Depression and interferon

my husband went on antidepressants about 7 mos into interferon and continued on after inferon.  It could also be that your wife is feeling anxious about ending her treatment and concerned about feeling as though she is 'doing nothing" against cancer ie no treatment.  Encourage her to talk to someone about dealing with survivorship or her family doctor about an antidepressant.  Thinking about you both.

my husband went on antidepressants about 7 mos into interferon and continued on after inferon.  It could also be that your wife is feeling anxious about ending her treatment and concerned about feeling as though she is 'doing nothing" against cancer ie no treatment.  Encourage her to talk to someone about dealing with survivorship or her family doctor about an antidepressant.  Thinking about you both.

Depression is a common side effect of interferon.  Many oncs will prescribe an anti-depressant before starting interferon.  Have your wife talk to her oncologist or PCP – there are lots of good meds out there that can help.

Good luck

Depression is a common side effect of interferon.  Many oncs will prescribe an anti-depressant before starting interferon.  Have your wife talk to her oncologist or PCP – there are lots of good meds out there that can help.

Good luck

Depression, as has been mentioned, is a big side effect with interferon. If your wife was on anti depressants while on interferon..she should only discontinue them with doctors advice (tapering is neccessary) And maybe she needs a different variety.

However, if she handled her intereron without anti depressants maybe that's not the issue,

I tend to agree with the responder about that post interferon feeling of helplessness. It's VERY common after putting up with the nasty year of interferon, to suddenly feel scared and depressed that you've stopped active treatment.

Talking to someone might help, or even a tropical vacation!

Depression, as has been mentioned, is a big side effect with interferon. If your wife was on anti depressants while on interferon..she should only discontinue them with doctors advice (tapering is neccessary) And maybe she needs a different variety.

However, if she handled her intereron without anti depressants maybe that's not the issue,

I tend to agree with the responder about that post interferon feeling of helplessness. It's VERY common after putting up with the nasty year of interferon, to suddenly feel scared and depressed that you've stopped active treatment.

Talking to someone might help, or even a tropical vacation!

I started on anti-depressants before interferon and still on them four years later. I think I could get by without them but my wife wants me to continue. Since she has to deal with me, I continue.

Most cancer centers have a psychrist, set up an appointment. She has been focused on completing treatment now she has time to worry about the future. It could be anixety v/s depression.

Stage IV

I started on anti-depressants before interferon and still on them four years later. I think I could get by without them but my wife wants me to continue. Since she has to deal with me, I continue.

Most cancer centers have a psychrist, set up an appointment. She has been focused on completing treatment now she has time to worry about the future. It could be anixety v/s depression.

Stage IV

I did not go on an anti depressant during my year of interferon, but I had terrible mood swings in the weeks after stopping it.  I was almost feeling bipolar.  Up one minute down the next.  It got better after about a month.  I did some research on it and it isn't uncommon to have these symptoms when on or stopping interferon.  I agree with everyone also about the depression that comes with finishing active treatment.  I finished in March and really am just now feeling like life is good.  I felt very helpless at first not doing anything to fight it anymore.

Good Luck to you and your wife.  Finishing the year of interferon is a huge accomplishment.

Amy S. in Michigan

I did not go on an anti depressant during my year of interferon, but I had terrible mood swings in the weeks after stopping it.  I was almost feeling bipolar.  Up one minute down the next.  It got better after about a month.  I did some research on it and it isn't uncommon to have these symptoms when on or stopping interferon.  I agree with everyone also about the depression that comes with finishing active treatment.  I finished in March and really am just now feeling like life is good.  I felt very helpless at first not doing anything to fight it anymore.

Good Luck to you and your wife.  Finishing the year of interferon is a huge accomplishment.

Amy S. in Michigan