ANXIETY

[ellissg]

I am having trouble with the anxiety, terrible scared anxiety, over starting Peg-I and Rebe combo 9 days from now. Has anyone had a anti-anxiety drug that they would recommend?

[Ooberman]

Hiya. I was given CIPRAMIL (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)  These drugs increase the brain's level of serotonin, thus improving mood.  SSRI's have also been shown to be useful in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder and some forms of severe shyness.

They are generally well tolerated and effective.  Some common SSRI side effects include: heartburn and drowsiness. They can sometimes produce a transient loss of appetite.  SSRI medications can have drug interactions.  You should consult with your doctor or pharmacist prior to mixing them with other medications.

[louisep]

Hey there,
I had the exact same thing, way before TX....Didn't really want to go on ADs as I've never taken anything like that before....but I got the same AD as ooberman, Ciprimol, 10mg, 2 weeks before I started TX & they really took the edge off for me.  Also got a mild sleeping pill, 7.5mg as the anxiety was stopping me from sleeping and without sleep, I'm totally useless and irrational. Still taking em now....anything to help get me through TX, but everyone is different.
Wishing you all the very best with the battle ahead,
Louise

[want2live]

Sorry to hear about your anxiety, I know how that feels. I use Xanax .5mg on occasion, works well for me. But I am thinking of having the Dr. change that to plain old Valium, (mentioned in this forum that it's effective, and non-addicting.)
I just had my 1st shot, and the waiting/worry was a hell of a lot worse than just taking the darned thing.
Please try to think about your blessings and not this burden, as that helps me sometimes.
Good luck.

[ms.star]

I experience a lot of anxiety as well.  The dr. has me on 75 mg.Effexor(AD)twice a day and for the anxiety I take .5mg. of xanax every six hours as needed, usually I only need to take 1 every afternoon but some days I do take 2.  It seems to work for me, but talk to your dr.  Good luck.
Starla

[GALLIUM]

who told you valium is nonaddictive? ?
they lied all benzo (valium zanax atavian etc) are addictive.
that doesnt mean dont use them if they work of course but be aware they can be addictive, espicialy if you have an addicitve personality (succeptiable to addiciton).
you might want to do a search on addictive meds on one of the med sites.

[Revenire]

Xanax, Valium ... both addictive but both work.

[ellissg]

Thanks for the feedback! It's wonderful to have such prompt and effective support.

[lackalustre]

zanax works for anxiety. somewhat fast acting.    valium causes depression in me and other benzos can too.    my doc was concerned about that for me.

[DownThisRoad]

I take and have taken about a month before my treatment began, Amitriptyline (Elivil).  This drug has been a tremendous help to me in a few different ways and I truly believe that my GI knew exactly what he was doing prescribing this for me.

Elivil is an older AD that has been used for numerous things besides just a straight AD.  It is given to patients who have weight disorders, chronic pain, sleeplessness and depression.

I've been able to keep some weight on during my treatment as well as rest good and get up fresh in the morning (well I say fresh at least as fresh as possible on these hepC drugs).

I'm on my 36th week of treatment and my ill side effects from Pegasys/Copagus have been minimal.  I haven't had to take many Tylenol either.

[Ooberman]

http://www.jimmcneill.com/dance.html If the drugs will not work - try this ;)

[TomWill]

Why not try taking some extra B vitamins.
Maybe take a walk.
Try saying a prayer.
Have a long talk with a friend.
Stay into today and not to project into the future.
We only have today.

The answer to every problem is not another pill. There are times and tx is one of those times we have to deal with our feelings in new ways. Think positive because it feels better.

I can tell you tx is a long project so buckle up and enjoy the ride. You will be experiencing a lot.

Tom

[jonihs]

When I have a panic attack, I absolutely cannot leave the room that I'n in for 1/2 to 1 hour. Then I can"t leave the house for the rest of the day or night. Xanax is the only thing that helps, and it just makes me a little calmer. Still can't walk my dogs or leave my house. W/out the xanax, i dread to think what shape I'd be in. And I never had a panic attack until I started tx.     Joni

[TomWill]

Just an observation with you almost being done with treatment you surely have some wisdom to share about getting through tx.I don't really know why you are so angry at times and really don't care it is your right to do so. I just strongly believe everyone either effected by Hepc, tx, or has Hepc and is taking tx should be welcome at our board. Just some thoughts.

Tom

[new-sojourn]

I just smoked a joint, closed my eyes and let my partner administer my shot.  After the 1st 2 shots,we did them in the early morning and went for a long walk to get the tx pumpin' thru my veins.

I was anxious to start-I wanted to start.  I didn't like being a host for a killer!

[louisep]

OHC,
sorry to hear you're thinking of moving on?  I have always valued your imput and admired you from afar.  Your web site is a huge benefit and gives us an insight into geno types, TX and most of all hope of SVR, thanks for that.  Best wishes to you.
Jg2001,
Hello & welcome, welcome.....good luck in the battles ahead!
Louise

[Honey15637]

You are joking right?

[TomWill]

Together we can.
Tom

[pollywog]

Just curious...when did valium become non-addicting?