Mavyret and Depression: What Users Say

• LAM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2018

For Hepatitis C "First, I have to thank this forum. Talk about doing a service to the public. I ended my treatment 4 days ago of 8 weeks of treatment. And my results were negative for the Hep C virus. Found out today, it means nothing till you take another blood test 3 months after you end treatment of Mavyret. If it worked. I am going to post one more time after this post. It's just super sad, and there are mass media commercials that do not explain the Hep C symptoms. Remember when you do not look sick, no one believes you. With my experience with Hep C, depression started first. Seeking help from DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) in group meetings. Then the fatigue set in, I was in bed over 20 hours a day, over 4 days a week, wishing I was dead. Wanting to kill people I love, which would only be acting on the temporary virus, Hep C symptoms. No one properly explains the symptoms of Hep C and how bad it is. Hopefully someone understands my message."

• Vic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Love this group. I have been reading this for a few weeks now. I am a 56-year-old male that has Hep C type 1 for probably 40 years. After being so sick I couldn’t work anymore, went to the doctor and was diagnosed. 13.7 million viral load. I start treatment on Friday, two days ago. Very nervous and high anxiety. I feel my liver twinging every morning for hours, I just lay around sick every day. Also was diagnosed with fatty liver. I'm so hopeful, so want life back. Nobody gets this disease or understands - unless you have it. I never did. Love to you all! Victor Now for my update! Update! Week 2 of medication. Still aches and pains, some depression. But it’s all poos and giggles now! I have worked a few hours for the last 3 days! Another update! Week 5 blood came back undetected! The world looks different now. Just stunned! Have been doing work again, slowly. Praise the Lord and Mavyret!"

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2020

For Hepatitis C "OK, so now I'm a month in. My insides have been a bit soft, but I've found that if you take your Mavyret while eating, then it's not so bad. I've had a bit of fogginess in the brain and bouts of fatigue, waves of depression and anxiety. My advice is don't dwell on the side effects, it'll just make them worse. Let's face it, most of us got Hep C one way, and we know that when you were hanging, if you just got on with things, it wasn't nearly as bad as when you sat around feeling sorry for yourself. Compared with Interferon, this is nothing."

• Jim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2020

For Hepatitis C "Started Mavyret exactly a month ago, and I didn’t see any side effects for the first three weeks, but now I feel like I have the flu. Initially, I assumed it was the flu, but after reading a lot of these posts, I’m convinced it’s the meds. Side effects include chronic headache, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, fatigue, sweating, and my mental health is worse than usual, also chest pains. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have this disease cured. I also believe I will be able to make it to the end result no problem, but it’s nice to know these side effects aren’t super rare, thanks to everyone who posted their experiences."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2019

For Hepatitis C "This med definitely has its ups and downs. Make sure you take it with food right before bed! It will create BAD insomnia otherwise. My main symptoms were being restless, sore, nauseous, headaches, clammy, and occasional diarrhea. I was so exhausted the whole treatment. I did get a cold for about a week during it as well. I also went to the chiropractor during this treatment to help with back and body pains. I also saw a counselor during this process as well. You have to keep up with the little things that keep you sane during this process because you’ll feel depressed and miserable. Just do what you can and don’t worry about perfection right now. It’s for a short time, and soon you’ll be able to say you’re hep free like me!"

• Mon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I'm on my last six days of my eight-week treatment. First round of labs is looking promising. Second set is next week. *Fingers crossed.* And the side effects are very real, and no, I'm not just stating a headache, nausea, and fatigue. About four weeks in, I noticed a mental decline. Bouts of depression, anxiety, and at times immense irritation, plus facial blemishes, thinning hair, weight gain, and excessive sweating. Worth it, I hope, considering if one stops treatment, the likelihood of insurance authorizing another is very unlikely. I have always had adverse reactions to medicines (my luck), ultimately, the potential benefits are worth it. Treatments' alleged side effects suck vs. Hep C and its damage... treatment was an easy win."

• Car...
• September 23, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Took Mavyret for 8 weeks. Finished April 22nd and the virus is undetected. Feel blessed to have gotten rid of it. So it’s been a full 5 months since I finished. The first 3 weeks taking Mavyret, I had no side effects, but for the remaining 5 weeks, I felt like death. Never been that sick in my life (extreme fatigue, brain fog, depression, chest pain, right tightness, irritable muscle weakness, itchy skin, nightmares, nauseous). Was in bed 20+ hours a day. Good thing is I’m starting to feel better, but very slowly. Most days I have nausea. Fatigue (I’m in bed 15 hours a day), bone and joint pain, irritable. But every day gets a tiny bit better. This has been challenging, but I’m cured. * Also, has anyone else had a recurring candida infection after or during Mavyret treatment?"

