POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: blondbeauty on August 14, 2006, 06:47:55 am
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I`ve just been to Dr. Yebraīs office. My counts were pretty good: CD4: 503/25% and the viral load very high: 80.000.
He said we could wait another 3 months and see but I decided to start meds today. The Dr. agreed immediately.
So here I am with my 4 month prescription and a one month supply.
I am a bit scared but it has been my decision.
Wish me luck with the treatment. :-\
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Good luck Juan...those are the same meds my hubby takes, he has done very well with them, as I'm sure you will.
Keep us up to date on how your feeling.
edited to insert name, forgot there was already a BB on the forums.
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Luck to you, but some advice I have. Keep a clear path to the bathroom (toilet) and have lots of toilet paper handy.
Just in case!
BB
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Best of luck with your meds. I started with these too -- the side effects weren't bad -- just some weird dreams and grogginess. I hope you are planning on a couple of days off -- to adjust to the Sustiva. I had no diarrhea issues, but I do take fiber supplements, so who knows if I would have had any. Fiber is a good way to help avoid it (not foolproof, I'm sure).
Stick with it -- the first couple of days may be a little "weird" :o
Mike
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Hi there !,
Wishing you the best. Drink plenty of water !!! I think you will do fine, you've got a good attitude.
Take care----Ray
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Good luck! Let us know how those dreams go.
My BF was on a similiar combo (except he did Viread and Epivir instead of Viread and Emtriva/Truvada). The first two weeks were a bit uncomfortable. He complained of being dizzie and having vivid dreams. Those side effects mostly went away after two weeks, although it still makes him drowsy when he takes it (at night).
Cliff
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Good luck! Finally you will kill almost every unit of this stupid virus. Tonight will be the first round of his genocide... eh eh :o.
I hope that everything be OK. Secondary effects wont last...
Tell us how it is going...
Many Kisses and Hugs
Madalena e Nuno :D
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Good luck. I take the same combo. Might I recommend going to bed shortly after taking them. You will sleep through some of the ill effects, if any.
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Good Luck starting your meds!
Hubby is on the same meds and he does just fine. Hes only had a couple of bouts of diarrhea and he said that it wasn't bad.
Hes going to start on Atripla the once a day pill when hes finished with what hes got.
Hugs
Teresa
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Juan.....
Its just another stepping stone for us... Keep your feet dry. Your going to be fine... ;)
Love
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Hi Juan,
Good luck with the meds. Those are the same ones I'll be starting on most likely... I haven't decided when though. I'll be anxious to hear how you do with 'em. Take care and keep us informed!
David
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Best of luck, Juan. You'll do just fine I suspect as your attitude is in the right place for them.
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Good luck Juan! Take it easy on yourself the first few weeks until your body adjusts. Let us know how it is going.
Christine
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Hey Juan,
Good luck with the new meds. I think you'll be fine, you have that winner attitude.
HUGS,
Mark
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It's hard taking them the first time...I remember (I only started in May), but each day it will get easier. Even better, this group will be a great source of support. Best wishes!
Gary
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Hoping for the best for you darling........
:-* :-* We're thinking of you
Alex
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The best of luck to you, Juan! ;D
Peace,
Kelly
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g142/angels4kelly/fairybelieve.jpg)
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You said it wisely, Juan: it's your decision, hence you're in complete control of you! :D The first week on sustiva was an interesting one for me - you may want to keep a little log of your thoughts, feelings, etc. as you progress through treatment. If not always useful for medical purposes, it's great to have a resoure permitting you to reflect back - at least, I have found this to be the case.
Adhere as much as possible to your daily dosing regimen and you should find that VL number coming down toward undetectable!
Best wishes,
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Thank you very much for your support! Nadine, Eric, Mike, Ray, Cliff, Madalena and Nuno (sweet couple), Bartro, Teresa, David, MspSpud, Christine, Mark, Alex, Kelly (I believe!), Wellington and all the others that read this post.;D I couldnīt sleep last night thinking about what to say to convince my Dr. to start meds. But it was very easy. I just I said: " I want to start today". He said: "OK".
So I spent a night of useless worries...I was so happy when he said "OK"!
In 4 and a half hours Iīll be taking my first dose (at 23.30).
I will keep you informed.
Again...Thank you, thank you, thank you!
All of you make me feel I am not alone in the new life I am about to start. Today is the first day of the rest of my life on antiretrovirals!
Hugs, Kisses and Love!
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I know some on here will think I'm nuts, but I'm kind of jealous that I've never gotten to experience the Sustiva dreams. I had the 103 mutation right off the bat, so Sustiva - no go. I want to hear about that aspect of it.
If I were to start all over again, I'd consider doing a little journal to describe how you feel now, energy-wise, mentally and whatever else. Use the same parameters and compare how it's effected you a week from now, a month and so on... better/worse or un-noticed. I think that would be interesting.
