol pill. I am so upset with myself for not researching this drug sooner. I had no idea my physiological as well as psychological changes were due to taking this drug, not to mention the possibility of sterility! I feel hopeful about getting off it and getting back to myself again. I will try to update. | F | 27 | 1 years | 11/18/2009 | 1 | Birth Control | 60lbs of weight gain, loss of period completely, achy everything, sex drive was gone, after getting off the shot I boinked like a rabbit. | I'm also concerned that I'm sterile now. I love that 10 years later I get the news that 2 years on the shot is more than enough to make people cringe. | F | 26 | 10 years | 11/17/2009 | 1 | heay periods fibroids | Mood swings, depression, nervousness, lack of motivation, could not sleep | This is the worst ever. I am NEVER getting another shot. My gyn suggested that I take this to prevent heavy periods. This shot has had me scared for my life. I stopped working out and became very angry at times. | F | 30 | 2 months | 11/17/2009 | 1 | irregular bleeding | bleeding for 6 months straight every single day, extreme depression and mood swings,loss of sex drive, weight gain (15 pounds), fatigue, dizziness, heart palpatations, headaches,vision problems,this is just a few of the side effects! | I orginally started birth control at age 15 due to irregular periods. After Yaz gave me extreme migraines, they switched me to a lower estrogen pill which brought be back to two periods a month. My doctor suggessted Depo and said it would cause my periods to STOP so I thought that sounded great and agreed. She didn't inform me that it could also have the REVERSE affect. I have been bleeding non-stop for over 6 months now and have thousands of dollars in medical bills from fainting and MRIs because I've been so dizzy and fatigued all the time. The mood swings are harming my relationships and affecting my work and school work. Complete loss of sex drive, COMPLETE! A new OBGYN informed me that 30% of women experience reverse side effects...I THINK 30% is ENOUGH TO WARN SOMEONE ABOUT BEFORE TAKING IT! There is nothing you can do to help the side effects except wait it out. I've been waiting 3 months, and no change. I am so unhappy with Depo and strongly encourage everyone to do research before taking it. DO NOT TAKE DEPO. It has ruined 6 months of my life and has messed up my body in so many ways. I was completely healthy before taking Depo. I would rather have 2 periods a month again than be bleeding everyday. The mood swings are unbearable. Slight acne has appeared, too. I'd do anything to reverse these side effects. WE SHOULD GET DEPO BANNED!!!!! All of this doesn't even begin to describe what it has done to me. | F | 19 | 6 months | 11/16/2009 | 1 | Birth Control Method / Avoid pregna | Well I wanted to get on birth control and decided to talk to my doctor and I talked to my doctor and asked her what was her decision on the best alternative for birth control and she said depo provera so without doing research first I just went on ahead and decided to go along with what my doctor said because i thought she knew what she was talking about because she was s doctor. And so then she gave me the first dose around may 09 and ii took it and i was due in for my second shot around august 09 and i never did take the second dose thou because i noticed on and off weird periods, spotting, nausea, heavy heavy cramping which i am still getting almost every day now and also no period, and weight gain, I just bought like two or three brand new pair of jeans and now i can't fit any of them because of my weight and also it's been 3 months since i had a period. because before taking the medication i had regular periods then after taking the shot i had very little periods or spotting and t | F | 23 | 3 months | 11/16/2009 | 1 | Birth Control | Mood Swings, Depression, Anxiety, Stomach and Back Pains. | Before starting Depo, my periods were like clock work. After starting Depo i didnt have a period at all. Then I decided to not take it again because all the horror stories i heard about it. Now i have a horrible period every two weeks. Im emotional. I have developed horrible anxiety and hate to leave the house. And have become depressed. I have horrible stomach and back pains. I always feel nauseous, like im going to throw up. Im always exhausted and all i do is sleep. The only side effects the doctor said i would have was weight gain. I only took it once and i feel for people who took it for years. This drug is awful and should not be given as a birth control. | F | 18 | 1 times | 11/15/2009 | 1 | Birth control | ACNE! | Dislike this