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Do I need to Give Up Meds?
Jun 5, 2007
I am recently diagnosed AIDS with a tcell count of 66. I'm in good health with no AIDS related problems in my past, except for possibly a short bout with shingles. I have biopolar disorder and have been stable on a combination of Seroquel and Lamictal for several years. I've been told I can no longer take these medications, as they will interfere with my anti-viral medications. Is this true? I'm very anxious about giving up medications that have worked-- they were so hard to find.
My psychiatrist and ID doctor are "sort of" communicating, but I'm not convinced. I've been given Truvada and Sustiva, but haven't started taking them yet, as we're waiting for me to reduce the Seroquel and Lamictal to zero. I'll be taking Mirtazapine and Gabapentin in their place.
Any thoughts?
Thank you.
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Response from Dr. Horwath
Based on the information you've provided, I would not recommend switching to mirtazapine and gabapentin. First, mirtazapine is an antidepressant, which may sometimes aggravate bipolar disorder. Second, gabapentin is not an effective treatment for bipolar disorder.
There is absolutely no reason that you could not stay on Seroquel, which is effective for both the depressive and manic episodes of bipolar disorder. Lamictal is associated with some drug interactions and requires some caution. However, Seroquel is often effective as a monotherapy (single drug treatment).
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