These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
Interferon and Depression [posted 8/5/98]
Question: I have chronic hepatitis C and will start a combination therapy of interferon and ribavirin soon. One of interferon’s side effects is depression, and my research shows that it is often wise to take an antidepressant while on it. The problem is that any additional strain put on the liver may reduce the effects of a therapy with a slim chance of success. I would like to know of the most effective liver friendly antidepressants that will also let me to eat bananas and almonds since they play a large part in my reduced diet.
Answer: First see if you get depressed. Then let your doctor select what would be best.
