Miena and Depression

Hi,
I'm not sure if my response will be helpful but I"ll let you know about my experience w/ Mirena. I had it put in a week before Christmas (2007). I went back to the doctor after two months and was pretty sure that I wanted it removed. I had horrible physical side effects (lots of bleeding, lots of pain) and what I described as constant PMS. I wouldn't say that it was a feeling of sadness or depression, but I was very irritable and very moody. It was terrible - especially because I knew that my family were the ones who were suffering from my moods. The doctor told me to give it time - 3 months - and then she'd remove it if I felt the same, so I agreed. Well, the physical symptoms have mostly subsided. The "PMS" issues are better, but not completely gone. They come and go. Certain days I feel very irritable and moody. I really do think that this is from the Mirena because it all started when I had it put in. I hope that helps you - good luck :)

Hi E.~
So sorry to hear that you're having such a rough time. You're right, depression sucks. I wouldn't be surprised if the IUD triggered it. I am surprised though that the doctor still has you taking the medication with it removed. I certainly think the medication is causing some exaggerated symptoms and maybe you should stop taking it. Especially if you've never had anything like this happen to you before. A friend of mine started taking medication after a really bad break up and the change in her saddened me. Her speach was slurred, her demeanor was slow and she seemed to be competely unaware when her children were behaving badly. If I hadn't known better I would have sworn she'd been drinking.

Bottom line, if YOU feel the medication is making you feel worse then by all means stop taking it. Doctors aren't always right and we know our bodies better than anyone else. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself even if everyone else seems to think you're wrong.

Good luck. Things really will be better....promise.

I've not had any experience with Miena, but reading your story, it saddens me to think your OBGYN would think it was all in your head and imediately prescribe the anti-depressants.
I found this on their offical site:

SIDE EFFECTS AT 3 MONTHS AT 5 YEARS
Lower abdominal pain (cramping) 10.5% 2.0%
Acne or other skin problems 3.5% 1.8%
Back pain 3.1% 1.0%
Breast tenderness 3.1% 1.0%
Headache 2.8% 1.6%
Mood changes 2.5% Less than 1.0%

And when I googled Mirena side effects, I came up with bullitens filled with women complaining of some horrible ones, including depressive feelings. You should google, it and print out some of the comments to take to your dr. so she can see for herself what others are saying.

Good luck to you!
L.

Hi E.,
I don't know anything about the Mirena, or Lexapro, but one thing really stuck out to me in your post -- the fact that you said you felt a big relief as soon as your Dr. removed the Mirena, which leads me to ask whether you had mixed feelings about having it in in the first place? That, combined with any physical effects of the Mirena could certainly contribute to feelings of depression. But there's one way you could tell if it was that and not something else, and that would be to go off the Lexapro, and see what happens. If your depression eases, it probably did have something to do with the Mirena, and if not, maybe there are other issues. If the issue was the Mirena, and you're looking for an alternative, try Naprotechnology (the Creighton Model of Natural Family Planning). It is promoted by the Catholic Church, but you don't have to be Catholic. It's an amazing learning experience that allows you to take control of your fertility in a way that works with and respects your body, and helps you realize just how amazing our bodies are as women. I found it very empowering, and very attractive, as it has no physical side effects. And learning it could be a great way to get your mind focused in a positive vein. Hang in there -- you're not alone. I'll be praying for a resolution to this for you. I know how hard it can be to suffer from depression.

Oh honey, I'm sorry for what you're going through! I have a friend who was feeling the same way after the Mirena. The dr.'s said it was all in her head, and offered the meds too. She eventually found a nurse and a website that validated her issues and she got it taken out, and off the meds. It took a little while, but now she is back to her old self, and so much happier that she wasn't just "crazy". Trust yourself E., you know better than anyone. Good luck sweetie!

Hi. I understand depression and I have taken lexapro with positive results. I didnt feel groggy- no side effects at all. It is a mild anti depressant. It took the edge off so that I could take some action. Having said that I would consider going off of it as you are having side effects AND it would be impossible to determine why this started so suddently if you dont allow some time for you body to adjust to the removal of the IUD.

And from this experience, on the other end of it you will have been given the gift of compassion to the many others who suffer from depression.
Good luck to you.

I have an IUD in I don't know if it is that one. It is the 10 year one. I didn't feel any of those symptoms. I don't think that you should feel depressed from the IUD because there are no Hormones in that birth control.
Unfortunately I have never taken Lexapro, but in my medical book it says that it should have the opposite effect on you regarding sleeping. You should have insomina, but we are not all the same. I think you need to go back to your OB-GYN or even your primary care doctor and tell them what this medicine is doing to you and what they think you should do. If you were wondering why you had to take it in the first place you should of asked. That is what you doctor is there for. Your both need to come out of the exam room confident with the decision that she/he has just made.

