My doctor has had me on Lutera for 4 months as an additional treatment with Welbutrin for anxiety and depression which he has suspected was caused by PMDD. This medication had been a miracle worker for mellowing out my mood swings and practically erasing any trace of my anxiety disorder which i've had since I was 12. I started Lutera because antidepressants alone seemed to work only one week out of the month to help me with my associated symptoms.
However, I have very recently been experiencing a very harmful state of depression after following my doctor's advise of skipping my inactive pills to avoid having my period on my wedding day. Doing so had an opposite effect on my body and I had my period for 3 weeks on end. Within that time, I experienced uncontrollable mood swings, constant urges to cry and the anxiety got so severe I resorted to physically harming myself which I have never done on or off meds. After this episode I consulted with another doctor (in this entire ordeal I have not been able to make any contact with my regular doctor), I explained my symptoms and how the Lutera had worked great before I skipped my inactive week. The doctor who prescribed the progesteron informed me that after five days, my normal cycle will begin and I can go back on the Lutera after my next period. My regular doctor's nurse, however, had a differing opinion about how the progesteron would interact with the Lutera. The nurse also informed me that the Lutera will be ineffective as a means for contraception for the next two months (my wedding day is June 14). To make matters worse this will be my first time, so I am not only worried about the effectiveness of the medication as treatment for anxiety, but now I am terrified I will become pregnant immediately after first experiencing intercourse. Does anyone know how long it takes for Lutera to become effective as a contraceptive, or even if the medication will completely leave my system after only three weeks off? Does anyone know of any adverse effects of Lutera being taken after having been prescribed progesteron? Also, being unexperienced in this arena, could someone advise me about a latex-free, non-intrusive (intrusive being nuva-ring, diaphragm, etc.) means of alternative contraception if my birth control will indeed prove ineffective?