Other Meds such as Anti Depressants

Taking BP meds only.  Now add Oxycodone for pain, 2 a day, tops.
Primary wrote a mess of scripts such a Zoloft for possible future depression, Valium, and anti nausea.

I Hesitate to take anything other than the pain med.  Especially on the Anti Depressants...what is the consensus on that?  My best friend started hers Before TX, at advice of her doctor.  Should I just tough it out...or even see if I need any of these "extras" first?  

[Bill1954]

I imagine once you settle into all this much of the stress of the unknown will evaporate too. For what it’s worth, I treated for roughly three years, and my single biggest complaint was fatigue; at times, I could have slept 24/7 had I allowed myself to do so :o). All in all, it wasn’t a particularly terrible experience; not fun, but not dreadful either.

Feel free to ask questions as you go along; there’s a pretty good bunch of folks in here that are at various stages of HCV management. There’s quite a bit of collective experience to draw from here.

Again, good luck—

Bill

[fretboard]

I've heard of some ppl starting Zoloft before starting their tx usually when they have dealt with depression in the past.  Everyone responds differently, some ppl get depressed and some don't.  I got depressed really bad but that doesn't mean you're gonna and I've never been depressed in my life but the interferon seems to bring stuff up sometimes.  If you've had experience with anti=depressants in the past then you need to proceed with caution.  You may want to pre-tx with the Zoloft but that is totally up to you.  Are you going to work during your tx?  

[Bill1954]

My old GI doc had two patients commit suicide on during their treatments; he *insisted* any patients used antidepressants prophilactically. However, only a percentage of those using interferon become significantly depressed; I suppose it’s up to you.

I would certainly hang on to the prescriptions in the event you find you require them, though. Often, just knowing you have the technology to combat depression available is satisfying enough in itself.

If you don’t have a history of emotional/mental health issues, it might be worth waiting to see if you need them.

Again, good luck with everything,

Bill

[Janee56]

Not going to work in the very beginning..among the 14% of the unemployed...which Might make it easier, but I was a workaholic my whole life.  Not working is just strange!  Been depressed and anxious during the pre TX phase, but those ups and downs are normal, as we gather info.    WANT to work, to keep my mind occupied, so will join hubby's business as soon as I can.  argh.. what to do, what to do  ha ha  .I think I will agree with Bill1954 re the "Knowing" I have the meds, will keep everything at bay.  and You all! will help now also.

[Bill1954]

I imagine once you settle into all this much of the stress of the unknown will evaporate too. For what it’s worth, I treated for roughly three years, and my single biggest complaint was fatigue; at times, I could have slept 24/7 had I allowed myself to do so :o). All in all, it wasn’t a particularly terrible experience; not fun, but not dreadful either.

Feel free to ask questions as you go along; there’s a pretty good bunch of folks in here that are at various stages of HCV management. There’s quite a bit of collective experience to draw from here.

Again, good luck—

Bill

[RobertBeWell]

My own personal view is I wouldn't take anything I didn't need just because a doctor thought I "might" need it. Of course, I'm sure there are certain situations where this kind of behavior is warranted, but depression?

So if ya start to get depressed, start taking the pills. But I wouldn't take them to "prevent" it until you prove you need it.

Powerful medications that affect the central nervous system are extremely dangerous drugs, and in many cases, very hard to come off of. If you ever read the package insert that comes with them, they almost invariably state "the exact mechanism of action is unknown".

Why take the risk?

[James10500]

Best of luck with your treatment.  We are all so different, I won't take pain killers but felt the need to take Zoloft to help with the "Riba Rage".  I never really felt any joint pain pre tx but they sure did hit me when I started.

[HectorSF]

If you have a history of depression you should treat the anti-depressant weeks before starting treatment. It takes generally 4-6 week to take full affect. Some people less time others more time. You don't want to be undergoing treatment and have to wait a month for meds to kick in.

What is the Oxycodone for? That is strong, addictive medicine. If it is combined with  acetaminophen you must be careful as taking too much can cause extensive liver damage. It could lead to more problems then having hep c.

Valium - Valium may cause depression or worsen preexisting depression. Prior to treatment with Valium, make sure your healthcare provider knows if you are depressed or have a history of depression. People with depression should take Valium only if they are also taking an antidepressant.

Best -

Hectorsf

[IMstacie]

I was curious about the Oxycodone and the valium also.  Why were they prescribed?  just the two together seems odd for a doctor to prescribe.  

[Janee56]

The Oxycodone was a replacement for the medicine that did contain acetamenophin ..GP was giving me for knee pain.  Non hep related at First.  That was not changed out until 2 months ago (groan). I didn't realize all of the bruising around the knee was due to my crashing platelets.  Luckily in the hands of a good GI now.  I will see him Monday to start SHOT#1, and will review these new meds. I am NOT going to take them.  Had a weird jolt, then burning area right breast the other night, started imagining various illnesses at 3am, so did cut one V in half and took it, and never will again.  Yuk.  Zoloft...same thing.  My girlfriend who had therapy Insisted I take it, and I am reconsidering.  I will remain my Upbeat self!! and skip the meds..with the exception of that darned messed up leg at night (as needed).  Need the sleep.  Addicition is an incidious creature, so am cautious.  THANKS everyone.  Love, Love. Janee