Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
April 02, 2024, 03:44:42 am

Login with username, password and session length


Members
  • Total Members: 37617
  • Latest: NChio
Stats
  • Total Posts: 772996
  • Total Topics: 66312
  • Online Today: 219
  • Online Ever: 5484
  • (June 18, 2021, 11:15:29 pm)
Users Online
Users: 0
Guests: 156
Total: 156

Welcome


Welcome to the POZ Community Forums, a round-the-clock discussion area for people with HIV/AIDS, their friends/family/caregivers, and others concerned about HIV/AIDS.  Click on the links below to browse our various forums; scroll down for a glance at the most recent posts; or join in the conversation yourself by registering on the left side of this page.

Privacy Warning:  Please realize that these forums are open to all, and are fully searchable via Google and other search engines. If you are HIV positive and disclose this in our forums, then it is almost the same thing as telling the whole world (or at least the World Wide Web). If this concerns you, then do not use a username or avatar that are self-identifying in any way. We do not allow the deletion of anything you post in these forums, so think before you post.

  • The information shared in these forums, by moderators and members, is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between an individual and his/her own physician.

  • All members of these forums are, by default, not considered to be licensed medical providers. If otherwise, users must clearly define themselves as such.

  • Forums members must behave at all times with respect and honesty. Posting guidelines, including time-out and banning policies, have been established by the moderators of these forums. Click here for “Do I Have HIV?” posting guidelines. Click here for posting guidelines pertaining to all other POZ community forums.

  • We ask all forums members to provide references for health/medical/scientific information they provide, when it is not a personal experience being discussed. Please provide hyperlinks with full URLs or full citations of published works not available via the Internet. Additionally, all forums members must post information which are true and correct to their knowledge.

  • Product advertisement—including links; banners; editorial content; and clinical trial, study or survey participation—is strictly prohibited by forums members unless permission has been secured from POZ.

To change forums navigation language settings, click here (members only), Register now

Para cambiar sus preferencias de los foros en español, haz clic aquí (sólo miembros), Regístrate ahora

Finished Reading This? You can collapse this or any other box on this page by clicking the symbol in each box.

Author Topic: Depression/Anxiety/Bi-Polar Sex Addiction  (Read 7341 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline monarcmarc

  • Member
  • Posts: 22
Depression/Anxiety/Bi-Polar Sex Addiction
« on: March 26, 2013, 04:13:11 am »
Hi All,

I am curious about other's experience with depression and anxiety. NB Long winded post ahead. I understand that I need to discuss the below with my doc, and I will, but I'm curious whether any body might have had some similar experiences on any aspect of the below.

I've had some issues which until now, I've not really thought about describing  as anxiety, and I think this goes back to before diagnosis.

As an example, I'd find myself travelling an hour with the intention of catching up with a friend, and then finding myself unable to go. I know thoughts in my head were along the lines of how I can sometimes be socially awkward, so rather than put myself in a position where I felt like that, it was easier to avoid. I can solely attribute it to that reasoning alone, I do have a bit of a thing for anonymous sex, and that was very much on my radar at that point. I don't know that sex addicition is an apt term, or even widely accepted: but I do know that sex is something that gets in the way of the ordinary day to day things, so in that sense, I feel it is a bit of an addiction. I've seen that some doctors have found that sex addiction and bi polar are often related, and I do have a sustained history of heavy cannabis use which I'm told can impact  on your mental health.

I was on a script for smoking champix. i found whilst on that, I felt better equipped to deal with things that popped up that might annoy/upset/defeat me. I wondered whether that was by way of the fact it was initially developed as a anti depressent and there might be some undiagnosed issues going on. I've since found out that it's more to do with the way it interacts with the nicotine receptors, and probably it's more along the lines of not feeling like smoking, and then feeling successful and feeling happy about progress rather than failing again. (as a side note, have since taken up snoking again :-X)

More recently at Christmas time, I found myself doing the same thing (minus the sex) I was invited to a christmas dinner, I rocked up, was a few minutes later, saw that people were seated and literally took one step forward, one step back, for about 10 minutes before going, right well I'm obviously not going in.

I transitioned to full time study at the start of this year, and the day before I had this tense-ness across my chest that just wouldn't subside.

I'm on Atripla, and I've read there are in some cases issues in relating to depression and anxiety.

I spoke briefly with the doc about the above, and he's given me a k10 questionaire thing and from what I can gather, based on those answers I'm at high risk. I don't necessarily attribute this to the atripla, but I do wonder with whether the HIV and diagnosis are related. I do find myself talking of myself poorly under the guise of being self deprecating. The thing is, successful and/or happy people, might have a sense of humour about themselves but don't necessarily put shit on themselves.

I'm reluctant to seek out more medication and pills to pop, and other diagnoses to deal with. But if they can help me to be a little happier, or more connected with life and in control of life rather than life ruling me, then why not?

