Medications for mental conditions during tx

[4dhepatitis]

I took interferon/riba tx before and I suffered from anxiety, fits of anger/aggression at times bordering on paranoia, insomnia, and to a much lesser degree depression/suicidal. Would like to hear from you as far as medications go. As for me -- none of the antidepressants worked, and for insomnia I just took ambien, but it was at the end of my tx that I decided to get rid of all the meds I got from my psychiatrist and just asked my general physician for ambien.
Thanks.

[4dhepatitis]

Thank you all.
After reading your comments, I may try to rethink the whole think, although my experience tells me that all the ADs are not addictive but they don't work and all the "happy pills" work but they are addictive. I didn't have any problems with getting addicted during my first tx, but I only started to take benzos and Zanax at the end of my treatment, and I regretted that, because all the danger seemed insignificant in comparison to the benefits they provided. Killing the virus while not killing oneself in the process is number one priority.
Thanks for encouragement, and sharing your experience and knowledge.

[Diane12855]

There are many kinds of antidepressants and frustrating as it seems at the time, you often have to try a few before you find the one that is right for you, but it is soooo worth it, especially if you live with other people and don't want to make their life miserable. I'm going on my 14th week and I recently had to increase the dose of my Effexor XR from 75mg to 150 mg. I also take Zanax a couple times a day for the 3 days after my shot because of a restless leg issue that the shot causes. We just have to do whatever it takes to make getting through tx possible. Killing the virus is the MOST important thing right now.

Diane

[Bill1954]

Deb left you a very succinct overview of depression and the meds to manage it; we could almost sticky-back that to the top of the page for future reference. Good luck down the road, I hope any future attempts aren’t as much of a struggle,

Bill

[spectda]

Really good advice from Deb. I have close family and friends whose lives have been changed by taking the right AD. If someone is prone to depression this is usually the way to go. If not, certainly tx could do all sorts of things to your emotions.

We spend a long time on these body and mind altering drugs, anything to help you through tx as long as it doesn't hurt you and your doctor is involved.

- Dave

[Deb9991]

I've suffered much depression throughout my life.  I was well armed going into treatment due to already being on anti-depressant medication.  I just had my second injection, and I have not suffered any depression or any unusual psychiatric disorders.  Because of my liver function tests, many doctors did not want to treat me because of depression.  Well, I developed croglobulins in my blood, and treatment then became necessary as croglobulinemia can, in some cases, be serious.  Still they did not want to treat me.  My psychiatrist did intervene and said he believed that I would be able to handle any possible sides from depression with regard to treatment and if things got rough mentally, he would be there to help -- there are more ways than one to attack serious depression.  I've been on anti-depressants for a long time, and I always questioned whether they worked or not, however, since I have been treating, I believe they are helping me -- I can see it now.  I have suffered little if any mental or physical side effects.  As with others on this post, I do suffer insomnia and I take a mild hypnotic for the sleep disorder.  Just knowing that I will get a good night's sleep at this point in time is a tremendous relief.  

If you can get by without anti-depressants or any other psychotropic medications, then that is great, however, if you can't it is important that you are aware of it and take immediate action.  Often times people are not aware that anti-depressants are working.  These are not "happy pills." That is a myth and, unfortunately, many people think that they are going to feel on top of the world -- anti-depressants do not work that way.  They can, however, lift your moods to a point where it is easier to function and some people are not even aware that things are going more smoothly for them than before taking these meds.  

Good luck to you,
Deb

[4dhepatitis]

I had itchy rash too, and benadryl helps, but I remember that afrer awhile it made me even more edgy, with sort of restless leg syndrome and anxiety. I totally identify with annoying people, and wanting to isolate.

[stalion]

i am going through tx right now , i feel your pain, somedays i donot know if i want to kill myself or someone else. i take benedyrl to help me sleep, also helps with the itchy rash, i asked my doctor for some adivan, i take it when i really can not take anymore i can not take antidepressants they make me feel worst. i just keep plugging along the best i can. somedays are worst than others, hope you get feeling better. i try to stay away from annoying people if you know what i mean?

[nygirl7]

I dont suffer from any of the things you listed above (except insomnia) but I went on Paxill a month before treatment anyway.  I think it helped a lot as I never really got depressed on treatment - and after treating for 72 weeks I had enough intereferon in me to float a boat. I'm glad I took it.

I take Ambien every single night and have no plans to ever go of of it again.

I don't know if that answers your question or not but I hope it helps.