Triumeq and possible ADD/ADHD like symptoms?

[xunil]

About a month ago I started seeing a therapist, and while we've only had three sessions, we're very in tune with each other and I feel it is a great fit.  He brought up something that has had me thinking ever since.  Many of the things I described or issues I rated high on several anxiety/depression questionnaires led him to ask me if I had ever been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.

It took me as a surprise because no one has ever mentioned anything like that to me before.  I was always a good student, never had any issues or teachers do anything but comment positively about my work and behavior.  I've always done really well at work, even in very stressful situations and environments.  The past year, since I started Triumeq, I've experienced a lot of issues with focus, being easily distracted by everything and anything at work, etc.

I've read that others have experienced increased anxiety and sleep issues, both of which I already had prior to beginning medication so I can't say those issues have really changed dramatically, but the focus and attention is becoming a problem.  My therapist also said that ADD/ADHD is an underlying cause of anxiety and the both are very related.  Since I've always experienced anxiety I'm not sure what to think in terms of whether this could just be related to issues I've always had or issues that are specific to Triumeq.

I asked my pharmacist today, who works in a special pharmacy at the doctor I go to so he's well versed in HIV meds and side effects, and he stated he has seen a similar issue with one other patient and that switching medications resolved the issue.  It's been about a year on Triumeq and I feel the anxiety and attention/focus issues are getting worse while life itself isn't getting better or giving me reasons to be anxious (for once!). 

I was wondering if others have had similar experiences, and if so, did you switch medications and see a change?  I will be discussing this with my doctor on my next visit, but I wanted to get see if anyone else has gone through something similar and done anything that worked to resolve it.  Thanks in advance for your responses.

[Amaterasu]

That's funny you mention that. Its been exactly a year since I started triumeq and off top I've noticed an increase in anxiety as well as a bit of a shorter attention span and slightly worse memory. Now this is my first treatment and they all say its a good one so I'm not ready to jump ship yet but I'm sure it's a direct correlation. Now if it got to the point that it's unmanageable then maybe . I wonder if others agree .

[xunil]

I'm starting to think diet may have something to do with my situation too.  I have noticed a trend that during periods where I am not eating well, or very healthy, that the problems are at their worst.  When I have a good routine going and am eating well it seems to be less of or a non-issue.

I just really started noticing it and thinking about it recently.  I'm trying to get into a better daily routine in general and need to start exercising too.  I'm interested to see if these issues go away once I get into a very healthy routine and sustain it.

[CaveyUK]

The Dolutegravir component of Triumeq is generally well tolerated by people with fewer side effects than many other meds (and no food restrictions etc) BUT there are a number of reports of CNS issues for a few people, including mood alteration and sleep issues. Anxiety clearly falls into this category.

I would suggest keeping a diary of any periods of anxiety/panic and sleep problems (I guess memory and focus issues are harder to quantify and are a bit more subjective), and discuss with your doctor if it becomes a serious concern. A med switch may be appropriate.