POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Pre-HAART Long-Term Survivors => Topic started by: aztecan on June 06, 2007, 10:00:04 am
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Either I am getting used to feeling high or the Sustiva side effects are lessening.
I still feel a bit groggy at times, but I no longer feel drunk after taking it, something I have noted when getting up in the middle of the night. Well, at least not as drunk, but still a little woozy.
I am feeling much better about the drug and have hopes it will continue to be more tolerable. I have yet to have a cocktail though, something I may try at home first just to see if it cause any repercussions.
I don't drink all that often, but once in a while, I do like to have a cocktail or a glass of wine.
Anyway, since I have been so whiny lately, I thought I had better post something more upbeat.
HUGS,
Mark
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You've not been too whiny. I'm glad to hear your body is adjusting to the medication.
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Mark:
I don't think you've been to whiney. I'm wondering how you're doing on the not smoking with Chantix, because I can't seem to kick it.
Betty
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Hey Betty,
Well, I did really well for the first three months. Didn't smoke at all and didn't miss it all that much.
Then, when I stopped taking the Chantix, it was still OK, little bit of craving, but not too bad.
Then, I started Sustiva and it was like being on a four-week drunk. Maybe it was just psychological, but I swear it kick-started the cravings big time.
So, I went back on the Chantix, but unfortunately, it has not been all that successful this time. I still smoke, but not as much. At least usually. I think the trick is to never, ever, have a ciggie again once you have quit.
I thought I could just have a couple to get me through the Sustiva adjustment. Didn't work.
I liked not smoking, after I got used to it. Now, I just don't know.
I'm still trying but I have a feeling I may have to start from square one again at some point down the road.
Hang in there. Maybe it will take just a bit more time for you.
HUGS,
Mark
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Mark, I still get that drunk feeling and bounce off the door jams going to the restroom at night, then get laughing. Atripla does me the same way. At least I don't have the dreams.
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I still smoke, but not as much. At least usually. I think the trick is to never, ever, have a ciggie again once you have quit.
Oh boy Mark, you got that right! Nicotine addiction is an invention from hell I’m sure of it. I had the same self deceptive thinking even after 12 years off the filthy things until one fateful day I told myself I'd have "just one." Well that was four years ago and I've been kicking my butt since (but not the butts). ;)
Glad you're body's getting used to the Sustiva.
Daniel
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I am a 60 year old HIV male that has diagnosed HIV since 1988. I also have taken Sustiva and I have been able to enjoy a cocktail with out side effects. I currently am on Sustiva, Ziagen and Lexiva. So far all is well.
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Hey Mark,
Glad to hear that the side effects of Sustiva has lessoned for you, or at least has become more tolerable. Hope that things continue to improve for you. As far as the smoking, if you don't succeed the first time, you try it again, until you are succesful. I know how tough it is...Been there!! I was a two and a half pack a day smoker. Smoked like a chimney... :o
Take care of yourself-------Ray
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You have not been whiney at all. Not a tiny little bit.
I am glad the Sustiva effects are slowing down. I never had the dreams, but I did have the drunk feeling at night, especially when getting up to use the bathroom. I did get used to after awhile.
Take care,
Christine
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On a lighter note
don't worry about the ciggies.....I only wish I could join you....
robert
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Hi Sweet Man,
I quit cigs a year ago. I still have the damn urge at times. When I do, I go straight to the cigar shop. I have one cigar, then I'm sick of tobacco for a few weeks. Seems to be working. Have you tried commit lozenges??? They worked for me, only problem: I've gained 25 lbs. Oh well, can't have everything!
Glad to hear you are adjusting to your new meds, that's awesome.
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Mark, I don't think you've been whiney enough.
Just sayin'....
Glad to know you and Sustiva are doing ok. Fingers crossed that it does the job.
Cheers,
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Well I have been on Sustivia for a few years. I stopped working at night because I couldn't drive an ambulance feeling that way. My husband on the other hand finds he has to wait an hour or longer after a heavy meal to take it. if not the effects are more severe.
I wish you luck.
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Thanks you all. Hey Code3Mama, welcome aboard.
I got back my latest labs today, the first since stopping Crixivan and starting Sustiva..
Viral load is still undetectable (<50).
CD4 dropped by from 1,332 to 1,075. No biggie, those numbers do that all the time.
I'm still at 38 percent, so I guess that's not too bad.
Oh, and guess what, the overall Cholesterol was 183, with an LDL of 101 and an HDL of 28 (one point better than last time!)
Liver, et al, seems to be doing just fine. Nothing out of the ordinary there.
So, that is worth at least a short happy dance.
The one dark cloud in this is my triglycerides jumped up from 183 to 271. Ouch!
I guess that means I need to cut out the ice cream, substitute scrambled tofu for eggs in the morning and get some more exercise.
If it isn't one thing, its another. But, at least I feel pretty good and not nearly as groggy as in previous weeks.
HUGS,
Mark
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Glad your numbers are doing good. I have mine checked in about three weeks. I'm having a whole myriad of lab tests done. My triglycerides are extremely high also. Just keep pluggin' away! As for the smoking, I haven't stopped yet either. But I SWEAR I'm going to! ;)
Love ya-
Betty