for Veterans and the Public
Mental health
People getting treated for hepatitis C often find it difficult to sleep. The lack of sleep can lead to anxiety, irritability, and depression. What follows are tips for coping with each of these side effects.
Poor sleeping
Many people on interferon therapy have trouble sleeping. This happens because interferon injections stimulate (excite) certain areas of your body. Lack of sleep can make all side effects--including fatigue, short temper, depressed mood, and headaches--a lot worse. So just getting better sleep can improve the other side effects.
- Develop good sleep habits (don't read or watch TV in bed).
- Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day.
- Keep afternoon naps short.
- Limit fluids at night to avoid having to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
- If ribavirin makes you "jittery," take your pills at 4 PM or 5 PM instead of right before bedtime.
- Close to bedtime, try to avoid large meals, too much exercise, tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine.
Feeling anxious
Many patients feel a little anxious when they are on interferon therapy. This is a side effect of the medications, especially the interferon. As with many of interferon's side effects, it can be hard to notice--it changes you without your realizing it. You may feel a little "jittery," or feel that your interactions with others are slightly "off."
- Try relaxation techniques (yoga, meditation, deep breathing).
- Remind yourself: "The doctor told me that the medications would make me feel anxious, so this is not really me... The medication is making me feel this way."
- Avoid stimulants such as caffeine in coffee and tea.
- Tell your provider if your symptoms are getting worse; your doctor may be able to give you medicine for some of your symptoms.
Being short-tempered
Most people taking interferon are more likely to get angry about things than they normally are. This can happen even to people who never seem to get angry about anything. You may find yourself yelling at people in traffic when that never happened to you before.
By being aware of a short temper, you can expect it and control it better. If your family members and close friends know you are on medications that can cause you to be mad about things, they will be more understanding.
- Try relaxation techniques (yoga, meditation, deep breathing).
- Take deep breaths and count to 10.
- Share your feelings with friends and family.
- Join a support group.
- If you are tired, depressed, or losing sleep, find ways to deal with those side effects too.
- Your job may make your temper worse, so try to arrange ways to make your work less stressful. For example, you might want to talk to your boss about flexible hours, if that would help.
Feeling down--depression or sadness
It's not unusual to feel "down" while you are on interferon. This is purely a side effect of the medication. Stopping the interferon will make these feelings go away within 1-2 weeks.
If you find that you're more than a little down--maybe you feel worthless or hopeless or have lost interest in your favorite activities--you could be depressed. Depression is a common side effect of interferon. It can be treated by either by changing how much interferon you take or by taking antidepressant medications. Be sure to always discuss medication changes with your VA health care provider.
- Do something you enjoy, such as reading a book, going to your favorite restaurant, or visiting a museum.
- Get involved with a support group.
- Spend time with supportive people, such as family members and friends.
- Talk with your doctor about treatments for depression, such as therapy or medicines.
- If you ever feel that you may harm yourself or are contemplating suicide, get help immediately- any hospital should be able to help you, or you can dial 911. Interferon causes these symptoms, and nothing is worth putting yourself in danger.
Side Effects: Entire Guide
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