|
|
||||||||||
Professor, Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Health Sciences Center, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Health Sciences Center, Texas Tech University
Reprints: Parviz Malek-Ahmadi MD, Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 Fourth St., Lubbock, TX 79430-9103, fax 806/743-4250, parviz.malekahmadi{at}ttuhsc.edu
OBJECTIVE: To report the effect of bupropion in a patient with interferon (IFN)-induced depression and review the use of antidepressants for treatment of depressive symptoms associated with IFN therapy.
CASE SUMMARY: A 43-year-old white woman with chronic hepatitis C and severe IFN-induced depression was treated with sustained-release bupropion initiated at 150 mg/day for 7 days and 100 mg twice daily thereafter. The dosage was increased again, to 350 mg/day when depressive symptoms recurred. While receiving that dose and continuing IFN treatment, she reported significant improvement in her depressive symptoms without experiencing any adverse effects.
DISCUSSION: There is limited evidence suggesting that IFNs decrease central serotonergic transmission. There are several published reports on the use of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors for the treatment of IFN-induced depression. However, controlled studies are needed to assess the efficacy of serotonergic and noradrenergic antidepressants in IFN-treated patients with depressive symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: Sustained-release bupropion might be of potential benefit in patients with interferon-induced depression.
Key Words: bupropion, sustained-release, depression, hepatitis C, interferon alfa
Published Online, May 18, 2004. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1D516
This article has been cited by other articles:
![]() |
C. C. Crone, G. M. Gabriel, and A. DiMartini An Overview of Psychiatric Issues in Liver Disease for the Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist Psychosomatics, June 1, 2006; 47(3): 188 - 205. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
C. A Hughes and S. D Shafran Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Management: 2000-2005 Update Ann. Pharmacother., January 1, 2006; 40(1): 74 - 82. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||