Drug Ratings for DEPO-PROVERAAverage Rating: 2.1 (2008 Ratings)
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Results are sorted by Date Rating Was Added Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.) Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 |
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR DEPO-PROVERA | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
  | F M | | | | |||
| 2 | birth control/to gain weight | with in the first year - great. now i hate it i never feel happy, i don't smile any more because i don't feel i have anything to smile about, and i always feel depressed and that something wrong is going to happen for no apparent reason,im always tired, trouble getting to sleep & NO SEX | been 19yrs old with 3 children i thought the depo. was perfect for me, as it worked for my mom for 18 yrs although she had side affects for the last 2 yrs of having it. Now for me i hate it because i have horrible mood swings, pain in the bottom of my stomach, totally loss of sex drive, and loss of natural lubrication which only leeds to painful (rape like) sex. there have been times during love making that i have just lay there and cried until it was over, because been on the depo i hate sex. i am now coming off the drug after been on it for 3yrs and going back to the alternatve route of condoms - no major or horrible side affects from them!!! i wouldn't recommend this for any lady who still wants to feel like a lady | F | 22 | 3 days | 7/29/2005 | 4 | After my 3rd child | Well I love depo... Been on it 7 years now 1998 till now 2005 I really like it... No periods since 1998 I am 29 years old and want to come off it. I have things wrong with me,just devolped High blood pressure a yr ago,my body aches everyday,I did loose some hair cant tell tho,Im moody and always tired,I have 3 kids and lost my son in Jan 2005 My stress cant be blamed cause of depo but the point is I want to come off it and very scacred? I have an appt# with a obgyn just as a precaution for me with my son I bleed in my sleep at 35 weeks and that has put the bleeding to death fear into me,if I know I wouldnt die I wouldnt go back to get my shot,Im healthy otherwise but want off it,I want my period back~ as stupid as it sounds I dont want to be 35 and still on depo,to me thats silly I simply didnt want to get pregant again after my son in 1998 we both almost died and I wanted to stop myself from having any more children,but now I want off~ please email me about how it affected you AFTER you took your last shot?please Jonnsherry4evr@aol.com SHerry | some side effects could be do to depo: hair loss,headahces,yes acne,bones hurting,high blood pressure,fat belly~bloating | M | 29 | 7 years | 7/28/2005 | 1 | birth control | Bleeding for 2 months. Stomach problems-diarrhea for 2 months. My body feels like it is being attacked by every bug out there. Think long and hard about this drug. It is has been awful for me. | F | 40 | 6 days | 7/27/2005 | 5 | birth control | 30 pound weight gain, hot cold flashes, nightmares, panic attacks, severe depression, swollen feeling, bloated, diahreah after everything i eat, always tired, feeling weak, no period | I HATE DEPO, I ALREADY POSTED A RATING ON HERE ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO, I MONTH AFTER IT HIT ME HARD, I AM STILL NOT BETTER, IT RUINED MY LIFE, MY BOYFREIND DUMPED ME FOR HOW DIFFERENT IT MADE ME I LOST MY JOB OF FOUR YEARS BECASUE I WAS DIFFERENT, I WANT TO DIE I HAVE NO DESIRE TO LIVE I HAD ONE SHOT OVER 7 MOTNHS AGO AND I KEEP GAINING WEIGHT YET I AM IN THE GYM 2 TIMES A DAY AND I EAT SO CLEAN AS I ALWASY HAVE BEFORE DPEO I LOST 86 POUNDS AND PLANNED ON COMPETING IN FITNESS AND FIGURE COMPETITIONS AND NOW I CANT. DONT EVER TAKE THIS SHOT | F | 20 | 1 days | 7/25/2005 | 2 | Birth Control | Weight Gain, 20lbs in one month. Moodiness, total lack of sex drive. Sometimes painful to have sex. | I'm getting off this drug as soon as possible now that I realize this is what is causing all the problems. | F | 19 | 9 months | 7/25/2005 | 1 | birth control | Neck face and back pain, anxiety panic attacks weight gain | receiving for 2yrs 8mnths | F | 24 | | 7/25/2005 | 5 | Painful periods, Dr. reccommended | 10 lbs gained initially, then lost them!! Price has increased to $200 per injection. | Thank you Depo! My cycle had made me sick for my entire life, and after my doc started me on it, life for me began!! No PMS, no more acne, sex is great, and I feel great! My doc explained this drug is not reccomended for teens due to the drastic hormone shifts that occur during that time of life, and that bone density issues can be combatted with weight training and good nutrition. My thyroid and bone density tests have been perfect! I'll take this drug for as long as I can! | F | 30 | 8 years | 7/24/2005 | 1 | Prevent babies | I hate the shot. i have had a horrioble weight gain over 75lbs now and i hate sex and i get dry really easy. i have horrible