POZ Community Forums
Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: sydneyboi on August 24, 2012, 11:22:08 pm
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Hey all,
I need to ask this question because it is a reality for me, and I am sure I am not alone on this one.
I have recently been diagnosed and my doctor is talking about starting me on Eviplera. My concern is that I still enjoy the clubbing scene and like my party drugs. I know that some of you may judge me, but I am being honest, it is a part of my life and I need to consider every aspect of my lifestyle before making the decision regarding treatment.
I appreciate your advice.
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Hey Boi , you wont find much in the way of judgement here about your party favors . One quote I have heard here on the forum by someone I admire is every thing in moderation including moderation .
You didn't mention what your CD4 count is , if your lab numbers are stable and your liver function is normal then its up to you how to live your life . If there comes a time where your party time is affecting your health and you are forgetting to take your HIV meds you may have to do some soul searching and back off a little or stop completely if you want .
I used to party like a maniac and there came a time where I had to give it up in order to regain my health . Be honest with your self and treat your body with respect and you will know what to do .
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I don't understand what question you are asking. Do you think that certain party drugs have an effect on HAART. And vice versa - that HAART is going to wreck a recreational drug high?
Or what exactly is your question...
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A big issue with recreational drugs is that when you are on them your chances of missing a dose of your medication increases. You party and you forget (or are too high) and don't take your medication.
Also, tell your doctor what you are taking. Your doctor most likely isn't going to be judgemental. You are not the first patient who partakes in recreational drugs. Let your doctor know so they can monitor you for any interaction.
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Your doctor most likely isn't going to be judgemental.
LOL You really don't see many doctors do you? ;D LOL
Suggesting that pozzies don't have sex, and surely don't do it with one another without protection, is just one way doctors are judgmental. They're also pretty judgmental about things that will adversely affect the health of their patients - like smoking, lack of exercise, improper diet, recreational drugs, alcohol, etc. The list is truly endless about what doctors will be judgmental about.
Now however that doesn't negate your advice to always tell your doctor about EVERYTHING you do, take, ingest, etc; but when you admit to many of those things, a patient should always be prepared for their doctor to be judgmental, often rightly judgmental, against our unhealthy habits.
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LOL You really don't see many doctors do you? ;D LOL
Suggesting that pozzies don't have sex, and surely don't do it with one another without protection, is just one way doctors are judgmental. They're also pretty judgmental about things that will adversely affect the health of their patients - like smoking, lack of exercise, improper diet, recreational drugs, alcohol, etc. The list is truly endless about what doctors will be judgmental about.
Uhh no. My doc is not the least bit judgemental. She will tell me the information and let me make the decision for myself. Smoking, Cocaine, drinking, ... she would say "If you are going to do this then be aware", and she leaves it at that. and then usually gives me a grape sucker ;) I can tell her absolutely anything.
But to get back to OP, yeah...basically the big problem with recreational drugs is that you get jacked up to Jesus then forget to take your meds. There is a chart of all the drugs and possible interactions somewhere...It seems for the msot part there were very little probs if used in moderation. Let me see if I can dig it up again.
-W
Edited to add -
Here it is.very detailed..
http://www.nynjaetc.org/documents/RecGuideNOV2009.pdf
(http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af308/IwuvPhilly/drugs-1.jpg)
for example, If you take Norvir and use Crystal this may increase the blood levels of the crystal by 2-3x.
...and it looks like Ecstasy is a no no with Norvir.
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I'm with Willy. My doc never judged me, but instead gave me the total run-down on possible interactions (either way, too...not just which would potentially dampen the HIV pills, but which could lessen or even boost the effects of street drugs).
That was my last doc. My new one isn't judgmental, either, but is certainly not as elaborate about it as my last....but then he's not as elaborate about anything. He's just not as vivacious a personality in general.
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I've come across a few judgemental doctors, but thankfully I've come across more who are non-judgemental. You have to take each doctor on their own merits (or lack of merits). They're human too, and some are better at leaving their personal baggage at home than others.
