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Post Info TOPIC: Cant sleep
tonib


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RE: Cant sleep
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I'm back at work.....and they do random drug testing....doc told me to take melatonin pills....they are over the counter, and won'd show up on drug test....Last night I did sleep better, but I don't know if it was just my 3 or 4th night with sleep routine....well I just took another one tonight so hopefully I can sleep.



__________________

 geno 1, started peg and riba 7/5/13, now 29th day is vicrellis ***tonib VL started 6 million, after 5 weeks 374,000, after 8 weeks 150,000....the big test for VL is 9/27 at 12 weeks  TAKEN OFF THERAPY JUST NOT WORKING FOR ME...12 WEEKS STILL HAVE 9000 VL
Kellie


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I haven't asked my doc yet for anything. I'm thinking I'll just tough it out for the next 4 weeks. We'll see. I'm pretty spacy throughout the day now. I'm still off of work, so I'm not having to get up early. That would be a bad thing. It's good that you'll be able to get some kind of decent sleep.

 

 

 



__________________

HCV 1A 1980. Dual tx 2003 -UND at wk 11-discontinued due to severe depression

Started Triple 4/16/13 for 24 weeks

UND wk 4,6,8,12,17 & 24

E.O.T. 9/29/13

EOT + 12 weeks=SVR, and EOT +26 weeks=Cured!
dustbear


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Well I got my doctor to increase my zopiclone sleeping pills from one pill (7.5mg) to 1 1-2 to 2 pills a night. I'm sleeping much longer than 4 hours, more like 6.



__________________

Geno 1A, since 1981. SOT 1/2013   TX stopped 11/2013 in week 45/48 due to Myositis & Interstitial Lung Disease. Completed 94% of Peg-Inter dbl TX, UND since week 4.  SVR 4/2014!  Still SVR after 4+ yrs!

"Day by day, step by step, breath by breath"
mallani


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Hi guys,

Sorry to hear so many have sleep issues. During Rx I slept like a baby- anything from 10-14 hours/night. Being retired helps. It worries me to see people taking all the various meds on top of all the Rx drugs. If you must take narcoleptics, make sure they are approved by your Hepatologist. Being anaemic helps, so let your Hb drop a bit. Cheers.



__________________

Geno 1b, IL28B CT,  x3 prior relapser,  ex-cirrhotic, 75 yo, did 48 weeks with Victrelis/Peg./Riba.  VL 1.28m at start, UNDET. at 8 ,12 ,16 ,24 ,30  and 48 weeks.  EOT 15 Feb 2013 , UNDET. at EOT + 28 weeks. SVR!  Still Undet. at EOT +5 years

Malcolm
Cinnamon Girl


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I did have problems sleeping when I was on treatment, especially as it went along, and finally in desperation I asked my doctor for some help.  I was prescribed sleeping pills but he was unwilling to let me have many so I used them very sparingly, which also meant I had no trouble stopping them once my sleeping pattern had returned to normal after treatment.  I know not all doctors are willing to prescribe them but for me getting a good night`s sleep made a real difference to how I coped with the sx, especially the riba rage!  I really feel for all of you who are struggling with this, I know what it`s like.



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Jill 

(71 yo, lives in UK)

Was Gen 3a, 

24wks Peg Ifn/Riba, Sep 2010 - Mch 2011

UND @ Wk.4, UND @ EOT, 

SVR Nov 2011 --> Still UND @ EOT + 4 yrs.

 

 
Kellie


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I'm sorry your doc is not understanding. That was one of the reasons I pulled out of dual therapy in 2003. The doc would not treat the sx from tx. I do hope you find relief soon.



__________________

HCV 1A 1980. Dual tx 2003 -UND at wk 11-discontinued due to severe depression

Started Triple 4/16/13 for 24 weeks

UND wk 4,6,8,12,17 & 24

E.O.T. 9/29/13

EOT + 12 weeks=SVR, and EOT +26 weeks=Cured!
KLG


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I had severe insomnia as well. Was literally sobbing in my doctor's office. She refused to give me any sleep meds, not even one pill for one night!

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Geno 3a, stage 3, IL28 cc, diagnosed 94, interferon 1year, relapsed immediately, started RIBA/int on 2/1/13, 4 wk und. Female, age 55, EOT 7/18/13. 4 weeks UND, 12 weeks UND, 6 months UND!!!
tonib


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Someone below said they sleep like every 3rd or 4th night half way decent..thats me. Last night went to bed (actually crawled up the stairs from exhaustion at 11 pm, was up till 1:30 am, woke up again 3 am and then meds at 5:30 am, 8 am I am jumping out of bed like the house was on fire.