pain while having sex. my life has just been rough for 6 months now and the doctor told me it would be a year before it will be all out of my system. dont get the shot. of depression and mood swings are horrible. my one doc thought i was bi polar til they saw what i was on. | F | 20 | 6 months | 7/23/2005 | 5 | birth control | only gave a 5 to get to the top- this product has given me depression, severe weight gain, vaginal dryness, low sex drive | I dont recommend this product, ive been taking it for 4years and the results were great at first but it has slowly taken its toll on me. In the begining i didnt gain weight i was happy sex was great but i have slowly realized the toll it has taken on my mind and body. i weighed 125 when i started taking it and i now weigh 155. ive never been this big and i am not getting another shot. I now see that im not alone in this. i just couldnt find out why ive gained so much weight. i havent changed eating habits or activity levels at all and somehow ive put on some major weight. DO NOT TAKE THIS FORM OF BIRTH CONTROL!!!!! You will regret it, i promise. | F | 19 | 4 years | 7/17/2005 | 1 | Not a candidate for oral bc | I have had excessive bleeding while on the shot now I havent had a period after my last shot in jan 2005. Vaginal dryness, weight gan, frequent head aches, memory loss | I seriously would not recommend this drug to any one. The only reason I decided to take this drug was because I have lupus and all the other hormonal birth control method were out of the question for me. The doctors can't tell you when you will be back to you again. | F | 22 | 2.75 years | 7/17/2005 | 4 | I took Depo to stop sever Pain. | Weight gain, Pain all over, Break out on my face (BAD) little to no sex drive, Food craving's, Mood swings, Depression, Pannic atacks, tired all the time. | I started Depo after going to a OBGYN to find out why I was having so much pain every single month, I have 2 kids and I have been cut burned and tied. When they could find nothing wrong with me I went o my Fam. Dr and she said this would be great for me. (Yea Rite) She said a little weight gaine. (HA)Try 60 lbs in 11 months. Now I am coming off of it and OMG the crap I am going through, Pain in my stomach, Quezzy, Head aches, feel more moddy more now than ever, I worry about things more now than I ever did. It's not worth it. If I knew then what I know now I would have not took the first shot I would have took something for the pain. Do it ladies, Please | F | 32 | 11 months | 7/15/2005 | 1 | to prevent pregnancy | I have been on the shot for two months and I have had my period for a month, I hate it. I feel bloated and nasty having my period for a whole month sucks. I would never recommend it to any one after this one is done i will use the pills again. | F | 20 | 2 months | 7/13/2005 | 5 | birth control | i have had no side effects | i have become concerned about bone loss from the product. that is why i have just stoped taking the shot and am now on my second week with the birth control pill levlite | F | 22 | 5 years | 7/12/2005 | 3 | birth control | My side effects changed recently. I used to have no period/no weight gain/no mood swings...but over the last 3 months I have a period that won't stop/serious weight gain/terrible mood swings. | F | 7 years | 7/10/2005 | 3 | birth control | My side effects changed recently. I used to have no period/no weight gain/no mood swings...but over the last 3 months I have a period that won't stop/serious weight gain/terrible mood swings. | I loved the depo it was great, not sure why everything suddenly changed. | F | 31 | 7 years | 7/10/2005 | 1 | birth control | 70lb weight gain, depression, panic attacks, hair loss, acne, mood swings, loss of sex drive, low self esteem | DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG OR LET ANYONE YOU KNOW TAKE IT. ITS HORRIBLE AND DESTROYED MY LIFE!!! | F | 23 | 9 months | 7/9/2005 | 5 | Birth Control | I haven't had any side affects so far, I've only had one shot. The only thing I think is that my breasts are tender. | I think its great. | F | 19 | 1 months | 7/8/2005 | 1 | Yes | Blurred vision (goes clear then blurry again), nausea(terrible), sweating (underarms/palms), dizzy, trouble breathing, feeling nervous. | I am not sure what to think. I had happily been on depo provera for many years and had done well. In january 2005 the doctor had switched me from name brand depo-provera to the generic brand. I started getting the symptoms I listed right after the shot in January. I asked my doctor if the way I was feeling was do to the change from name brand to generic he said no. Because I was on it for so many years there is no way that what I am experiencing has come on from the shot. I have been to the doctors and tested and I am as healthy according to blood/urine tests. I don't understand why I am having these symptoms. I got a few more opinions from a pharmacist and two nurses and have been told it