Are the drugs that treat psychiatric disorders effective in patients with hepatitis C on interferon treatment?
Yes. Patients respond well to psychiatric treatment despite hepatitis C interferon treatment, and by experience do as well as patients without hepatitis C. I am starting treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. I have a history of depression and bipolar disease and have been on lithium. Should I see a psychiatrist? Should I worry about potential side effects of these medications? Yes, absolutely. Patients with a history of psychiatric illness should be followed closely for worsening of their condition, particularly those with mood disorders. We have been able to continue patients’ medications during treatment, but we closely monitor them for potential side effects that can be worsened by treatment. Lithium should be monitored in any patient undergoing a treatment that can change levels of the drug including hepatitis C treatment, but usually little or no adjustment is required.