form of birth control, I have never broke out in my life and ever since I got the shot in October of 08, I've had non stop acne, last shot was March 19th 09 and I still have not had a period and I still am breaking out BAD. I feel like this shot has ruined my face. I'm so unhappy in life right now because of what it did. Other than that it is okay. The bad thing it can stay in your system up to 15 mths, so don't take if you are thinking about getting pregnant in the near future. | F | 19 | 6 months | 11/14/2009 | 3 | Birth control | Decreased appetite, mood swings, Bloatedness | F | 19 | 9 months | 11/10/2009 | 2 | birth control | Weight gain, no sex drive, and no feeling during sex. | I need some help and this is the most useful forum I've seen. I put on some weight when I started it, but not too much. What's disturbing me more is that after my last shot I really started to feel different; before this last shot I had a lowered sex drive, but now I have really no sex drive and I have vitually no sensitivity or feeling during sex. I talked to my doctor and she said the side effects from it vary, but couldn't give me diffinitive answers. I'm happy that it's so effective in preventing conception, but I'm worried that all my sensitivity has disappeared. Is this normal and will it come back? | F | 26 | 9 months | 11/9/2009 | 1 | to not get pregnant | since being on the depo i have been spotting and bleeding for nearly five months ,i`ve also had bad back pain no sex drive and been depressed i was fine before taking this . i seriously do not recommend the depo injection to anybody i think it should be banned | F | 32 | 5 months | 11/9/2009 | 1 | Bith Control | I actually lost weight..too much if you ask me. I lost 60 lbs. Most would say that was great however I was only 158 lbs when I started taking the shot. I was 18 years old. Sore breasts is an understatement. Now almost 10 years later, I still have no children. Talk about your sterility. | At first it seemed like a great invention to not have the monthly curse. When you are 18, "sowing wild oats" it seems like a God send..now after going thru all that I have to get pregnant, Depo seems to have been a HUGE mistake. I took the shot for about 2 years and didnt have a period for an additonal 2 1/2 years after I stopped taking it. | F | 28 | 2 years | 11/9/2009 | 3 | Dr. recommended. | 75lb. weight gain, mood swings, depression, lack of sex drive, achy joints and muscles, severe headaches, lack of appitite, loss of interest in almost everything. | My Doc suggested Depo, when I was 24, since I had been having terrible periods for over 10years. It was GREAT!!!! NO MORE PERIODS! No pain, mood swings, living around a period.... Until I started to knowtice continuing weight gain. I even got a personal trainer. I gained even more (approx 15lbs.) Oh something else, Did you know there's some kind of steriod in the shot?! Then I started with the achne... No matter what I've tried it only works for a little bit. The headaches.... I kept putting them down to stress at work, home, school. They're constant! The sex drive... GONE! The depression... well it's constant. About a year and a half ago I went off the shot because I got tired of going to get a shot in the butt every 3months (I'm terrified of needles), it took almost 9 months for my period to come back. And when it did, in some ways it was WORSE than before. For someone who had always been regular (like a clock), everything was all over the place. Months in between, the clots, pain, EVERYTHING! And the more it came the worse it got. Eventually I went back on it. But it's not the answer! I just wish my own Doc, would listen and get to the bottom of my problems and find a way to fix it. Oh I did loose some of the weight when I went off the shot, but since going on it again, I've gained it all back. In some ways yes it did help, but in the ways that matter most... NOT A CHANCE!!!! My recommendation.... IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO, DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!! RESEARCH, RESEARCH! | F | 30 | 6 years | 11/8/2009 | 2 | Endometriosis, Blood Pressure, B/C | Severe Mood swings, Low Sex Drive, Irregular bleeding | Due to a diagnosis of both endometriosis and high blood pressure, my doctor decided Depo would be my best option for not only treating the endometriosis, but also for birth control. In the two years that I have taken the shot, the only consistancy from the treatment was the inconsistancy. My weight fluxuated, my mood swings effected everyone one of my relationships, and the bleeding became a gamble: Will I bleed today or not? Not to mention the