There used to be a doctor here (now retired) who was a GI doctor and therefore ended up with a lot of patients who were experiencing liver problems due to excess drinking (or viral hep). He treated them abysmally. He was one of the most judgemental doctors I've ever come across.
Turned out his wife was an alcoholic. He came home from work to find her passed out on the floor one night. He stepped over her - without checking her - and went to bed. He came down the next morning to find her near to death. She'd hit her head on the way down and had a massive concussion and brain-swelling and because there was no blood on the floor, he hadn't noticed the night before. She died that day in hospital. Had he taken her to A&E when he found her, they reckoned she would have made a full recovery.
Because it was a common occurrence for him to find her passed out when he got home, he wasn't charged with any sort of negligence or whatever and was allowed to continue his medical practice. However, his attitude towards people with liver disease got even worse. I know this both first hand and through the experiences of people I know.
Like I said, not all doctors are able to leave their personal baggage at home, where it belongs. This personal baggage can range from religious beliefs, political beliefs, personal problems at home and everything else in-between. Just look at how many doctors want to be permitted to refuse to write scripts for birth control - and that's only one example.
Sydney, like others have said, one of the bigger considerations when talking about hiv meds, recreational drugs (including alcohol) and partying is the possibility that you'll forget to take your hiv meds. Should this occur too often, you may risk becoming resistant to some of your meds.
Another drug interaction website that includes some recreational drugs (as well as drugs like viagra) is http://www.hiv-druginteractions.org/
And remember, all things in moderation, including moderation. It's ok to let your hair down now and then - in fact it's a good thing. Complete sobriety and no partying will make Sydney a dull boi. ;)
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Hey all,
I need to ask this question because it is a reality for me, and I am sure I am not alone on this one.
I have recently been diagnosed and my doctor is talking about starting me on Eviplera. My concern is that I still enjoy the clubbing scene and like my party drugs. I know that some of you may judge me, but I am being honest, it is a part of my life and I need to consider every aspect of my lifestyle before making the decision regarding treatment.
I appreciate your advice.
Sidney I also dabble in drugs from time to time. I went to a club 2 months ago and I basically had a little bit of everything (GHB, weed, coke, special k). I do it very consciously though, I remember everything and every decision and never skipped a dose because of it.
The worst one by far is coke. When you do coke (depends on how much though) you put your whole body in a frenzy and you don't eat and don't sleep. Obviously your CD4 takes a tumble when that happens...you stress your body, there's no two ways about it. If your CD4 is high then there's not much to worry but when is low or bordering on 350 then I think you need to take this into consideration.
That said, I don't think there's any problem in doing minor party drugs like ecstasy or GHB. My doctor never said anything about any drug interaction with HAART, ever. I think it really comes down to how your body responds to the treatment and to party drugs. Some people are even unable to drink alcohol properly once they start HAART. If you can take it and don't do anything you might regret the next morning then you should be fine.
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I've actually had lab work done the day after a coke binge and my counts improved.
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I cant see how the occassional use of some coke, E, acid or whatever could be that bad, If its just mainly to remember taking your meds.
Nevertheless it would be wise to start slow, I did speed when I was + and not on meds and It just sent me to hell mentally even thou I was an avid user but with the HIV it didnt work out so I had to put it all to rest and to this day I never used
again. Actually partly because the drugs started to "kick in" differently I decided to check for HIV cuz I just got sick and felt bad never high. Just my 2.
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I've actually had lab work done the day after a coke binge and my counts improved.
Whenever I do a coke binge I feel like shit...and on a few occasions it led me to a sore throat. Then again, I'm with a CD4 of 350 so I should watch out anyway. As I said, when it comes to coke, it really depends on how much you do and how much you can take.
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Whenever I do a coke binge I feel like shit...and on a few occasions it led me to a sore throat. Then again, I'm with a CD4 of 350 so I should watch out anyway. As I said, when it comes to coke, it really depends on how much you do and how much you can take.
Try buying a better quality of coke. It's usually the crap they add to stretch the coke that causes you to feel like shit and will give you a sore nose or sore throat. Good quality coke that hasn't been "stepped on" by every dealer down the chain doesn't really do that.
