Atripla Mood symptoms

[ted2]

As someone who has struggled with depression/social anxiety most of my adult life, I feared the worst when the doctor said it was time to start meds.  Having made up my mind a one-a-day was going to be my regimen of choice, I took my first dose of Atripla Friday night. As I write this it is Sunday afternoon.  It's not much history to go on, but let's continue.  I was expecting unpleasant side effects, however my experience after two days has been a remarkably happy one. My mood is actually elevated.  I've been on two long dog walks today, which is not my favorite thing to do, I love my dog but hate the social situations I'm inevitably forced into in the unenlightened small Midwestern town I now call home. I've been doing push-ups and barbel curlsl, developed a voracious craving for fruits and vegetables and didn't even flinch when passing neighbors engaged me in polite chit-chat that would normally terrify me. So I guess my question is...has anyone else felt this way after taking Atripla?   Should I be bracing for a crash and if so how long have I got?  Thanks for your time and please excuse my naivety.  I've been Poz since 2006 and on meds for two days.     

[simon695]

I think your general wellbeing from starting atripla should promote
a feel good factor, if you had the tedious constant bad health issues
prior to meds that i had then you have good reason to be in a good mood.
I also experienced a general high when i began sustiva, and continue to
be happier. good luck i hope it continues for you too.

[ted2]

I think your general wellbeing from starting atripla should promote
a feel good factor, if you had the tedious constant bad health issues
prior to meds that i had then you have good reason to be in a good mood.
I also experienced a general high when i began sustiva, and continue to
be happier. good luck i hope it continues for you too.

Thanks for your input.  I appreciate it.   

[ted2]

Bummer Dude!  I did indeed suffer an emotional crash about a week after my initial post.  Profound sadness, hopelessness were the main symptoms.  I still feel physically healthier, however I'm supplementing with Celexa for emotional support.  I suspect the "mood elevation" I experienced shortly after beginning Atripla was in fact symptomatic euphoria.  I'm cautiously optimistic the Celexa will provide relief as I've had experience with a similar SSRI in the past.  Be Well, Ted

[Jeff64]

I have found I am unable to deal with BS. I call BS when I see it. I do not know if this is a good thing or not, but this new backbone I have makes me feel good!

[skeebo1969]

Bummer Dude!  I did indeed suffer an emotional crash about a week after my initial post.  Profound sadness, hopelessness were the main symptoms.  I still feel physically healthier, however I'm supplementing with Celexa for emotional support.  I suspect the "mood elevation" I experienced shortly after beginning Atripla was in fact symptomatic euphoria.  I'm cautiously optimistic the Celexa will provide relief as I've had experience with a similar SSRI in the past.  Be Well, Ted

  I was kind of thinking when I was reading your initial post in this thread that perhaps you were riding a pink cloud.  Just the fact that you were starting something that would improve your health probably gave you a boost in morale and then reality set in.  This was the same for me....  compound that with sleep issues I already had along with , in my opinion, Atripla can affect some people's sleeping habits and I was a total wreck.   My doctor suggested many times to get  on a sleeping aid/anxiety pill to help alleviate some of the issues I was having.  Those being anxiety, despair, and temper problems.   

  I finally gave in and along with the Paxil I was already taking he prescribed me Temazepam.  This certainly has worked for me and I finally feel like myself, something  that has been missing for about 4 years now.  Not saying that this is the route you should take, just sharing what has worked for me.

[mecch]

Lorazepam kept me going when I was having Sustiva crazies (jittery, anger, tension, etc. etc.).  Well eventually different combos worked better but I was thankful for any medicine.
Your emotional fall after a bit on Atripla doesnt sound to me like Sustiva crazies, more like an emotional development as your HIV story continues.  How is the SSRI working.  I find that it keeps me even keel on a daily basis. And the Lorazepam now and then for periods of gross anxiety.

[blackwingbear]

I have found I am unable to deal with BS. I call BS when I see it. I do not know if this is a good thing or not, but this new backbone I have makes me feel good!

I developed that attitude also - it has gotten me into trouble, but I respect myself a Hell of a lot more.