Epclusa and Depression: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Lay...
• December 12, 2020

For Hepatitis C "Male. Age 70. Got Hep C in the 70s. Could be longer because. Found out I had it in 2004. Entered a drug trial for interferon/ribavirin. Lasted 20 weeks on that and quit because of delusional thoughts, depression, sleep disorders, thyroid problems, exhaustion, aches, pains. I actually lost my job because I couldn’t cope with everyday tasks. My virus count went from 40 million to 2,000 and ALT/AST went to 3. I was informed by the doctor that if I had not cleared the virus in 20 weeks, I would not be cured by the end of the trial. So, I quit. My ALT/AST has stayed within normal range. And my viral load is still up and down but not over 40 million. Now that there are cures, I was thinking of trying a cure. My doctor is asking me to try Epclusa. But after reading all the reviews here, I don’t think it’s any better than the interferon/ribavirin (maybe worse). 12 weeks on this stuff might be easy. If I decide to take it, I’ll come back and leave a message. May the good Lord bless you."

• Nix...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 6, 2022

For Hepatitis C "I have been off the Epclusa since September 2021, so a bit over a year. In January of this year (2022), I was told I am Hep C free. That’s great and all, but I’ve been miserable since taking it. I have such horrible depression and anxiety, my fatigue is so bad that when I’m not at work, all I want to do is sleep. I don’t want to go anywhere anymore, I prefer staying in bed. I used to be so happy and active. I’m also having a lot of gastro issues since taking it. I have lots of joint and body aches too. I have had so many blood tests to find out what’s going on with me to no avail. I really think it was the Epclusa because all of my issues began at the same time I started taking it. It’s been a year now, and I just hope it will someday get better. Oh, another thing: it caused my hair to get thin in the front, mainly on the left side. And that, my doctor did think the Epclusa caused."

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2024

For Hepatitis C "Epclusa cleared my Hep C in 12 weeks. Simple to use. Dose was one pill at the same time every day. I had been infected with the virus 56 years before, so to me, this was a miracle cure. The side effects were extreme tiredness, no appetite, brain fog, insomnia, diarrhea, and depressed mood. I was never anemic, probably because I had severe Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT) with major iron build-up in my liver, which was the reason I went to the doctor in the first place. My major obstacle to treatment was the cost of the drug. I considered leaving the country for treatment, as the cost in America is outrageous. However, with the help of a foundation and a manageable co-pay, my Medicare paid for the treatment."

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I am now on week 12 of Epclusa. I will be done this coming Saturday. My viral load went from 152,000 to zero in less than 4 weeks. I am happy that I'm cured, but I had bad side effects: insomnia, major anxiety and depression, paranoid thoughts, headaches, muscle cramps, feeling of being hungover (I no longer drink alcohol). I have made people annoyed with these side effects, so now I am going to have to tell them it was Epclusa, not me. Cannot wait until August 7th so I can throw away that pill bottle and be free. Glad I'm cured and my insurance covered, but it was a bear!"

• Jam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 15, 2022

For Hepatitis C "I was diagnosed with Hep C 10 years ago. I was an IV meth user for 20 years. I took the first treatment of shots, which was absolutely horrible, but made it through. I was Hep C free. Then, stupid me, had a major relapse for two years. Well, I'm now Hep C positive yet again. I am on my third week of Epclusa. I'm tired, weak, nauseous, and depressed somewhat. But that is the medicine fighting the virus. My numbers are coming down. My doctor has said that with this treatment, my liver will eventually recover. I was almost in stage 3 cirrhosis. My numbers are already coming down to close to stage 2. I am so grateful for this chance to live a longer life with my family. I am now 3 and a half years totally clean from everything. So, yes, I can do this for three months to spend a lifetime with my family."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I have one week left of Epclusa, genotype 1. I don't believe I had it long based on my liver damage, which was only 0.022. I have no idea how I got Hep C. I'm not an IV drug user, I know some, but it's not my thing. Over this past two weeks, I've had horrible knee joint pain, it's so bad I can't get comfortable in any position. I have suffered from insomnia prior to even starting the meds, but it's even worse now. My legs hurt so bad I can't get comfortable to sleep. Once I do fall asleep for a few hours, my knee pain goes away, and then it's back pain. I take my pill at 7 every night. I just am praying the pain in my legs goes away after I'm done, otherwise, I may go bonkers. I feel slightly depressed, no motivation, but no major headaches or nausea. So... it's very odd how the knee pain didn't start until this choice to be off the med."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I have one week left of Epclusa, genotype 1. I don't believe I had it long based on my liver damage, which was only 0.022. I have no idea how I got Hep C. I'm not an IV drug user, I know some, but it's not my thing. Over this past two weeks, I've had horrible knee joint pain, it's so bad I can't get comfortable in any position. I have suffered from insomnia prior to even starting the meds, but it's even worse now. My legs hurt so bad I can't get comfortable to sleep. Once I do fall asleep for a few hours, my knee pain goes away, and then it's back pain. I take my pill at 7 every night. I just am praying the pain in my legs goes away after I'm done, otherwise, I may go bonkers. I feel slightly depressed, no motivation, but no major headaches or nausea. So... it's very odd how the knee pain didn't start until this choice to be off the med."