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Juan,
Well i had this nice message typed out, and then hit the wrong button and *poof!* it was gone. :-[ (My apologies if it shows up here someplace.)
Anyway, just wanted to let you know I started on this combo back in February, 2006 and have had few side effects. Just a slight rash on my arms (not itchy), and this went away in less than two weeks. No really vivid Sustiva dreams for me either, unfortunately.
The only effect I can feel is the "stoned" feeling I get about an hour after I take the meds. Of course this is probably made worse because mi espOSO has dinner prepared for me at 2330 every night when I get home from work. So I rarely follow the instructions to take on an empty stomach. ;)
I'm sure you'll do fine. My one piece of advice is to take several pills and place them in various locations so you'll not be caught away from home without meds. For example in a car, backpack, trusted friend's home, overnight bag, etc.
It's a good combo for me...my VL went from 303,000 to <50 within 6 weeks and has remained there so far.
Cuidados y buen viaje,
John
(who expects lots of cocktails if I'm ever flying on Iberia ;D )
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Hey Juan, Good luck on starting your meds. As Ray said; "Drink plenty of water" and make sure you take your meds as prescribed by your doctor and you will do just fine.
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For best possible results, on my first dose, I stood on one leg, put my other leg behind my head then spun around 3 times screaming "ARV ARV ALL THE WAY" then landed on my knees, put one hand high in the air and the other tossing all 7 pills in my mouth.. Then a big "Whoo OOOO.... THE FIGHT IS ON YOU RAT BASTARD FUCKER" - Of course I spit some of my pills out on the F word and sounded like a six month old baby with a mouth full of marbles.. WTF...
I don't know, it worked for me... ;)
Linoleum is a good surface for the spinning thing if you go my route...
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-1/1137672/ONELEG.jpg)
Unbrella is optional and highly hazardous while spinning..
Sanctioned by the L.G.B.S.M.I. or "Little Girls Balarina School of the Mentally Insane" ;)
Juan your going to do great!
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I am on the same combo. Had some rough spots sleeping, but now take them in the morning. If you would like to have an interesting day of slight dizziness, and a general brain FOG I would definitely try them during the day. Otherwise, nighttime is the best time!
Good luck, they have worked WONDERS on me, 729 CD and Undectable.
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Will be thinking about you at 23.30, 15 minutes to go!
Good luck! Wishing that everything goes well for you! :-*
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Took my first beautiful blue coloured Truvada and orange Sustiva 33 minutes ago. I am still feeling myself. Lets see tomorrow... ::)
Eric my joints arenīt flexible enough, But I really tried.
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Good luck. You virus, however, is out of luck, it's just been nuked (and, er, non-nuked) ...
- matt
Now playing: BBC Radio 4
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I've been on that combo (my first) since Sept 2004, and except for really vivid dreams the first couple of nights, I've had virtually zero side effects. Best of all, it works! My CD4s and VL were MUCH worse than yours are, and I'm doing terrific now. I know others are having the same good results. Just don't miss any doses and take em before going to bed -- that's worked for me. Good luck!
Rob
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Juan,
I wish you the best. I too saw my doc today and got my prescription for Atripla, and like you I'm borderline and could wait 3 more months but it just seems like it's time. I'll start on sunday as I have mondays off.
take care,
brian
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Juan, I wish you the best. I think you made the right decision. I'm convinced that starting sooner rather than later is going to have a benefit in the long run. And I have very little side effects from the Sustiva. Haven't been on Truvada so I don't know about that. Hope you continue to feel just like your own self with nothing negative to report. And as has already been mentioned... your virus has had it now....
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Good luck with meds man! I truly believe you made the correct decision. You will be fine!
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Good Morning!!! How was your night? Say how are you? nuno is on his countdown to start meds and his excited to know everything... ;)
I'm sure that you're all right although with a smaller quantity of hiv in your body... ;D
Big Kisses
Madalena and Nuno :P
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Well, well...what can I say... I just woke up an hour ago. Yes at 11.00. I slept for 10 hours. Sustiva is the best sleeping pill ever. I was sitting in front of the computer and had to switch it off suddenly. I felt as if I was going to fall asleep on the keyboard. Thank God I had brushed my teeth before or I wouldnīt had made it. I could hardly reach my bed. Almost crawled to it because I couldnīt walk on a straight line. It was funny. I am still dizzy but I intend going to the gym now. Itīs a very nice and relaxing sensation, all my anxiety has dissapeared. ;D Its like floating on a cloud.