is possible that what I am going through is from the shot. For numerous reasons e.g. body changes... Well it is now months later July 08, 2005 in fact and I am due for the shot the end of this month. I am going to stop taking it and see if in a few months that these symptoms dissapear. Prior to all of this I had been healthy happy and in college and working overall I was doing well. | F | 29 | 8 years | 7/8/2005 | 5 | Birth Control | Severe weight gain, severe abdominal pain, strange mood swings, DEAD SEX DRIVE AND INTERCOURSE PAIN! dry skin, IBS, fatigue due to depression, increased reaction to stress | Only a five to get at the top. I used to love it but after reading the comments of several women and realizing all the sypmtoms i am having are probably caused by this im am appalled! This is awful stuff and it cant believe i even took it for so long. It is not good for relationships with signifigant others and really has affected my life ie: almost lost job due to increased reactions to stress and moodiness. Dont take this crap! Now begins the painful process of weaning myself off this drug, if your considering, dont ask a doctor for the side affects and risks, look at the real commentary, the stuff they dont tell you about at the doctors office. Its just not worth messing with your body, be a true female and let nature take its course. | F | 18 | 2.5 years | 7/7/2005 | 1 | Birth Control | Weight gain (14lb), Agression, Painful breasts, Racing pulse, loss of sex drive and dryness. | The first time I took it I had no side effects appart from no period which at the time I thought was great. I took it for about a year and stopped when I split from my boyfriend. My periods returned after about 3 months. A year later I started having the shots again and recieved 5 before i decided that the weight gain was intolerable and had lost my sex drive anyway so saw no point in continuing. My real problems started then. It took just over a year for my periods to return and they have been irregular ever since. My breasts are continuously swolen and painful and I am finding it impossible to lose the weight I gained. I am worried about the long term effects now that I am aware they haven't really a clue about the likns with cancer and ostoperosis. i wasn't given enough infomation before I was given it. I hope also that it won't effect my chances of concieving. Slowly with healthy eating and so on the side effects are wearing off but I regret not being properly informed before I took it. The idea of not having a period is so appealing when you are a carefree adolescent you doin't think about the possible conciquences. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. | F | 26 | 15 months | 7/7/2005 | 1 | birth control | severe depression, mood swings, joint pain, hair loss, acne. I was dieting while on this so I did not experince any weight gain. | I have been off this for about three months. all side effects are better except for the joint pain which has been bad this last time. | F | 33 | 6 months | 7/7/2005 | 3 | birth control | Bled for 1 month straight in the beginning and had to take prescribed estrogen pills for a week to get back to normal. I was on it for about 1 year and gained approximately 10 pounds during that time. I know it was from the shot since the weight gain was around the mid-section (never happened before) and i had been on many different brands of the pill without experiencing this side effect. I lost the weight within 6 months of being off of it without dieting. | Excellent form of birth control if you don't mind the weight gain. | F | 26 | 1 years | 7/6/2005 | 1 | to prevent getting pregnant. | I only received 1 depo shot and it was in Jan. of '05' it's now July '05' and I am still bleeding. During the first 3 months I had mood swings like crazy! I never wanted the shot again. | I'd advice everyone to stick to some other method. | F | 17 | 3 months | 7/6/2005 | 1 | to prevent getting pregnant. | I only received 1 depo shot and it was in Jan. of '05' it's now July '05' and I am still bleeding. During the first 3 months I had mood swings like crazy! I never wanted the shot again. | I'd advice everyone to stick to some other method. | F | 17 | 1 times | 7/6/2005 | 1 | to prevent getting pregnant. | I only received 1 depo shot and it was in Jan. of '05' it's now July '05' and I am still bleeding. During the first 3 months I had mood swings like crazy! I never wanted the shot again. | I'd advice everyone to stick to some other method. | F | 17 | 1 times | 7/6/2005 | 1 | Birth Control | Heavy constant bleeding and cramping. Acne on face and back. Severe vaginal dryness and complete lack of sex drive. Extreme moodyness and irritability (even worse thanw hen i quit smoking) 20 lb weight gain in 1.5 months (same diet and exercise I have been on for 6 months) | My doctor NEVER NEVR NEVR told me of all these side effects. She did say that in patients that were already afflicked with