What Causes Muscle Cramps And Anxiety After Long Term Use Of The Depo Shot?

Posted on Mon, 21 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 21 Apr 2014 Answered on

Mon, 12 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Is it possible after over 4 years on depo jab i could be developing side effects now. I have dizziness itching all over body and muscle cramps and anxiety.

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF DEPO SHOT. Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for writing to us with your health concern. The side effects that you mention are associated with long term use of the Depo shot, so it is possible that you are experiencing cumulative side effects. However there are some other conditions that can cause such symptoms. Notably, liver function derangements, anemia, hypothyroidism should also be ruled out. Since how long have you been having these problems - it is possible that it is just a mild passing flu. I would suggest the following workup - 1. Complete blood count. 2. Liver function tests. 3. Viral markers. 4. Complete bodily checkup. 5. Internal gynecological check up - per vaginum and per speculum 6. Pelvic ultrasound scan. If this workup is normal, and you persistently have these effects, then the symptoms can be attributed to the Depo, and you should consider switching over to an alternative form of birth control. All the best Please feel free to discuss further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (17 minutes later)

Hi there. Im currently not sexually active and i have had these symptoms progressively get worse over the last two injections. All bloods came back fine. My jab us due again on the 6 th of may . I will not be having this. How long should it take for dizziness symptoms to die down from this reaction. Ive also had a numb tongue and very very bad breadt tenderness. Non of the above have happened before. Thats why my query. I would be grateful fr your response

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Do not go for due dosage in May Detailed Answer: Hi again. As the blood work is normal, and the symptoms are correlated with the injections, you should not go for your due dosage in May. Consider another method then. The dizziness should be fine within a few days, since this is the nether end of the previous shot, and the effects should be tapering off by now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (13 minutes later)

Will the out of the blue anxiety ive had subside too as this all started with very tender breasts and muscle spasms and numb tongue disappear too. I have two weeks before its due to run out and ive suffered really bad over last three months. Is there anything i can take to help get it put my system. Im currently on b12 and clenil inhaler 100 mg

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Drink a lot of water Detailed Answer: Hi, Yes , all the symptoms should subside. For the breast tenderness - try daily Evion ( vitamin E ) capsules and evening primrose oil supplements. Drink a lot of water to avoid muscle cramps, you are already on B 12 which should make it better. If the anxiety is too much to take, then please go for behavioral therapy or counselling as a short term measure. Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T