A 46 year-old African-American male co-infected with HIV and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) presents for his routine medical ap

[answerhappygod]

A 46 year-old African-American male co-infected with HIV and
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) presents for his routine medical
appointment. Incarcerated for the past three years, he often
reports sadness and irritability, but has been reluctant to "take
another pill." He is prescribed a twice-daily regimen of Combivir
and Kaletra and has achieved an undetectable viral load and CD4
cell count of 750 cells/mm3. This inmate has a past history of
intravenous "speedballing" of heroin and cocaine, but denies prior
psychotropic medication trials. With the death of his mother three
months ago, he complains of a progression of his depression with
persistent low mood, frequent anger episodes, insomnia with early
morning awakening and passive thoughts of dying. He seems
despondent but sincere in his presentation and assertions of
safety. He is now agreeable to help, including medication, if
necessary.
How would you manage his depression and thoughts of dying? Does
his current antiretroviral regimen impact the selection of
antidepressant or dosage?