Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir and Depression: What Users Say

• AWa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 11, 2021

For Hepatitis C "Think about it, people! How many of you received this medicine free, or better yet, my company insurance paid 80 percent of $72,000. Guess where the other came from? A coupon that Epclusa provided. Ever heard of that before? It's been 15 months since I finished my last pill. My stomach looks as if I have cirrhosis, it feels like I have an infection in my stomach, I'm like the other lady states about hormonal issues. I'm 65 and started having acne. I'm extremely depressed. I've developed major arthritic symptoms. This drug has cured the hep C but my day-to-day journey is horrific. I do not recommend this drug. Your doctor will tell you there are no side effects. How do they really know? I'll never listen to any doctor again. When any medication has only been around for a short period, don't label it as no side effects. Hope your doctors and drug manufacturers can sleep good at night because you won't!"

• Kel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2016

For Hepatitis C "I am on week 8 of a 12-week regimen of Epclusa. The first couple of days, I did have a slight headache, but since then, I haven't had any side effects. I had blood work done at week 5. I was already undetectable! Thanks to an Epclusa coupon, my copay is $5! Other side effects include: the whites of my eyes are white again! I have energy like I haven't had in 20 years. My skin is younger-looking. I sleep like a baby. The slight depression that I used to feel from being so tired all the time is gone. I can get out of bed so easily now and feel energized throughout the entire day. It is hard to go to sleep sometimes because I still have so much energy. I am so thankful for this medication. This has given me quality of life again. Thank you, Gilead!"

• Ter...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2022

For Hepatitis C "I've not been the same since taking this horrible drug. I asked about the side effects before deciding to take it and was told only temporary headache, nausea, etc. What they did not mention was the permanent irritability and/or depression. No good feeling ever. It's been almost 3 years. I did not take the 3rd month as these effects were too severe. Did it cure my new Hep C? I don't know, and frankly, don't care. Please be wary of new drugs and try to find all the 'post-market side effects.'"

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2020

For Hepatitis C "I’m almost 12 weeks on Epclusa, and to say it’s been hard would be an understatement. I’ve been beyond tired, I’ve tried taking the medication both in the morning and at night. I’ve found that at night works best for me. I’ve become extremely irritable and depressed. I’ve also recently had this weird hormonal issue where my boobs hurt, and I have acne (not even close to having my period nor pregnant). I never got any headaches or ear ringing, so that’s a plus. I know it’s all going to be worth it in the end, and I would not have done things any differently. For those of you reading through hundreds of reviews, like myself-know that it will get better. I also have to take it for 3 months due to having type 3. Cheers to being hep C free. I received the medication for free through Support Path, also Gilead. Look into it if you don’t have insurance!"

• jjj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I completed the 3 months of Epclusa treatment in December 2018 for my Hep C. It is now March 2019, and the side effects are worse now. I have constant buzzing in my head/ears (tinnitus), numbness and tingling, internal shakiness, insomnia, brain fog, feeling very weak, depression, and back pain. I regret taking Epclusa. I felt better before the treatment. I have gone to a naturopathic practitioner, chiropractor, and acupuncturist to try to help, but it is not any better. I don't know what to do at this point, and it is scary."

• Ger...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2023

For Hepatitis C "I started taking Epclusa in mid-April 2019 for three months. Within a week of starting the medication, I noticed a major drop in my energy level, which continued throughout the duration of the drug course. Prior to starting Epclusa, I had been training for the BMO Marathon since December 2018 and was in incredible shape, as confirmed by my peers. However, I barely managed to complete the marathon and lost almost all my energy. This lack of energy has persisted to this day. Additionally, I was diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica. My lifestyle has drastically changed since being diagnosed in March 2020. I have been taking prednisone and using diclofenac 20 ml for all my aches and pains, just so I can at least walk. I now have high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, osteoarthritis all over my body, and experience swelling every day, resulting in a low quality of life since taking Epclusa. I have also experienced depression and aching and gained 25-30 pounds. At the time of and prior to taking Epclusa, doctors, sports therapists, etc. all told me I was in better shape than most."