• Kri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I just finished my 8-week treatment the day before yesterday. I had extreme fatigue, I was very depressed and thinking crazy stuff, had nightmares, was in a weird sleep the first few weeks, like couldn't sleep, but maybe I was asleep... I don't know, just weird. Had diarrhea a few times and just very weak. I have 2 babies and could barely take care of them some days! It was a nightmare! I'm glad it's over! I haven't had blood work yet but will in a month. My doc told me to take 12 weeks but apparently got changed to 8 at the end but said it was 8 whole time. I'm pretty sure it was Medicaid not wanting to pay for more, and my doc is lazy! I stopped the day before yesterday and can't stop throwing up and having diarrhea today must be a bug I'm guessing. I was diagnosed in 2015 plus had some other liver issues besides hep... wish everyone luck! It's not easy but can be done! I wish I would have known about this treatment a few years ago!"

• Hol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Had hep C over 30 years, took Mavyret 8 weeks, finished a year ago end of May. I have tested 3 times since, no active virus, normal liver panels, still get pain in liver area occasionally, do have fatty liver, working on lowering carb intake. Side effects were not great, anxiety, sleep problems, depression, first and last week were unbearable, stomach felt like a hole burning in it. The best time to take meds was with a huge meal around 7 PM... then go to bed. I did notice I have raised tiny bumps scattered all over my body, were never there before, but at least I have more energy and can do family outings now..."

• Aft...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2024

For Hepatitis C "It is now three and a bit weeks after completing treatment, and still waiting to get final tests. The first 10 days post-treatment, I was still experiencing nausea, headaches, and sleep disturbances. This started to settle down around 12 days post-treatment, but in the last few days, I am back to feeling 'mildly unwell,' sleep unsettled, and depressed. Probably not knowing results yet is not helping, but I am posting this as there is no 'immediate feeling better' once treatment is ended, and that is taking a bit of getting used to. Trying to not burden people around me with how I am feeling, but to be honest, I am talking myself into feeling OK each day, and hoping that is how it turns out."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I was supposed to take Mavyret for 12 weeks, but the insurance stopped me after 8 unexpectedly. My first blood work shows undetected, so I'm very excited and hopeful my 12-week labs will say the same. I couldn't get more than two hours of sleep at a time on this drug. I went back to pretty normal sleep patterns about a month after. I had pretty intense depression for the last two weeks of treatment, but recognized it was the meds and got through it. I'm so grateful for the miracle of this medication. Good luck to all of you! This med cures pretty much everyone. I had hep C for around 30 years."

• Bil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2018

For Hepatitis C "After 8 weeks of Mavyret, I was cured. No sides to speak of. However, the day I stopped Mavyret, I felt out of sorts. A general malaise. Now it's been one week, and it's gotten worse. Plus, I feel depression coming on. Cured of hep C, but feel like ... garbage. It's weird."

• Eri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 12, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I've been on Mavyret for 7 days, feel tired and flu-like sick. I've had hep C genotype 3a for 8 years. I get mental fog and depression too. I can't sleep well, have a headache every day, not debilitating, but enough to irritate you. I'm blessed to have this drug, and I know people who have died from hep C, so I'm just gonna pray and take my meds."

• Dou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2024

For Hepatitis C "I completed 8 weeks of Mavyret on 6/26/24. Two weeks prior, I began feeling so tired. I completed my 30-day blood work, which showed my numbers significantly decreased to greater than twelve, and my Physician said that in 3 months when I repeat my blood work, I will be completely cured. Now, 2 weeks after finishing Mavyret, I find myself very depressed, tired, crying, anxious, with brain fog. I did routine blood work with my family physician, and my blood work is abnormal. It shows my lymph absolute is high among other things. I am very sensitive to drugs. I hope and pray that Mavyret has cured my Hep C and not caused me any other harm. I question why my blood work changed, as prior to Mavyret, I had none of these issues. I am concerned about the effects. I hope I didn't make a wrong decision. I just want my happiness back. Please do your research. Reviews on this site showed that I'm not alone."

• Str...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I have been on for a week and 2 days. I get minor headaches, but I start to drink water when it happens, and it goes away quickly. As the days go on, I am getting more and more tired. I just feel weak and have zero motivation to do anything. I can't think straight-my thoughts just feel very cloudy (like I've taken steroids). I'm feeling too weak to do anything besides laying around, which has me feeling depressed. Feeling so tired and not being able to think straight makes me not want to be around anyone, which makes my social anxiety worse. I am really hoping that I start feeling better as the days come. I am truly grateful for the chance to try this medicine, and I am by no means complaining. I am just expressing how I feel. I've been struggling with Hep C since 2006 and am so thankful it is nothing like the Interferon treatment because that was so awful."

• Nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I gained a lot of weight, like 24 pounds. As treatment progressed, I started to feel more fatigued and rundown. By week 6, I was a walking zombie. Seemed like I would drink gallons of water daily and got more and more depressed. However, I have completed treatment and I'm undetected. The few weeks of not feeling well were totally worth it. My advice is not to make any plans the last 2 weeks of treatment and allow others to help you with daily tasks. Also, I did lose 11 pounds in 3 weeks post-treatment. It's a lot of water retention, so don't freak out over weight gain."