I have random drug testing on my job, so I cannot take anything to help me sleep, most of the meds for that say take caution when operating machinery.....and I drive a school bus they are very strict.  Most of this stuff stays in the blood for a long time....

Tomorrow I go back to work...have to get up at 5:30 and on the bus by 7 am....all fueled and checked for safety, hoping to get some sleep tonight.



__________________

 geno 1, started peg and riba 7/5/13, now 29th day is vicrellis ***tonib VL started 6 million, after 5 weeks 374,000, after 8 weeks 150,000....the big test for VL is 9/27 at 12 weeks  TAKEN OFF THERAPY JUST NOT WORKING FOR ME...12 WEEKS STILL HAVE 9000 VL
Tig


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Check with your doctor about the possible drug interactions that exist between Clonazepam and Victrelis. That could be one explanation for your extreme fatigue. Along with the Ambien that is well documented for causing a medication hangover, the Clonazepam and Vic may well be putting you over the limit for the action desired. Good luck!



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Tig

67yo GT1A - 5 Mil - A2/F3 - (1996) Intron A - Non Responder, (2013) Peg/Riba/Vic SOT:05/23/13 EOT:12/04/13 SVR 9+ years!

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Kellie


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I tried a low dose melatonin 1.5 mg the other night and was up 4 times during the night. That didn't work so well. I'm reluctant to increase the dose because it's given me nightmares before.

I sleep well about every 3 or 4 days for one night from sheer exhaustion. Then I cycle back to insomnia for a few days. I have a rx of trazadone but I didn't like the way I felt the morning after I took it.

I'm contemplating asking my doc for a sleep aid. It's only for the 4 weeks or so that I have left on treatment. so it would be for short term use only.

I take my riba at 4 pm

 



-- Edited by Kellie on Monday 2nd of September 2013 05:40:00 PM

__________________

HCV 1A 1980. Dual tx 2003 -UND at wk 11-discontinued due to severe depression

Started Triple 4/16/13 for 24 weeks

UND wk 4,6,8,12,17 & 24

E.O.T. 9/29/13

EOT + 12 weeks=SVR, and EOT +26 weeks=Cured!
Brendalee333


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i know the frusteration the the insomnia, its ridiculous. people at work even notice how tired i look and the bags under my eyes... I take my riba at 4pm, then the Vic at 11pm.  I got ambien 10mg, that wasnt doin much, so now i also have clonazapam added with that. well i took them two hours ago and im still up.......melatonin i tried, really didnt know how much to take tho. any suggestions from anyone on remedies/meds?



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genotype 1a

Started treatment 4/12/13 with ribavirin and peg-intron. Started Victrelis 6/19/13. (triple therapy)
tonib


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I love to sleep in...but work is starting next week, thats ok...however, I have been spoiled for about a month sleeping till 9...ahhh the good life



__________________

 geno 1, started peg and riba 7/5/13, now 29th day is vicrellis ***tonib VL started 6 million, after 5 weeks 374,000, after 8 weeks 150,000....the big test for VL is 9/27 at 12 weeks  TAKEN OFF THERAPY JUST NOT WORKING FOR ME...12 WEEKS STILL HAVE 9000 VL
dustbear


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Hi Tonib:  I take my ribavirin at 8pm.  I only take 2 pills twice a day. 

When I was working in January I would take them at 5:30 am and pm, but now that I'm not working I moved it to 8am and 8pm so I didn't have to get up so early. Not sure if I want to get up earlier, I would rather sleep in!

Hi Matt:  I have been taking Chlorella for 10 years in a powder form from my naturopath.  And yes, you can have a bad reaction if you take too much chlorella especially the first time...it really should be prescribed by a doctor.

I will see my hepatologist tomorrow. On a funny note: my brain fog got the better of me today. I drove over an hour to get to tomorrow's appointment earlier today! I don't know what day of the week it is! I definitely need more sleep! confuse



__________________

Geno 1A, since 1981. SOT 1/2013   TX stopped 11/2013 in week 45/48 due to Myositis & Interstitial Lung Disease. Completed 94% of Peg-Inter dbl TX, UND since week 4.  SVR 4/2014!  Still SVR after 4+ yrs!

