with respect to side effects and anti depressants

[KniteWolf]

first time posting....
was diagnosed  stage 3    this morning....and am considering  interferon treatment..but   have heard/read  some     less than promising     side effects   stories;)
I am  wondering if  folks doing the    year treatment are able to      function normally/work etc  or  are they    unable to?
also ..was  suggested i see  a  psychiatrist as a precautionary  measure to assess if   anti depressants are appropriate...is this normal  procedure ..I would rather  start treatment  without the anti depressants.


thank you  for any     help   with these   issues

[jmjm530]

You might want to see if you qualify for some of the Telaprevir trials. Very promising so far with a better cure rate in half the time, meaning half the interferon exposure. You definitely should be considering your options at stage 3, but take your time to understand the treatment landscape a bit before making any final decisions. Ideally, you also want to find yourself a good liver specialist (hepatologist) and not a GI.

[Marc1955]

This thread is giving you a good sense of the range of responses.

When I started, I felt just the way you did: I did not want to add AD's to what already seemed like a heavy drug regimen. But six weeks in it was clear that I needed them. The interferon changes are physiological – there's no guilt involved. In my case I suffered from irritability, depression, and mental fog. The ADs have been extremely helpful in alleviating those side effects. The only downside of not starting them right away is that they take three weeks to kick in. So you can decide down the road, but there is a time lag if you need them.

Although it's been tough at times I would definitely plan on working through treatment. I can't imagine what I would do with myself if I wasn't working – probably just sleep all the time . . . and worry. It's much better to have the routine of work even if it seems very difficult at times.

Good luck! I hope you have a great response to the medication.

[nygirl7]

I'm stage 3 - did 72 weeks treatment and have been SVR for 18 months now.  it wasn't always easy but it is possible to work and do treatment at the same time for sure. I missed three days when the amenia was drastic - but that's about it.  Going to work helped me GREATLY. Getting up and showered and dressed - going to work and being (somewhat) productive helped take my mind off of everything and keeping my life as close to normal as possible - having a laugh with friends, going to lunch (even if I wasn't hungry) with the gang well it did wonders for me mentally for CERTAIN.  Although I really wanted to stay home and sleep most of the time I'm glad I didn't because I do believe I would have fallen into a deep depression.  It would have been easy to do.

My doc put me on ADs a month BEFORE I started treatment because they do take a while to kick in.  I believe that they helped me TREMENDOUSLY, I have no regrets taking them because they completely managed most of the anxiety, depression and racing thoughts that I was having even prior to starting the interferon. I was just so nervous about the whole thing (like everyone else) but they really did seem to sort of level me out. They didn't "change" me in any great way I just know that I was much more even keeled (which I'm not really all that much to start with!).

Good luck with treatment - remember, it's tough but it is doable and what matters is getting rid of that virus!

[Deb_c430]

A good thing to do with all meds is to read the literature of side effects, that come with the meds. Its dry, but good info in there!

[Kristina538]

In saying the above, a friend of mine has been on the AD's since before tx and has completed 8 months thus far and is doing really well.  Whatever it takes :-).  Good luck

[Kristina538]

Hey KniteWolf,
I'm in only my 5th week;  I had anti-D's prescribed after a bit argument with my nurse in week 1 :-).  They are sitting on my dressing table ready for me to start and I will have no hesitation if my partner or I think I need them;  my specialist now reckons I'm doing okay.    I do get irritable about 4 days after shot day.   I had high anxiety in the first 2-3 weeks, but I also had severe insomnia which certainly didn't help - and I demanded assistance!!  
Exercise and/or eating really rids the anxiety for me, plus ensuring I get enough sleep (and I do have the sleepers for that now when I need them - zoplicone).
I'm not working for the first 3 months, but I need a rest and my liver does too, so I count my blessings that I'm not under any great pressure (yet).
All the very best for your decision making around tx;  this site has been a godsend for me so welcome aboard.

[KniteWolf]

thnx for the  quick replies folks...appreciate it a  bunch...

looks  like a real supportive  bunch of  folks here..   much appreciated!
Regards

[rita863]

As you have heard everyone is different, the safety meds we take while TX help us to get though tx.  Some are AD, or something to help sleep.  i tried AD it wasnt for me, and also tried ambien to sleep it didnt work for me.  Unfornately alot of the TX is dealing and trying differnent meds to handle your sides.  Eventually you find what works for you.

For me I take two advil pm's to sleep.  If i have a nervous or edgy feeling I take a valium.

If i want to cry, i cry...even if its while driving to work..and then i feel better.
I get the rage at times, but i also think it hits hardest when i am PMS'ing.  so i am not sure if its my normal hormonal in balance or the meds.  I think i handle it ok, I am sure my husband would respond differently... when it gets home he says :is Rita home",  Or Cybil, what am i walking into....and he knows immeditaley by the way i answer him.