• STE...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 20, 2023

For Hepatitis C "I am currently on my fourth day of taking Epclusa for the treatment of HCV. Although my RNA was detected, the lab did not provide any information regarding my genotype, which I assume is due to a laboratory error. I have been experiencing extreme fatigue, depression, and pain in my joints, muscles, and abdomen, but I suspect these symptoms are related to the virus, which I have been living with for a long time. I am very grateful for the opportunity to receive this drug without having to pay for it. I am willing to endure any side effects that may arise from taking the medication if it means that I can regain my health and get my life back on track."

• Sca...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I started Epclusa on May 18th, 2021. I am supposed to be done in August, so I have been taking it for about a month and a half now. In the beginning, I was okay. I could tell that the medicine was fighting the virus, but after a month and a half of taking it daily, I feel extremely tired and my body hurts, making it hard to get out of bed every morning. My only thoughts on this are because maybe my body is just tired from fighting for over a month. I have a little depression, but I think that's because I don't feel like myself and I can't do as much as I used to do. I find myself resting a lot. I am grateful I was approved for this medication, and my liver is back to normal from before I had HCV 8 years ago. My advice: just keep pushing forward. I do have to say, I am ready for the 12 weeks to be over. All my positive vibes to everyone who has to go through this treatment. It's doable and definitely worth the side effects."

• Lis...
• December 23, 2020

For Hepatitis C "I’m 29, have had Hep C for 10 years. My GI prescribed 12 weeks of Epclusa. I have 4 weeks left. I’ve lost almost 20 lbs. I’m 5’7 and about 128 lbs now, but have stopped dropping weight for the most part. The first 4 weeks I couldn’t work. To do anything was a struggle, headaches come and go. My sleep has been off, bouts of anger, depression, and mood swings have been intense. I don't know why the doctor didn’t say anything about emotional symptoms because they are real and have been present since day one. I’m starting to get my energy back. I messed up and overworked myself for 3 days and ended up throwing up my Epclusa tablet. I’ve only thrown one up and wasn’t able to replace it, but the doctor and pharmacist said it was nothing to worry about. I’ve used green to help with the nausea and other side effects. I’m not suggesting this to anyone, but I couldn’t have done it without it."

• Jam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2022

For Hepatitis C "I am on my 10th week, I should have been done 2 weeks ago. At first, I was doing good, taking it every day on time. I should have been eating better when taking this medication: fruits, veggies, white meat, fish, lots of water - which I do not drink. I have headaches in my temple. On the right side, my ears ring, my vision is a little blurry, my neck hurts, my arms feel heavy. I am super calm but irritated and depressed. I keep starting to think that something is medically wrong with me. I am stumbling on my words, I get jerks when relaxed. I talked a lot before and haven't been communicating so much. I am quiet and seem to be in deep thought. I haven't been thirsty, but my mouth is dry, I get a bad taste in my mouth. My skin is clearing up 100%, I'm impressed. At bedtime, I seem to get in bed and lay still and quiet, I fall asleep fast and wake up about twice. I'm not peeing so much due to the non-intake of liquids. I am an addict and have slowed way down on my use, as well as the Coca-Cola, and to top it off, I have not had any blood tests done yet."

• tas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2025

For Hepatitis C "Starting on month 3. The only side effects so far were depression after taking it the first month. I switched my times of taking the pill from morning to night to avoid feeling down throughout the day. Liver enzymes have gone down drastically."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Last dose 7/23/19. Side effects: most major, extreme hair loss, then fatigue, headaches, anxiety, and depression. Hair fall slowing. I hope it grows back."