AIDS dementia complex

January 2007     View PDF     En español

Treating the symptoms of ADC

Psycho-active drugs are often used to treat the symptoms of ADC. These include anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, anxiolytics, psycho-stimulants, anti-manics, and anti-convulsants. These drugs do not treat the underlying cause of ADC, or even stop its progression. However, they may ease some of its symptoms. Haloperidol (Haldol) is often used for easing ADC symptoms, though it has many side effects. People with ADC are sensitive to Haldol, so small doses of 5–10mg daily should be used to avoid severe side effects.

Ritalin (methylphenidate) has been used with success in people with ADC to ease apathy and to increase energy, concentration and appetite. Daily doses of 5–10mg are often sufficient.

In cases of severe behavior disorders, anti-psychotics like thorazine and mellaril can be used to control agitation. Lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium) may also be used for sedation and controlling anxiety. Other drugs include perphenazine (Trilafon), thiothixene (Navane), molindole (Moban), and fluoxetine (Prozac) with bupropion (Wellbutrin).

Many of the therapies listed here may have potential drug interaction with commonly used anti-HIV therapies as well as therapies to treat or prevent HIV-related conditions. For more information about drug interactions, call Project Inform’s National HIV/AIDS Treatment Hotline at 1-800-822-7422 or email a question.