I actually have Multiple Sclerosis and was given 180 mil of Pegasys!!!

[MSBarbara]

I am a 41 year old female with Multiple Sclerosis.  I have not had any major physical problems so far, just some minor cogniscent issues, plus some migraine headaches.  I was accidentally given a 180mil of Pegasys last Aug., 04.  Besides the initial reactions that lasted almost 2 weeks, I continued to suffer from feeling chilly right down to my bones and I had no energy.  It wasn't until my doctor prescribed Wellbutrin XL that my life got back to pretty much normal after 5 months.  Now I have to take 2 anti-depressents.  Also, my menstrual cycle is still not regulated.  (Although I take medication for my MS, I have never experienced menstural cycle issues until I took the Pegasys shot.)  So, to make a long story short, has this ever happned to anyone else out there, or am I the only clinical trial?  LOL  If there is anyone else, I would like to know when to expect to fully recover my life back?  Thanks for any help or advise!  Barbara

[MSBarbara]

Thank you everyone for your comments!  I still have not been able to figure out what that shot did to me.  My Primary doctor finally had to put me on Wellbutrin to stop me from being cold all the time. (She thinks the Pegasys may have done something to the chemicals in my brain and caused some type of depression.)  So between the Prozac I take for my MS shot (Avonex) and now the Wellbutrin kicker, I'm a pretty happy person! LOL   In the meantime, if you ever know of anyone else in my situation, if you could please direct them to me, I would sure love to talk to them about their experience!! :)

[twotells]

Barbara,
I'm sorry to hear of your struggle.  This is a patient board for people with Hepatitis, mostly Hep C.  I gather that you don't have Hepatitis.  180mcg is the normal weekly dose of Pegasys (Interferon alpha 2a), taken for 24 to 48 weeks.  Many of us have experienced fatigue, headaches and depression, especially after some time on treatment.

My Neurologist told me that a different Interferon is used for people with MS.  I have often wondered about the similarities and differences between the various Interferons.  There may be someone around here who has Hepatitis and MS.

I hope you feel better soon,  Dave