Depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric

side effects
Depression and anxiety are commonly reported side effects of
interferon treatment. In rare cares, people have reported that they
have felt like taking their own lives, and a few people have
committed suicide during their HCV treatment. People with a
history of depression are at greater risk for developing these side
effects during HCV treatment, although depression and anxiety
have also been reported in people who never experienced them
before. Interferon can also cause irritability, insomnia, mania,
mood swings, and psychosis.
Its important to have access to mental health care before and
during HCV treatment, so that psychiatric side effects can be
treated promptly and appropriately, if it becomes necessary.
Starting an antidepressant before going on HCV treatment can help
to prevent depression from interferon. Sometimes people need to try
several different antidepressants before finding one that is right for
them.