severe abdominal cramps. I have skipped my last shot, and hoping some of these symptoms will go away... No not take this shot. The risks FAR outweigh the advantages. | F | 34 | 2 years | 11/8/2009 | 4 | Birth Control | Started taking in 06 for birth control. I had been warned of weight gain but noticed nothing but muscle cramps in my calves the week after each shot. Then I took a 6 month break from Depo in 2009. NOT a good idea. I took another shot after the break and the symptoms started..... | When the symptoms started, I gained about 15lbs in two months. I have extreme fatigue, I found out my foot is broken (took a physical) - probably from the loss of calcium. I have night sweats, no sex drive, severe depression, hair loss above my ears and crown of head, and my body odor is different and stronger. I will probably not take the shot again as I want to have kids someday and this medicine scares me... | F | 26 | 3 years | 11/4/2009 | 1 | birth control | DON'T TAKE THIS DRUG!!!!!!DON'T BELIEVE DRUG MANUFACTURERS!!! BAD DRUG!!!!! | bipolar, loss of libido, hormonal imbalance, panic attacks, period yet to return, blood clot.... (could have killed me.) | F | 33 | 4 years | 11/4/2009 | 1 | Birth Control | Mood swings, weight gain, no period. | I only took this drug once. it has been 8 months and I still havent get my period.. Do Not Take this drug. | F | 22 | 3 months | 11/3/2009 | 1 | Convenience | I was told that Depo would stop my periods and that I may have SOME SPOTTING in the first 2 weeks. Not true. I have been bleeding for 6 weeks and have been told this is a normal side effect of Depo. My hair is thinning and falling out and my legs ache all the time. I won't be getting my next shot; I'll go back on the pill | F | 23 | 6 weeks | 11/3/2009 | 1 | Birth Control | Gained 50 pounds, acne like you would not believe, depression/sad mood | Don't take it. A friend recommended it to me, and I regretted it. I took 3 shots before I figured out the shots were causing my issues. It took 9 mo for my cycle to start again, and I have struggled with the weight ever since (got last injection in 2004) by losing it all only to gain it back again, repeatedly. | F | 34 | 3 times | 10/31/2009 | 3 | Birth Control- Easier than the Pill | Periods stopped, aching joints, no sex drive, increased appetite, dry vagina, soreness in the breasts | I've been taking Depo for almost 2 years, because I would forget to take my pills, and the shot sounded much nicer. It was great not to have periods at first, but now it just feels wrong. It's like I'm not really a woman anymore... Like most people here who have taken the drug, I've got a monster appetite, but I haven't gained more than a few pounds so yay! I say it's alright, but I kinda miss my sex drive, and not having achy joints all the time. | F | 19 | 1 years | 10/30/2009 | 2 | Birth control | Weight loss and minor issues I will cover in comments. Very negative change in vaginal discharge and bleeding: thicker, drier, and everything started to turn brown or black! | I came off of Depo in January ('09). It never did what it was supposed to because after taking it I spotted (sometimes bled) almost every day and any discharge was brown or black and tacky. After about 2 months off Depo I noticed a definite change. Improved consistency and wetness of discharge, and my sex drive improved. I have never been regular and though my periods have always been super heavy, I never experienced anything else. But since starting (and stopping) Depo, I have experienced small headaches on a regular basis, cramping (sometimes severe) and I bloat and/or experience gas pain almost daily. | F | 20 | 9 months | 10/29/2009 | 1 | Easier than taking tablets | Irregular bleeding and spotting, loss of libido, bad mood swings, depression, didnt want to go out | Please dont anyone ever take this horrible drug. It has ruined my relationship due to the terrible mood swings and depression, i wasnt warned of any of this and didnt understand what was going on with my mind and body, saw doc 3 months ago, came off it and had copper non-hormonal coil fitted but can take up to 6 months for effects to leave your body so had to go back on anti-depressants to get me over the worst of the depression | F | 35 | 2 years | 10/29/2009 | 3 | to not get pregnant | mood swings, mild weight gain, massive hair loss, headaches, backaches, month long periods, extreme fatigue, always hungry, aching hips and legs, feeling soreness in my body as if im 70 yrs old, loss of sex drive | It absolutely blows my mind that I was never informed about all of these changes. I tried to ignore them thinking it was just my body changing but thanks to this website I now know it it eventually happens to everyone! I've been taking this shot wayy to long almost 3 years an will not get my next shot. The only good reviews on this site about this shot are people who just started taking it and they will eventually find out that its not as great as it seems to be in the beginning! | F | 21 | 3 years | 10/28/2009 | 1 | To stop vertigo (please read on..) | Severe depression, psychotic episodes, nausea, heavy bleeding, hair loss, 4 stone gained, joint pain and weakness, messed up my hormones triggering underactive thyroid. