Ocrevus and Depression: What Users Say

• DMC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2020

For Multiple Sclerosis "This was my second try for Ocrevus because the doctor wanted me on a treatment for MS. Guess what? I quickly know and remember now why I didn't want to be on this or continue with Ocrevus! Since my infusion on 6/29/20, I have felt terrible: severe fatigue, on and off depression, severe muscle aches at the back of both upper legs... trouble walking, feet sticking to floor causing falls or slides on carpet, headaches, and some cognitive issues on and off. So tired even after some sleep at nighttime. MS stinks, but when taking something that's supposed to help causing worse issues than began with, it really is more than stinks, it sucks! I definitely will not go on this ever again... just hoping this gets out of my system soon!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 29, 2020

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have had the second Ocrevus infusion, will NOT be getting another. Ocrevus gave me depression, anxiety, worsening/weakening of my arms (that were fine before taking this poison), feet blowing up (never had this problem before), etc. - I thought these things were part of my body adjusting to this drug. All started about one month after the first infusion, and went away three weeks before the second infusion. So I thought the drug was starting to work. Now a couple of weeks after the second infusion, all the side effects are returning. Hopefully this damage isn't permanent."

• Que...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 20, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "I had my 4th infusion 1 week ago, and I feel worse than I ever have. My legs feel like they're 2x4s anchored in concrete. I am in such a deep depression that I cry over everything (I've been on 2 antidepressants for years), and on top of that, I am so exhausted, more so than normal, that I just want to stay in bed and sleep. (I still work full-time in a desk job.) Every single struggle I have had since I became Secondary Progressive is enhanced by at least 4 times worse. I am going to talk to my Neurologist tomorrow, as I will be changing my course of treatment."

• Nik...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 5, 2021

For Multiple Sclerosis "While I was on Ocrevus, my MS symptoms got much worse. I thought my MS shifted to SPMS because I was progressively becoming disabled without any new lesions. I was thinking of buying a wheelchair. I didn't have any more 'good days.' My brain didn't work. I was depressed. I asked my doctor to switch my med to Mayzent because it was the only medicine for SPMS at that time. After I stopped Ocrevus, I gradually felt better. Unfortunately, Mayzent caused severe side effects, and I had to take Ocrevus again. Then I became so sick again. At that time, I was so sure that Ocrevus was making me sick. After stopping this medicine completely, I am back to my baseline. I can hike. My brain works. More good days than bad days. The drug company still doesn't claim worsening symptoms as its side effects from all of these people complaining. Very disgusting."

• DTT...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 10, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "I just took my 4th dose of Ocrevus. I have had PPMS for 20 years now. I have done chemo/steroid treatments (those worked best for me) and many of the injections. I also used CellCept for a number of years but was prone to infection while on it. The first three infusions did nothing, but they didn't hurt either. Having PPMS and nothing happening is a good thing. However, this last infusion, anxiety and depression hit me like a ton of bricks. I hope it wears off because I take enough meds without adding antidepressants to it."

• Tru...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 5, 2018

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with MS in very early 2002, almost 7 years after my one (and thus far only) MS episode, which for me was optic neuritis. Nevertheless, brain MRIs show numerous lesions, and my quality of life has taken a substantial hit, resulting from severe fatigue, sexual dysfunction, an episode of severe depression and anxiety, which took almost a year to get under control and for which I'm still receiving treatment, etc. In a sense, I can say that the three MS therapies that I've been on have been equally effective because I have yet to experience a relapse while on any of them. I switched to Ocrevus based on my conclusion that MS continues to damage your CNS whether or not you are aware of symptomatic changes. And I thought that it was time to switch to a therapy that is believed to be more powerful than many. I have been very pleasantly surprised by the minimal side effects that I've experienced thus far. So, I am able to report that I'm happy with my Ocrevus experience."

• Cod...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 14, 2020

For Multiple Sclerosis "The swelling for me has been unbearable. Depression as well. The company should be more clear on side effects. It was the latest and greatest. I hope it works for everyone better than me, but if you have a choice, steer clear. It’s horrendous. I’ve been on Copaxone, Avonex, Tecfidera, and Ocrevus. I wanted to give Ocrevus a try. Huge mistake for me. Tecfidera was fine. Going back as soon as the O is gone. Never again."

• Hol...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 10, 2021

For Multiple Sclerosis "Diagnosed with advanced RRMS in 2016 at age 30. Started Aubagio and took that daily for a year or so. No help whatsoever, neurologist recommended Tysabri. Didn't mind the monthly infusions, and my body tolerated it well. No new lesions, but I tested positive for the JC virus a year in, so the doctor switched me to Ocrevus. Have been taking this for the last 2 1/2 years. Have also been tested for the JC virus 1-2 times a year. It was nice to only have infusions twice a year, but the headaches and horrible acid reflux I would get afterward kept me up for days. Noticed thinning hair and major depression, irritability, mood swings lately. The weeks leading up to my infusions, I have daily headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. It has kept my lesions at bay, I don't feel much better. I'm always tired. Keeping tabs on the JC, the doctor was sending me for the wrong tests. The new test shows JC+ again at 2.4, way over. He says stay on Ocrevus, but I'm discontinuing so as to not get PML."