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Methylphenidate for alpha-interferon induced depression.

Alvaro Camacho·Bernardo Ng
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Abstract

Interferon-Alpha (IFN) has been effective in the treatment of chronic viral infections and cancer albeit the added risk of severe depression. The literature has reported effectiveness in the use of antidepressants for interferon-induced depression. We report a case of severe protracted depression induced by IFN in a patient diagnosed with melanoma who responded rapidly to a course of methylphenidate using the Hamilton Depressive Rating Scale. Methylphenidate appeared to be effective in the treatment of neurovegetative symptoms of major depression induced by IFN. This report provides further clinical evidence that the neurovegetative symptoms of depression might respond better to a norepinephrine uptake inhibitor or psycho-stimulants.

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AffectAgedAntineoplastic AgentsCentral Nervous System StimulantsDepressive DisorderHumansHypnotics and SedativesInterferon alpha-2Interferon-alphaLorazepamMaleMelanomaMethylphenidatePsychiatric Status Rating ScalesPyridinesRecombinant ProteinsTrazodoneZolpidemCase ReportsJournal Article

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Alvaro Camacho, Bernardo Ng. 2006-03-13. Methylphenidate for alpha-interferon induced depression.. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881106063134

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