"Day by day, step by step, breath by breath"
tonib


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Hi I changed my ribovarin dose from bed time to 5 pm and that seemed to help me sleep better.  I asked my doctor is this was ok, and he said yes.



__________________

 geno 1, started peg and riba 7/5/13, now 29th day is vicrellis ***tonib VL started 6 million, after 5 weeks 374,000, after 8 weeks 150,000....the big test for VL is 9/27 at 12 weeks  TAKEN OFF THERAPY JUST NOT WORKING FOR ME...12 WEEKS STILL HAVE 9000 VL
dustbear


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Kellie wrote:

Hi Dustbear,

Yes, I've problems with sleep also. My psy. suggested that I get a bottle of low dose melatonin. I'm already taking 500 mg of tryptophan and 400 mg of magnesium right before bed. I'm falling asleep for the most, ok, but waking up in the middle of the night for maybe 1/2 hour or so. He said if I go a long time with this kind of sleep, I'll be in for issues in the near future. So I'll give it a try. I'll post my results with it.

I used the melatonin about 15 years ago and it gave me nightmares. The psy. said reduce the dose and I should be ok.

I also use a cold fabric rice bag from the freezer to get to sleep. Something about the cold on my face and head that facilitates me falling asleep. I'm so hot most of the time now, even with all the water I drink. I hope you find some relief soon

 I have been taking Zopiclone, which gives me the 4 hours of sleep.

The other night I tried taking some melatonin (I used to take it) but after 3 hours I popped a sleeping pill. I see my specialist in 2 days so I'll ask about Tryptophan.

I am on a magnesium suplement from my naturopath since starting tx.

And yes, melatonin can cause wicked dreams and nightmares!

I sleep in a room that is pitch black.



__________________

Geno 1A, since 1981. SOT 1/2013   TX stopped 11/2013 in week 45/48 due to Myositis & Interstitial Lung Disease. Completed 94% of Peg-Inter dbl TX, UND since week 4.  SVR 4/2014!  Still SVR after 4+ yrs!

"Day by day, step by step, breath by breath"
Matt Chris


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Hey Dustbear

Read about your sleeping issues, I have been having very solid all night long sleeping since I tried taking Chlorella tablets before I go to bed.

But I must implore you to check with your doctor before trying it because if your still on treatment it may deminish the Tx effects because of its toxic cleansing effect.

There is some thought about taking Spirulina in the morning and Chorella in the night before bed Helps with energy during the day and sleep at night.

Here is a link discussing that topic  http://febico.wordpress.com/2011/10/11/chlorella-or-spirulina-let-microalgae-dietitians-tell-you/

Remember in most cases it's not a good idea to introduce new herbs during your treatment so as to not interfere with the Tx effectiveness.

Matt

 



-- Edited by Matt Chris on Wednesday 28th of August 2013 12:44:30 AM



-- Edited by Matt Chris on Wednesday 28th of August 2013 12:45:39 AM

__________________

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make"

61 year old Geno type A1, F4 Cirrhotic, started 24 weeks on Harvoni 12-17-14 ,EOT-5 week = UND, 8-31-15 =UND , SVR-24 Baby YES! 
Kellie


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Hi Dustbear,

Yes, I've problems with sleep also. My psy. suggested that I get a bottle of low dose melatonin. I'm already taking 500 mg of tryptophan and 400 mg of magnesium right before bed. I'm falling asleep for the most, ok, but waking up in the middle of the night for maybe 1/2 hour or so. He said if I go a long time with this kind of sleep, I'll be in for issues in the near future. So I'll give it a try. I'll post my results with it.

I used the melatonin about 15 years ago and it gave me nightmares. The psy. said reduce the dose and I should be ok.

I also use a cold fabric rice bag from the freezer to get to sleep. Something about the cold on my face and head that facilitates me falling asleep. I'm so hot most of the time now, even with all the water I drink. I hope you find some relief soon.



__________________

HCV 1A 1980. Dual tx 2003 -UND at wk 11-discontinued due to severe depression

Started Triple 4/16/13 for 24 weeks

UND wk 4,6,8,12,17 & 24

E.O.T. 9/29/13

EOT + 12 weeks=SVR, and EOT +26 weeks=Cured!
dustbear


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I haven't had a good night sleep in 28 weeks!

I may lay in bed for 10-14 hours a day but only sleep for 4.evileye



__________________

Geno 1A, since 1981. SOT 1/2013   TX stopped 11/2013 in week 45/48 due to Myositis & Interstitial Lung Disease. Completed 94% of Peg-Inter dbl TX, UND since week 4.  SVR 4/2014!  Still SVR after 4+ yrs!