depression/anxiety that it could make it worse, but when I questioned her about that (because I didn't want to get worse) she assured me that it wouldn't bother me . I then didn't feel too sure about taking thew shot, but needed a form of birth control ( i had just had a baby and DID NOT want to get pg again) She would not give me anything else besides the Depo!!!! She said that was my only choice. What really makeds me mad is this is effecting my realtionship with my husband....and there is nothing i can do for at keast 1.5 months!!!!! I will be going back to this femal doctor, not for treatment but to tell her how she ruined my life for 3 months.i will also be reporting her for not telling me all the facts about this stupid drung, even tho i asked. and for not perscribing me something different when i told her i worried about it aggrivating my depression. i suggest you all report the dr. who misled you as to the side effects of this drug!!! they shoulnt be able to get away with ruining our lives!!!!!!!!! | F | 23 | 1.5 months | 7/6/2005 | 1 | prevent pregnancy | non stop bleeding, depression/anxiety attacks alternating, blister like acne on arms and legs, lowered immune system. | Yet another horribly destructive drug that doctors push on their clients. It's criminal, really. New info is being put on the label. DO NOT TAKE FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS. It is the manufacturer's way of saying we poisoned you but won't admit it. This from people who are supposed to be making us healthy. I feel like a lab monkey but where are they when we try to find out how to heal from their chemicals? Ever have a physician who tells you that | F | 34 | 6 months | 7/6/2005 | 1 | birth control | After I was done taking depo I had a sudden weight gain I can not lose. I have had alot of female problems,and problems with my blood sugar. I know all of this is from Depo-Provera. It also makes it difficult to get pregnant when you finally decide to. | I would not take this if I were you. I use to be very thin and healthy. Now I feel like I'm 60+ years old,and I'm only 31. | F | 31 | 2 days | 7/5/2005 | 1 | Contraception | Loss of libido, loss of fertility | I had a single shot of depo-provera three years ago. It was 18 months before I has another period. I started our first cycle of IVF yesterday. My advice is use condoms | F | 30 | 1 times | 7/4/2005 | 1 | I took it as a birth control method | I did not have a period which will take a toll on you after awhile,I got migraines,I gained 20 pounds,lost all interest in sex,and when i did decide to have sex it was extremely painful.I kept getting repetitive sinus and yeast infections. These are side effects I am going through now but there is a list of long term effects i could expirience down the road. | I wouldn't recomend it for anybody. There are some pluses with getting the shot, but it''s really not worth it compared to all the side effects and health dangers that go hand in hand with it. | F | 19 | 1 years | 7/1/2005 | 1 | for birth control | my period hasnt STOPPED for two months | if you have a choice dont take it. | F | 17 | 2 months | 6/26/2005 | 1 | birth control | depression, low if any sex drive, headaches along with constant kneck pain, very moody and sad all of the time, heavy bleeding constantly, diariah every time of injection for several days at a time | I have only had four shots and will not be taking this method of birth control any more. I would not reccomend it to anyone else because I have had such a downpour of medical effects on my body sense I have started taking it. The depo provera shot has made me almost unapproachable to my husband and family because of depression and headaches that could kill have made me very irritable. Intamacy is a must in a marriage and in mine it has been gone sense my second shot. It made me not feel attractive or turned on. My face has stayed broken out sense taking my first shot and the irregular bleeding has been aggravating because just when I thought I had stopped I started again at very inconvenient times and with unpredictability it has interfered with my perosnal and with my professional standing. I would not reccomend this birth control method and cannot wait for it to leave my system! | F | 22 | 12 months | 6/24/2005 | 4 | contraception | it works for me. side effects are there at first use but it disappers gradually | F | 30 | 4 days | 6/9/2005 | 5 | couldnt remeber to take the pill | a little weight gain,increased sex drive,face broke out a little bit, cravings | I have only been on the shot a short time and i dont think i will go for my third time. I hear about women who cant get pregnant after being on it. I want kids so i dont i want to take that chance.. other than that its been awesome... no periods,pms, or CRAMPS!!!! i love this shot, but now that im coming off of it.. i feel really weird.. i cried for no reason and got upset, thats not me at all.Its a wonderful thing, but my