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Author Any way to reduce interleukin-2 side effects?
Michael Smith Jr.

2006-07-30, 9:24 pm

I have a friend who is undergoing therapy with interleukin-2. The side
effects of depression and fatigue are particularly nasty. He is on SSRIs and
has tried "alternative" ways of mood improvement such as narcotics and
stimulants out of desperation. Nothing works. Has anyone found ways to
lessen the mood lowering effect of this treatment, or is stopping it the
only way?


GMCarter

2006-07-30, 9:24 pm

First, what does your friend's physician say?

I think it probably depends on the dose and the indication. If it is
for HIV, it may be that he could use a lower dose or for a shorter
period. If it is for other indications, may be more difficult. See,
e.g.,
http://www.aidsmeds.com/drugs/Proleukin.htm
and
http://www.aids.org/factSheets/472-Interleukin-2.html

Depression as a side effect sounds a bit unusual, however. He might
try indomethacin to reduce inflammatory side effects that--I'm
guessing--may have an impact on his mood?

George M. Carter

On Sun, 30 Jul 2006 15:11:13 -0700, "Michael Smith Jr."
<mikesmith9839@REMOVETHIScomcast.net> wrote:

>I have a friend who is undergoing therapy with interleukin-2. The side
>effects of depression and fatigue are particularly nasty. He is on SSRIs and
>has tried "alternative" ways of mood improvement such as narcotics and
>stimulants out of desperation. Nothing works. Has anyone found ways to
>lessen the mood lowering effect of this treatment, or is stopping it the
>only way?
>


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