• Say...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 17, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I was taking it in the morning, and that isn’t a good idea. I felt sick all day long 'til about 4 pm, then I got my energy back, so I take it at night now. I do have insomnia, but it’s getting better. I started it on Aug 19, 2019. The brain fog is getting worse as I take the medication. Drink lots of water or I get a sick feeling and nauseous. My joint pain and fatigue are better. My eyes turn blue about 20 minutes after taking the medication, and I get this odd feeling all through my body after I take it. I only say it’s like you feel the medication working on fighting the virus. I have had depression just start 9-10-2019. I can say I feel more there except when the brain fog kicks in, and I have serious worry it won’t go away. My lymph nodes are swollen, but they are going down. I’m glad I finally got to fight this virus, I honestly can’t wait for these 12 weeks to be over."

• DoT...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2022

For Hepatitis C "I started taking Epclusa about a year and a half ago, and the symptoms have still not gone away. I have this horrible dysphoric restlessness in my legs, which causes me to rapidly cross and uncross my legs while crying out, “Oh God, please take it away” over and over again. Plus, my stomach feels funny, and I’m nauseous all the time. My hands and feet feel tingly, and I’m extremely depressed all the time. It feels as though my hormones are unbalanced, and the restlessness in my leg feels like I am withdrawing off of opiates or benzos x10. The doctors just say that Epclusa couldn’t have caused this. I feel as though I’m doomed for life."

• ama...
• February 26, 2023

For Hepatitis C "I'm on my last 27 days of this medicine. I was told no side effects except for maybe headaches. The longer I've been on it, the worse it's gotten. I cry every day I have to take it, have migraines daily, can't sleep, and when I do, I get awful nightmares. I also am having bad abdominal pains, feeling freezing cold, muscle aches, weakness, shortness of breath, dry mouth, and feeling tired all the time and irritable, feel depressed, and emotionally unstable. I wasn't expecting this. I got blood work done today since the side effects have doubled just this last month. Had no issues feeling sick with my Hepatitis C prior, but my levels were elevated, so I decided to treat it. I think I made a grave mistake."

• Fiz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I am into day 36 of 84-day (12 weeks) treatment. An hour after taking my first dose, I could definitely feel the medication coursing through my body. The first 14 days were the worst. Some headache, slight depression. I started feeling much better after 3 weeks. I had blood work done after 30 days, and ALT and AST are way down. I feel much better, and the incredible burning itches I had before treatment started have stopped. It can tire you, but a nap can really help. My appetite has gone through the roof, which is a good thing for me. I am really optimistic about beating this. I have had HCV since the mid-1980s. Here's hoping that the rest of my treatment goes well. Good luck to everyone!"

• Lig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 23, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I completed Epclusa treatment in August 2018 and was cleared hep C free in September. During treatment, I didn't have any major physical side effects except for tinnitus, but I was very moody, depressed, short-tempered, and had anxiety. Nine months on, I still have tinnitus, but that's the least of my worries. I have allergies, which I never had before, and I am always sick now. I now have leaky gut syndrome and have some food intolerances. The most challenging thing is having depression and anxiety. Some days, I feel a burst of sadness and depression where I would be affected the entire day, and it has become frequent, but I'm lucky to have a very supportive partner who's there for me. I have absolutely nothing to be depressed about, but I get these feelings. I refuse to fall victim to taking big pharma's antidepressants. Epclusa has maybe saved my life, which I am very grateful for, but I am annoyed that it's priced at 80K for treatment! I no longer have hep C, but it did come at a price. Time to detox."

