Depression a side effect?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-31-2003
Depression a side effect?
1
Sun, 06-20-2004 - 5:30pm
Hi,

I noticed that I had been depressed for about 10 months now. I cry easy and my mood changes constantly and most of all, I am despressed most of the time. I first thought that I changed because I started university last Sept, which coincides with the time I went on the pill. So, I just now began to wonder if it's really the pill that's causing this state of mind for me. I was on Ortho Tri Cyclen and I just now switched to Alesse. Does anyone know if depression is a possible side effect of the pill and if so, is there another pill that I should take to feel better. Also, I think my pill is causing a rare condition called erythema nodosum for me ( I get large red bumps that look like bruises on my shins). I've red up on this condition and it does say that being on BCP can cause it. Did anyone else experience the same thing? Thanks for your help.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-19-2004
Mon, 06-21-2004 - 11:11am
Don't know about the erythemia nodosum, but depression is a pretty common side effect of the pill. most women seem to get better after the first few cycles, but not always. It may be the progestin that's causing your extended depression, and starting university probably isn't helping much. since you just recently switched to alesse, you'll want to give it a few cycles (usually around 3) to see if your side effects get better. if they don't, you should talk to your doctor about a pill switch or maybe look into other, non-hormonal reasons for your current bout with depression.

10 months is a long time to be depressed, and I think you should see if your university health plan has options for diagnosing and treating psychiatric conditions, because even if it is your pills you shouldn't have to feel this way all the time, you know?

I hope you feel better soon.

*hugs*