Therapeutic dilemma: the use of anticonvulsants in HIV-positive individuals.

ARTICLE ABSTRACT: The concurrent use of anticonvulsants and antiretrovirals is a poorly studied area that poses a therapeutic dilemma for the clinician caring for HIV-positive patients requiring both classes of medications. Anticonvulsants and antiretrovirals may interact through multiple mechanisms including competition for protein binding, enhanced or reduced liver metabolism, and increased viral replication. The authors present many of the challenges faced by clinicians caring for HIV-positive patients who may require anticonvulsant therapy.