Advertisement
The Body: The Complete HIV/AIDS Resource Follow Us Follow Us on Facebook Follow Us on Twitter
Professionals >> Visit The Body PROThe Body en Espanol
   
Ask the Experts About

Mental Health and HIVMental Health and HIV
         
Rollover images to visit our other forums!
 
Recent AnswersAsk a Question
  
  • Email Email
  • Glossary Glossary


HIV+, Depression, Cocaine
Feb 11, 2007

I have been HIV+ for five years. I have developed severe depression for about the same time. Anti-depressants do not seem to work, as I want them to. I have taken up cocaine and it not only does it give me energy but it makes me fully functional and eliminates my fatigue. Does using cocaine interfere with the antidepressants or enhance them? My psychiatrist is aware of my usage and only tells me to stop. Also, how does this affect my HIV? My counts have remained the same. Thanks.

Response from Dr. Horwath

Cocaine is not a treatment for depression. It is a temporary high, but its long term effects will make you worse. Repeated cocaine use can actually cause depression and other ill effects, such as strokes and heart attacks. I agree with your psychiatrist that you need to stop. If you need treatment to stop, then so be it. But continuing with the cocaine will further jeopardize your health.



  
  • Email Email
  • Glossary Glossary

 Get Email Notifications When This Forum Updates or Subscribe With RSS


 
 
Advertisement



Q&A TERMS OF USE

This forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not 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 TheBody.com nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.

Review our complete terms of use and copyright notice.

Powered by ExpertViewpoint

Advertisement