Can interferon alpha cause depression?

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Therapeutic administration of IFN-α leads to depression in up to 50% of patients, and up to 30% of patients develop IFN-α-induced depression (a major depressive episode according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edn diagnostic criteria) within the first 3 months.

How do interferons cause depression?

This neurotoxic challenge causes a reduction in the density of serotonergic and adrenergic neuron, and loss of neurons in the hippocampus. These neurochemical and neurohistological changes predispose to depression [28, 44, 47-49].

Can interferon beta 1a cause depression?

Physicians are likely to see increases in depression among many patients in the first months of treatment with interferon beta-1a. Although patients may attribute this depression to the medication,2,3 these findings suggest that increases in depression more likely reflect pretreatment levels of depression.

Does interferon cause anxiety?

The reported incidence of anxiety disorders induced by interferon ranges between 1.4 and 3.3% [16]. In some cases, these disorders are regarded as preexistent to interferon therapy, while in others anxiety is a clinical feature of the depressive episode.

Does interferon cause insomnia?

Although neuropsychiatric symptoms of IFN vary, affective disorders such as depression are most frequent, followed by cognitive disorders including delirium. Others include insomnia, anxiety, irritability, mania, delusion, hallucina- tion, and change to aggressive personality.

Does Rebif cause depression?

Please see Rebif® Prescribing Information and Medication Guide. Rebif can cause serious side effects. Behavioral health problems including depression and suicidal thoughts. Liver problems or worsening of liver problems including liver failure.

What foods increase interferon?

To help keep your immune system strong, include these immune boosting foods in you diet.

Chicken Soup. Chicken soup may do more than just soothe a sore throat and keep you hydrated, it may keep your airways healthy, as well.
Broccoli.
Sardines.
Yogurt.
Mushrooms.
Tea.

What is the difference between interferon alpha 2a and 2b?

The main difference between these two pegylated interferons is in the dosing. Alfa-2a is used as a fixed weekly dose. Alfa-2b is used as a weekly dose based on the weight of the patient. There are other differences between the two drugs, but they are mostly technical and are used by the prescribing physician.

What type of drug is interferon alpha?

Interferon alfa belongs to the category of therapies called biologic response modifiers (BRM), also called immunotherapy. This is a type of treatment that mobilizes the body’s immune system to fight cancer.

Are interferons involved in the pathophysiology of depressive disorders?

Depression is among the commonest of psychiatric disorders, and inflammatory mechanisms have been suggested to play a role in its pathophysiology. Interferons are a superfamily of proinflammatory cytokines that play a role in host defence mechanisms.

What are interferon-α subtypes?

Interferon-α Subtypes As an Adjunct Therapeutic Approach for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Functional Cure. Approaches that combine immune-mediated control of HIV to activate both the innate and the adaptive immune system under suppressive therapy along with “shock and kill” drugs may lead to a better control of the reactivated virus.

Does alpha interferon enhance anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 activity?

Chen K, Huang J, Zhang C, Huang S, Nunnari G, Wang FX, et al. Alpha interferon potently enhances the anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 activity of APOBEC3G in resting primary CD4 T cells. J Virol (2006) 80 (15):7645–57. doi:10.1128/JVI.00206-06 16.

Is interferon-alpha-induced depression associated with hepatitis C virus infection?

Interferon-alpha-induced depression: Comparisons between early- and late-onset subgroups and with patients with major depressive disorder Interferon (IFN)-alpha, until recently the standard treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, is associated with a significant risk of major depressive episode (MDE, or IFN-alpha-induced depression).