• Tre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Finished my 12-week treatment 4 days ago on the 25th of July 2018. No side effects the whole treatment, in fact, I have never felt so good. This morning, I woke up feeling really sore, aching, and tired, but not sick, grumpy, and irritable. I didn’t realize there may be some form of withdrawals from the medication, but it makes sense. I have stayed healthy, worked no less than 4 times a week since starting treatment. Today, I feel exhausted, horrible, and depressed. I'm hoping this feeling goes away. I will update in a week or so. I’m still saying 10/10 because I’m so thankful to have been able to use this medication."

• ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I do not usually Google side effects, etc., for fear of psychosomatic symptoms, but after 6 weeks on the drug, I am losing my mind. It is a relief to read these reviews. Headaches (when I rarely had them prior), absolutely no energy. Weight loss - the nightmare begins when I try to sleep - sleep? LOL - massive insomnia. My feet and hands tingle, resulting in my having to walk around. The tingling disappears when I move. Anxiety, depression, unable to focus - I am on my way to secure a Valium script :("

• Car...
• March 12, 2020

For Hepatitis C "I have genotype 1B (whatever that means) of Hep C. I'm 63 years young and found out 28 yrs. ago that I had Hep C. I've been on the treatment for 12 days. I've had some nausea along with some diarrhea. The worst part is fatigue, brain fog (big time), or is it depression? I do suffer from situational depression, so it could be that. Loss of appetite and weakness and very dry mouth. It's been such a short while, and I'm afraid of what's to come."

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I have been on Epclusa for 2 months. They tell you that the only side effects are light fatigue and headaches, well, they are wrong. I sleep 10 hours at night, then I have 2 naps during the day and afternoon. Splitting headache usually within an hour of my dose. Also, joint pain. Very sore. Bland taste. Depression has been the worst for me. Constant thoughts of I'm a failure and feelings of worthlessness on this medication. I hope people realize the potential of these side effects for 12 weeks on this medication. The FDA needs to look into this more from the reviews I read and people I talk with who use Epclusa for a cure of hep C."

• chd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Diagnosed Hep C positive about 15 years ago, but have probably had it around 30 years. I am in week 10, and the worst and most consistent side effect has been insomnia. Other side effects that come and go are brain fog, depression, body aches, and weakness. The only one really bad is the insomnia. This last month has been the worst with the other symptoms, especially weakness and body aches, compounded by the worst and most consistent side effect of insomnia. Still very much worth it since my liver damage was at the worst stage right before cirrhosis. Taking this med just in time to prevent permanent liver damage certainly makes it worth it. But very grateful I only have two more weeks to go."

• Ant...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I was told by a doctor in 2006 that I had Hep-C, but that I was in the 10% of people where it isn't active, so I was fine with no symptoms. In December 2020, I went to another doctor specializing in infectious diseases due to a lung infection, and when asked about my medical history, I mentioned what the previous doctor had said and stated that I had no reason to think the Hep-C was a problem. This doctor told me that the previous doctor (who had more experience) was wrong and that I should go on a program for the Hep-C just to make sure. I eventually agreed after some persuasion. He put me on Epclusa, and in the end, said that my Hep-C was gone and I was fine. This doctor has shown little concern about my lung infection and was pushing Epclusa on me because the pharmaceutical companies pay him to. Throughout, I have and still suffer inconsistent sleep patterns, muscle pains, depression, elevated bowel movements, and rapid loss of weight. I'm sorry I took Epclusa and feel I never needed to."

• Non...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2017

For Hepatitis C "Just took my last pill yesterday. Three months of Epclusa brought varying side effects monthly. First month— a crushing depression would come on approximately one hour after my dose. My mood would go from bright to dark like clockwork. If this happens to you, start dosing RIGHT BEFORE BEDTIME so you can sleep through the blues. It’s weird and rare, but IS a side effect. Second month- diarrhea, but my skin brightened and so did my eyes. Third month—fatigue. Some days I had to take three naps. And I’m usually manic/anxious and can go all day without ever sitting down. Not on Epclusa, though. It made me tired the last month. That being said, it was all bearable and controllable. I’m undetectable now and am also blessed because of this medicine."

• Blu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2022

For Hepatitis C "I have one more month to go. I can't sleep and have diarrhea. But just overall, I feel like I don't want to finish, but I've gone this far. I'm 64, disabled, so I just have to make myself get up. Depression getting worse!"

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I’m grateful for this med. But the side effects for me were immediate. The first thing I noticed is my libido was gone! And my feelings of intimacy and being happy, etc., with myself/my girlfriend were gone against my will. I love her more than anything. After 2-1/2 years together, it tore our relationship apart! She thought it was me and not the medicine feeling how I was. I couldn’t work and barely got out of bed the entire time! I think it messed up my hormones. I was depressed, lazy, tired, unhappy, body ache, bad ear ringing, headache, like a zombie. I felt like I was 90, and I’m only 30 (in pretty good shape too). My girlfriend left me over how I was being/feeling (or not feeling). I’m afraid she isn’t coming back because she doesn’t believe this medicine messed me up to that extent. With all my heart, it truly did. I’ve never felt this way in my whole life. Now I’m off it, I’m feeling better SLOWLY. If I knew this would tear my relationship apart, I'd have waited."

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I’m grateful for this med. But the side effects for me were immediate. The first thing I noticed is my libido was gone! And my feelings of intimacy and being happy, etc., with myself/my girlfriend were gone against my will. I love her more than anything. After 2-1/2 years together, it tore our relationship apart! She thought it was me and not the medicine feeling how I was. I couldn’t work and barely got out of bed the entire time! I think it messed up my hormones. I was depressed, lazy, tired, unhappy, body ache, bad ear ringing, headache, like a zombie. I felt like I was 90, and I’m only 30 (in pretty good shape too). My girlfriend left me over how I was being/feeling (or not feeling). I’m afraid she isn’t coming back because she doesn’t believe this medicine messed me up to that extent. With all my heart, it truly did. I’ve never felt this way in my whole life. Now I’m off it, I’m feeling better SLOWLY. If I knew this would tear my relationship apart, I'd have waited."

• Stu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I was diagnosed with Hep C, genotype 2 this spring. Not sure exactly how I contracted it, but I've likely had it for 48 years since I was in a long ago term, high-risk activity group. Fortunately, my fibrosis is stage one only. I do also have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to work on. I'm in week 11 using Epclusa. It amplifies all my pre-existing conditions (joint pain, post-nasal drip, fatigue, ocular migraine occurring, mild depression), plus I have gotten added visual issues that (sun and glare sensitivity) occur, and rare dizziness events, and have experienced chest tightness and cough, but these side effects have lessened during the last few weeks. I hope the Epclusa regimen works because I don't want to experience these side effects again."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2020

For Hepatitis C "I got Hep C from my husband, who used to be an IV drug user. We both used Epclusa to treat it. I am now cured, and my hubby is on his last bottle. The medication WORKS, but it's almost ruined my life, not once, but twice now. I have a pre-existing diagnosis of Bipolar 1, and within a week of starting Epclusa, I cycled into hypermania and was the MOST manic I've ever been in my life. Then my husband started his Epclusa, and it has turned him into a completely different person. He seems almost possessed by a demon. Severe mood swings, depression, irritability, and just MEAN. The med does its job, but it can also severely alter your mental state/mood."

• GRi...
• December 1, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I've had Hep C for more than 15 years. Was prescribed Epclusa. After 6 weeks, viral load was undetectable. During treatment, had confusion, depression, anxiety, very short-tempered, and light sensitivity. I finished the 3 months and still have no viral load, but the light sensitivity remains to the point I need to wear sunglasses when I drive at night."

• mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I took the Epclusa, and it worked, they say I am hep C free, but also have had constant high blood pressure, as well as depression. I have had some upsetting things going on in my life, so I can't say if it's just me or the medicine."