I started niraparib on Tuesday and wondered how long it takes to get into your system and make you feel "normal".
I'm having trouble sleeping. Can get to sleep ok but if I wake it takes so long to fall back. I'm so tired and can't handle this forever.
Also lost appetite and wondered how long it takes for this comes back.
If anyone has an help they can give me I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks
Niki
Hi Picklewigs
My name is Sarah, and I’m one of the online Community Champions in the community. My cancer was different, it was cervical, but I noticed you hadn’t received a reply yet, so I hope you don’t mind me answering.
I’d like to suggest that you also make your post in the ovarian group where you’ve posted before as you will find other ladies also on Niraparib who might be able to share their experiences on this drug.
I’m sorry I haven’t been able to give you specific advice, but hope you’ll get some relevant replies in the other group.
Sarah xx
I’ve had primary peritoneal cancer for 2 years. I’ve decided that I had to learn to live with the things that go with it. It’s either that or be miserable all the time.
Your medication and mine are called parp inhibitors. I’ve been getting infusions for 17 months. My side effects have never gone away. Usually the first week I’m so tired and weak. The next week I’m improving and the third week I’m mostly better. There has been times between a 3 week infusion where I’ve only had 0 or 1 good day.
My appetite comes and goes as does the nausea. I have medication for nausea that helps. Have you been loosing weight? Is there a favorite food you like? I keep plain biscotti to have with tea. There is not much sugar in biscotti and they are fat free. Very easy on the tummy.
Your sleep problems may be from anxiety. It’s hard to stop thinking about all things cancer. Again my doctor helped me out with a prescription for Ativan/Lorazepam. The meds don’t make you sleepy they just turn off the nonstop thinking. It stopped my sleep problems immediately. I was out like a light in 3 minutes.
I do hope you find improvement but I think sometimes we are just stuck with some of our side effects. My daughter reminded me the other day to be gentle and kind to myself because it’s cancer I’m dealing with. I need a reminder now and then. 
Diana
