some sort of breakdown/depression episode

[remo85]

Hi guys!n happy new year.
As always im turning to the community to help me out here. I think im going through a mental health issue but im not really sure.  For the past 4 days my heart has been beating faster all day , i feel agitated , im always like bitting very hard , somewhat dizzy ,nausious and even had a couple of panic attacks . Sleep is the hardest because every part of me feels like sleeping but my heart and mind are racing.

I have been taking atripla since i was diagnosed a little bit over a year now and had never had any type of symptoms other than dreams and feeling somewhat drugged (if im by any chance awake after the dose, which is usualy not the case). I feel i might be developping depression ..like my head is in a box.  Im afraid my numbers might get screwed up and i dont know if i should start meds. I went to the psychiatrist lately and he prescribed bupropion hydrochloride but im a bit freaked out because..ever since the diagnosis i had asked several people about treatment and alcohol intake and EVERY answer has been completely contradictory to the other so im not sure who to trust regarding overall interactions.

Added to this, I have never felt lonelier in my life (which im trying to work on)and screwing Up the treatment is the last thing i need . Im on the edge and not sure if my mind is winning over me or if i have and actual reason to be worried.
Anybody can give me first hand experience with psych meds and atripla or preferably the same med?
Thank you all.

[Ptrk3]

remo85:  sorry to read of your circumstances and hope they improve quickly.

There may be a number of overlapping issues occurring to you:

1)  It sounds like you have depression and anxiety (which often go hand-in-hand; the anxiety could be the racing heart, agitation, and panic attacks).  Perhaps, you can ask your psychiatrist to prescribe you with immediate-release Xanax (or equivalent), to address the anxiety you may be experiencing, in addition to the bupropion hydrochloride (i.e., Wellbutrin) you are taking for depression.

2) The efavirenz component of Atripla can exacerbate depression in some people, and, for this reason, is sometimes discontinued for another antiretroviral medication regimen:

http://www.aidsmap.com/A-fifth-of-patients-discontinue-iAtriplai-within-a-year-CNS-side-effects-the-main-reason/page/2080240/

If the depression continues, discuss with your infectious disease doctor whether such a switch is appropriate for you.

3)  It is not unusual for depression to spike during the holidays, particularly for people who may live alone and have much time on their hands (time to ruminate; time to experience, in your case, a post-traumatic stress reaction to your initial diagnosis; time to feel lonely and negative about life choices and experiences, etc.).

4)  Try to stay active and keep yourself distracted as much you can (get out of the house, see a movie, get into a social situation, that type of thing).

5)  Keep working with your psychiatrist to determine the best anti-depression, anti-anxiety medication that works with you without negative interaction with your antiretroviral regimen).  Sometimes, getting the right medication and dosage takes time.  In addition, perhaps cognitive therapy will help, so check to see if your psychiatrist can recommend you to an appropriate "talk" therapist.

6) Avoid alcohol intake, since it can exacerbate feelings of depression and isolation.

7)  Keep in touch with these forums for continuing support and advice.

  Always remember, depression/anxiety can be an illness, just like HIV, and needs to be treated with care and respect:  it is not to be ignored.  Often, it is only temporary so always remember that things do and will get better.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you are coping.

[remo85]

Thank you for your feedback !
Ive been dealing with some stress lately and even though i feel relaxed at times, my jaw is really tense ,im unable to sleep well even with tranquilizers and my pressure is slightly high at times. Im giving it some days hoping its not the atripla. If it persists ill have it checked with the dr i guess ...but changing treatment freaks me out a bit to be honest.
Can atripla just suddenly start messing you up? I was perfectly fine with it before. 

[Ptrk3]

Depression/anxiety is a complicated disease/affliction with multiple "triggers."  Your usage of Atripla is just one of many factors of which you should be aware.  Continue working with your psychiatrist and infectious disease doctor to sort things out.

In any case, stay connected with this forum until you are in a better state of mind.
There are people here to help you.

[harleymc]

I'm not sure who the 'several people about treatment and alcohol intake' you asked are. if they are lay people then they have no expertise..... just like me.

Check with your pharmacist or your doctor.

I couldn't see anything on webmd.com about alcohol and your medication, but alcohol is generally not advised for people with depression.

 I know I have to keep my alcohol intake to moderation or I get wild mood swings. But I'm not going teetotal for the rest of my life. Moderation in everything including moderation. 

Good Luck