Mixing HIV and Anti-Seizure Drugs

[thebird1959]

Just wondering if anybody else on here has to take anti-seizure drugs along with there HIV meds and can give any insight on the complications and/or share any info on it? My seizures are caused by scar tissue on the right side of the brain left by an abscess 20 yrs ago at the base of my brain that almost ruptured. The scar tissue keeps that side of my brain agitated, and without medication the seizures are brought on by stress and fatigue. Was told by doctors then that I'd never be able to work again. Thank God I proved them wrong.   

[osric]

My neurologist consulted with my ID doc and they've decided to avoid Atripla since the efavirenz component may cause elevated seizure activity for me. Complera also has a bunch of warnings about how you shouldn't take it with a number of anti-epileptics.

I haven't started any HIV meds yet -- I was slated to start Complera, but we're holding off until I meet with a doc who specializes in neurology and HIV next month. It took a years to get my seizures under reasonable control, so the last thing I need is some HIV med interfering with my brain.

It would be interesting to hear what kind of experiences folks have had with different med combinations.

[Ann]

Hi Bird, welcome to the forums.

It's difficult to give you any detailed information as you do not tell us the names of any of the meds you're on for anything.

However, you can go to http://www.hiv-druginteractions.org/ and enter your meds into the various tables to find out if there are any counterindications. (Click on the area that says "drug interaction charts" and follow the instructions.)

www.hiv-druginteractions.org is a very reputable website run by one of the UKs leading hiv pharmacologists. It's used by doctors and patients all around the world.

If by chance your seizure meds aren't listed, your best bet would be to talk to a pharmacist about it.

Ann

[thebird1959]

  I am on 2 seizure medications. Levetiracetam which is the generic version of Keppra, and Carbamazepine which is the generic version of Tegretol. Have to take both. Neither one of them by themselves will control the seizures. I can sense when my brain is starting to misfire long before a seizure ever becomes full-blown and can adjust my medication accordingly if I need to. My other neurologist never did believe me. The neurologist that I have now does, and explained to me how that is possible.
  I haven't started on any HIV meds yet. Just trying to cover all the bases and gain as much knowledge as I can as fast as I can. Thanks for the help!