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Which anitdepressant to use during Peg-Intron and Ribarvarin tx?

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Posted 1/27/2006 3:09 AM (GMT 0)
I've researched Paxil, Lexapro, and Wellbutrin. All seem to cause nausea, sleepiness, and insomnia. Wellbutrin causes risk of seizures and Lexapro causes increased sweating. Wellbutrin is the only drug that doesn't cause sexual side effects. I was wondering if anyone has had any success with combining Peg-Intron and Ribarvarin with one of these meds? Any advice would be most appreciated.
Posted 1/28/2006 6:17 AM (GMT 0)
Sleepy, I think the reason you haven't had any answers is because we are not doctors. Each individual is different in his/her reaction to different drugs, even OTC ones, and all drugs have possible side effects.  Anyway, I can tell you my own experience:

I have hep C and take both Paxil and Wellbutrin. Paxil dose is 20 mg at night, but I only take half as it makes me too groggy in the morning. I am taking it as an aid to help me get to sleep, not as an antidepressant. Wellbutrin is for depression and I take 150 mg twice a day. I have had no side effects at all from this drug, and it's the only antidepressant I've ever taken that does not cause weight gain in me.

I am not currently in treatment for the hep C, so you really should have your GI doc or hepatologist discuss your options with you. At the time I was taking Interferon, I was not on any antidepressants.
Posted 1/28/2006 9:04 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your reply. I have heard that Paxil makes one super sleepy. I have an appointment next week with my Hepatologist and I'll see what he recommends. I haven't even started treatment yet, but am just preparing for the Peg-Intron/Ribarvarin therapy. I have read about alot of nasty side effects from this tx., and as for myself I would prefer to take the antidepressant before starting this long, 1 year tx. I don't know how high my viral load is this year, but must have gotten worse as I'm exhausted all the time.
Posted 1/29/2006 12:12 AM (GMT 0)
Sleepy, I am not a doctor, but this is what is working for us. Hubby is doing the peg-intron and ribavirin. He has stareted taking Celexa and is doing wonderfully! He was a little sleepy for about 3 days, but is now doing great after only 2 weeks.
Good luck with the treatments. Yes they are rough, but if it works it is worth it. ((((hugs))))
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