Any experiences to share? Advice on Mental Health issues (aside from -talk to your doctor, doing that next week)

Offline Jeff G

  • Administrator
  • Member
  • Posts: 17,064
  • How am I doing Beren ?
Re: Depression/Anxiety/Bi-Polar Sex Addiction
« Reply #1 on: March 26, 2013, 09:01:37 am »
Two things stand out in your post , one is that  Chantix, also known as varenicline, was developed by Pfizer pharmaceutical company as a way for smokers to break their addiction to Nicotine. Although it works similarly to an antidepressant, it is not approved for this use. The other thing is the Atripla .

Since you noticed an improvement while on Champix and the fact that Atripla has is its issues and CNS and mental side effects I would ask to be referred to Psychiatrist if your not already seeing one . A Psychiatrist will know the pharmacology involved in your situation and will be able to advise your doctor .

With your history I'm surprised your doctor helped choose Atripla for you . It may well be a factor here and fits with your desire for less medication instead of more .   
HIV 101 - Basics
HIV 101
You can read more about Transmission and Risks here:
HIV Transmission and Risks
You can read more about Testing here:
HIV Testing
You can read more about Treatment-as-Prevention (TasP) here:
HIV TasP
You can read more about HIV prevention here:
HIV prevention
You can read more about PEP and PrEP here
PEP and PrEP

Offline Ann

  • Administrator
  • Member
  • Posts: 28,134
  • It just is, OK?
    • Num is sum qui mentiar tibi?
Re: Depression/Anxiety/Bi-Polar Sex Addiction
« Reply #2 on: March 26, 2013, 10:23:39 am »
Hi Marc,

I've moved your thread from the Living forum to the Mental Health forum as the Mental Health forum is a better fit for your subject matter. It also helps people with similar issues find a thread relevant to their concerns.

I don't have much to add to what Jeff said, other than the fact that Champix is well-known for causing depression and suicidal ideation in some people (it did that to me), so I'm surprised you had such a positive experience with it regarding anxiety/depression.

Champix didn't help me stop smoking - the only way it would have made me stop was if I went through with the thoughts of suicide that started going through my head after about two weeks of use. Can't smoke when you're six-feet-under! ;)

Speaking of which, there were several books out  by a guy called Allen Carr (The Easy Way to Stop Smoking) but the books were written in such a dry, boring matter that the only way it helped me was.... well, put it this way. You can't smoke when you're fast asleep! ;D

You might want to check out some of the threads in the Treatments forum that talk about Atripla - and more specifically Sustiva, because it's the Sustiva in Atripla that causes depression and anxiety (and other problems) in some people.

In fact one thread you should definitely read is Jeff's The Sustiva/Atripla Thread where folks talk about their experiences on Sustiva. It may be an eye-opener for you.

Please do discuss this Sustiva/Atripla thing with your doctor and possibly look into trying another combo that does not include Sustiva. There are plenty of options these days and there is no reason to stick with Sustiva if it is causing you problems.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Ann
Condoms are a girl's best friend

Condom and Lube Info  

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline monarcmarc

  • Member
  • Posts: 22
Re: Depression/Anxiety/Bi-Polar Sex Addiction
« Reply #3 on: March 27, 2013, 08:30:03 am »
Hi Guys,
Thanks for the thoughts and info

Jeff, In relation to 'my history' It's not something I've gone into great detail with with my doctor before, neither my GP or HIV specialist.

I definitely got the sense when I was attending a particular doctor, that as much as they are kind and considerate and want to see you do well blah blah blah, they are there because it's a reasonably easy job for them. The definite impression I got for someone like myself was well, just chuck him on Atripla.

I'd not relayed the stories in relation to anxiety because it's only now that I'm beginning to see that is what it could be, whereas before I just saw it as some kind of ordinary situation that most people deal with on a day to day basis, it just got the better of me sometimes.

I'd not sort out another doctor there previously when I think in reality I probably should have. When I was first diagnosed not quite 3 years ago, there was a bit more info coming out in support of meds as early as possible, and I raised this point and was pretty quickly dismissed as not having the same level of understanding around the decision. I get that they are knowledgeable, but the reality is I should have been in a position to be able to press the point without being made to feel a fool. This didn't inspire any confidence. I did notice that when med students were in the room, there was all kinds of talk about different combinations but that all fell to the wayside when we were alone. And I understand that it's been very effective for me and at some level, reasonably well tolerated. But it didn't inspire me to confide and discuss issues, because I felt they thought I was just a bit of a drama queen.

One thing I did find quite bizarre was that when I asked her to set me up with a regular gp, as I rarely get sick and just went to a medical centre when I needed a day off or an extension for a uni assignment. He asked something relating to bi polar and it seemed rather pointed, rather than incidental to our conversation. It made me wonder whether that was something the hiv doctor had mentioned to him in referring me. who knows.

I've moved rural now and that means I really only have the choice of a single doctor. I see her in a fortnight so I'll be able to suss her out and see whether I can't develop a meaningful relationship from the ground up with her, otherwise my option is to double my travel time, which is hard as a poor uni student, but might be something well worth considering if I don't feel supported by the new doc.

Ann,
I have read the Allen Carr book. I hear you. Friends had spoken highly of it, I picked it up and I thought that is so ridiculously boring I couldn't even finish it.

