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A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Barrie, ON

I see my doctor tomorrow morning and I am inquiring about a new HIV Treatment that doesn't cause mental health issues like anger, depression and suicidal thoughts?Also doesn't have issues with trying to get to sleep and is compatible with my Bipolar medication Olanzapine?

September 10
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Reactions
A myHIVteam Member

Hey @A myHIVteam Member , thank you so much for putting this into a broader reach question, so everyone could reply to their experience.

I am currently having the same talk with my psychiatrist. He told me a week ago, that he was thinking that any of the medication in my Genvoya, may be causing me side effects, from my psych medication ( Triletpal/ Lamotrigine/ old anti depressant (Nortriptyline). He is reaching out to my primary care physician, so they can work together. My mental health meds have mostly been a negative experience but I still hold out HOPE, that eventually, I will be happy again.

4 ingredients in Genvoya are below:
1- Elvitegravir (150mg)
2- Cobicistat ( 150 mg)
3- Emtricitabine (200 mg)
4- Tenofovir (10mg)

In 2017, I had a blood test, that showed me what medications were

(Combinatorial Pharmacogenetic Test is the name of the test. If you have any questions, call (Phone number can only be seen by the question and answer creators) or email (Email address can only be seen by the question and answer creators)

-Use As Directed ( Green Light to Use)
- Moderate Gene Drug Interaction ( Yellow Light- Use with Caution
-Significant Gene Drug Interaction ( Red- Not recommended)

It covers Antidepressants
Anxiolytics and Hypnotics
Antipsychotics
Mood Stabilizers
Opioids and Non Opioids
ADHD

Well, that's all I have right now but I'm really interested, in this subject and everyone's experience.

Cynthia

September 10
myHIVteam

What a great question to bring to your doctor's appointment tomorrow! It's really important to find an HIV treatment that works well with your overall mental and physical health.

Some HIV medications are known to affect sleep and mood more than others. The ones most commonly linked to sleep issues, vivid dreams, and mood Show Full Answer

What a great question to bring to your doctor's appointment tomorrow! It's really important to find an HIV treatment that works well with your overall mental and physical health.

Some HIV medications are known to affect sleep and mood more than others. The ones most commonly linked to sleep issues, vivid dreams, and mood changes include:

- Efavirenz (Sustiva)
- Dolutegravir (Tivicay)
- Bictegravir (found in Biktarvy)

If you're currently on any of these, it's absolutely worth discussing alternatives with your doctor. There are newer HIV treatment options that may have fewer mental health-related side effects. Long-acting injectable treatments like Cabenuva (given monthly or every two months) or Sunlenca are worth asking about, as they offer different mechanisms and may suit you better.

When you see your doctor tomorrow, be sure to:

- Mention your specific mental health symptoms, including sleep difficulties
- Bring up your Olanzapine prescription so they can check for drug interactions
- Ask specifically which ART options are safest alongside your current medication

Your doctor can help find the right balance. Going in prepared with these questions will make the appointment really productive!

September 10
A myHIVteam Member

@A myHIVteam Member, I met with my PCP/HIV doctor. She went through my HIV med along with my other meds, most comparatively to my mental health meds and found no drug interactions. I am so grateful for that, so I know and more importantly my PCP and psychiatrist are on the same page.

How did your recent doctor's visit go ?

Cynthia

2 days ago (edited)
Hi, this is just a check-in, based on a phrase you mentioned. If you — or anyone else who sees this — is thinking about self-harm, we want to say that you are an important part of this community. No part of this is easy, but there is support that can help. Read more >

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