IFN-Induced Depression: A Role for NSAIDs
by
Asnis GM, De La Garza R 2nd, Kohn SR,
Reinus JF, Henderson M, Shah J.
Department of Internal Medicine,
Yeshiva University's Albert Einstein College of Medicine,
Bronx, NY, USA.
asnisarts@aol.com
Psychopharmacol Bull. 2003 Summer; 37(3): 29-50

ABSTRACT

Interferon-#\ (IFN) is widely used for the treatment of viral illnesses and other chronic diseases, though its usefulness is hampered by a problematic side-effect profile. In particular, IFN-#\ induces neuropsychiatric and neurotoxic side effects, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, lethargy, confusion, and psychosis. Of particular interest, a number of patients develop full psychiatric syndromes, particularly depressive disorders. Recent evidence suggests that conventional antidepressants (especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are effective in preventing or reducing IFN-induced side-effects, but even these compounds are not 100% effective in preventing these symptoms. As such, alternative treatments must be considered. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to counteract a number of IFN-induced side effects, including cytokine activation, stress hormone release, and neurochemical alterations (reduced 5-HT [serotonin]). NSAIDs are widely recommended for various aspects of flu-like symptoms or sickness behaviors in humans, including those induced specifically by IFN. In addition, NSAIDs appear to be effective in treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder. These data indirectly specify a role for NSAIDs in syndromes with a prominent depression component. Drawing from an extensive pre-clinical and clinical research base, we hypothesize that pretreatment with NSAIDs will not only reduce the incidence of flu-like symptoms, but also prove effective for the prevention or reduction of IFN-induced depression.

Stress
Options
Serotonin
Interferons
Depression
21st century
Cytokines and depression
Inflammation and depression
Depressive effect of cytokines
Cytokines, depression and antidepressants
An overactive immune system and depression
Cytokines and heart failure-induced anhedonia
Antidepressants, cytokines and mood disorders
Interferon alpha, depression, suicide, and paranoia
The immune system, depression and antidepressants

Refs
and further reading

HOME
HedWeb
Nootropics
cocaine.wiki
Future Opioids
BLTC Research
MDMA/Ecstasy
Superhapiness?
Utopian Surgery?
The Abolitionist Project
The Hedonistic Imperative
The Reproductive Revolution
Critique of Huxley's Brave New World

The Good Drug Guide
The Responsible Parent's Guide
To Healthy Mood Boosters For All The Family