future kids are more important. | F | 17 | 2 months | 6/8/2005 | 1 | birth control | (worst at about 2 months after shot) no sex drive, lost handfuls of hair, headaches, 20lbs weight gain, fatigue, painful sex, unpleasant odor, sore muscles, inexplicable bruising, numbness in limbs, blurred night vision, terrible mood swings, occasional nausea, spotting brown blood. | So happy about the decision to come off that crap, I think it would have killed me. No, I'm not kidding. Please don't even think about taking this drug. | F | 24 | 1 times | 6/6/2005 | 1 | birth control | I was fine when I was taking it but when I stop I have all the side effects from depo and I still have them. I don't know how long I will have them and it already damaged my body. I am planning to have a baby soon but I heard that some people can't have them for as long as 5 years or more and many miscarriages. | Please DO NOT take it, it will mess up your body and life!!!!!!!! | F | 24 | 4 years | 6/6/2005 | 1 | birth control | since i received the shot i've had a low grade fever,hotflashes,anxiety,lack in sex drive,vaginal dryness,heart palpitations,low immune system(always sick).The only good thing is no weight gain!I only got one shot back in december,it is now june still no period!I never thought i would ever want my period sooo bad.I work at a doctors office,had every possible test done they didnt find anything wrong.All my side effects are caused by the depo shot.I dont recommend this method of birth control to anyone! | STAY AWAY FROM IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | F | 27 | 1 times | 6/2/2005 | 5 | birth control | none what so ever | great, worked for me with no problems | F | 35 | 6 years | 6/1/2005 | 5 | birth control | i think now after 5 years is boils this is my question. bleeding now and then when I became very stressed out and slight cramps | F | 28 | 7 years | 6/1/2005 | 5 | prevent pregnancy | May have had a little weight gain. | I have really had no side effects. I love it. I have no period and feel very confident about not getting pregnant | F | 25 | 10 years | 5/25/2005 | 1 | contraception reasons | extreme acne on neck, chest, back and face which were cystic and painful. Weight gain, oily scalp and face, hair loss, fatigue day and night, extremely decreased libido, vaginal dryness, prolonged delay in acheiving pregnancy, (no problem 3 times before depo Provera) | I have read so many other people's comments explaining their side effects after being on depo and we can't all be crazy and coincidentally having the same side effects. I had one shot only in 2000, and I still am not fully rid of my side effects. I can only control my acne on Diane 35 which is also not recommended b/c of increased risks of developing blood clots, and stroke. One lousy shot and you screw up your whole hormonal system. I would not recommend this to my worst enemy! | F | 35 | 1 days | 5/20/2005 | 4 | Birth Control | Spotting/bleeding 2 months out of 3. | I have experienced no weight gain, and only a few pimples that cleared up promptly. I have a healthy libido and energetic sex life. My PMS is gone completely. No joint pain, no muscle pain, no bloating or tender breasts, no pain during sex, no loss of natural lubrication. No self-diagnosed maladies that I can blame on Depo-Provera in order to push my rabid anti-birth control agenda. The only side effect I have is that I have not experienced amennoreah as most women do. After my shots, I have no period for 4 weeks, then I spot or bleed with varying intensity for two months. I have taken iron supplements, but it's had no effect on the bleeding (it is keeping me from being anemic.) I'm not sure if I will continue with this for a third shot or not. I'm thinking about trying it for a year, to see if my periods do stop altogether, but I want to discuss it with my GYN to find out if my experience is rare or warrants medical action. | F | 36 | 6 months | 5/19/2005 | 1 | just had a child | i bled for four months straight after the first shot i was put on a steroids and birth control pills to try and stop the bleeding i was not given the second shot and a month later finally stopped bleeding my periods were then regular | F | 27 | 12 weeks | 5/19/2005 | 1 | birth control | totally loss of sex drive, moody, weight gain. | DONT TAKE IT ITS NOT WORTH IT. I have been on this drug snice my daughter was 6 weeks old, i lost my milk, gained 80lbs, loss all sex drive and deise to have it. It was GREAT in the being loved not having a period loved everything about it then 6 months ago everything went wrong. I would go to the gym 5 times a week for 2-3 hrs per day, walk an hour extra at home and be on a strict diet and couldn't loss the weight. My poor hubby would touch me and i'd be thinking in my head of god not again. I should of brought shares in ky jelly cause we had to use that all the time. It had nearly wrecked my marriage because of the no sex even though my hubby loves me