Can the contraceptive implant implanon cause anxiety and depression?

[Stress_Head]

Hi,
I have had the implanon now for 2 years and since then have experienced 6 month cycles of extreme depression and anxiety followed by periods where i return to my normal happy mood and behaviour.  For the last month I have been feeling hightened level of anxitey, which have caused social withdrawal, and fellings of sadness and depression. Most worringly, recently i have had thoughts of self harming.

I couldn't seem to put my finger on why I was feeling this way, and till tonight, hadn't considered the possibility that it could be the implanon. I have done some brief reseach and found that the implanon can cause depression, but I am concerned can it completely explain the reason for my extreme long-term changes in mood, or is there something more deep routed?
Thanks

[tlh4505]

So so glad I found this website. I have had the implanon in for 2 1/2 years. Foe the first year it was fine, but gradually have been getting more and more depressed and my anxiety level is off the charts. I never thought it could be my birth control. I have had issues with a lot of weight gain since I've gotten it in. I am having mine removed on Tuesday and going back to the pill. The mood swings are just horrible. At times I thought I was going crazy!. So glad I've found others who have had the same reaction to the implanon.

[hungarian_angel]

I have had nexplannon for 3 months and at first it was great besides the constant spotting. But after the first month i started to feel depressed and noticed it then had a nervous random cough all the time like trying to help my feeling of being uncomfortable.Anxiety also started and has only gotten worse day by day to where i don't understand whats going on and have these crazy thoughts that run through my head and know that's not how i think always negative, paranoid, jealous, dizzy, migraines. Till finally i broke down at work felt like i was gonna collapse couldn't stop crying or know what to do just so lost in my thoughts. Also any kinda stress would just through me over the edge and the worst i love to eat but every bite i take i gag now and i have lost a scary amount of weight like becoming anorexic its frightening. Im getting mine removed in a few days me and my bf agree its changed me i cant even smile it takes too much out of me to try also when ever i have to be around people i try to avoid it wanting to isolate myself which i am a positive extremely people friendly easy going lady and now i just want to tell people to leave me alone and slap them in the face and im all against hurting others my bf loves my gentle personality but with this i just feel bitter and before this i can handle high amounts of stress that was my first sign of the bc affecting my control over my thoughts and actions so its getting removed Tues cant wait im so glad im not the only one who felt insane that were normal before and hope everyone is doing well i cant wait to be happy again its such a waste of time to live depressed and on high stress/anxiety. Also out to that 60% that don't have these side affects i wish i didn't its a great feeling to know your safe from getting pregnant or not having to remember to take anything but its not worth feeling like your loosing control of your self!

[Becash]

Hi althea45.  I am taking mirtazapine ( I am in the UK )  they are to help me manage my anxiety and panic attacks.   I have always been prone to depression and anxiety but 8 months after I had my 2nd child I lost control.  I could barely look after my 2 children by myself.  My husband had had enough of my mood swings and left for a few days.  That was a wake up call! I realised I had become this whole other nasty person. The panic attacks hit me hard. All I could think about is myself an how I had lost my mind.  I thought I would have to be put in a place for the mentally ill!  It has taken 3 years to get to be an almost normal human being and I'm still not there yet!  I have asked the nurse and my doctor about the nexplanon implant being the cause but they say it isn't!  Can all of these women from all over the world be wrong? ?  I really know how you are feeling and im afraid as far as the implant goes I don't have any answer.  But dont be aafraid of medication. It isnt a cure but it helps me to think more clearly an try an help myself to get better.  I am tempted to have the implant removed to see if it makes any difference but im also afraid of feeling disappointed if it doesn't.  Think of this time in your life as a blip, it can only get better x

[althea45]

I had the implanon put in 4 years ago...and it was great. I never felt any kind of depression, my period stopped for about 6 months, I didn't lose my sex drive. Nothing. So when I finally got the newer version the Nexplanon I was excited that I'd have another three years to plan for babies. Now I'm seriously considering getting it removed. The last 4 months have been AWFUL. My relationship seems like it's always in some sort of turmoil. I'm constantly depressed. I cry for no reason. I go from feeling normal to mad at the world to crying for no reason then just feeling raw and emotionless. I can't keep my emotions in check. I constantly yell at my fiancé for no reason. Luckily he's understanding of it. But how long will that last? I'm currently having all these issues, which brought me to this forum. I can't stand myself. I'm having suicidal thoughts. Literally thought to myself that I just wanted to stab myself to let the pain out. And I've never been one for cutting or causing myself harm. In fact I yell at my friends who do that. It's never been something I've ever accepted as a way to help. but now i'm feeling that it's the only way I can release my pain.  this all sounds so dramatic as a type it and I loathe myself for it. Has anyone taken any anti anxiety meds or anything of the sort alongside this implant and had it work? I'd really like to not change birth controls. I've always been very forgetful and know that the pill won't work for me. I've tried the nuvaring and that just gave me migraines. I'd really like to not get pregnant in the near future but I can't deal with these panic attacks, social anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, all of it. i'm so done...

[Becash]

I just wanted to add that period wise things are better as I only have the odd one now.  Why if there are so many women all over the world suffering from anxiety and panic attacks since having the implant do doctors not find a connection???????  I will let you know how I feel when I get this implant removed!!

[Becash]

I was pleased to find a recent post on this subject!  I had the implant put in after my second child in August 2009. My periods became unbareable. I had to take the mini pill for six months as I bled constantly.  I became bitter and moody and my husband almost left me as he couldn't take any more. Then things got worse, I started having panic attacks and severe anxiety. Go diagnosed as gad and postnatal depression. 4 years on with 2nd implant I still suffer with anxiety and panic attacks. My husband stuck with me thank goodness.  After reading this topic I do wonder if the implant could be the cause of all this heartache. I have asked my go if the implant is the cause but he says not!  I'm not so sure now. I have the other side affects like feeling like I'm pregnant and having period symptoms but not period.  I am thinking of having a third baby so might have the implant removed, it will be interesting to see if there is any change to my life of anxiety :/