Headaches and Sleeplessness

I did my first shot on Friday night (1/24), took Tylenol before the shot.  Four hours later I got chills, took Tylenol PM and woke up on and off during the night getting hot/cold, etc.  It wasn't as bad as some others have described so I'm grateful.  The next day I started the Riba.  I felt like I was on speed.  I had some stomach upset, some muscle pain (I've had that before tx) and some weird joint pain but got a horrible tension headache in the evening.  I took Tylenol PM again but the pain was so bad I couldn't get to sleep.  I think I dozed off but the pain woke me up again.  I have these headaches often from some arthritis in my neck but not usually this bad.

If anyone has had similar problems with headaches, please let me know how you treated for them.

As far as the sleep problem.  My doctor has prescribed Ambien but not to take every night.  Tylenol PM makes me feel like I've been hit by a truck the next day.  I've been addicted to anti-anxiety meds before so those are out.  Has anyone with similar sleep issues been successful with anything else?  Trazadone perhaps?  I need to work during this tx (I'm a legal assistant) so Monday through Friday I have to sleep! I am drinking a gallon of water daily.  Eating well, etc.

Any and all sugestions would be helpful.  Thanks

-cbee

[cao]

I too have tension headaches that have been MUCH WORSE since tx and I've not yet found a good solution.  I'll be checking this post for suggestions:)

I have been on trazadone for sleep issues, however, since the early weeks of tx (maybe week 3?) and it's been a lifesaver.  I don't feel weird the next day, it doesn't work immediately (so I have an hour or so after I take it that I can do stuff I need to do), and it's non-addictive.  I can't say enough great stuff about it!  I'm not sure I would have made it through tx without it (I initially tried baths, relaxation, etc, but I just wasn't sleeping...and even after I fell asleep, I'd wake up literally 50 times a night).

[carolhab]

Hi - sorry to hear about your headaches - I also had real bad headaches the first 4 weeks.  The doc prescribed Ultram
http://www.drugs.com/ultram.html, which really helped me, and is not supposed to be addictive. The good news is that after week 4, the headaches stopped, and I am overall feeling much better.  I also have Trazadone, but haven't needed it yet, seems I am so tired at the end of the day, I fall asleep okay...  Good luck to you, I would tell your doc you need something fast to take care of those headaches... and drink water, water, water!!!
sammy

[carolhab]

one more thing - I found this guide helpful..
http://www.hepcsurvivalguide.org/
peace and love
sammy

[Tony-z]

cbee


Interferon cause migraine headaches, I was down and out many time throughout tx. I would suggest that you see your Dr and get something much stronger the Tylenol for the headaches also you'll want to pickup something for sleep. That way if you need it you will have it. Try trazodone and /or Ambian. both work wheel but the trazodone can leave you pretty sedated the next morning...


                    Good Luck, God Bless

                        TonyZ

[cbee]

Thank you so much for the advice.  My primary care doctor told me abuot a new sleep medication requiring a prescription called Lunestra.  It will be available in the next couple of weeks.  It's non-addictive and can be used nightly.  I'm looking forward to trying it.

-cbee

[honey1616]

What is everyone doing with their leftover meds?  It seems a shame just to throw out...

[gr8faith]

What a great link (hep c survival guide) I read it all and bookmarked it, as I am certain I will reference again.  I have been having the dull headaches too.  I find I am more sensitive to noise, always asking someone to turn down the tv or radio.  I have always been hesistant to take things for headaches but will not delay in asking for something if it gets really bad.

[fsplink]

Hi! Sorry about the headaches. My doctor prescribed Imitrex for my husband and I for headaches(we treated at the same time). It really helped.

[doll face]

cbee- I too suffered from unbearable headaches. I was prescribed remeron (antidepressant) that also helps you sleep at night. For the headaches I was given Midrin then also Initrex shots for the migrains. Be careful though with the imitrex, they made me feel really sick for the first  half hour after doing the shot, then all of a sudden the migraine was GONE. What a relief, I only had to do about 8 of those during the whole time on tx (72 weeks)

Honey- I took all my left over meds to my doctors office (bottle of riba, and 6 vials of neupogen) where he was able to give them to someone with no insurance, who could not afford them. I hope all doctors would be willing to do this.

[cuteus]

your dr might be able to use them, and if it is Pegasys, give Judi(hepcgetlost) a "ring".

Is your fog lifting yet? It was wonderful to realize I could remember in the morning what I told myself to remember the night before.  Watch out for the wt. it might be wks before it creeps back, but it does, plus more...

[honey1616]

Wha,,,What.....Plus More???  You mean you didn't slow down on that Italian food,,,or eating a carton of ice cream in bed at night?  LOL   Thats not what I want to hear....We get to be skinny Minis during tx and feel to bad to get out and enjoy and now that we feel good,,,,We have to much stuff to strut??? haha
Actually,,,I have only missed 2 days of pills but,,,I don't know if concidence of having a couple of good days or actually can tell,,,,But My mind is much clearer today,,,,and also noticed past 2 mornings,,,Don't have that quesy upset stomach feeling. Body still aching though when getting out of bed....Oh well,,,Guess that will get better as time goes!

[Tony-z]

Honey,


Congratulation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You made it, You are now in tx recovery anouther of tx sx...I am soo happy for you... I think you will find that you are, in some ways, a different person....Recover can take awhile, but enjoy every day....

Meds, Why I keep mine under lock and key......why??



                      God Bless

                          Tonyz