Which medication is listed as causing depression in the material?

Which medication is listed as causing depression in the material?

• A. Interferon
• B. Acetaminophen
• C. Ibuprofen
• D. Lisinopril

Answer: (A)

Interferon is known to cause depression because cytokines released during immune signaling can affect brain chemistry, altering neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine and activating the HPA axis. This immune-to-brain communication can lead to depressive symptoms such as low mood, anhedonia, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and even suicidal thoughts in some patients. Clinically, this means baseline mood assessment is important before starting interferon and ongoing monitoring is necessary. If depressive symptoms arise, evaluation by psychiatry is warranted and treatment may include antidepressants (often SSRIs) while addressing the underlying medication; in some cases, adjusting or stopping interferon may be needed depending on severity and safety. The other medications listed—acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and lisinopril—are not classically associated with inducing depression in standard references, making interferon the best answer in this context.

Interferon is known to cause depression because cytokines released during immune signaling can affect brain chemistry, altering neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine and activating the HPA axis. This immune-to-brain communication can lead to depressive symptoms such as low mood, anhedonia, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and even suicidal thoughts in some patients. Clinically, this means baseline mood assessment is important before starting interferon and ongoing monitoring is necessary. If depressive symptoms arise, evaluation by psychiatry is warranted and treatment may include antidepressants (often SSRIs) while addressing the underlying medication; in some cases, adjusting or stopping interferon may be needed depending on severity and safety. The other medications listed—acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and lisinopril—are not classically associated with inducing depression in standard references, making interferon the best answer in this context.