Hey Dr. Bob, OK I've done everything you suggested and although somewhat improved, I'm still feeling wiped out. I guess I'm willing to accept the fact I am clinically depressed. Three shrinks have said so but i was reluctant to believe them. HIV sucks. I guess I need to try an antidepressant but I'm worried about what it will do to my sex life --- which to be truthful isn't all that great at the moment anyway. I'm not on any HIV meds yet as T-Cells are still OK. So if i go on anti-depressants and get happy will my Mr. Happy become very sad? Thanks Dr. Bob. Blue man

Hey Blue Man,

Yes, indeed, "HIV sucks!" We both agree on that! And yes, fatigue can indeed have a significant psychological component. As for Mr. Happy becoming very sad on antidepressants, here's the scoop. As you mention, if you are clinically depressed (and it's doubtful all 3 shrinks could all be wrong about that!), your sex life often "isn't all that great" anyway", so a trial of antidepressant medication with or without counseling is certainly worth a try. The goal here is to stay happy, healthy, and hard.

Will antidepressants ruin your sex life? No, not necessarily. About a third of men taking antidepressants will experience some form of sexual dysfunction, according to recent clinical reports. There are things you can do to avoid becoming a limp statistic. Take your medication early in the morning. Some meds wear out considerably by nighttime, i.e. nookietime. If your orgasms are inordinately delayed, or worse, nonexistent, ask your doctor about Wellbutrin or Serzone. These 2 medications work differently than many others, and trigger fewer sex-related side effects. Also, depending on the type of psychological problems you are experiencing, an anti-anxiety drug, such as Buspar, may work for you. Also, remember Viagra (the anti-wet-noodle drug) remains quite effective in folks on antidepressants who may need a lift, so to speak. So Mr. Blue, don't let the blues get you down!

Hope things are soon looking up for you.

Dr. Bob