interferon and alprazolam

[kukli]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum. I'm 32 and I'm from Macedonia.
I have a question.
I've been on interferon alfa 2-a + ribavirin for 12 weeks now, trying to get rid of hepC genotype 1.
Even before I started the hepC treatment, I've been taking alprazolam for my panic attacks - i've been taking it for year and a half now.
Few weeks ago my hepatologist asked me to try get off alprazolam and it was a nightmare (no sleeping, crying all the time and ah the panic attacks were unbearable). So, I went back on alprazolam. 0.25mg twice a day.
Has anyone had experience with alprazolam and interferon+ribavirin?
Am I even allowed to take them together?
You see I'm scared to take the alprazolam, yet I still take it cause I'm scared the panic attack symptoms will come back. It's difficult to be on hepC therapy even without additional psychological problems. And I have 9 more moths on interferon+ribavirin.
The doctors here have different opinions and no one seems to know for sure (I think they never took me seriously when I said I'm already on medication before I started hepC therapy and now I have no idea how they imagine for me to just stop taking it - without it i'm a wreck).
Please help.
Thanks.

[mj6000]

I also take Alprazolam,my Dr knows and has said nothing about it effecting my treatment so I don't see any problem.

[mj6000]

I also take alot more than you. I take 2 mg a day,thats equal to 8 of yours.I've been taking it for several years.I hope to cut down after I SVR.It sure helps me deal with everything.

[kukli]

Thank you very much for responding to my post.
That answers another of my questions, you see I was scared I might not be able to get off alprazolam after the hepC treatment - obviously another of my panic thoughts ;)
I just spoke to my psychologist and she said that lorazepam strains the liver less but is more addictive then xanax, so in my case - when obviously I can't be without anxiety medication on daily bases and still have 9 months to go on interferon+ribavirin - xanax is the better option.
BUT I must follow my ALT and AST levels and in case they elevate - she will change my medication and probably it will be lorazepam or we will see depending... So, I guess this puts me at ease, as much as it is possible while on hepC therapy anyway ;)
Take care and write back, I hope all this we are doing is going to work out.
All the best.
Eva

[Bill1954]

Hi Eva,

I used alprazolam through two treatments; and like you, I used it before the treatment began. I was told by my hepatologist that although alprazolam isn’t the best drug for our liver, it is probably ok if it helps us finish the HCV therapy. I was taking up to 3 mg/day at one point; and I did achieve SVR in the end.

Take care—

Bill

[chevyelcam79]

I was also one who took alprazolam during treatment and still take now and have for years and years.  .5 mg/3 X a day as needed.  Also achieved SVR almost 2 years now.  Helped with the anxiety during tx a whole lot!
Shari

[kukli]

Hey there guys,
Thanks a lot for replying - it sure gives me hope.
I will continue taking the alprazolam and monitor my liver enzymes.
Although I'm not sure when will I know they elevated from the alprazolam, didn't they elevate from the interferon+ribavirin anyway???

[franke566]

Alprazolam or Xanax is a dangerous drug to simply stop taking.  I took Img 5 xs a day since Tx and I am UND for four years- I recently found out-I just never was fortunate enough to rid the Sxs, which I was told is not uncommon in apprx. 3% of Txrs.  I have stage 4 fibrosis and Cirrhosis.  I asked my new Hepatologist if maybe the Xanax caused this and he said an emphatic no.  I am off all ADs now and down to .5 mg twice daily of Xanax.  Memory is getting better and I am working again after a year in bed "dying" or so I thought.  Members of this forum steered me away from my old hepatologists and Drs to new truthful ones and I can't thank them enough.  They know who they are-so Thank You!