On autopsy, blood levels of ecstasy were discovered to be ten times higher than they would have been without Norvir present. Recreational drugs can also affect the virus directly. It has been shown that HIV replicates twenty times faster in the presence of cocaine than without it. In his practice, Dr. Gold usually divides drug users into two categories, and has different treatment priorities for each group. Dr. Gold views HIV infection as secondary to drug addiction, and believes that the treatment of HIV is feasible, especially with regards to adherence, only after substance abuse issues have been addressed.
Effective education can lead to better adherence.
Interestingly, most of the literature is at least twenty years old and often conflicting reports can be found, occasionally by the same author. With regard to patients with HIV infection, the impact of smoked marijuana on immune function, pulmonary function, gonadal function and neuropsychiatric status have not yet been described and would seem to be particularly critical safety parameters to examine. Barbiturates should not be taken with methadone. Always discuss all medications with your primary care provider to check for interactions.