Anyone with Triumeq depression issues

[Jody]

I have read that some Triumeq users, of which I am one have dropped the medication for any number of issues, including depression.  I've been feeling a bit off, mentally, the last several months, and was wondering if any other users had this issue and if so, what regimen did they switch to.  Thanks for your time.

[eric48]

Indeed... The erosion of the nmber of users who drop a regimen containing Dolutegravir, is not as fast as for Efavirenz, but little by little some users will feel what you say, and, eventually drop out.

After 24 months, about 10-15% will have dropped out, mostly due to depressive complaints.

[Jody]

Thanks for the feedback Eric.

[Jody]

Thanks for the feedback Eric.

[PittGurl]

Ive been on it 2 years...so far ok - i think mentally i beat myself up and that doesn't help. Ive had to change my thought process....sometimes every day restart it and feel good about me that Im not a walking virus. its not easy.... so far I think Triumeq is the best one out there.....only been on that though LOL

[Jody]

Thanks for your valuable input Pittgurl.

[eric48]

If you take Triumeq well outside of meal time, this will result in a lower dose of Dolutegravir and Abacavir. This is allowed in the label. This may help with depressive effects.

Additionnally you may want to ask your doctor about a dosage and see if further corrective actions can be taken

[Jim Allen]

Hi Jody,

Sorry to hear you are facing some problems. I posted a while back on some Tivicay cases and depression in general.

https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=67491.0
https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=67682.0

Neuropsychiatric problems are rare but can happen, of course I presume you have checked with your doctor and ruled out other possible causes, depression / feeling off is not unique to HIV meds. If it is from the meds and can't be managed than indeed time to switch.

As for switching it depends also on what is on the table? Any idea what meds you might be offered to take? I have to switch soon October for other reasons but personally I think "Genvoya" would be my bet, unfortunately I can't go to anything with TAF/TDF in the mix perhaps that is not an issue for you?

Jim

[zach]

Luv you baby, hope you feel better. I've been thinking about a DTG combo,

Nudes help?

R <3 NFA

[Jody]

Yes Zach, I'm sure that'd be real nice to ease my depression... .  Good to hear from you buddy.  When are you coming to NY? Thanks Jim as well for your response.  Only Sustiva was an issue for me mentally and I got off that, quite a few years back already.  Other meds only gave me diarrhea such as Viracept or facial wasting like Zerit or tooth problems from Videx back in the day.  So Triumeq is easy to take, hopefully these issues will pass, other factors come into play.  I stress easily over things but overall I'm very grateful for all that I have in life.  Far worse things have happened to better men than me.

[Wade]

Hi Jody,

Sorry I missed this.
Sounds like we were on all the same crap back in the day zerit, videx,viracept...jeez.
The sustiva and abacavir didn't last long because of the wicked side affects.

I've been on Genvoya since it came out and the only problem I had was trying to remember to take it with food. I'ts the pussy cat of drugs as far as I'm concerned, also my cd4s shot up a couple points !
Hope things get straightened out soon !

Best,

Wade

[Wade]

I forgot the Hivid, that one was a stinker...literally...actually they all were

See Jim suggested Genvoya also, it really is a gentle one.

[mecch]

I'm recently under a lot of stress.  Also a recent change to Triumeq.  I have had a headache for a month.  I had a blip of 400 on this regime.  I am thinking that Isentress Truvada was completely benign but I'm somewhat on the fence about Triumeq.

[wardp]

Jim you are lucky to be able to switch to genvoya in Ireland, is it true that in UK they are cutting costs and options? Genvoya yet to arrive here in Thailand, if it does and is no more than 6000baht I will go for it.

[Jim Allen]

Hi Wardp,

So I don't want to hijack Jody's thread too much, but to answer your question.

Indeed the UK is cost cutting, its moving away from single dosed medication.
Page 12 on this slide shows some of the alternatives and switching options for NHS patients: http://www.ukcab.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Use-of-generic-medication-a-commissioning-perspective.pdf

To clarify Genvoya is available in ROI and its a very good drug and many members report the same here. However It would not be for me as it does not suit my needs.

Jim

[yellowon]

Don't know If this has to do something with your interest, but since I am on Triumeq I have noticed more vivid dreams and often nightmares. I am taking it around 18:00 every day on empty stomach.

[jmupatrick]

Hi Jody. I'm sorry to hear you are suffering from some depression. I, too, have depression and anxiety issues, which I had long before my HIV diagnosis. With my diagnosis, I decided to go on a daily anti-depression/anxiety medicine. I now take a low dose of Citalopram daily. I take my Triumeq in the morning on an empty stomach, and I take my Citalopram in the evening, along with a few vitamins. I'm certainly not "cured" of my anxiety and depressive thoughts. My HIV diagnosis hits me in the thinker every now and then, but I think I am doing much better than I was without it. I hope you feel better soon.

[connor]

A side effect of Dolutegravir is depression. Have you asked your GP to try an antidepressant. I was put on Sertraline 100mg tablet and it made a huge difference for the better. I feel great now.

[Jody]

Thanks all for your kind and knowledgeable responses.  Whatever might have been a feeling of depression that actually seemed to manifest itself in a physical way, as opposed to entirely emotional, seems to have subsided for the most part.  I try to tell myself to not worry and be happy.  And very grateful.  Not just because I like the Grateful Dead..   ...Connor, I never tried anti depressants, I guess I'd rather not start if possible.  Though I wouldn't mind someone  coming over with a big bowl of Xanax, LOL, which most doctors are rather loathe to prescribe.  Be well all during this holiday season.