Modafinil's use in combating interferon-induced fatigue.
Interferon (IFN) is an effective agent in the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis C. A variety of adverse neuropsychiatric effects including anxiety, depression, delirium, psychoses, and mania complicates its usage. IFN-alpha-induced depression is presumed to be composed of two overlapping syndromes: a depression-specific syndrome characterized by depressed mood, anxiety, and cognitive complaints, and a neurovegetative syndrome consisting of fatigue, anorexia, somatic pain complaints, and psychomotor retardation [1]. Our results show that depression-specific symptoms peak at 12 weeks of IFN therapy and respond well to serotoninergic antidepressants [2]. We conclude that neurovegetative symptoms are relatively treatment refractory to antidepressants, occur early in the course of treatment, and tend to persist for the duration of therapy [1].
Martin
Kari A
KA
Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, 13400 East Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA. martin.kariann@mayo.edu
Krahn
Lois E
LE
Balan
Vijayan
V
Rosati
Marianne J
MJ
D000368:Aged; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003863:Depression / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077408:Modafinil
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D007372:Interferons; D000077408:Modafinil