HIV medication and water: how much do *YOU* drink?

[buffaloboy]

Not long after I started on Atripla, I noticed that I was suddenly drinking a lot more water. I wasn't thirsty as such, but was really craving it. And I don't mean just a glass, here and there, but literally, guzzling down pint after pint. Now, it has to be said I've never been one for drinking much water at all; perhaps a couple of plastic cups at work and then a  small glass or two in the evening.

I've had a look online but can't seem to find anything about water consumption and HIV medication. I mentioned this to my doctor and he didn't have a view on it, but I was curious if anyone had  a) experienced a similar type of water craving and b) heard of, or been told, they should increase their intake of water when taking any type of HIV drugs. Is there a certain amount you're meant to drink and, if so, why?

[mecch]

I was told to drink a lot of water when I was taking Reyataz. I turned a bit yellow but not fluorescent.  Then I was allergic to that drug, so switched.

I tend to drink tons of water, leftover habit from 20 years of competitive running.

I get thirst cravings like you say an hour or two after any drug I take now - vitamins, HAART, stress pills, fun drugs, etc.

If I'm socialising and boozing every other drink is water, I have this feeling it will be better for me.

I know its possible to drink too much water, but its difficult. 

The way I see it, and I haven't had a nutritionist for a decade, well before I seroconverted:  I want to eat fruits and veges so its all passing though me a good clip and coming out solid. And lots of water and anti-inflammatory tea.  I make that myself a couple of liters every other day or so. Mint and Green Tea. 
I used to take Echinechea tea but its not recommended for those on HAART.

I believe there are risks of kidney stones with certain HAART drugs and water is recommended.

I don't want to give up drinking, its such a pleasure, so i want to keep it all a bit diluted.  And keep all the organs regularly flushed....

[denb45]

I drink about 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, sometimes more, I always have, along with other things, like Orange Juice, Coffee, Iced Tea, and maybe a sports drink, if I need one while working out, the down side to all of this drinking, is I pee a lot, I mean a lot of trips to the bathroom  

[Ann]

 
I used to take Echinechea tea but its not recommended for those on HAART.

Echinacea isn't recommended for anyone who is hiv positive, regardless of whether or not they're on meds. Some links:

Echinacea

Are echinacea and HIV not a good mix?

The influence of alternative medicine in highly active antiretroviral treatment

It's always a good idea to drink plenty of water whether or not you're on hiv meds. And anytime you're on any kind of medication, plenty of water is a must as it keeps your system flushed out.

Ann

[tommy246]

I have drank lots of water since i was a young child ,there is always a bottle by my bed i wake three or four times a night and take a drink. I think its mega important even more so with meds and will keep your kidneys and liver in great shape . I was a heavy drinker for twenty years put have a perfect liver i put it down to the water. Since starting meds last week i wake with a very dry mouth in the night.