Brain fog and tired

[Oatmeal50]

I can' t believe my brain fog is getting worse.  I have been taking S/O for 8 weeks. It takes me forever to become clear headed and lots of days it takes all day. I am beginning to think this is my thyroid and the medicines for that is not working. Does anyone have any experience with this?

[Sovaldi13Newbie]

You do not know how much your post means to me. And any post (well, all the posts mean something to me) that deals with the aftermath of treatment. I'm 4 weeks out from end of treatment with Sovaldi Olysio and I actually feel worse than I did while on the treatment and I keep thinking what is going on? Did I damage something? I will definitely get my thyroid checked and perhaps be a bit more patient, as I learn from you good people here...thanks soooo much! Any and all posts about your experiences after treatment with S&O will be appreciated!!!! Guess after having gone through leukemia and a transplant (which could be adding to my troubles as immune system might not be as strong) I just scare easily, I'm working on that! thanks!

[nursehepc]

I presume that the drug levels may take a bit more time to clear/decrease for your husband based on the status of his liver. I am sorry that the EOT milestone did not provide much relief for you and your husband. My thoughts are with you both. Regards, Joanne.

[Livelife777]

Just an additional comment on brain fog post EOT.    

From my experience, my brain fog and various other symptoms were WORSE, after Tx ended and lasted for 2 months or more.

It's now been 4 months, since EOT, and I feel fantastic!!!

Nan,
It has been documented that the Riba stays in our systems for 6 months EOT.    Since your husband took the meds for 24, instead of 12 weeks, I
would imagine even longer.  Would be careful with the Xifaxin.
Keep the faith
...Kim

[nan535]

My husband ended his treatment (sovaldi/ribavirin - 24 weeks) a week ago today.  It was a very hard treatment for him with many bouts of hepatic encephalopathy.  What I found is that other medications and even his multi-vitamin interacted with the Hep C meds, worsening his HE.  Even Xifaxin which he was taking to help his HE had to be stopped. Now that he is off treatment, I restarted the Xifaxin and he had another episode of HE. So it looks like it's going to take a while longer to clear these powerful meds.

So those who are having serious bouts of brain fog or bouts of HE, I advise you to take a look at what other medications you are taking which may be interacting between the meds resulting in brain fog or HE.

Best to all
Nan

[nursehepc]

You may be right about your thyroid meds needing to be adjusted. I have read that interferon used to cause thyroid function issues and it stands to reason that perhaps, maybe, Olysio does too. Some thyroid issues are autoimmune and your immune system is definitely being manipulated on treatment. Its worth a mention to your Dr as a concern (it certainly would not hurt to get TSH, T3, T4 levels drawn).

This is clearly a quality of life issue for you...so...I would have a talk with your treating Drs. It may be something you have to endure for a few more weeks (I am assuming that you are not anemic?) or maybe not.

Also, that others on Olysio have this continued fatigue and brain fog post treatment is interesting. As others have said, maybe it is because it takes time to clear the meds, or maybe it is the result of your liver (no longer under constant attack by HCV) detoxing/or drug withdrawl issues. Not all issues related to these drugs are known.



Take care of you. Jo

[bassetgirl]

I took my last Sovaldi/Olysio a week ago, 7/30.  Still having fatigue, and my brain fog seemed worse than it was on treatment for the first 4 days after I stopped taking the meds.On Monday  my head started getting clearer , so maybe the medication leaving my body made it worse for a few days.  

[hepcandme]

I felt pretty bad on treatment as well

Funny how how all of the drugs increase the side effects that you already have especially- fatigue, headache, insomnia, aches and dehydration

I am cirrhotic though so I think those with healthy livers don't feel the sides as much

Hang in there

You're almost done!

[Sovaldi13Newbie]

Anybody out there besides me still feeling really bad and youre 4 weeks EOT Sovaldi and Olysio? I know most people have little sides on the meds and off, but I guess I'm relatively unique. Today was one of the worst days and I'm as pale as E. Allan Poe. Last labs I did almost two weeks ago were okay, with just my LFT's jumping a few points 20 and 25 which is still normal. I'm getting my labs done on Monday but I feel so bad...just would like to know if I'm the only one...thanks so much for you guys and this board!

[Livelife777]

I would rest easy on this one as brain fog is a side effect of Tx.  It may actually intensify as time goes on.   Not to much you can do at this point but keep in mind the meds are extremely strong, and their mission is to kill this virus.   Please know after Tx the fog will gradually lift, and you will regain your mind back intact.
Good Luck
...Kim

[Sovaldi13Newbie]

I'm 3 weeks EOT from S&O and I sure had brain fog, still do a bit but it sure is clearing up! It's good to read of some dead dragons lately! Soon it will be less and less (I hope) for you!!!

[zarmar]

I an taking S/O and wk 9.  Seems to me my fog has worsened just lately, as well.  Since I was just found to be UND at wk 8, I am not letting this distract me.  It could be last throes of liver getting rid of build-up of waste and toxins.

[patra_]

Have you talked to your Dr and has he has thyroid Labs done?  I believe that I read in one of these threads that the hepc meds can affect/blocj thyroid meds.

Couldn't hurt to have it checked out if you haven't done it already.

Hang in there.  You're getting close! Pat

[candyce1953]

I spent 3 months asleep mentally and physically but now I have allot of energy and am UD
Hang in there
Xox ch