Acon Gives Us Some Sound Advice

While all the possible effects are not yet well understood, there are definitely adverse interactions between some party drugs and HIV medications. Therefore, recreational drugs should always be taken with a great deal of caution – particularly when you're on HIV combination therapy.

In addition, adhering to prescribed guidelines for medications can become difficult when sleep and eating patterns are changed by party drugs.

Partying on drugs

Party drugs can keep you awake for long periods of time, and amphetamines also raise the body temperature and reduce appetite. These effects can result in dehydration, tiredness or exhaustion. It can also take a long time to recover.

Here are some ways to reduce wear and tear on the body and help recovery:

-Take regular breaks from dancing and hot spaces, to let your body cool down

-Drink plenty of water

-Even if you don't feel hungry, try to eat something or maybe drink a protein shake

-Try to rest or even sleep at least every few hours

When partying on drugs for extended times, remember to allow a gap of preferably at least two hours between taking anti-HIV drugs and party drugs.

Amphetamines, Crystal and Ecstasy

Mixing HIV medications with party drugs can have quite dangerous results. All drugs need to be broken down by the liver, but HIV medications usually get to the liver first. This means amphetamines can build up – sometimes to dangerous levels – causing breathing difficulties and an erratic heart rate.

It works the other way as well – party drugs can worsen the potential side effects of HIV medications, like nausea and diarrhoea.

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