Q and A

Question

Can switching from Trenvir have caused my mood disturbances?

I requested to be switched from Trenvir due to being ever depressed, skin flabbing and no appetite. The doctor put me on combination of tenofovir+emtricitabine+rilpivirine. I also take hormone and hypertension meds. Now I only sleep for 3 hours, then am awake for the rest of the night. Could this be side effects of the new treatment? I am still battling with depression and mood swings.

Answer

Hi, how are you doing?

I am sorry to hear that you are still battling with depression and having mood swings.

Has anything changed since switching treatment? Have the mood swings got less? Is the depression worse? Are you sleeping differently?

Rilpirivine can cause mood disturbances. Did your doctor suggest any other treatments?

When did these mood symptoms start? Did you experience them before starting Trenvir or has it been since starting HIV treatment?

How are you manaing with your mood symptoms? Have you been offered any talking therapies, psychological assistance or have you considered taking anti-depressants?

Trenvir does not commonly cause the symptoms you initially mentioned. Usually the most common are weight gain and poor sleep. Taking it in the morning can help prevent its effects on sleep.

Josh.

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