Hi Tonib

I'm like Malcom on this. Just in case doesn't sound like a reason to take any drug.

I've had drugs for anxiety which really didn't help me and I don't do well with antidepressants either so I imagine I'll just have to deal with that on my own. Mine did have exterior root causes that the drugs didn't make go away.

I do have to say though if you just can't get through the treatment without something else and it's ok with your doctor then do what you can to complete treatment. That's more important to me and I do know first hand how some of the triple treatment drugs can effect your emotions and mental state.

Excellent links!  Thanks so much!  I even found a generic and a coupon for the Celexa!  

http://www.goodrx.com/citalopram  

I hope you're one of the fortunate one's. After my experience with this stuff, a simple method of avoidance was a no brainier. Yes, that's a choice you'll make on your own, but make it with all of the information available. Considering what we have decided to put into our body to destroy this evil virus, I believed the addition of an anti depressant was more beneficial than questionable. The potential is considerable and I'm very concerned for everyone's mental health, before, during and after the introduction of these medications. I'm aware that there are studies and reports coming out the wazoo on this treatment. Many for and against the treatment itself, the side effects of the drugs and the disease. If we look hard enough I suppose we can find just about anything to support our feelings and concerns. Here are a few of mine to consider while making your own. You're doing the right thing by doing your homework ahead of time. Good luck in your decisions and treatment choices. 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15581735

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20667172

http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/hepatitis_interferon_depression_1667_22378.shtml

Thanks for the reply.  I understand what your saying about why add another medicine to my body?  I am a worry wart, and I get myself all psyched out because I over analyze everything.  I think about things and I try to figure things out.  I want to be prepared for everything.  

All I have been doing since I decided to do this therapy that I am starting in 7 days is thinking about it, how, when, why, where, what if, etc....I am so anxious and I thought why not take something to take off the edge and make me feel happy?  

I'm gonna talk to my doctor on Monday and get his opinion.  

But your absolutely right, what if I don't need it?  But what if I do and I get symptoms from it, and then I won't know if its the therapy or the antidepressant.   

Thanks for your imput I really appreciate another point of view, especially from someone like you.

Hi Tonib,

I'm a bit biased but I don't think you should take Antidepressants 'just in case'. Most people get through triple Rx without them. If you do become depressed, your doctor can start them then. You will have enough drugs in your body without adding another. Just my opinion.

I'm very happy that you have avoided the level of depression that often occurs as a result of Interferon treatment. The first time it happened I can only compare it to being mentally crushed by the saddest of feelings. For me I honestly can't think of anything that could possibly feel worse. I've spoken to others that felt similarly, so I believe it to happen more frequently than not.  My hope is that you don't ever experience the same degree of symptoms as I unfortunately did. Bad just doesn't cover it...

I am going thru this tx on "dry". No painkillers, no antidepressants, no antihistamines (sigh), only some supplements...but to be honest 2 weeks ago combined sx from Neupogen and PegIntron made me really misserable and if i had some painkillers @ home, i would have taken em....

One other thing. My experience with anti depressants indicates that you have to be started on a low dose and its effect determined before increasing the dosage. I wouldn't allow myself to be afraid of taking an anti depressant. It has never been a medication that has had negative side effects. The benefit of the medication has always helped me. 

The first time I went through treatment with Interferon, I suffered from almost immediate severe depression. The doc started me on Zoloft and that resolved it quickly. This time I spoke with my doctor about my previous problem and I started Wellbutrin XL, which is a 24 hour time release form of the medication. It has prevented any depression so far. I personally recommend an anti depressant because the depression I had was terrible. I wouldn't be able to tolerate treatment if I had to suffer from that. 

http://www.patientassistance.com/D3997-lexapro-coupon.html

Check this out for free/no copay lexapro.  Hope it works out for you!

I take 10mg of lexapro at night....it also helps me sleep like a baby without the medicated hangover feeling in the morning. 10mg is a low dose as well . I think we all had the pre-treatment anxiety and is a "normal" state of mind. You can do this.... I have faith!!! Keep up informed, we are all here for you!

Hello Folks, I am starting my tx therapy in 8 days and I am thinking seriously about starting an antidepressant prior to starting so I will know if I get any symptoms and I won't be confused about if the symptoms are from the HCV meds or the antidepressant.  

Anyone out there on an antidepressant?  What kinds are around that would be good for this?  I don't want to take anything strong.  

My daughter was on effexor, and I have heard of zoloft...are all these meds the same?

I am getting so frustrated because my doctor is on vacation till 7/1 and I am just feeling so overwhelmed right now, 

I'm getting crazy just wondering what will happen when I start....