depression, birth control, asthma and painful sex

9 years ago i was diagnosed with depression and hospitalized for inpatient treatment. now i want to go on birth control but i dont want to make my depression worse. ive been off prozac for at most 6 years. i also tend to get headaches and have asthma and painful cramps constantly lately. my sex drive is nill. will triphasil work for me?

[HFHS MD-JM]

Ono666,

      Birth control pills have been associated with depression but occurs on an infrequent basis.  If you need to be on an oral contraceptive then discuss this with your OB/GYN or Primary care physician.  If you are having trouble with depression now then perhaps you should see a psychiatrist and be initiated on an antidepressant prior to starting the birth control pill.  Someone who has had a prior episode of depression is at higher risk of having a second episode than someone who has never had one before.  It may also to reasonable to monitor your mood if no current problem and start the birth control pill.  Hope this was helpful.  Good luck.

Sincerely,

HFHS MD-JM

Keywords:  Birth control pills, oral cotraceptive, depression