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HIV 101: Psychiatric and HIV Medication Interactions

January 2005

A note from TheBody.com: Since this article was written, the HIV pandemic has changed, as has our understanding of HIV/AIDS and its treatment. As a result, parts of this article may be outdated. Please keep this in mind, and be sure to visit other parts of our site for more recent information!

Category NNRTIs NRTIs PIs
SSRIs Prozac increases levels of Rescriptor 50% NPD* Prozac may lead to increased effects of Norvir, but no dose adjustment of Norvir is needed when used in combination. Norvir increases levels of Prozac, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft.
TCAs NPD NPD Norvir decreases Norpramin clearance by 50%, causing higher than anticipated blood levels; may increase levels of Elavil, Sinequan, Tofranil, Depakote. When used in combination with Norvir, caution is required. It is recommended to use lower doses, and regularly monitor EKG and serum TCA levels.
Other: Wellbutrin Sustiva may increase wellbutrin levels. NPD Viracept and Norvir may increase wellbutrin levels, increasing risk of drug-induced seizures.
Other: Serzone NPD NPD Caution advised; combination of PIs and Serzone may increase levels of both drugs.
SNRIs NPD NPD Effexor may decrease Crixivan levels.
Other: Desyrel NPD NPD Potential for drug interactions when Desyrel is co-administered. Adverse effects including nausea, hypotension, and syncope were observed when Norvir and Desyrel were co-administered. It is likely that Nizoral, Crixivan, and other CYP34A inhibitors may lead to increases in Desyrel plasma concentrations with potential for adverse effects. If Desyrel is used with a potent CYP34A inhibitor, a lower dose of Desyrel should be considered.
Benzodiazepines NPD NPD Kaletra and Halcion may have possible interactions; Halcion and other antipsychotics from this class are contraindicated in combination with PIs due to the potential for serious and life-threatening reactions such as prolonged or severe sedation or respiratory depression. Xanax, Dalmane, Klonopin, and Valium should be used in caution with PIs due to the potential for serious reactions such as prolonged or severe sedation or respiratory depression. Ativan, Restoril, and Tranxene are free of the serious interactions with PIs found with other benzodiazepines.
Non-Benzodiazepine Sedative/Hypnotics NPD NPD Ambien and Sonata should be used with caution in combination with PIs due to the potential for serious reactions such as prolonged or severe sedation or respiratory depression.
Lithium Carbonate NPD NPD NPD
Anticonvulsants Tegretol and Dilantin may decrease levels of PIs and NNRTIs. Long term clinical implications not known; monitor for Retrovir toxicity. Tegretol may decrease levels of PIs and NNRTIs. Known to decrease Crixivan levels with loss of viral suppression. Tegretol levels increased by Norvir. Dilantin: co-administered with Kaletra results in decreased concentrations of both Dilantin and Kaletra.
First Generation -- Typical NPD NPD Orap is contraindicated in combination with PIs due to potential for serious and life-threatening reactions, such as cardiac arrhythmia. Norvir may increase levels of antipsychotics.
Second Generation -- Atypical NPD NPD PIs may increase plasma levels of Clozaril and increase the risk for seizures and orthostatic hypotension. Geodon: caution is indicated when Geodon is co-administered with Norvir.
Third Generation NPD NPD NPD
St. John's Wort May reduce blood levels of NNRTIs. Induces metabolism of Viramune; increased clearance ~35%. NPD May reduce blood levels of PIs.
This table has been adapted from "Psychiatric Medications and HIV Antiretrovirals: A Guide to Interactions for Clinicians." NY/NJ AIDS Education and Training Center.

* No Published Data about drug interactions specific to this combination.

A note from TheBody.com: Since this article was written, the HIV pandemic has changed, as has our understanding of HIV/AIDS and its treatment. As a result, parts of this article may be outdated. Please keep this in mind, and be sure to visit other parts of our site for more recent information!



  
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This article was provided by Brown Medical School. It is a part of the publication Infectious Diseases in Corrections Report.
 
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