Initiation of Methamphetamine Abuse During Interferon Treatment

[Guest guest]

CDC 12/14/07

CANADA: " Initiation of Methamphetamine Abuse During Interferon Treatment "

American Journal of Psychiatry Vol. 164; No. 9: P. 1439 (09..07):: M.

Lampinen, PhD; Marcus S. Greatheart; Arn J. Schilder; Kris Kowdley, MD

Interferon therapy for chronic infection with hepatitis B or C virus produces

clinical depression in up to one-half of patients treated, the authors wrote. In

former injection drug users, the adverse effects of interferon may lead to

relapse, potentially reducing the likelihood of achieving sustained virologic

response. Guidelines for interferon use, therefore, stress the benefits of

screening all patients for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders

prior to treatment initiation. In the current research letter, the authors

reported " an additional and previously undocumented risk during interferon

treatment: initiation of crystal methamphetamine abuse. "

The patient, a male, 48, with previously diagnosed depression, began interferon

therapy for hepatitis C in June 2003. He completed a full course of interferon

and achieved a sustained virologic response. He reported using methamphetamine

for the first time while receiving interferon. " That just got me out of my

depression, got me out of feeling sick from the interferon, made me feel good, "

the authors quoted the patient as saying.

However, the patient progressed to " daily problematic use " of methamphetamine

within weeks. And although he had previously tested negative for HIV, " his first

result following initial use of methamphetamine was reactive, " the authors

wrote.

" Patients experiencing interferon-induced depression may find the acute

methamphetamine-induced increases in monoamines (especially dopamine) alluring, "

wrote the authors. They noted that in the United States, Canada, and Australia,

occasional methamphetamine use by men who have sex with men ranges from 6-40

percent. Among MSM with HIV or a history of substance abuse, prevalence of

methamphetamine use is even greater.

" When administering interferon therapy to [MSM] and members of similarly

vulnerable communities with a high prevalence of methamphetamine use, clinicians

should counsel patients about methamphetamine use and routinely evaluate them

for pretreatment antidepressant therapy, " the authors concluded.

_________________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

CDC 12/14/07

CANADA: " Initiation of Methamphetamine Abuse During Interferon Treatment "

American Journal of Psychiatry Vol. 164; No. 9: P. 1439 (09..07):: M.

Lampinen, PhD; Marcus S. Greatheart; Arn J. Schilder; Kris Kowdley, MD

Interferon therapy for chronic infection with hepatitis B or C virus produces

clinical depression in up to one-half of patients treated, the authors wrote. In

former injection drug users, the adverse effects of interferon may lead to

relapse, potentially reducing the likelihood of achieving sustained virologic

response. Guidelines for interferon use, therefore, stress the benefits of

screening all patients for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders

prior to treatment initiation. In the current research letter, the authors

reported " an additional and previously undocumented risk during interferon

treatment: initiation of crystal methamphetamine abuse. "

The patient, a male, 48, with previously diagnosed depression, began interferon

therapy for hepatitis C in June 2003. He completed a full course of interferon

and achieved a sustained virologic response. He reported using methamphetamine

for the first time while receiving interferon. " That just got me out of my

depression, got me out of feeling sick from the interferon, made me feel good, "

the authors quoted the patient as saying.

However, the patient progressed to " daily problematic use " of methamphetamine

within weeks. And although he had previously tested negative for HIV, " his first

result following initial use of methamphetamine was reactive, " the authors

wrote.

" Patients experiencing interferon-induced depression may find the acute

methamphetamine-induced increases in monoamines (especially dopamine) alluring, "

wrote the authors. They noted that in the United States, Canada, and Australia,

occasional methamphetamine use by men who have sex with men ranges from 6-40

percent. Among MSM with HIV or a history of substance abuse, prevalence of

methamphetamine use is even greater.

" When administering interferon therapy to [MSM] and members of similarly

vulnerable communities with a high prevalence of methamphetamine use, clinicians

should counsel patients about methamphetamine use and routinely evaluate them

for pretreatment antidepressant therapy, " the authors concluded.

_________________________________________________________________

Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!

http://club.live.com/chicktionary.aspx?icid=chick_wlhmtextlink1_dec