Psychotropic medications and HIV medicine: A rational approach.

Abstract

New drugs available for HN infection treatment have produced significant improvements in quality and quantity of life in affected individuals. These new agents are metabolized by the same hepatic microsomal system that is responsible for breakdown of psychotropic drugs. Thus, toxic drug levels and undesirable side-effects are possible when anti-retroviral drugs are used in combination with psychotropic medication. The treatment of HN-infected individuals presenting with neuropsychiatric and psychological morbidity is reviewed. A rational approach should involve the selection of drugs that minimize interaction with metabolism of the other medications.