In relation to the sustiva, the thing is these issues where on my radar well before diagnosis, even if by another name. I'm reluctant to change meds because it works for me, and I don't really potentially want to have worry about developing resistance if I can avoid it. But I also have quality of life to consider and that certainly needs to be a part of the decision making process.

Once again, thanks for the comments. I've muddled my way through a long post again. Cheers for the patience.
Mark

Offline BT65

  • Global Moderator
  • Member
  • Posts: 10,786
Re: Depression/Anxiety/Bi-Polar Sex Addiction
« Reply #4 on: March 27, 2013, 06:06:11 pm »
Mark, I honestly wouldn't worry about resistance.  I had to switch off Sustiva due to depression and anxiety issues.  I doubt, unless you have resistance now, that you would develop that.  I would put mental health as priority when there are other combos you can try.  This is just my two cents.  Of course you have to make up your own mind.  Good luck, whatever you decide.
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Condom and Lube Info https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/safer-sex
Please check out our lessons on PEP and PrEP. https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/pep-prep

https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/treatmentasprevention-tasp

Offline monarcmarc

  • Member
  • Posts: 22
Atripla Brain Fog
« Reply #5 on: April 05, 2013, 10:32:47 pm »
Hey Guys,
I've switched and taken atripla at the recommended time. But I find myself going to sleep fairly late and so when I rise theres definitely some residual brain fogginess going on; I prefer to take it just before bed so any issues going to sleep are minimised

 I'm a student and trying to keep brain fog to a minimum and I'm finding it loiters a little first thing for a couple of hours.

I can recall reading that exercise has helped some peeps with this side effect. Curious as to whether people have had an success in battling this side effect by training first thing in the morning.

Much Love,
Mark

Offline Common_ground

  • Member
  • Posts: 292
Re: Atripla Brain Fog
« Reply #6 on: April 05, 2013, 11:45:01 pm »
Hi Mark
Have you thought about going off Atripla for something else?
How long have you been taken it?

I also had CNS effects when on Truvada and Stocrin ( same meds as Atripla but in 2 pills instead of 1) and I switched to Viramune and Truvada about 3 weeks ago, its the best thing I could've ever done. Better mood, sleep and I can actually tell that Ive never felt this good since diagnosis. I shouldn't blame this all (or maybe...) on the previous combo but since it was my first I had little to compare with and just thought it was to be expected. Bottom line, don't settle for second best, there are many meds today and unless you have some resistance issues I'm sure there is a better option for you.
2011 May - Neg.
2012 June CD4:205, 16% VL:2676 Start Truvada/Stocrin
2012 July  CD4:234, 18% VL:88
2012 Sep  CD4:238, 17% VL:UD
2013 Feb  CD4:257, 24% VL:UD -viramune/truvada
2013 May CD4:276, 26% VL:UD

2015 CD4: 240 , 28% VL:UD - Triumeq
2015 March CD4: 350 VL: UD

Offline Ann

  • Administrator
  • Member
  • Posts: 28,134
  • It just is, OK?
    • Num is sum qui mentiar tibi?
Re: Atripla Brain Fog
« Reply #7 on: April 06, 2013, 08:37:58 am »
Mark, have you re-read your thread forum? It really sounds like you should talk to your doctor about trying another combo.
Condoms are a girl's best friend

Condom and Lube Info  

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline Jeff G

  • Administrator
  • Member
  • Posts: 17,064
  • How am I doing Beren ?
Re: Depression/Anxiety/Bi-Polar Sex Addiction
« Reply #8 on: April 06, 2013, 09:24:58 am »
Hi Marc . I merged your old thread into your new one so you can have it all in one place . 
HIV 101 - Basics
HIV 101
You can read more about Transmission and Risks here:
HIV Transmission and Risks
You can read more about Testing here:
HIV Testing
You can read more about Treatment-as-Prevention (TasP) here:
HIV TasP
You can read more about HIV prevention here:
HIV prevention
You can read more about PEP and PrEP here
PEP and PrEP

Offline monarcmarc

  • Member
  • Posts: 22
Re: Depression/Anxiety/Bi-Polar Sex Addiction
« Reply #9 on: April 06, 2013, 10:30:48 am »
Hey guys,
 ;D
Deep breath so I don't come off too stroppy and like a petulant ingrate, given that you all are being very kind and are looking out for my best interests. :-X

Yes, I will speak to the doctor, but because of my regional setting, the next available appointment is still a couple of weeks away. Sadly, my uni work and assessments don't stop just because I am feeling a little out of sorts. What I need in the meantime, is practical advice so I can deal with the things that I have committed myself to in the short term, not a restatement of has already been established.
 
I have sought out an extension, but sadly the maximum allowable still doesn't provide me with any wriggle room. At all. Which kind of sucks, but there's not much I can do about it and I believe the best way to deal with something, is head on, so that is what I plan to do.

Much Love,
Mark.

 


Terms of Membership for these forums
 

© 2024 Smart + Strong. All Rights Reserved.   terms of use and your privacy
Smart + Strong® is a registered trademark of CDM Publishing, LLC.