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG. | If I could go back over my 40 yrs on this earth and change one thing only, it would be to have never, ever, have started this evil drug. It has ruined my life - the 4 years taking it and the last 5 years since I stopped it. I have done enough research to know that it's this injection that has has caused my problems. I was the perfect picture of health, apart from vertigo, when my Gynaecologist decided that the vertigo was due to a hormone imbalance. As it turned out I had MS. This is now so much worse than it was all those years ago and I now have the effects of this drug to deal with too. | F | 40 | 4 years | 10/28/2009 | 1 | Birth control | Im 18, just got my first shot in september. it is now the end of october and i have experienced all of the following: Extreme Mood swings, Depression, Increased apatite. I just recently started spotting and had continuous extremely painful cramping all day yesterday. My clear skin now had breakouts all the time. | If i would have known all that woud happen before i got the shot, i woud never have gone through with it. it may be hassle free & easy, but the things you go through for it, isn't worth in the long run. | F | 18 | 2 months | 10/25/2009 | 1 | Only option for birth control | No sex drive,moodiness and very vile attitude,too many hot flashes and severe cramping. | If I had found this site before my first shot there is no way in hell I would have taken it.I got my first shot 8-20-09 and on 8-31-09 I started bleeding and 56 days later I am still bleeding,some days so heavy I use diapers to keep from bleeding all over the place.In two months times I have purchased 7 months worth of pads and tampons,I am afraid to leave the house out of fear of soiling my clothes.I started my first period when I was 12 and never had a cramp in my life,noe the cramps are so bad I just sit/lay in bed,hold my stomach and rock.My patience is short and everybody I know has started calling me mean,thank God I don't own a gun.The only reasons this works as birth control is because,#1.you are bleeding everyday,#2.your attitude is so stank,no man will come near you,#3.You have no desire to have sex and #4.If you have a man he will leave you beacuse no man will believe that his woman is having a 56 day period,I will definitely not be taking the second shot,I would rather have 20 kids than to go through this.The prayer that I pray everyday,all day is Lord please stop the bleeding.Thank you for such valuable information and I am so glad that I am not alone in this. | F | 46 | 2 months | 10/25/2009 | 1 | forgetting to take pill | were do i start!!!! loss of sex drive, hair loss, moods, panic attacks, depression, painfull sex, | would love to hear from any body who could tell me when will i ever feel normal again? | F | 31 | 18 months | 10/22/2009 | 1 | Birth Control | Excessive bleeding and clotting. Moodiness, bloated, cramping | Doctor gave me no information about this form of birth control. Only focused on the fact that it would stop my periods and it was convinent. A week after being injected have bled uncontrollably. Once night had to sleep on the toilet because I would soak through a pad literally every 10 minutes. I can only imagine how much weight I will gain since that's another side effect that was not mentioned to me. Worse part is there is nothing you can do about getting out of your body besides just waiting. DON'T USE THIS FORM OF BORTH CONTROL! | F | 26 | 1 months | 10/21/2009 | 1 | birth control | weight gain, mood swings, vaginal dryness, absolutely no sex drive, headaches, dizzines, breast tenderness | I was on the shot for 2 years, took my last one two months ago. I still am experiencing most of the side effects and have not had a period yet. I would not recommend this shot. | F | 29 | 2 years | 10/21/2009 | 1 | BC | DAILY BLEEDING, INSOMNIA, SEVERE JOINT PAIN | It started on March 23, 2009, THE BLEEDING! It is now October, 20,2009 and I have bled EVERYDAY from then til now. I can't sleep at night and now I know