Managing the neuropsychiatric side effects of interferon-based therapy for hepatitis C
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
1-1-2004
Journal
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
Volume
71
Issue
SUPPL. 3
DOI
10.3949/ccjm.71.suppl_3.s27
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric side effects are common with interferon-based therapy for chronic hepatitis C, and their prompt recognition and management is essential to effective patient care. Depression induced by interferon has been a significant cause of early treatment discontinuation in clinical trials. The need to monitor for and treat interferon-induced depression is well established, but whether to use antidepressants prophylactically remains controversial. Nonetheless, clinicians should maintain a low threshold for antidepressant therapy. Other significant neuropsychiatric side effects include anxiety, hypomania or mania, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction. These can be additional sources of patient distress during interferon therapy and require appropriate intervention through patient education, psychotropic medications, support, and behavioral techniques.
APA Citation
Crone, C., Gabriel, G., & Wise, T. (2004). Managing the neuropsychiatric side effects of interferon-based therapy for hepatitis C. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 71 (SUPPL. 3). http://dx.doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.71.suppl_3.s27