Escitalopram Prevents Interferon-α–Associated Depression

Previous studies have shown that 20% to 40% of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections who are treated with interferons develop major depression. In this industry-sponsored study from Germany, 181 HCV-positive patients without histories of psychiatric illnesses were randomized to receive daily escitalopram (Lexapro; 10 mg) or placebo beginning 2 weeks before and during antiviral treatment (peginterferon-α_2a plus ribavirin). Follow-up continued for 24 weeks beyond completion of antiviral therapy. Patients were evaluated by a psychiatrist; a depression rating scale was used for assessment.

The incidences of depression and major depression were significantly higher among placebo recipients than among escitalopram recipients (59% vs. 32…