This document discusses potential psychiatric side effects of HCV treatment including depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and other conditions. People with a history of depression are at higher risk. Interferon can cause irritability, insomnia, mania, mood swings, and psychosis. It is important to have access to mental health care before and during treatment so that side effects can be treated promptly if needed. Starting an antidepressant before treatment may help prevent depression. While antidepressants have their own side effects, some experts think they should only be provided if psychiatric symptoms emerge during treatment. The document also notes that common flulike symptoms of fever, aches, headache, chills and nausea can be lessened by taking the interferon shot

HCV