brain fog

[johnbyrnes]

can brain fog put pressure on your driving,and whilst on tx ,do any of the meds have any adverse effects while driving ,(can you still drive)

[merryBe]

also watch out for the "helper drugs"....ambien for instance can have you sleep walking, sleep eating...and doing things in a total blackout...

[merryBe]

also keep strict eye on thyroid while on tx...any changes there can have you sleep driving.

[merryBe]

oh heck, why let a little brain fog slow me down...I just put my head on the armrest and kept driving!!!!!!


But seriously, yes it can severely effect...mine was very servere...due to hcv (and perhaps other things) lowering my pituitary function, which deprived me of rest and sleep big time...and may be why the hcv'er that get so exausted are that way...because low pit. function means no cell repair no stage 4 sleep=exaustion.
Get and IGF-1 level check to see if hcv has sc.rewed the pituitary pooch and go from there.

the anemia and other "helper" drugs given on SOC can also do a number big time on alertness.
mb

[chuckles333]

I compare it to driving while smoked up.

[Vintendo56]

Unfortunately, yes.  Depending on the level of response to tx (such as Pegintron or Pegasys) the adverse effects can range from the "brain fog" to complete helplessness.  Merely the brain fog itself will slow down the reflexes, making it unsafe to drive where an emergency reflex situation is probable, such as metropolitan or freeway driving in particular.

[nygirl7]

I used to have trouble if I  turned my head too fast to the left or right - like when you backup.  I'd get dizzy as all get out.  And sometimes on my commute to work I'd really have to pull over and take a rest as I knew I'd fall asleep. Looking back I can't believe I was driving an hour each way every day - I was very lucky and so was everyone else who was unfortunate to be on the road with me. I just didn't really understand how weak I was.

Oh and when the 'rage' would overtake me I'd want to pull out a gun and shoot little old ladies who would drive too slow or cut me off - I remember posting about that a lot in the beginning!

BE CAREFUL new friend!

[annieCinMD]

I had panic attacks while driving while I was on tx, but quickly got put on Xanax which remedied the situation. You should still be able to drive. I've heard of vision issues while driving, mainly with bright sunlight, but you should always wear sunglasses as treatment can make you very sensitive to sun (and wear sunscreen, too!). Work closely with your doctor with this and any other issues that may arise. It is quite common to be put on anti anxiety drugs (Xanax, etc.) or anti depressants during tx. Good luck.