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Meth, on the other hand, makes you feel like a depleted version of Satan after it's all over.
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Complete sobriety and no partying will make Sydney a dull boi. ;)
I can tell you that this is unequivocally FALSE. I have been completely sober for almost 23 years -- I've been called many things, but NEVER dull. Assuming that life without booze or drugs is boring is one of the many reasons folks use to not stop destructive behavior. (judgement can go both ways, can't it).
To the OP -- I am not recommending you follow my path -- if you want to keep on partying, and it's not negatively impacting your life or health, then do so. As others have pointed out though -- it's important to take honest stock of your situation and if things are/start going down a bad path, get off that path. If it is just a way to let your hair down and doesn't overtake your life -- have a great time. Life is short and should be enjoyed
Mike
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I can tell you that this is unequivocally FALSE.
You're right, Mike. I was only trying to have a little fun with a play on the "all work, no play" meme. I never meant to suggest that you or any other teetotaler is dull - I apologise if you or anyone thought I was seriously suggesting otherwise. I know first hand that one doesn't have to indulge in alcohol or drugs to have a good time. :)
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There are definitely plenty of dull people who do drugs.
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Since we are on the topic of drugs and alcohol, since testing HIV positive, I cannot drink anymore. Is this normal? I have a beer or a glass a wine and the next day I want to vomit. Is this common or is it in my head? Although I have indulged in both drugs and alcohol in the past the after effects always blanketed the high so that was a huge disincentive for me. I have a very addictive personality but the hang over and come down prevented both the booze and the drugs from ever grabbing a hold.
My demons were gambling and nicotine! Both laid to rest years ago!
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You're right, Mike. I was only trying to have a little fun with a play on the "all work, no play" meme. I never meant to suggest that you or any other teetotaler is dull - I apologise if you or anyone thought I was seriously suggesting otherwise. I know first hand that one doesn't have to indulge in alcohol or drugs to have a good time. :)
I did not think you were serious, but MANY folks struggling with addiction do think this. I had to counter it only to give them some hope.
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I did not think you were serious, but MANY folks struggling with addiction do think this. I had to counter it only to give them some hope.
I'm sorry did you say something I feel asleep while you were talking J/K . ;) .
To the OP .
As most here have pointed out , if drugs and alcohol disrupt your life and becomes an addiction it will be time to do what ever it is you must do to get you back on the healthy track . For some people its not an all or nothing proposition when it comes to partying , for others abstinence is the only thing that works .
I had a problem with meth at one point in my life and it made me nuts , interfered with me taking my HIV meds consistently so I stopped doing it . There were people who told me I was now an addict and I couldn't even drink a drop of wine with dinner again but it didn't play out that way for me . I can enjoy a drink or three now and again and then not have another for many months . The meth is another story ... it makes me shudder to even think about putting that crap in my body again .
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There are definitely plenty of dull people who do drugs.
Can I get an amen?
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Since we are on the topic of drugs and alcohol, since testing HIV positive, I cannot drink anymore. Is this normal? I have a beer or a glass a wine and the next day I want to vomit. Is this common or is it in my head? Although I have indulged in both drugs and alcohol in the past the after effects always blanketed the high so that was a huge disincentive for me. I have a very addictive personality but the hang over and come down prevented both the booze and the drugs from ever grabbing a hold.
My demons were gambling and nicotine! Both laid to rest years ago!
I definitely have more frequente hangovers these days, especially if I don't drink plenty of water.
However, I'm not sure HAART prevents you from drinking. My doctor never said anything against it, by the way. All things in moderation. It would be arrogant of me to say it's all in your head but who knows...try to have more water between drinks, you'll definitely feel better.
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Try buying a better quality of coke. It's usually the crap they add to stretch the coke that causes you to feel like shit and will give you a sore nose or sore throat. Good quality coke that hasn't been "stepped on" by every dealer down the chain doesn't really do that.
True...here in Brazil they sell a lot of shitty coke. But I want to stop for a while anyway...binge coking throughout the night always leaves me in such a complete wreck of a state that it usually takes me 2 days to properly recover.