and supports me it has come close. It is an EVIL drug and not worth the time or the money. I'm due for another shot in 2 months and i wont be getting it, i'll be going to my dr to ask her for something else. | F | 24 | 2 years | 5/18/2005 | 1 | so I won't get pregnant | very bad headaches, have no energy, feel weak, always wanting to sleep. | never use Depo-Provera. i have been taking it for a year. | F | 17 | 12 months | 5/17/2005 | 4 | not to get pregnant, no periods | light headed, occass. nausea, minor headaches, increase in sex drive(not a bad thing), dark spotting, light bleeding | I started taking depo because I couldn't remember to take the pill. I am starting on my second shot and hoping it gets better as my body gets used to it. I haven't had weight gain or increase in appetite. The first 3 months was ok with small side effects.. I had dark spotting, then light bleeding for about 3 weeks, that sucked but it just stopped over night and I haven't had it since. I am having minor headaches and a little nausea but it has helped my acne and I don't have the worry of getting pregnant. I was told these symtoms were normal with the first shot, so we will see how it effects me with the second shot. Hopefully all will go well. Good luck to anyone trying depo!! | F | 28 | 4 months | 5/11/2005 | 3 | Regulate Menstrual Cycle & BC | (-) NO sex drive, painful sex, dry as the gobi desert, the mother of all discharge, depression, anxiety, back aches, mood swings, and what is worse: a complete lack of confidence (+) No period for 3 years, no pregnancy | I have been on depo for going on 4 years. Before the shot I enjoyed having sex (although I was WAY TOO YOUNG) I still enjoyed it. I don't remember the last time I really could do it without problems. It is very painful when I do want it, and for the most part I complain to my boyfriend when he touches me because I am not into it. (And it is not HIS fault) I've had bouts with depression since 2002 (6 months after I began depo) and severe anxiety in the past 2 years. I have SEVERE back ache and pain in my joints. I dont know if this is to do with the shot but recently I've been thinking so. It started after I began the shot. I have a total lack of confidence due to my decreased sex drive. The shot has made me feel unfeminine and totally not sexy. I feel like a failure in the sex department. The only reason I give it a 3 is because I have had no babies and no period. | F | 20 | 4 years | 5/10/2005 | 1 | contreception | constant bleeding,memory loss,anxiety,difficulty speaking/ thinking clearly,depression | this stuff is absolute shit! DONT GET ON IT!!!! the doctor told me all his patients loved it and never had a problem w/it so i started taking it and have had my period the entire time on my first shot i went from a size 6 to a size 9 then when i was sopposed to get my next shot i started stuttering and messing up on words and stuff i couldnt think clearly at all it felt like i was losing my mind then i got my second shot late and it went away they told me it would help the bleeding but its just the same as before i also went from a size 9 to a size 3 this time cuz i went on a diet ( depo makes you gain 200 cals on top of everything you eat) and i feel anxious all the time its almost time for my next shot and im starting to have alittle trouble thinking clearly but nowhere near as bad as before i think im gonna get on b/c after 12 weeks and see if it helps i will NEVER do this again | F | 18 | 6 months | 5/10/2005 | 1 | to stop heavy menstrual cycles | massive weight gain. muscle stiffness and pain in back of skull. | I only had one shot and it stopped my cycles completely for one year. I have heard about many other horror stories. The stuff is garbage. Never again. Not recommended. This drug should be taken off the market. | F | 40 | 1 times | 5/9/2005 | 2 | birth control | acne, joint pain, 20 lb weight gain in 9 months, constant need to pee, no period | I've had 3 shots and have decided to not get the 4th. I immediately showed signs of weight gain (which was difficult because I've always been thin). By the 3rd month, I had facial, neck, and back acne so bad that I would lose count how many were showing at one time on my face (before the shot, I would average around 5 pimples a year! -- now I have around 20-25 pimples on my face alone every day!). By the end of the first month, I would have to pee so often that I have yet to go a night without having to wake up and go to the bathroom (never had to pee in the middle of the night before the shot). But what finally made me get off the shot?? The joint pain. The worst is in my leg-hip joints, full back and shoulders. The pain would be so bad early in the morning while still in bed, that I would have to get up out of bed (even if at 5AM) to ease the pain. The pain would be so bad, that it hurt to walk, and I would walk like an 80 yr old throughout my workplace -- it was soooo embarrassing! | F | 33 | 9 months | 5/6/2005 | 2 | Alternative to taking a daily pill. | Fatigue, sore muscles, dizziness, back and neck pain, mood swings, continuous spotting, nervous anxieties, and bloating. | I used to take depo provera about 2 years ago for about a year. I stopped it for more than a year and recently started taking it 6 months ago. I haven't been feeling like myself lately. I actually didn't realize it, till I noticed myself getting sentimental way too often, and I'm not that type usually. I started to realize all the other changes or irregularities I've been experiencing lately, so I decided to look up information about Depo Provera. Probably explains why my jeans fit a little bit tighter too... My next shot is due this month and I decided to stop it. I'm going to try the whole detox ordeal since it the medication stays in your body for about half a year. I used to be a very ernegetic person who couldn't stand being home... lately I've been running to my bed to get at least a little rest every day, not to mention the amount of money I've spent on Redbulls for energy. It's the best thing not to worry or deal with taking a pill daily. Too good to be true in some cases. Probably better to deal with pills in the long run. | F | 22 | 6 months | 5/6/2005 | 3 | To use instead of the pill | Well, I have been on it for a while now and I'm always spotting, infact a couple weeks ago I was heavily flowing (To the point where I felt it in my stomach. I have gained 20 pounds, my hair is alittle more oily, acne (More so on butt and back. And it seems that my energy has decreased. My sex drive is still the same maybe even increased alittle. | Depo is the best choice for smokers, since it does not contain estrogene which can make cancer occur easily. It is also nice because it's supposed to be more effective than the pill, and you only hafta get it every 3 months. But, I have been bleeding like crazy lately, mostly when I'm stressed, lifting anything, or am sexually active (including both intercourse and non-intercourse). | F | 17 | 2 years | 5/5/2005 | 1 | Birth Control | It transformed my life; I lost perspective and self esteem. I had a huge depression with an incredible lack of energy. My sex drive decreased 100%, headaches, depression, continuous bleeding, cramps, and bloating. | One single shot was enough to damage my life and my body. I got the shot in November 2004 and after 20 days I started experiencing painful cramps and my period heavily arrived. It is May 2005 and there hasn’t been a day without this annoying bleeding. I wake up every day expecting that the bleeding is gone. The symptoms have been irregular over this six-month period. The only two symptoms that have been stuck with me since I got the shot are a heavy bleeding and a non-existing sex drive. In the second month I was hit by migraines something that I never experienced before. The shot provided me with horrendous acne and skin problems over my third month. The fourth month was the worst, I fell into an incredible depression where I just wanted to disappear and no longer live this life. There it was when I started seeing a psychologist and a naturopath. The naturopath couldn’t believe any of that and immediately prescribed an iron supplement since my iron level has dropped drastically. Yesterday I went to see a specialist (gynecologist) who says to me “OH! Everything is totally normal. Some people love “the Depo” some people just hate it” The side effects might be gone within one year after the first and only one shot. THIS PRODUCT MUST BE TAKEN OFF THE MARKET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | F | 36 | 1 times | 5/4/2005 | 3 | contraception | weight gain incl. increase breast cup, spotting/bleeding, minimal cramps, pimples & oilier skin, feeling hot & sweatier than usual due to added weight, possibly vaginal dryness. | I experienced some life changes at the same time I started depo. I didn't have a period until 3 weeks ago. I started spotting & light bleeding for the last 3 weeks off & on. was concerned but saw here that it's normal. I was on ortho tricyclin for 10 years but had high blood pressure and couldn't continue it. I gained about 10-20 during the time i was on pills. I have gained abou 30 lbs. since being on depo. it makes me uncomfortable but it's not that big a deal. I was more concerned about the bleeding. I would get a tubal ligation but have no insurance and can't afford one. The idea of no periods is appealing, I hope the spotting & bleeding stop. I was angry that they didn't tell me that depo causes you to feel hungry which explains the weight gain. I also was not aware until my 2nd shot that it causes calcium leaching. I was advised to take, B-12 ( i believe) to help curb the feeling of hunger. I was advised to take 1,000mg of calcium a day to prevent calcium leaching. i have had some blemishes but not enough to distress me. i have been using better face cleaning stuff. I have been feeling hot and sweaty