• SM8...
• February 15, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Took 8 weeks. I am on hemodialysis. No other meds except for a phosphorus binder with meals. BW shows no virus in my system at the end of treatment!! Worst side effects for me: fatigue (horrible, almost impossible not to take naps during the day); slight headaches (I normally never have them); stomach cramps, which became worse as treatment progressed, a constant gnawing pain in the belly accompanied by some nausea (best to take dose on a FULL stomach - yogurt and cereal in the a.m. is NOT enough); cloudy mind, no motivation, moderate depression, living in a 'dreamworld' (this was the worst for me and kind of slips in and takes you over, a feeling of never waking up from a dream, left of center, distanced from everyone, irritable, somewhat hopeless). Lastly, I had looser stools than normal and a lot of flatulence along with night sweats and tingling skin at times, which included numbness in both arms often when sleeping. BUT all that said, I am SUPER HAPPY I did this. It was worth the eight weeks of 'hell.'"

• SM8...
• February 15, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Took 8 weeks. I am on hemodialysis. No other meds except for a phosphorus binder with meals. BW shows no virus in my system at the end of treatment!! Worst side effects for me: fatigue (horrible, almost impossible not to take naps during the day); slight headaches (I normally never have them); stomach cramps, which became worse as treatment progressed, a constant gnawing pain in the belly accompanied by some nausea (best to take dose on a FULL stomach - yogurt and cereal in the a.m. is NOT enough); cloudy mind, no motivation, moderate depression, living in a 'dreamworld' (this was the worst for me and kind of slips in and takes you over, a feeling of never waking up from a dream, left of center, distanced from everyone, irritable, somewhat hopeless). Lastly, I had looser stools than normal and a lot of flatulence along with night sweats and tingling skin at times, which included numbness in both arms often when sleeping. BUT all that said, I am SUPER HAPPY I did this. It was worth the eight weeks of 'hell.'"

• Ban...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 18, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Have 2 genotypes as it has mutated. My hep C I have had for 30 years. I am a 45-year-old male and have started Mavyret 4 days ago. I have noticed side effects: thinning of hair, pale skin, no energy, irritability, depression, sore stomach, vomiting, itchiness, hot and cold flushes, but hopefully I will beat this disease."

• jib...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Today is my first day on my 8-week course. I'm a type 1a. I am so happy to have found this blog. I am 51 yrs and was diagnosed in 1989. I finally have my tablets. Today I felt tired, but I am excited about it all. My main issues have been fatigue and depression, lack of sleep, and severe body aches and pains. I can't wait to feel normal."

• Anonymous
• May 17, 2019

For Hepatitis C "BAE, I see this was one of the last comments posted. You’re concerned about whether this is the best medicine for Hepatitis C, when you have had Hepatitis B. I have seen the answer last year to your question, combing through everything I could find about Hepatitis C. Just do not remember where it was here on these pages. Wow, you have made it 30 plus years before treatment. For myself, I am still dealing with the depression from Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C really changed my brain chemistry. Cured now from this medicine. I will never forget the fatigue I had with Hepatitis C. Remember with the virus Hep C, you don’t look sick. The only way I found out I had the virus was from TV watching sports and saw the ads. My symptoms started after 25 years. Got treated about 29 years with the virus. Look forward to you sharing when you get cured. Here for you. Thanks for the posting."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 20, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Hep C genotype 3a Mavyret 12-week only treatment for Hep C, hopefully the last. No side effects except when I would dose with no food. I would experience a little bit of nausea and had some weight loss for the first 4-6 weeks. After 4 weeks, not detectable. I believe my levels were 40,000 with some slight scarring of my liver. 8-10 weeks, I noticed lingering bouts of anxiety and depression. I am on my last week of the 12-week treatment, and I am experiencing absolutely no energy or drive to do anything. I’m thinking it’s some depression from the medicine, I’m hoping so. I am also five months clean off of heroin, so maybe that has something to do with it, I’m not sure. All in all, I’m grateful and would definitely recommend the treatment."

• Mar...
• July 19, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I've been on this med for almost 8 weeks. My doc told me it's 12 weeks, but I see most people only do 8, and I can't handle much more of it! I'm just fighting because I want to be cured! I'm a single mom, I work a lot, and have been fighting extreme exhaustion! I feel like the more weeks you get into the med, it gets worse. Now, this past week, I've been extremely depressed! I haven't been depressed in years. I just want to be done with this because I'm having a really hard time! I'm getting close to the end, I hope I can't do 12 weeks, so I'm praying I'm cured by week 8! Guess everyone has different side effects!"

• Bla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2019

For Hepatitis C "So I did the 8-week treatment, 3 pills a day. It was overall very easy, and the only effects I had were being tired most days and somewhat weak. Nothing crazy. It was mainly low motivation and tiredness. I did have boosted energy days every few days."

• Lee...
• February 4, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I have type 2 Hep C. I'm in my 5th week of treatment with a confirmation of zero viral load at week 4. I have experienced minor lethargy and a general lack of motivation. Otherwise, taken with food, I have had no other problems."