Anyone currently on Betaseron? Good or bad?

[sonia1874]

Well, after my first month giving Copaxone a try, my neuro tossed that to the curb quicker than quick. I had too many allergic reactions to it, so that one is off the list for sure. I am going to be starting Betaseron soon. I have read up on it quite a bit, but am curious to know if any of you are currently taking this, have been on it, etc... and if so, what was it like for you? My biggest concern about this one is that everything I read warns of extreme depression. That is already a daily struggle for me, pretty bad. Sure hope I don't get worse with this medication. I hate getting in those ruts of depression. For me, it can last for months on end...and it takes forever to get back to ground level again. And I don't stay there long before I go back down. And it is not a pretty place to be...at all.

So, tossing it out there...any info is appreciated.

[sonia1874]

Thanks for the feedback. I expected the headaches, but not really overly anticipating any side effects. Just trying to remain educated so when I start Betaseron I can watch for any signs of something coming up. I got a call for my neuro and she actually wants me to get some blood tests BEFORE I start on it. So they may be a chance now that I don't even start it at all, and we try something else instead.

Symptoms? I can get around just fine thus far and hope it stays that way for a long time. :) I have all movement function and for that I am sooo thankful. Don't seem to notice a major difference with anything movement related. I get massive dizzy spells, but I just brace myself and ride it out.  My other symptoms are sensory (ear issues, slight eye pain, numbness, loss of feeling on random parts of my face/hands, etc). I am new to this (dx last month) so still trying to figure out my body and what is going on. :)

[jensequitur]

In my opinion, if you have problems with depression, stay away from Betaseron.  Its effects on depression are documented.  I think there was one member here who actually had suicidal thoughts while on it (I won't say who, but she's a trusted source.)  

I don't have problems with depression, and I've never had the flu-like reaction, so I'm fine with it.  However, they've found that Betaseron has no affect on progression of disability, so it's something to consider.  Are your symptoms mainly sensory, or do you have movement problems?

[sllowe]

Hi Sonia,

Beta has "the" longest track record where disease modifiers are concerned. I'm on Rebif, some would call it a close cousin.

Like all meds, not everyone will experience all on the list of possibilities. I hope for you - you remain stable.

I do well with the interferon. Minimal side affects, I have had in the past headaches early on during titration, but they fade the longer they are on, and did resolve with an over the counter.

If you had complications w/copax, you may find beta very manageable :)

-Shell