Suffering from nightmares, irregular heart beats, chest pain after starting Atripla treatment, suspicion of stress. Is it due to HIV treatment?
Patient: I stared my Atripla treatment on October 23 2011. After 2 months on I suffer from nightmares , irregular heart beat, and chest pain . After visiting my doctor and had some blood work and heart test. On my heart test they found some liquid around my heart and the doctor tome is not danger. They tink is stress related. Today is June 24 my HIV meeds is working perfect and I m undetectable. The only problem I m having is I continue to have disco ford on my left side lower chest, back and under arm. Is this do to the HIV treatment ? Doctor: Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.  It is possible that your symptoms could be stress / anxiety-related since anxiety can manifest itself with both psychological as well as physical symptoms. However, it is also possible that they could be due to the HIV treatment also and Artipla is known to produce  a variety of side effects, including psychiatric symptoms. If you are having recurrent such symptoms or having difficulty managing your stress, then I would advise you consult a psychiatrist for a detailed psychological assessment and further treatment. There are effective treatment options - in the form of medication or counselling / psychotherapy which will help you overcome your problems.  Wish you all the best.  - Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar   Consultant Psychiatrist