Depression/anxiety side effect of Harvoni?

[soldieradvocate]

Week 5 of treatment and doctor happy with viral load. Wondering if emotionality, depression, anxiety typical side effects of Harvoni. Thinking maybe my overwhelmed feeling stems from profound fatigue and feeling powerless to do anything about it.
On another topic, once cleared, I will need documentation from my hepatologist that I no longer have Hep C to qualify for a particular job. What exactly should I ask her to say? It will be submitted to a medical professional for review. New to all of this so pardon my naivete.

[patra_]

Do you eat a little something when you take your meds?  I expect that Harvoni says 'with or without food' as that was what sovaldi said, however, on strong meds, t is sometimes wise to put a little something in th help act as a buffer.

As you know from all the disclaimers, I am not a Dr or even in the medical field - also, not on Hparvoni, so am not aware of what it recommends - just offering a suggestion.

Good luck with your continued treatment! On to SVR!!

Pat

[Dee1956]

Hi when I had to take the Incivek with 20 grams of fat I was close to throwing up myself.  I called the doctor told him I was gagging.  He called in a prescription for the nausea. I want to say it was zofran but it has been a while, on ambien for sleep.
My vision was off as well
The only thing that kept me going was my mantra

"I have to do what I have to do to get through this"  It was my last chance.

Hang in there, you will do it too.  You went through boot camp you can do anything :)  I remember that another thing kept me going was coming here and asking for help.  This is the best bunch of people I have ever met.
They kept me going on days I thought I could not stand another day.
Also, please let your doctor or nurse know how you are doing

Take Care

[soldieradvocate]

Thanks to everyone for your comments. I also have the insomnia, nausea, dizziness and just today, blurred vision. So afraid I am going to throw up my pill. Week 6 just about completed. Labs tomorrow.

[Rbeth]

Hi again! I just read Dee's post & began to think back maybe 10 weeks ago. I had really weird vision & elev BP & twitching & was obviously anxious enough to go to emerg room to make sure I was ok?!? I guess that was anxiety :) ! I also, as was said, did not sleep until 4am most nights, so my sleep cycle was really off. I think I felt more agitation (was snappy) ask anyone who looked at me cross eyed, for a few weeks & I definitely felt "out of it" first 4 days post Tx. So, if I examine all of that, well..... :) welcome to the Tx club ! I hope that's encouraging to you, somehow, and I also appreciate your sharing, it is really helpful to others!

To easier Tx days, all prayers,
Randy

[Dee1956]

Hey there!  While I did not take Harvoni, I was on Incivek, Peg, Riba.  I had anxiety during my tx.  The drugs affect everyone differently and I think it is a side effect.  Many times I found that there are others that feel the same way we do but are too shy to admit it.  So...thank you for sharing, you are helping a lot of people.  When a drug first comes out, this one just in October, there are many unknowns until people start to use it and get through their tx.  
I tried to find some information for you and found others treating with it who have anxiety.  Some people can't sleep.

http://forums.hepmag.com/index.php?topic=1952.0

Good luck to you, Dee

[keepingOnkeepingOn]

That is a very good question. Cured means just that if they can't take your word for it then it's really none of their business. It is not an air-borne virus.
They need to chill. How did they find out anyway? Best to keep some things to oneself rather than be misunderstood.

[Rbeth]

Hi again, just remembered a pst post post from you & went back to reread.

I do think it might be wise to check with hepa w/ meds you take. It's sure possible that Harvoni or even combination of your meds with Harvoni, could potentiate an increase in levels of your meds giving you some side effects you're having, so def check w/ doc, ok?

AND do not let anyone demoralize you, brave man, for having this 'oh so common virus'. It's no different than any other dis ease people might get, so Hold your head up high.... AND cure for you!! YES!
Ran

[Rbeth]

Hi soldier,

So sorry you're feeling this way. As a couple above posters have said, being emotional can surely happen. I think SFX can be so unique on this Tx or any Tx, because we are all unique( our medical conditions, predispositions, body chemistry etc. I've had a few rare symptoms like HBP, gout, horrendous bronchospasms for duration( ulcers, triple vision(1st wk) and headaches at different weeks Os 12 wk Harvoni. I haven't really had depression/anxiety but have been stressy/concerned about a few answers( my hepa was pretty much MIA throughout Tx, so flyin alone, but with some digging & tremendous support on forum, concerns were well eased. The last week of Tx into 6 days post now, I have had Mack truck fatigue & as cakes said, I was very emotional for about 7 days ( surrounding EOT. I'm grateful, that is passed, though afternoon naps still sound good :-) I really do agree it's temporary, so try not to worry about it(easy said, huh?) are you taking any medications that might be causing drug to drug interactions? Are you really worried about this new job(position). If you can possibly tuck these concerns away for now & just think about how amazing it is to treat & likely cure, I think this is most helpful. If your symptoms are severe or worsen I'd surely check with your doc to see if anything else might be going on. At the end of the day, I'm sure you'll be fine and watch these symptoms just go as they came... Quickly!
Hang in there, all is well and do check with doc if you need to. And keep posting. Sorry I didn't look, but are you a 12 or 24 wk treater? As far as letter, it's weeks away, and IF it's necessary( or even legal) I'm sure doc will know what to say. TRY not to worry about that, ok ;-)

All blessings for a great treat & healthy road ahead,
Randy

[cakes8267]

Is that legal for a company to ask you for proof that you are Hep C clear?   How would they even know anything about that.  
I just finished my Harvoni treatment and I did find that I my emotions were somewhat on the sensitive side.  But hey, its a temporary thing.   And I feel great now.  
cakes

[keepingOnkeepingOn]

Going through treatment can be emotional at times. It comes with a whole host of feelings. Best to roll with it.
" What exactly should I ask her to say? "
Ask for a copy of the records for the Quant Test showing EOT and or SVR12. Cured. Hang in there. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

[Ekkiemom]

Hi Soldier.....you may want to ask RBeth she has taken the same Tx and had similar SFX
best to you
Deb