In addition to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), a client with HIV demonstrates a need for antidepressant medication
The nurse understands that the client's diagnosis of HIV and HAART will have what effect on the client's planned antidepressant regimen?
A) The client will require a higher initial dose (bolus) in order to achieve therapeutic effect.
B) The client will begin with a lower dose and increase it more slowly than in other clients of his or her age.
C) Antidepressant therapy is likely to be contraindicated while the client is receiving HAART.
D) The client will require higher doses than an otherwise healthy individual because HAART inhibits the pharmacokinetics of psychotropic drugs.
Ans: B
Because of the potential for medication interactions, appropriate dosages for psychotropic agents (eg, antidepressants, antianxiety agents, neuroleptic agents) are calculated based on the guidelines used for older adult populations. A medication typically starts with a low dose, builds up slowly, and achieves a significantly lower peak than that targeted in seronegative individuals.
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