Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
|
|
 |
 |
Fatigue related to HIV Meds
Apr 5, 2008
Wanted to elicit feedback regarding the relationship of HIV drug related-fatigue.
My experience w/the virus has been fairly unlucky. Got infected 6/2006 and by 9/2007 I was symptomatic (intense fatigue and skin prob) my T count dropped from 1144 to 721 in the space of nine months. My virus is not Rx resistant per my labs.
I started meds (Epzicom & Kaletra) on 12/1/07 (T ~650) and w/in four wks my T was back to 1360 and VRL was down to 429. No rash or sever reaction to the Kaletra.
I returned to my pre-symptom energy level for about four weeks and then the fatigue reappeared so I had my levels taken and they were 1240 and VRL was 190.
While fatigue can be caused by depression and anxiety, I was feeling mentally great and very hopeful. I was exercising, I didn't(don't) use recreational drugs and slept 7+ hrs a night
Accordingly, it would seem to me that my fatigue's major driver is the medication.
What are your thoughts?
|
 |
|
 |
|
Response from Dr. Frascino
Hi,
There are many potential underlying causes that can contribute to HIV-associated fatigue, including anemia, hormonal imbalances, occult infections, medication side effects/toxicities, psychological causes, etc. Many times the underlying cause of HIV-related fatigue turns out to be multifactorial. That means several underlying conditions are working in tandem to drain your energy batteries. I'd suggest you take a read through the archives of this forum to gain a better understanding of the common and not-so-common potential underlying causes of HIV-related fatigue. Make a list and then discuss these potential causes with your HIV specialist. To assume your problem is solely or even primarily caused by your medication is premature.
Good luck.
Dr. Bob
|
|
|
 Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
Copyright notice.
|
|
|
|
