IFN-Induced Depression: A Role for NSAIDs

Interferon-alpha (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-alpha 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,…