Good luck.
peace
rita

[Trinity4]

Did you mean started out with a vl of 13.9 mil and haven't had a 12 wk PCR yet to determine new vl?   I hoping that's the case!  
Trin

[Ness69]

Everyone is different hon..to go onto treatment in Australia I had to see a psyche through my clinic..he gave me the go ahead to start with no ADeps. I really didnt want them and I made it clear...though I did promise he would be first one I called if I felt my 'toes on the edge of the abyss'. At week 12, with a viral load of 13.9 million and low blood count infections I havent called yet...but I have thought about it. I wont though. Think my little bod has enough to deal with. This is a individual trip, this site is awesome as you will find there will be someone who can share and help you in your trip. If you ever need a word..you know where to find me.
Smiles
Ness

[DragonSlayer45]

Taking AD's is not a pre-requisite for starting treatment unless you have a history of depression. Many people never need them. I am in my 9th week and the doctor just put me on Lexapro. I was not depressed like you might think but was beginning to have some irritability issues. I was never an advocate of taking a lot of these types of medicines and feel they are over prescribed in general these days (I am not talking about with HCV treatment but in the general population). I was not real receptive at first when suggested and figured it was something I could just "handle" myself. Needless to say I was not successful and the Dr. put me on them.

I read a research paper that talks about interferon treatment and anger and hostility issues. It basically talked about how trytophan levels are lowered which affects serotonin levels. The funny part is that in the HCV community (patients) I always heard it referred to as Riba Rage. As a result I always referred to it as Riba rage. According to this article it has to do with the interferon. I talked to my doctor after I read the article and he said that people who call it Riba rage do not know what they are talking about. It is the interferon.

It supposedly takes 1-6 weeks for the AD's to build up enough to be effective but after 2 days I am not having anymore irritability issues. I will also add that I am not sure if I like this stuff. I seem to be real tired and have a headache since taking it but it could just be the TX causing that. I will give it more time to see how it goes. The main thing for now is it seems to be working.

Do not let this scare you though as Trinity said everyone is different and not every experiences everything. The only consensus you will get from everyone is this treatment is a hoot!

[Trinity4]

I did spend the night at a Holiday Inn Express one time.  Darn it, I thought that automatically qualified me.  Son of a Gun.  

[cindyh113]

I didn't think I would ever take AD. But right before starting treatment I began feeling anxious. So, when the Dr. just automatically prescribed them, I filled it. I use to say," I don't suffer from depression, I enjoy it." Started tx May 3 and by June I was depressed bad. Well, I don't enjoy it anymore! Be sure and have people support. Just someone to listen. I didn't have that covered and had to find someone quick! Help! I'm doing good now and do have several friends and people who pray for me. So, the AD's don't work all the time. TX can get you in the head. This is a rollercoaster you are about to go on. It will be a good thing with its bad moments. Just go for it and best wishes. This has been the best place to receive information and from people who do care because they are going through it. And dang if most of them aren't really smart! Ha, ha!

[jdwithhcv]

My GI wanted to start me on A/Ds before starting treatment.  I did some research on anti-depressants then decided not to take them.  I just completed 48 weeks of tx, had no trouble with depression.

Everyone is different - do whatever works for you.  Good luck.

jd

[Deb_c430]

This is not the first I have been through tx, trinity is so right, we all respond differently!  

I stopped txt first time, sx physically  were ok, no worries.  Second time on Pyg, again pretty much ok physically, worked and carried on with life. Then BOOM Riba happened!  I had to go on ADs, never before had I ever thought I would need them, I am pretty happy, easy going person.  Never prone to depression.

This time I asked for them,  pre treating, I believe in prevention! And others saving lives lol!
There is no shame in in it,  These drugs can be nasty, one of the sx though rare can be suicide.  Small %.

Part of the reason they want you to see a physcharist, is so should you find yourself depressed or unable to cope, you have a  someone in place. .

I never saw one, my GI handles my ADs.

Stay positive, it is all frightening.  You will get through it,  

Best Wishes

Deb  

[Trinity4]

I'm stage 3 - work everyday - 19th week of treatment - no AD's - side effects suck but treatment is do-able.  I was not advised to see a psychiatrist but I've never had any problems with depression long term either.  You don't have to be on an AD to start tx.  It's really depends on the individual and what gives them the most relief.  
Everyone has a different story to tell.  Don't be alarmed by what you read because it does not mean it will happen to you.  Treatment is different for everyone.   Being stage 3, I think it is very wise of you to consider treatment.  We are only one step away from cirrhosis and time is not on our side.  Good Luck
Trinity