Will I go insane?

Does anyone know how likely I am to develop some kind of mental disorder while taking pegintron and rebetol for 48 weeks? Also, will I reinfect myself by using the same toothbrush everyday? Am supposed to start treatment 10/24.

[timfisk]

I am on interferon treatments for my HCV.  I am in my third month of treatment.  I have had several instances where I thought I was going insane.  I have heard voices, got scared of the dark (lol), etc.  I feel terrible admitting that, but it is true.  I am a 51 year old man and I  have become scared of the dark?   Another big problem I have had is shortness of breath.  I cannot even walk from the bedroom to the living room without getting out of breath.  Grocery shopping is almost out of the question.. By the time I get in the house with the groceries  I feel like I'm gonna vomit and am very out of breath.  I hope my info has helped you in some way.  If you have anymore questions, or just want to share what you are going through feel free to contact me.    Thanks   timfisk

[Trinity4]

You will not know how you will react to the medications until you start treatment.  Do not be alarmed by everything you read on this forum.  Most of us get through it without severe problems.  If you feel you might have problems, ask your doctor for an AD which will help with the anxiety and feeling of helplessness.  
Many side effects of treatment can make you feel like you are losing it.  However, everyone is different, with different coping levels and skills.  It is strictly individual, and you must start treatment objectively and well informed.  
I get rather concerend when posts appear indicating treatment should be the last consideration unless you are close to dying.  It is important to know that treatment can cause mania and psychotic episodes but that is the exception, not the rule.  Extreme cases do occur, but someone starting treatment should discuss this with their doctor prior to starting treatment and takes steps to avoid this if possible.
I have used the same toothbrush for 6 months and I am UND.  Time to change my toothbrush for maintenance reasons, but no, you can't reinfect yourself or they would advise us to change every week.  
Good Luck and take what you read under consideration but do not apply it directly to you.
Trinity  

[Trinity4]

As info, I did not realize I was on the expert forum.  I do respond to questions asked of the doctor.  Sorry Doctor D.
Trinity

[Trinity4]

I do respond to questions asked of the doctor.  Sorry Doctor D.

I DO NOT respond to questions asked of the doctor.  Damn riba!!!

Well, that's three responses for someone who DOES NOT respond.  Let's see if I can keep this role going!!

[c413]

As far as going crazy no you will not, you might think so cause I think most people do feel that way.  It's kind of like getting a cancer diagnosis (that is the only thing I am familiar with prior to this), starting chemo and going through the side effects which have the possibility of being nil to extreme, changes to your lifestyle, the shock and the why is this happening to me.  Be sure to keep your Dr informed about everything - there are meds they can prescribe.  My husband is going through a rough patch right now but he refuses the AD's unless he takes them to sleep.  Going through this I've met people sailing through treatment, others with some probs and others with alot more probs.  Keep a positive atttitude and remember there is this website that can answer your questions and anyone on this I'm sure would be more than willing to provide you with resources - I'm too new - my first day on this site.

[fridaynightlights]

Thanks so much for the reply. Welcome to the site!