Depression, Mood Swings, and Irritability With Combination Therapy

Depression, mood swings, and irritability can occur in some people who take combination therapy to treat hepatitis C. If you experience these feelings, be sure to talk about them with your friends, family, and healthcare provider, and be very forgiving of yourself. Your healthcare providers can talk about ways to help you, or even prescribe medication if needed.

Some people have trouble with
 depression, mood swings, and irritability when they are taking combination therapy for their hepatitis C.
 
Signs of depression can include:
 
  • Feeling tired even after you have rested
  • Extreme sadness
  • Losing interest in things you used to enjoy.

 

These feelings can develop even in people who have not had depression before. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you experience any of these things.

 
It is also very common to have brief mood swings, or to feel confused, anxious, or sad during the therapy.
 
You should try to talk about these feelings as much as possible with friends or family, and be very forgiving of yourself. In fact, it may be your family members, friends, or coworkers that first notice any changes in your behavior.
 
If it becomes difficult for you to do your everyday activities, call your healthcare providers and they can talk about ways to help you. If necessary, medication can be prescribed.
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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