Is It Ok To Drink Alcohol With HIV Meds

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Ask the Experts

HIV Meds and Alcohol

I have been taking HIV medication for almost a year. Being over 21 I also definitely enjoy cocktails. I was wondering how soon after taking my medication is it safe to have a drink...or two? Also, how long BEFORE taking the meds should I not drink....

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hi,This is the type of question you should discuss with your HIV specialist physician. I have no way of knowing exactly which "HIV meds" you are currently taking. Most antiretrovirals and other HIV-related medications do not have... Read more »

HIV and drinking (asymptomatic or on meds)

Hi Nelson,As a heavy drinker, I am aware of the effects alcohol has on the body of healthy (HIV... Read more »

Response from Nelson Vergel, B.S.Ch.E., M.B.A. »

Effect of alcohol on efficacy of HIV meds &on disease progression

I have AIDS. I have not had alcohol since my diagnosis 8 months ago, at which time I began taking... Read more »

Response from Ewald Horwath, M.D. »

Go to Ask the Experts »

Articles

Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange

"Heavy" Alcohol Use Affects the Effectiveness of Anti-HIV Meds

At the annual meeting of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, researchers from the University of Miami presented their findings on the impact of heavy alcohol use on anti-HIV therapy. The researchers analysed data from 220 HIV positive... Read more »

How You Can Recognize Signs that You May be Abusing Alcohol

If you are like many Americans, you may drink alcohol occasionally. Or, like others, you may drink moderate amounts of alcohol on a more regular basis. If you are a woman or someone over the age of 65, this means that you have no more than one drink... Read more »

Binge Drinking Among MSM in New York City Linked to Increased HIV Risk, Study Says

Binge drinking -- or the consumption of five or more alcoholic beverages on one occasion -- may be contributing to an increased risk of HIV among men who have sex with men in New York City, according to a study released Monday by the city's... Read more »

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Longitudinal Association of Alcohol Use With HIV Disease Progression and Psychological Health of Women With HIV

The association of alcohol consumption and depression, and their effects on HIV disease progression among women with HIV, were the subjects of the current study. The participants were 871 HIV-positive women recruited in four U.S. cities between 1993... Read more »

Connect With Others

DRINKING AND DRIVING THE MEDS!

Posted by Anonymous, 6 Replies

So first of all, I know this is a question for my doc, but thought I'd at least get a perspective on here from the people that actualy feel what I feel. I began taking meds several months ago and have been gliding smoothly along. I am a very social... Read more »

Alcohol and HIV

Posted by wonderbread, 2 Replies

Hey all! I have been posative for about twenty months now. I am not taking any med yet but was wondering about alcohol. Some time I like to come home and a few beer after work or with friends on friday night but have been noticing that over the last... Read more »

HIV, alcohol and patience.

Posted by Anonymous, 4 Replies

I am so worried about being impatient about everthing! I drink alcohol daily and take sustiva and combivir.
Will alcohol and also zoloft for depression interact with the alcohol??? I work the afternoon shift and find it hard to get out of bed. HELP! Read more »

HIV and drinking

Posted by Anonymous, 5 Replies

I am so depressed and am drinking large amounts of alcohol. I am at wits end and also have severe back pain.
Is it true that alcohol speeds HIV to AIDS?? Read more »

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