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Good Luck. I have been on that ,my first and only so far, combo since Nov of 2005. Not many side effects and my CD4 Has gone from less than 200 up to 350 . My VL has gone from 48, 000 to less than 400. I take my truvada in the morning and my Sustiva at night. Hope yours work as well for you. Cristy
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Whats great is overnight... The battle raged while you slept.. You woke up with a couple 1000 less free-loading mothas... Thats a kewl thing Juan.. Stay tuff and "limber up"... ;D
Love Ya!
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Hello Juan, So, how did it go at the Gym?
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Hey Juan,
Brave man, good decision, you're a strong guy! I hope everything will keep on going well!
Coen
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Thank you Cristy! Eldon, the gym went very well. I had more energy and spent 10 more minutes on the "rotex". It must be psicologycal but I feel stronger. Maybe because I am much more happy now.
Coen, if everything continues as good as now I will be going to Amsterdam!
I am starting to feel todayīs sustiva effect...I am elevating from the floor.
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Good luck!
I'm on the same combo. Ans it has a weird effect on me: if I'm calm and relaxed... a "pass out" about 30 minutes after taking them, if I'm worried about "nothing" (like tonight)... it takes me ages to fall asleep... weird meds theses, no?
Hugs
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The dreams can be incredible. Last night I flew to the moon with an old highschool friend I haven't seen for twenty years.
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Now Rusty, THAT is dreaming!
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Hi Juan, sounds like you will be fine. My numbers have improved somewhat this year without meds, so I'm still debating about starting. It gives me some anxiety. I'll keep you in my thoughts, and would really appreciate hearing your experiences in starting.
Terry
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Terry, last night nothing special happened with Sustiva. I started feeling "drunk" fell asleep and woke up this morning. Not even dizzy. I canīt recall any dreams. I feel normal.
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Well, I guess that's good. Let us know what happens.
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I have a terrible headache and sensibility to light this afternoon. :-\
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Dear Juan,
I'm sorry you're feeling bad.
Hopefully this is the worst it will get for you.
FEEL BETTER, JUAN ;D
Love
Kelly
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g142/angels4kelly/ATT2.jpg)
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Thank you Kelly. My headache is fading. Just 15 minutes before my next dose... :-\ I hope it gets better every day as my body gets used to it.
At least I sleep like an angel.
Thank you for caring. ;)
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My best wishes to you!!
Pat
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Juan, good that you seem to be doing okay. I've never really had any of the dreams with the sustiva. I had a bit of insomnia at first and changed the meds to morning. Once in a great while I'll be a little groggy or dizzy, but overall I'm to the point where I really can't say I have any significant side effects. And of course the great news is that it is killing off that virus. I dropped from 66,000 to 600-something after one month, to 415 after two months, and undetectable on my latest at 4 months. And with you starting with such a great CD4 you are gonna do great! And of course, you never know if the headaches or the other little quirks are from the meds or something else. Luckily I expect that you won't be dealing with anything like that for long. It sounds like you are headed for smooth sailing. Continued good luck!
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Thank you Pat! I took my meds last night and my headache was gone, so it wasnīt related to meds. This morning is even better. David, you are doing great on your treatment. Undetectable in 4 months! My Dr. expects me to be undetectable in six months.
Today is the great day. Iīll be working 12 hours for the next three days and waking up early...Lets see how it goes.
Thank you for being there. ;)
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Sounds like your doing really good Juan. It'll only get better from here!
Take good care of yourself with your work schedule, pace yourself, get rest when you can.
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Glad to hear you are doing well on the meds blondie....I hope the meds will continue to be successful for you. Take care, and keep us posted.
Justin
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Hi Juan, make sure you eat, drink plenty of fluids, and get as much rest as you can.
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Just an update on my meds. I came today from flying. Only three short legs today but had to wake up at 5.00 am and I take my meds at 23.30.
So I went to sleep at 21.30. and had set my alarm clock at 23.30, took my meds and woke up almost with no drowsiness or anything. And whatīs even better...My swollen lymph nodes in my armpits are reducing in size very fast! ;D I can hardly find them!
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Juan...... How you feeling in general (physically and MENTALLY?) I know the feeling of having different schedules all the time... I hate that thing about getting to bed earily then having to wake up 1 hour later, but getting use to it..
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Eric I am feeling great! I am used to those schedules and it isnīt really difficult for me to follow them. I know this is all psychological, but the fact of starting meds makes me feel safe and euphoric. These are my best days since diagnosis. ;D
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Juan, thats what I wanted to here! Your going to do great and I am so happy that your start up went smoooooothly!!! Thats a blessing....
Love
Eric
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;D
we're glad you succeed with meds. Your virus his suffering. heehaw
I'm happy that you feel better and happier.
I hope we see you again soon.
Kisses
Madalena
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Really glad you are doing well, Juan!
