A randomized trial of paroxetine to prevent interferon-α-induced depression in patients with hepatitis C

De novo depression and anxiety disorders and influence on adherence during peginterferon‐alpha‐2a and ribavirin treatment in patients with hepatitis C

“…It may be speculated whether pretreatment with antidepressant may be indicated for these patients. Indeed, prophylactic antidepressant treatment has been found to reduce the development of depression effectively in patients receiving a high-dose of IFN-alpha for malignant melanoma 24 or chronic hepatitis C, 25 and reduce the severity of depressive symptomatology 26,27 according to some preliminary data.…”

“…[21][22][23] Furthermore, it has been suggested that antidepressants can also prevent psychiatric adverse effects in patients with melanoma treated with IFN 24 as well as in patients with hepatitis C. 25 Two recent studies showed that SSRI treatment cannot prevent induceddepressive episodes but can ameliorate the symptomatology. 26,27 Therefore, successful medical treatment of chronic hepatitis C requires the detection and management of depression both before and during treatment, and an understanding of risk factors for IFN-induced depression. 28,29 The aims of this study were to evaluate in a prospective naturalistic cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving PegIFN alpha-2a and RBV, the incidence, time at onset, associated risk factors and treatment of depression and anxiety disorders and anti-viral treatment adherence.…”

Hepatitis C for Primary Care Physicians

“…40 Several small trials have investigated the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for the prevention of depression, with mixed results. 41 Therefore, current data support waiting for symptoms to develop rather than using pretreatment.…”

Prophylactic Citalopram Treatment in Hepatitis C Patients on Antiviral Therapy: Will It Limit Drug-induced Depression and Enhance Adherence?

“…A subsequent study of HCVinfected patients used an open-label design [2]. A recent trial with paroxetine did not find benefits of prophylactic SSRI use in HCV patients [3]. This study used a novel dosing approach wherein psychometric data guided both the citalopram and placebo dosing adjustments At this point, there are limited data to suggest that clinicians should begin patients on antidepressants concurrent with IFN-α therapy if they have no personal or family history of a mood disorder.…”