"Day by day, step by step, breath by breath"
Moocow


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I haven't had a proper sleep for the last seven weeks. I wake up at least five times every night, usually feeling very thirsty. I keep water next to the bed and keep slurping it when I wake up.

So far I seem to be managing ok with the crappy sleep that I get, but a good solid night's sleep would be so nice. . . .

Scott, go see my post to you about the depression you are feeling....... you need some support meds, like yesterday.

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AusScott


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I haven't had a proper sleep for the last seven weeks. I wake up at least five times every night, usually feeling very thirsty. I keep water next to the bed and keep slurping it when I wake up.

So far I seem to be managing ok with the crappy sleep that I get, but a good solid night's sleep would be so nice. . . .

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mr simon


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I am with most here. I had a rough first week as far as sleep. I finally realized that no matter what, I will sleep if I get tired enough, so I just started doing things instead of going to bed as I normally did. A few nights it was 3 am before I laid down, but I slept. After about a week of that my system became a little more adapt and my sleep pattern is getting back on a set schedule. No, I do not sleep as much as before I started treatment, but I am doing ok. I refuse to lay in bed and not sleep, so if I find myself in that situation, I just get up and do something, and go to bed when I am nodding.

And no afternoon naps sleepy.gif

Simon

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Tink


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I also had real problems sleeping disbelief.gif (even though I was constantly knackered all the time confuse.gif). Apart from walking around looking like a member of the living dead (zombies beware!!!), not sleeping made me irritable & emotionalfrustrated.gifcry.gif (no sleep combined with taking my meds is an explosive combination). I know what I'm about to say maybe won't help you much but try to tough it out as long as you can before you resort to using sleep tabs. Talk to your doctor again they may be able to suggestive an alternative that could help.wink.gif Hope all works out for you smile.gif

Take care.

Love

Tink bye.gif



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"May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past"

Genotype: 3
TX start date: Friday 13th February 2009 (24 weeks)
180 mcg Peg-Interferon alfa-2b (weekly)

800 mg Ribavirin (daily)

 
cnicole419


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What a lovely nickname, RxNicole, thanks, Bee! Although I think I had that nickname years ago....wink

And I have mixed feelings about the meds. On one hand, alot of us are prone to addiction, so we shouldn't be given something addictive. On the other hand, we have major side effects from this treatment and usually its the addictive meds that work the best. i have to admit, the thought of finding a drug dealer for some "good meds" did cross my mind at times when I feel really bad...but then I slap myself back to reality:) That is not the answer! But there are plenty of non-dependent strong sleep aids, I would think your doc should give you something to help. This treatment is bad enough, and not sleeping makes everything seem ten times worse. Hope you get thru this rough time. Were here for you! smile


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~~Hep C/Genotype 2a~~ Started Treatment 2/11/09~~

*180mg Peg weekly*
*800mg Riba daily*
Killer Bee


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Yeah...Jason...the insomnia sucks!   I can only sleep 4-5 hours and I wake up at 2:00-3:00 a.m. every night.   I spend the whole day at work with my hand covering my mouth...yawning!   I would rather deal with pain then not sleeping.

My psyciatrist has me on all kinds of medications, after I made it very clear to her...I have a very addictive personality.   However, I don't rattle as much as RxNicole...Hee!  Hee!  Just joking Nicole!  I'll probrably have to go to rehab when I'm done with this treatment.

The methadone doesn't make you tired?   I took some of it back in the day...if I didn't puke it up, it made me nod.

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Geneotype 1, 48 week treatment completed on 12/4/09.  Still undetectable.

Killing "Hep C" is my business and business is good!
gtstcactus


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I know sleep problems are not uncommon with interferon treatment but i'm pissed. Excuse me please. 2 weeks ago I was told if I still had issues sleeping I would get some support medicines to assist with the problem. Go to my appointment yesterday and am told they can't / won't help. I have been on SSRI's, tricyclic ad's, zopiclone, unisom sleep gel. none worked, temazepam works but they won't write that. whats a guy 2 do? hit the streets late at night looking for dodgy drug dealers? this is crazy. my boss has commented on how tired i've been lookin. its really afffecting my life! i didn't expect an easy ride but some support would be nice. (other than from here)



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Geno type 1b. Started treatment 12 march 09. 180mcg Peginterferon alfa-2a weekly, 1200mgs ribavirin daily.
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