Practical psychopharmacology in HIV-1 and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Psychiatric disorders are highly prevalent in patients with HIV-1, and HIV-1 infection rates appear to be high in patients with psychiatric disorders. Psychiatrists are going to be coming into contact with HIV-1 at increasing rates. Therefore, a working knowledge of practical psychopharmacologic issues in treating patients with HIV-1 is required. This article reviews the psychopharmacologic treatment of depression, anxiety, mania, psychosis delirium, and cognitive disorders. The first section outlines the clinical use of various psychotropic medications in the previously mentioned syndromes. The second section focuses on documented, potential, and theoretical drug-drug interactions between psychotropics and antiretrovirals.