I have deep concerns over a drug called “Visanne” that is also known as “Dienogest” since many of my clients have come to me reporting the same terrible side effect: feeling suicidal.
What I am shocked further by is that doctors, when told by these patients of this connection, then tell them to stay on it as the effects will get better or that these symptoms are totally unrelated!
Side effects like this should always be reported by the doctors to the drug regulators of each country so that the drug regulators can be alerted and if deemed necessary, take a drug off the market. What baffles me here is how did a drug like Visanne get to market in the first place with these side effects? This just shows how the long term studies (often 6 months) are just not long enough.
To back up my concerns, here is a link to a case review published in the scientific database, Pub Med to be precise, called “Dienogest-induced major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation”. This clinical case review shows how a woman with no previous mental health disorders developed major depression with suicidal feelings when prescribed this synthetic version of progesterone known as a progestin.
So the take-home message is everyone who takes Visanne/Dienogest is at risk of suffering with their mental health, and those with a previous history of problems in this area should be especially careful and monitored closely. This is also why I suggest micronised progesterone as it is what the body naturally makes so gives all the benefits of suppressing oestrogen but without the side effects of Dienogest.
