Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
|
|
 |
 |
HIV, Narcolepsy, And Ritilin
Nov 13, 2000
Recently I took a sleep study for my fatigue and was diagnosed as having Narcolepsy. Because of that diagnosis, I have just started to take Ritilin (10mg, 2x's a day) to fight my falling asleep. The 10mg is the smallest dosage available and will need to be increased after 30 days.
I was also recently diagnosed as being HIV + and my doctor wants me to start to take the Combivir/Ziagen cocktail.
My question to you is what effects does the Ritilin (or other stimulants, like Cylert) have on HIV meds, or visa versa? What about the virus load and CD4 counts? What about the Narcolepsy itself, any information on the effects of the narcolepsy and HIV together?
Thank you for the information.
|
 |
|
 |
|
Response from Dr. Frascino
Hello,
I do not know of any specific connection between narcolepsy and HIV. Certainly it's possible to have the two separate conditions simultaneously. It may be a bit challenging to monitor your complaints of fatigue as HIV as well as its various therapies can induce these symptoms. Certainly a good diet, adequate rest, regular exercise, and hopefully suppressing you're your viral load to below detectable limits is strongly recommended. Once you start a medication regimen you'll need to be monitored for potential drug side effects. For example you mentioned combivir - this combination medication has AZT as one of its components. In some HIV positive folks AZT can cause anemia, a decrease in your red blood cells. Anemia's most common symptom is fatigue. You will need to monitor your hemoglobin levels on this medication.
Certainly your HIV specialist should work closely with the physician managing your narcolepsy to avoid drug interactions. Stimulants are indeed recommended for the treatment of narcolepsy and can be used safely with anti-HIV drugs. Prescription stimulants in recommended doses should not affect your viral load or CD4 counts.
Good luck!
RJF
|
|
|
 Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
Copyright notice.
|
|
|
|