Coen
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hey... I think this was a FANTASTIC decision and good for you! I've been freaking out since being diagnosed on yes, the 25th anniversary, June 1, 2006.
my CD4 was 359 and VL of 89K.
I decided I wanted to be as aggressive as possible... so I found an I/D doctor and asked for a regime asap. I think I started on or about the 15th of June.
I got my first blood test on august 1st... (my appt is postponed til Aug 24th with the doc because of his vacation) but I got my results faxed to me the other day.
WOO WOO YEAH!!
My cd 4 is now 533
VL went down to 9,000
I'm pleased...
however, lets talk a bit of side effects. I had some unrelated internal complications that might have taken some attention away from my counts (email me for that) but.... I have had diarrhea ever since.. mostly very loose stools and some gas. It seems better with 1/2 pill of Imodium every day (i don't like taking more drugs), i eat well, have oat bran with my cereal too to absorb things. Then around the 3rd or 4th week I got a rash on my body... not itchy, not bumpy... it subsided within days. I think from the sustiva.
THE DREAMS.... mostly in the beginning.... were out of this world.
otherwise... side effects were minimal and able to live with.
I think its a good choice. SO FAR, SO GOOD. Now if we can find a cure.
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Thank you survivor! Those numbers are great in only 6 weeks! I hope not to develop the sustiva rash because nobody in my family knows...Unfortunately I had no sustiva dreams, in fact I sleep better than before...well...maybe the other day...I dreamt of a magic cucumber in vinegar: I could bite it and ask for a wish. But I always had those strange dreams even before sustiva.
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Dear Juan,
I'm so happy things are going good for you! ;D
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g142/angels4kelly/thbeautiful0.gif)
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g142/angels4kelly/th12.gif)
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congrats to u on yur new begging of life i started taking my meds a mth ago and im glad to no that im not the only one havin to swallow all 3 big pills wen i take my meds i think of those who did not make it this far that is my encouragement and my reason of life so just happy and remember u r and i and many others have made it this far we will make it the rest of the way cheers to u all and hey the dreams r what i make out it i always laugh at mines because they r so damm wierd lmao GOD BLESS U & TO ALL OF U GUYS
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Juan,
Sounds like things are going well for you; GREAT! I remember the fear of the unknown the first night of taking the same combo. I experienced the wild/ vivid Sustiva dreams the first couple of nights, but like you, I know sleep deeply for a good 6 hours at least. The combo has worked great for me, and my numbers were not as good as yours when I started. I have been on this combo for 17 months and my viral load has been undetectable after the first 90 days, and my t-cell count has increased by 300.
Some things I have found helpful for me; 1) diet; eat regular meals even if small, and try to eat a healthier diet, fruits and vegetables to add fiber, and stay away from fatty foods at night. I have found that any negative side effect usually follow after not eating right.
2) I take a multi-vitamin daily as well. I have found one now that is "formulated with ginseng, ginko, and high levels of five essential B vitamins" that has really helped to increase my energy level and my alertness the next morning. I occassionally had those foggy mornings before. I get up at 4:30am for work, and that makes me foggy enough!
Saw my doctor yesterday for the results of my last blood work. All is still looking great. He gave me a prescription for the new Atripla, which I will be starting when I finsih the meds I now have. Looks like will slightly decrease my drug co-pay.
Best of luck, I am sure you will be seeing great results on your next set of labs.
Paul
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Juan, I've been absent from this section of the forums for a few weeks, so I just saw this thread. I'm glad you're doing so well with your meds, and I commend you for working such long hours as well! I think this will be a breeze for you from now on. I'm very proud of you!
Best,
Creighton
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Juan, I wish you the best. It's the same regimen I've been on for almost 4 years. I guess I'm lucky because I only experienced mild side effects from the Sustiva for the first month, then they went away. My doctor advised me to take them at night before bedtime, which has helped. Remember, everyone reacts differently. I didn't experience any of the diarrhea that some here have, and I feel a whole lot better since my viral load went undetectable. My advise is to be patient with it and talk to your doctor often. Remember, you are his boss, not the other way around!
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Thank you Miztaken! Chirs, ...Cowboy Thanks for your tips. ;) Creighton I am using Avon! :D Thank you kelly for allways being there!
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Hey Juan, good luck with the meds,I started on the same 4 months ago, unfortunately had nearly every side-effect known, but, persevered and nearly all off them went after the first month, the only effects that lingered were, totally unable to concentrate and light headedness, this was remedied by my doc splitting the dose. I am now totally side-effect free and my v/l is virtually undetectable.I feel great and hope you will to, good luck and keep smiling. ;D
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I get head aches also & I take IBUPROFEN~800mg for it. If that does not work I change after six hours to 1000 mg's of ACETAMINOPHEN, that usually helps my head aches, I do not like to take the stronger drugs that are out there for a head ache. ;)