easier than usual but i attribute that to the extra weight i am not used to bearing. I may be experiencing the vaginal dryness or it could be the fact that I am older and having sex more w/ lubricated condoms. i know that will effect moisture production.I am hoping that my side effects stay mild and go away. i have friends who have had mixed results in this. it's always risky to take any kind of medication on a daily long term basis. there will always be possible side effects and you have to decide if they are more bearable that the consequences of not taking them. | F | 30 | 6 months | 5/1/2005 | 2 | To prevent periods | Weight Gain, Loss of Libido, No Periods | I have gained 30 pounds since starting Depo 5 years ago. I have experienced a tiredness and weakness since starting Depo, but I also started a blood pressure medication at the same time so I can't be sure which, if either, are to blame. My last injection was 9 months ago, and I haven't started a period yet. I am still having a struggle loosing weight, even with exercise. I have also had leg pain while exercising since starting Depo. I would really suggest another form of BC, I am sure I have damaged my hormonal balance, and hope it's not permanent. | F | 33 | 4.5 years | 4/30/2005 | 1 | Birth Control | loss of sex drive, depression, mood swings | I understand that some wome women have a great experience with depo. Mine has been a nightmare. I started having severe mood swings and I was depressed after my first shot. It would always get worse right after a shot. I loved not having a period though, so I stayed on it. I have now been off for 16 months and trying to get pregnant for the past 8 with no success.It doesn't help at all that I have no desire to have sex. I have heard so many stories of women who were unable to get pregnant for 2 or three years after depo. If you are considering the shot, make sure you understand the risks | F | 23 | 16 months | 4/29/2005 | 1 | for birth control | 70 lb wait gain, and 2 month vaginal bleeding | Don't use it | F | 19 | 2 years | 4/27/2005 | 2 | To prevent pregnancy | Acne. Weight gain. Irregular vaginal bleeding. Tendon/ligament pain. | I was on estrogen/progestin contraception off and on in my late teens and early twenties, with few side-effects. I recently had a child and my ob/gyn and I decided a progestin-only form of birth control was right for me because I am currently nursing. Within a couple of days of the shot, I developed acne. Not typical teenager, oily-skin acne, but the cystic, deep-tissue variety. No exfoliating or scrubbing can solve my problem. I began having my period almost constantly. I would have a period for 7 days and then have a few days off, and then it would start up again. I had tendon/ligament pain in some of my joints, during pregnancy, which I attributed to elevated estrogen/progesterone during pregnancy. I assume the elevated progestin (synthetic progesterone of Depo) has a similar effect. I am breastfeeding exclusively, which should allow a moderate weight loss (1-2 lbs/week) with a healthy diet (which I eat). My weight hasn't budged since going on Depo 12 weeks post-partum. | F | 28 | 9 weeks | 4/26/2005 | 1 | contraception | weight gain, loss of libido, hair loss, bartholin cysts, bleeding between periods, abnormal smear results-CIN 3 | F | 31 | 3 years | 4/26/2005 | 3 | Birth Control / Help with Migraines | Complete loss of sex drive, complete loss of lubrication, painful/very sore intercourse.... HENCE LOSS OF BOYFRIEND!!!! | I have been on Depo now for 5 years and never missed a shot. I haven't had a period since the day I started having it (which is great). I also haven't had ANY cramps or bad PMT!!!! One of the main reasons why I started having depo was because of the 3 day migraines I was having every 21st day of my cycle, which would make me vomit and be uncapable of moving or speaking. Depo stopped my migraines from being so regular and I now have a migraine very rarely. The first side effect I noticed was the complete loss of my sex drive. I honestly can not remember, in 5 years, the last time I wanted sex.... When I am talked into it, I really can't be bothered and normally find myself thinking about what I'm going to cook for my dinner. I have absolutely no lubrication of my own and then start to wish it was over because I'm getting so SORE!!!!! Which then turns into pain.... until I eventually have to stop!!!! This then puts me off even more the next time. My boyfriend eventually split up with me because he thought either I didn't fancy him any more, or I was getting sex elsewhere because I didn't want to do it with him...... I have decided I am not going to have my next shot in May, to see if my sex drive returns and to see if sex becomes pleasure instead of PAIN again. I just hope my painful periods and migraines don't return with avengence!!!! I'd love to hear from ladies that have experienced similar problems x x x | F | 24 | 5 days | 4/25/2005 |