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Modafinil’s Use in Combating Interferon-Induced Fatigue

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Abstract

Interferon (IFN) is an effective agent in the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis C. A variety of adverse neuropsychiatric effects including anxiety, depression, delirium, psychoses, and mania complicates its usage. IFN-α-induced depression is presumed to be composed of two overlapping syndromes: a depression-specific syndrome characterized by depressed mood, anxiety, and cognitive complaints, and a neurovegetative syndrome consisting of fatigue, anorexia, somatic pain complaints, and psychomotor retardation [1]. Our results show that depression-specific symptoms peak at 12 weeks of IFN therapy and respond well to serotoninergic antidepressants [2]. We conclude that neurovegetative symptoms are relatively treatment refractory to antidepressants, occur early in the course of treatment, and tend to persist for the duration of therapy [1].

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Correspondence to Kari A. Martin.

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The authors have no conflict of interest or financial involvement with this manuscript.

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Martin, K.A., Krahn, L.E., Balan, V. et al. Modafinil’s Use in Combating Interferon-Induced Fatigue. Dig Dis Sci 52, 893–896 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-006-9519-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-006-9519-0

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