The big challenge for me is that when I binge drink I feel incredibly compelled to do coke.
GHB, on the other hand, is the most awesome of them all if you go clubbing.
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I...try to have more water between drinks, you'll definitely feel better.
Or just do lines between drinks.
-W
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True...here in Brazil they sell a lot of shitty coke.
No, you're just going to the wrong places (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317248/).
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No, you're just going to the wrong places (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317248/).
Or asking the wrong people.
(http://i46.tinypic.com/2nuocwx.gif)
I'm sure he knows where to find the good blow.
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No, you're just going to the wrong places (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317248/).
Dealers here are incredibly lazy. If you want something at 2am you're not gonna find anything, they are all sleeping. If you want the good stuff you have to pre-order it for the evening, it's idiotic.
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Dealers here are incredibly lazy. If you want something at 2am you're not gonna find anything, they are all sleeping. If you want the good stuff you have to pre-order it for the evening, it's idiotic.
Really?? It is "idiotic" that someone wants to be asleep at 2am and not at your beck and call to purchase illicit drugs? Seems to me that someone might be moving beyond a purely recreational use scenario if you find this behavior idiotic.
M
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Really?? It is "idiotic" that someone wants to be asleep at 2am and not at your beck and call to purchase illicit drugs? Seems to me that someone might be moving beyond a purely recreational use scenario if you find this behavior idiotic.
M
Well the person choose this particular "job" and most people decide to do recreational drugs during after-parties. It would make a lot of sense to be available after midnight, unless you're not into making a profit.
But I guess we're being quite judgmental now, aren't we?
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Back in my drug days is the premiere party girl of NYC I could always locate drugs at 2 AM. You're either an amateur or things are very third rate down there.
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Well the person choose this particular "job" and most people decide to do recreational drugs during after-parties. It would make a lot of sense to be available after midnight, unless you're not into making a profit.
But I guess we're being quite judgmental now, aren't we?
No dear -- not judgemental at all. As a recovering alcoholic, I would not judge anyone over their use of alcohol or drugs. What I was doing was helping to make you see that, PERHAPS, just PERHAPS, if you find sleeping at night to be the stupid thing to do vs. staying awake to sell drugs, then maybe priorities are askew.
Mike
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Back in my drug days is the premiere party girl of NYC I could always locate drugs at 2 AM. You're either an amateur or things are very third rate down there.
Yes, third world country, third rate stuff. Sometimes we even have to call monkeys to deliver blow for us, they are quite helpful.
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Yes, third world country, third rate stuff. Sometimes we even have to call monkeys to deliver blow for us, they are quite helpful.
Just don't eat the dates.
(Obligatory Indiana Jones reference)
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I am confused. Who thinks Brazil is a "third world country" and who would ever guess it only has "third rate drugs." ? ???
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Just say NO....at least I did after too many years.
Billy
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If you can drop an E you can take your drugs on time. Just remember to eat or this combo won't work. Possibly take them before you go out? The party pills shouldn't affect the other pills in your combination. But do take your HIV meds, a day off won;t matter once your viral load is under 50 for a few months but 2 days will (and may stop them working properly).
If you can drop an E you can take your drugs on time. A long time ago my mate used to down his indinavir on the dance floor at Trade on the dot. He's still here and well.
But if you drop an E, do a line etc, and you find you can't take your drugs on time, you's looking at a complicated combination, possibly 2 x day.
I am told in South Africa some folk smoke efavirenz to get high.
- matt
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Does cocaine go bad?
I have two $40 bags in my sock drawer that are about 5 years old. I keep thinking I'll want a toot, so I keep holding on to them. I guess I just need to get naked and snort them both, or just toss them out.
W
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Does cocaine go bad?
I have two $40 bags in my sock drawer that are about 5 years old. I keep thinking I'll want a toot, so I keep holding on to them. I guess I just need to get naked and snort them both, or just toss them out.
W
Maybe you could fry 'em up and sprinkle it on your squash!!! ;D
M