Hi E.. I have never used Mirena, but unfortunately, I know VERY well how depression feels. Have you looked up the side effects of Mirena? I know that some contraceptives can have bad side effects including depression, so there's a good chance it could be part of your problem, I would do some research there. Also, Good for you for going back to school! I started taking online classes the end of '06 and got my Associates in Feb '07. I am now working on my Bachelor's degree b/c it was such a positive experience. I, too was very anxious, stressed and excited about going back to school, to begin with, but after I got into it and started doing well, I started to feel really good about my decision. I think you will find that the online school community is very supportive and full of people just like yourself. I know it can be hard to have to take medication for something that you feel you should be able to control on your own, but sometimes you really do need the help. I quit taking my meds for my 1st pregnancy and didn't continue taking them again for over a year. After I started taking them again, I wondered why I ever stopped, they helped me that much. Now, as I am at the end of my 2nd pregnancy, I quit taking them again, but started getting so depressed that I had to start taking them again and I feel like a totally different (in a very good way) person. You may find that although you don't like the idea of being on meds, that they will help you as you transition into being a mom and student. Hopefully you will be one of the lucky ones and only have to take them for a little while. I would give them a shot, it doesn't have to be forever, but if they help, then it's totally worth it if you ask me! I wish you the best and hope you start feeling better soon. If you are still concerned after a week or two, you should talk to your doc again. Hope this helps at least a little!

Miena,

So sorry to hear that you've been struggling lately. I can't speak to you about the IUD, but I've been on Lexapro for about a year and a half now. I was put on it while pregnant and we discovered our daughter would be born critically ill (she recently passed away). The meds were prescribed as a preventative measure to try and take the edge off what we knew would be a difficult time. I have been pleased with the lack of side side effects and take it at night in case I do get sleepy. I'm not sure how I would be coping with life without it but I'm not planning on finding out soon. I have also known people who have been severely depressed/suicidal and say that the medicine really helped change their life. I am sorry that you are experiencing the depression, but I do think the lesson you have learned about the difficulty in coping with it is an important one. Depression is definitely something that you simply pick yourself up from easily. I wish you luck and hope removing the IUD does the trick.

Follow your instincts. You can tell your physician you are going to stop the medication and ask for appropriate reduction/weaning method, if there is one, for that medication. You can ask a pharmacist as well for the information about your particular prescription.

From what is written in your post, it seems you are very aware of yourself, mentally, emotionally, and physically.

I wish you well.

I have been on Mirena three years now. I have not felt any of the symptons you describe. I am very happy with mirena.

Hi E.,

I don't know anything about Mirena, but I do know a bit about depression from personal experience and am honestly appalled that your OB/GYN prescribed an anti-depressant. That's not her job for one and there were no psych evals for two and you specifically raised the issue in conjunction with your BC for three! I have had some pretty bad responses to BC before, severe mood swings, fits of crying uncontrollably, general sadness, etc. Once off BC, I was worlds better. I was also prescribed an anti-depressant as a teen in response to probably general teen angst and I'm convinced now that it had the opposite effect on me.

I'm no doctor, so I won't tell you to stop taking the meds, but I will say, when you have chemicals in your system, it is difficult to find the root of issues when those meds could be part of the problem. I will also say, that if you were not suffering from any psychological disorders prior to March and are not at risk of harm without meds (which I guess is the case since you weren't on them prior) you should be in full control of what is in your body and when. If you don't feel comfortable on the meds, talk to your Dr and get off them. I also recommend you talk to a psychologist or psychiatrist about being on these meds if you intend to stay on them. They are far more equipped to diagnose you than your OB!

These medications are way over prescribed and I find this scenario a prime example. Be strong and follow your instincts. You know yourself and your body. If these behaviors are out of character and you think it's related to the BC, follow that. Best of luck. Believe in yourself.

~L.
29 yo single mom of 4.5 year old girl.

This may not be helpful but I have had Mirena since September and have has no side effects (so far)
I hope you are feeling better and figure this out.
K.

Hi E.,
I do not know a lot about IUD's in general, and I'm not sure what your beliefs are but I thought I would write anyway in hopes that I might help in some way. I have read that the female reproductive organs are energetically the creative center of our bodies. Any kind of blockage in this area can cause problems in the body, mind and spirit. So it would make sense that you have felt such anxiety. I am sure if you were to see a natural healer or accupuncturist they could explain all this in great detail. I would highly recommend you read the book Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom by Christian Northrup as well. There are alternatives to prescription meds for depresssion that are much safer. Feel free to contact me if you are interested in learning more. Good luck with everything.