Questions about treatment

[remo85]

Hi guys . I started my Atripla treatment back in october 2015. So far Ive been doing pretty well with it ,becoming more accepting about my diagnosis and stuff, but im still stressing a bit about the doīs and dontīs of taking the medicine and the whole treatment interactions... I seem to always be rushing to do everything on time, skipping social stuff because of it, etc.I feel like its one thing or the other.  Perhaps some of you can give me some feedback on your experience and what your doctor suggested youd do.

I was told by the doctor that not taking meds on an empty stomach , drinking alcohol, weed, not taking the meds on time,among other things, will all affect the effectiveness of the medicine. How accurate is that? He even went so far as to telling me that drinking a couple of glasses of wine would make the meds not work at all...which sounds like a complete fable...

 I know exercise is important with or without the disease, but how much is recommended for someone with hiv?. Is walking 20-30 minutes a day and lifting a couple of times a week enough? I never used to exercise regularly and now im just forcing myself to do it , even when i feel tired,  cause otherwise ill be restless about not doing anything...

Is having pets recommended?

Ever since the diagnosis sugar has been getting me fatigued, could that mean anything? Should i avoid it?

Thanks in advance guys!
Remo

[Jeff G]

Atripla is very forgiving an its got a long half life meaning it stays in your system a long time. Take it at bedtime … its that simple. Atripla can be taken with or without food with the only warning being try to avoid fatty foods within 2 hours before you take it.

Atripla is one of the easiest meds to take as long as you tolerate it well.

[Ytown36]

As far as I knew ATRIPLA was to be taken on an empty stomach (2 hours after eating & 1 hour before eating). It doesn't have to be taken at night especially if you are having bad dreams/insomnia from it.  My doctor advised me to take it after work then wait an hour then eat....as far as alcohol my doctor told me an occasional drink is fine and I've had more than an occasional drink and always been undetectable.  Your excercise habits sound great!  Hope this helps!

[newone]

I hated my time on Atripla especially the daily mood swings mostly negative that I experienced, switched to Complera and although not problem free a much better choice for me.