Interferon Mood effects

[Smudger0122]

Afternoon all,Been a while since I wrote on here.

I met my consultant this morning,my platelets and counts are all good. But she mentioned about changing from HU to Interferon. Which is better for my age, but did explain side effects can include mood swings.

Possible suicidal thoughts.

Has anyone suffered this at all?

I'm Male and 46 years young.

Thanks

Smudger

[Exeter21]

you will be fine on Interferon. I read the leaflet with my Peg Interferon & as usual took in all those side effects listed.

I then asked consultant about them b4 I took it. She told me if you do not suffer with depression it’s fine . I have been on it now 10 months & it’s been brilliant. The freedom from pills is great. However I started on 45 weekly which was too strong & Professor Harrison moved me to monthly & fine . It’s excellent . Julia uk

[ainslie in reply to Exeter21]

this is not really correct, I have never been depressed, in fact very positive enthusiastic and up beat. When I tried Pegasys it affected my mood, I was depressed and dis interested in what was going on. I stopt Pegasys and my mood recovered in a week. This is not uncommon so your consultant was perhaps trying to re assure you but not entirely accurately. Some conultants are wary of Inf for that reason. However I would encourage anyone to try Peg or Bes if they can. I would perhaps advie caution if there is a history of low mood and a person lives by themselves, at least with others around they can spot the potential depression before its a issue. Sorry if that sounds bit neg but we have to be realistic while being positive.

there is also the possibility of taking antidepressants if needed on Inf, thats also fairly common and wheras I dont fancy that option it is a option.

[Otterfield]

If you have suffered from depression in the past, this is a possible side effect. Interferon can also cause flu like symptoms and aching joints. I was okay on it, but no more than okay. I had to take quite strong painkillers for pain in my knees. However many people feel absolutely fine, try it and see how you get on. Good luck.

EDIT: I just looked at your profile and you mentioned mental health issues so please be very cautious making this decision.

[hunter5582]

I have been fine on interferon with no impact on mood at all. If anything, my mood is better since i feel so much better on the IFNs. Your hematologist is correct to indicate that HU is not an ideal choice at age 46. There are specific risks associated with long-term use that are best to avoid. In addition, many of use respond better to the iFNs. I am age 67 and can say that my response to the IFNs has been far superior to HU. We are, of course, all different in how we respond.

All the best.

[Smudger0122]

Thank you all.Why can't life just be normal with no issues

[Barbiebreath]

Hello Smudger,

I take Besremi and do have a history of mild depression. My doctors have me take one of those “rate your depression” handouts every-time I go. I was taking 100mg Bupropion every day. They wanted to increase that dosage to 300mgs a day. I agreed to 150mg and to go up if needed. I have been just fine . Best wishes.

[GardNerd]

I started on Besremi last June. As my dose increased, I experienced some irritability and what I would call melancholy. Because of the benefits of being on an interferon, I stuck with it. After a few months, those symptoms subsided. I’ve been tolerating it well - some rashes but no big deal. Like Hunter said, if you can tolerate it, it seems like getting on an interferon would be the way to go — especially at your age.

[Island-Lady]

I am doing extremely well on Pegasys. You might want to consider discussing with your consultant the possibility of starting with a low-dose. I think that the negative affects are far less with a lower dose but then again we are each individual in how we respond.

Please do you remember if you try Interferon to drink plenty of water. The water really does help with any reactions.

I have not had any negative reactions to pegasys, whereas I was quite sick on hydroxyurea.

I am wishing you the very very best.

[gilded]

Hello Smudger!

I’ve been on Peg Interferon for about 14 months and have not experienced any depression , grumpiness or mood swings. I’m 80 next month.