why. My knees feel like they belong to a seventy year old lady. Not to mention the embarrassment of the whole situation. My 14 year old daughter ,bless her heart, has not asked me any questions yet about why I seem to have an unending cycle, And I have bought so many boxes of tampons I may as well have paid for pills monthly. | F | 39 | 2 times | 10/20/2009 | 1 | Birth control | DO NOT TAKE THIS SHOT!!!!!! I have only had two shots and at first my headaches and cramps went away but two weeks after the shot I experienced extreme side effects. I have gained 20 lbs, my hair is thinning and falling out, I get light headed at random times, my stomach hurts, I have leg pain, joint pain. Plus I AM TIRED ALL THE TIME! The worst part is the low if any sex drive and vaginal dryness. IT IS NOT WORTH IT!! | F | 26 | 3 months | 10/19/2009 | 1 | birth control | I have had terrible mood swings also very irregular periods, in one month i've been bleeding for 24 days so far and it shows no sign of stopping. i sometimes get bad cramps, headaches and sickness. to be honest if my doctor had told me more about this contraception i would never of even considered it... you may not experience prolems till you try to come off it, i dont think this injection should be given out unless the doctor explains what can happen during and after the shot. always find out as much as you can about any contraception before you decide to go with it, i regret not doing this myself. im now on the pill to attempt to reset my system(replaces the hormones from the depo) im not sure it works but apparently it does so im giving it a go, it cant get any worse than what im experiencing now. i hope this little bit of info helps any one experiencing the same problems as myself :) | dont take it!!!! | F | 21 | 2 years | 10/17/2009 | 1 | birth control | 50lbs weight gain, depression, extreme moodiness, morning sickness, injection site is still sore! | I started using this product 2 months after giving birth. I had lost most of my weight from giving birth & breast feeding. I started this shot and I kept gaining weight from then on. I took this shot 2 more times and stopped in january. It is now october, i still have not got a period or have stopped gaining weight. I was always a small person up until using this drug. Then moodiness was just terrible. I thought is was the breast feeding, but i still get extremely moody. I was never this moody in my life! I would not recommend this to anyone! I have told all my friends not to take this, now after having their children... they're all skinny! | F | 24 | 3 times | 10/13/2009 | 1 | birth contol and bad cramping | i took the the injection for 9 months then stopped. i gained 50 pounds was depressed angry hungry exhuasted all the time swore boobs. after i got off the medication it took me two years to start my cycle again sounds nice right. no when i did start again i pretty much had 24 periods at once i had to be taken to the ER the pain was so great and had to miss work for an entire week because of the pain and the muscle relaxers that i had to keep taking. i would not recommend this form of birth control to anyone. | after my first injection my last period before i stopped having them was three weeks long | F | 19 | 9 days | 10/13/2009 | 1 | Heavy periods | Moodiness,loss of sex drive,no periods for 6 months after 1 shot had worn off,still not being able to conceive after being 19 months depo free(conceived other children easily before depo. | I wasn't given any facts about depo provera's side effects by my doctor other than"it will stop your periods for 3 months"which at the time sounded great but wasn't told about fertility or could be longer etc. | F | 36 | 12 weeks | 10/12/2009 | 4 | bc | weight gain | iv been using this in regards to bc for just about 3 years now. My mood has changed dramatically for the better. its easier to make a dr appt at the end of a 3 month window than it is to take a pill everyday-personally. I wouldnt rule out other forms of contraceptives however. I have gained a bit of weight these past few years. Not enough to have to go out and buy a new wardrobe but enough to want to hit the gym. Its deffinatly not for everyone. And each person getting this shot has their own reason. Dont be afraid to ask your dr questions. And most importantly dont be afraid to stop getting the shot if you no longer think its right for you. One thing i have noticed about getting this is that i feel sometimes obligated to continue with it. Just keep asking yourself- is this still something im interested in? | F | 19 | 3 days | 10/11/2009 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |