Depression? on the Sovaldi / Ribavarin treatment?

[Elfbeans]

Hello. I am waiting for approval (or denial) from my insurance company; my doctor has prescribed sovaldi/ribavarin for my Hep C G2b.

My questions are probably what everyone asks, about what to expect. I am already fighting with insomnia, hypoglycemic episodes many nights (I wake up from nightmares, sweating, shaking and totally bugged out.) 
I've also been pretty damned depressed for about 3 months, since I had the first indication that my blood work was amiss. I never knew I had Hep C until then. I am mostly worried about whether the Rx will increase my depression. I have not mentioned being depressed to the doctor, yet, as I feel we ought to deal with problems one at a time.
I suppose the biggest question I have, for those in the sovaldi / ribavarin treatment, Did you have any side effect of depression?  And is it safe to take meds for it during treatment?
Thank you. (I have learned more from this forum than anywhere else, so thanks for that, too!) -EB

[lporterrn]

Hi,
You didn't say in this post if you have much liver damage and if you can afford to wait until a ribavirin-free regimen is approved. As for your question, depression wasn't a problem for me on this regimen - but anxiety and fatigue and insomnia were. Terrible anxiety, but my doc prescribed something for anxiety and sleep which made it bearable.

[Elfbeans]

I had an ultrasound in December, and was told it was Stage 1 for my liver. I don't drink much, 2-3 beers a week in the summer, rarely in the winter. No hard liquor or wine.

I read the post titled Why didn't they tell us...? ... about ribavarin "rage," and worry about that. I am already depressed and angry, and hate the thought of putting my husband through 12 weeks of hell. Tho I am pretty sure he will be kind and supportive.
Do people take anti-depression meds while on this therapy? Maybe I am worrying needlessly, ahead of time.

As far as waiting, I am 62 yrs old, and I feel like I have been so tired, unfocused, generally "blah"  for so damn long, that I am anxious to do this and see if the HepC is the underlying cause of my mediocre health for the last 4-6 years. I don't know how long I have had it (45 years?) but I sure would like to feel "normal"!

[DesertGuy]

I was depressed and blah when I started 24 weeks of the same combo. I'm done now. Take my advice for yours and your husbands sake. Start an anti-depressant now. Don't worry about taking the anti--it is only going to help. I wish I would have, and so does my wife.

[Red Hen]

Hi, Elfbeans. When I was diagnosed my anxiety levels went through the roof. Once I started a treatment, I felt less anxious. When I felt really bad I took half a 5mg valium, which was prescribed for me by my primary doctor years ago. I got it refilled every year, just in case. Hardly ever used it except for dental work. Hep c doctors were o.k. with it and, in fact, said I should use it as needed. I am 61 years old and have probably carried hcv for 42 years. If your doctor prescribes something don't feel bad about using it. I suspect you will feel better once you are set on a course of action. Waiting is hard.

[Elfbeans]

Thank you both. That's a good idea, and I will definitely talk to the doctor on my next visit. Thank you!