Interferon and mood swings

Hi Laurie,

I am sorry to hear that you are having a tough time on the shots.  9 1/2 months of feeling like crap is going to start to wear on you.  My husband also did interferon, and he started getting lax about doing the shots at about the same time.  If he was feeling especially worn down, or moody, or had an event that he wanted to feel good for (ie vacation) he would also skip a dose.  He also took a break from them for about a week, which his onc disagreed with but Dave did anyway – if he didn't take the break, I think he would have just quit them all together.  He did finish the year.

When you see your doctor, mention the lack of energy.  Interferon has a tendency to mess with your thyroid, and they can test it to make sure it is functioning ok.   I would also check with the doctor regarding the Prozac.  He may want to switch you to a different anti-depressent and see if you do better.

If you look at the big picture, you are 3/4 of the way there.  Take a break if need it, and then finish if you want.  But always remember it is your decision (not the doctors), and whatever you decide – don't look back.

Hope it gets better for you soon,

Maria

Hi Laurie,

I am sorry to hear that you are having a tough time on the shots.  9 1/2 months of feeling like crap is going to start to wear on you.  My husband also did interferon, and he started getting lax about doing the shots at about the same time.  If he was feeling especially worn down, or moody, or had an event that he wanted to feel good for (ie vacation) he would also skip a dose.  He also took a break from them for about a week, which his onc disagreed with but Dave did anyway – if he didn't take the break, I think he would have just quit them all together.  He did finish the year.

When you see your doctor, mention the lack of energy.  Interferon has a tendency to mess with your thyroid, and they can test it to make sure it is functioning ok.   I would also check with the doctor regarding the Prozac.  He may want to switch you to a different anti-depressent and see if you do better.

If you look at the big picture, you are 3/4 of the way there.  Take a break if need it, and then finish if you want.  But always remember it is your decision (not the doctors), and whatever you decide – don't look back.

Hope it gets better for you soon,

Maria

Hi Lauri,

  There is no doubt that Interferon is a brutal treatment with many severe side effects. I did 11 months of the low dose injections. I only had two of the high dose infusions and then developed an infected PICC line and cellulitis of my arm. I also went on antidepressants. Congrats on completing 9.5 months of the shots. I am sorry that you have had such a strong emotional response and I hope that your husband understands its the drug, not you.

Please talk to your doctor like you said you were going to and determine the best course. Interferon is not a cure per se but delays re-occurrence. I am glad I did it. I had 11 months of no re-occurence after the 11 months of shots. I have done many other treatments since. but the way I see it, each treatment buys me time. I have just been scanned and seen by my oncologist ( a melanoma specialist, and by my dermatologist..also a melanoma specialist) and I am a complete responder still, for 6 months to Ipilimumab (yervoy).

Hugs, and keep thinking positively!

Vermont_Donna, stage 31, NED

Hi Lauri,

  There is no doubt that Interferon is a brutal treatment with many severe side effects. I did 11 months of the low dose injections. I only had two of the high dose infusions and then developed an infected PICC line and cellulitis of my arm. I also went on antidepressants. Congrats on completing 9.5 months of the shots. I am sorry that you have had such a strong emotional response and I hope that your husband understands its the drug, not you.

Please talk to your doctor like you said you were going to and determine the best course. Interferon is not a cure per se but delays re-occurrence. I am glad I did it. I had 11 months of no re-occurence after the 11 months of shots. I have done many other treatments since. but the way I see it, each treatment buys me time. I have just been scanned and seen by my oncologist ( a melanoma specialist, and by my dermatologist..also a melanoma specialist) and I am a complete responder still, for 6 months to Ipilimumab (yervoy).

Hugs, and keep thinking positively!

Vermont_Donna, stage 31, NED

Hey there! I had a similar experience a couple of months ago and my doc prescribed an anti-deppressant, which has helped with the moodiness, but there are still days that I will snap at the kids and my husband and feel like my blood is boiling!!! It sucks and I'm sorry you are going throught it.Sometimes I think it happens because I'm so exhausted….are you getting enough rest? I know you said you haven't seen the doc this month, but it might be worthwhile to discuss a dose reduction. I've had two reductions in eight months,and each time, it helps lessen the side effects. I've also taken "breaks" from treatment per docs orders for bloodwork issues….but every time I have, it has made it 10 times worse starting back up again! It always feels like the very first week of treatment with the shakes, fever, body aches etc.

You've done so well making it as far as you have! Only you can decide if you've had enough. Believe me, I have asked myself the same question MANY of times. I'm available if you need a listening ear!

Michelle

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Hey there! I had a similar experience a couple of months ago and my doc prescribed an anti-deppressant, which has helped with the moodiness, but there are still days that I will snap at the kids and my husband and feel like my blood is boiling!!! It sucks and I'm sorry you are going throught it.Sometimes I think it happens because I'm so exhausted….are you getting enough rest? I know you said you haven't seen the doc this month, but it might be worthwhile to discuss a dose reduction. I've had two reductions in eight months,and each time, it helps lessen the side effects. I've also taken "breaks" from treatment per docs orders for bloodwork issues….but every time I have, it has made it 10 times worse starting back up again! It always feels like the very first week of treatment with the shakes, fever, body aches etc.

You've done so well making it as far as you have! Only you can decide if you've had enough. Believe me, I have asked myself the same question MANY of times. I'm available if you need a listening ear!

Michelle

[email protected]

Hi Lauri

My husband is 6 month into his year and has been taking Ativan nightly to help him sleep. He had been having nighttime anxiety before starting.  If he misses a dose he becomes very agitated and moody.  Knowing that you are already on an antidepressant you may wan to add Ativan nightly.  It is a good drug that will work immediately unlike a lot of the antidepressants that need a month or more to become effective.  I know its a huge decision to stop after 9 1/2 months.  It may give you the relief you need to complete your year.

Best of luck

Kelly

Hi Lauri

My husband is 6 month into his year and has been taking Ativan nightly to help him sleep. He had been having nighttime anxiety before starting.  If he misses a dose he becomes very agitated and moody.  Knowing that you are already on an antidepressant you may wan to add Ativan nightly.  It is a good drug that will work immediately unlike a lot of the antidepressants that need a month or more to become effective.  I know its a huge decision to stop after 9 1/2 months.  It may give you the relief you need to complete your year.

Best of luck

Kelly