Hello,
I have been struggling with depression for a long time. I began taking an SSRI (lexapro) which helped improve my mood. However, the negative sexual side effects put a large strain on my relationship and I switched to Wellbutrin, which does not work on serotonin.
Recently, a friend of mine confessed that she, too, was prescribed lexapro. She has had problems with mood swings and feeling depressed for the past year.
We both take the same birth control pill, Yasmin. Our depressive symptoms started within a month or two after starting Yasmin. I have not mentioned this to her yet, as I wanted to do some research. I just noticed the coincidence.
I found a lot of anectodal evidence of depression being a side effect of Yasmin. Yasmin has higher levels of progestin, which is thought to be linked to the increased depression as it breaks down serotonin.
Since switching to Wellbutrin, my depressive symptoms have become worse again - almost as bad as without medication. I wonder if this is because Wellbutrin does not work on serotonin, which is being decreased by the birth control I am taking.
I am very hesitant to switch the brand of birth control pill, as Yasmin has cleared up my acne. Other pills with lower progestin amounts have not done this. I may feel better, but I may still isolate myself because of poor self-esteem. (I have severe acne when not on the pill). Also, other pills often have led to weight gain, which would also cause distress as I have suffered from an eating disorder.
Could there be some truth to my hypothesis? Would taking 5-HTP help improve my serotonin levels, without sexual side effects?
