April / May 2012
Mixing HIV and Anti-Seizure Drugs Safely
by Laura Whitehorn
Roughly 55 percent of people with HIV/AIDS globally may need to take anti-seizure drugs (anti-epileptic drugs, or AEDs) to treat neurological problems such as mood disorders and peripheral neuropathy—nerve damage associated with HIV.
Because the body absorbs some AEDs through the same pathway used by HIV protease inhibitors, blood levels of either group of drugs could rise or drop dangerously when the meds are taken together. Knowing how AEDs combine with HIV meds is critical. In January, new guidelines for safely choosing drugs in the two classes were released. For more info, ask your pharmacist or search “anti-seizure drugs” on poz.com.
Search: anti-seizure drugs, anti-epileptic drugs, AEDs, eurological problems, mood disorders, peripheral neuropathy, PN, protease inhibitors, blood
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