Hepatitis C Support Group

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral disease which can cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person's blood. Many people with HCV infection have no symptoms and are unaware of the need to seek treatment. Hepatitis C infects an estimated 150-200 million people worldwide.

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Question for people w/ HCV and MI's

wiccanwolf1
wiccanwolf1
I had to put my treatment for my Hep C on hold because I began to have a Dysphoric manic response to the medication(extreme anxiety and agitation). I was told by my Doc to stop taking meds.

The PA who is treating my Hep, said that before she felt comfortable restarting treatment that she want to see me get on a mood stabilizing medication.

I am curious to find out if others have had to use mood stablizers and which one's people have had success with, also which one's are the easiest on the liver w/the least amount of side effects.

Thanks
WW
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm curious what treatment you were on. Just SOC or did you have a third drug?

Interferon can cause and/or exacerbate a whole host of mental health issues. I have not taken IFN but I have researched it extensively. Many take anti-depressants during tx and tranquilizers as needed.

There are many AD's on the market, most take SSRI's and they can be quite effective but there's a certain degree of trial and error. I think it's imperative that you discuss this with your doctor or psychiatrist to get on meds. AD's can take weeks to kick in.

Best of luck to you.
deleted_user
deleted_user
This is my third time on treatment. I am on week 27 of 72. I was having a terrible time untill 3 weeks ago when I was put on antidepresents. Things are so much better now and I will be returning to work in one week. The meds helped with most of the side effects from the hep c drugs. I was in such bad shape that I was planning on dropping out of treatment. Most people on treatment need help with depression.
Best of luck
deleted_user
deleted_user
I agree with you Rob 72 weeks holy crap.Ed you are my hero lol.
deleted_user
deleted_user
See ya
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hey Wiccan...hope you're all right. I mean that sincerely.
Lpbritt
Lpbritt
Hi Wiccan- sorry you are having trouble with the mental aspect of this damn treatment.
I have been on Celexa for years- when I started treatment, my doctor upped my dosage from 20mg to 30mg, then we lowered it again at about 14 weeks. It seems to take the edge off the anxiety and helped me get through the days.
He also prescribed xanax- just 0.25mg- that I could take once or twice a day, as needed.
I am not aware of either drug being a problem for the liver, but I am sure since everything is filtered through the liver, it probably isn't great for it. Make sure you talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have-
I am almost 6 weeks post treatment, and I still use the xanax as needed and will probably always be on celexa, due to my "mood disorder" as my primary doctor calls it... That term makes me laugh- mood disorder... Seems like a polite way to say I am one messed up biotch!
Anyway- I hope you get the help you need- let us know how you are doing...