doctor, i am 35 hiv + for 2 years. 700 cd4, 11,000 vl. low testosterone so i use androgel. nortriptyline for chronic pain (doesn't work). vicodin for pain(not much) doc is real tight. i've been real depressed for 2 weeks which causes severe fatique and irrateability. i hate everyone and have very little patience. my doc started me on zoloft. its been 2 days and i am waiting the month they say it will take to start working. my concern and my boyfriend's (negative)concern is the sexual side effects. i already have some from the nortriptyline. i'm not very horny and only can get to about 3/4 errect now as it is, not too mention i cant make my own testosterone. i dont want to be on antidepressants at all but realize the virus is most likely causing this depression. i have an appointment with the staff pyschatrasit and my doctor's office but the first appointment is a month away. i am affraid of zoloft making me a zombie and zapping the rest of my lousy sex drive. what else can i take?

Zoloft is an excellent antidepressant. It does not usually cause problems with getting an erection, but it can contribute to a decrease in sexual interest. Some people who develop this side effect benefit from small doses of buproprion, which is another antidepressant. Buproprion can have an interaction with some protease inhibitors or with efavirenz (these drugs may increase levels of buproprion). For this reason, higher doses of buproprion should be avoided if you are taking one of these antiretrovirals. Unfortuanately, many of the antidepressants have some sexual side effects. It is best for you to consult with the psychiatrist about your specific situation.