It is especially pronounced during the first month. Fatigue improves dramatically after that point. Increasing fluid intake to about a gallon a day may help in reducing fatigue. Consolidating tasks to reduce trips up and down the stairs and accepting help from family members and friends is also useful. Insomnia is a common side effect of interferon therapy.
Some patients describe difficulty falling asleep, restlessness, or racing thoughts.
Most providers with experience treating patients with interferon with or without ribavirin have developed a preference for effective medication that helps promote sleep. If prescribed, these medications should be used as directed. Insomnia may take the form of going to sleep as usual, but waking up early and being unable to fall back to sleep. For some patients, this may be a symptom of depression and may be treated differently from a sleeping problem. Providers with experience using interferon therapy may prescribe medication to help with early morning awakening.