Author Topic: Alcohol intolerance - an UPDATE!!! (Read 26400 times)

fearless · « **on:** July 13, 2006, 08:30:33 pm »

I've never been a big drinker and after starting meds in January this year I didn't have a drink for about 4 or 5 months. This was mainly due to the diarrhoea I was experiencing from the meds which kept me at home and I rarely drink at home.

Now that my diarrhoea has subsided substantially and as my birthday approaches I've be going out with friends for dinners over the last month or so.

The last few times, I've had a couple of glasses of wine with dinner and a couple of vodka tonics after. Last night all I had was 2 1/2 beers. Each time though I've become violently ill overnight or the next morning, driving the porcelain bus every half hour or so.

Has anyone else developed a similar intolerance of alcohol since starting meds?

Steve
ps. I'm on Kaletra and Truvada.

newt · « **Reply #1 on:** July 13, 2006, 08:35:19 pm »

Alcohol intolerance is a known side effect of Norvir, which is inlcuded in Kaletra

- matt

J.R.E. · « **Reply #2 on:** July 13, 2006, 08:45:01 pm »

Hi Steve,

As a former "heavy partier" and a non drinker now, I can only tell you that I have very little tolerance to alcohol any more. I will still have a couple drinks throughout the year., but it doesn't agree with me anymore. so I try to avoid it completely. I have never gotten violently ill from drinking, but my head and body paid for it the next day. Worse then anytime pre-HIV meds. I am better if I leave alcohol out of the picture, but I still enjoy a nice glass of champagne once in a while...

I am only on Viread ( part of you regemin)

Ray

ImagineFL · « **Reply #3 on:** July 13, 2006, 08:48:04 pm »

Hmm... I never quit drinking after starting my meds. I did slow down a little, due to being tired all the time, but I try not to let that kill my social life. Most of my friends know what I am going through and if I have to excuse myself to the restroom to excersize "The Move¹", they understand and its not a big deal to them.

I would definatly try to keep it to one or two drinks to get your body adjusted to the booze again. I would also try sticking to a clear alcohol, like vodka and not mixing different kinds. Give that a try once and see how you do.

Good luck!

Patrick

¹"The Move" Men know exactly what their bowels are up to at any given second. And when the time comes to empty the cache, a sequence of physiological events occur that can not be stopped under any circumstances. There is a move men make that involves simultaneously approaching the toilet, beginning the body turn to position ones ass toward said toilet, hooking ones fingers into ones waistline, and pulling down the pants while beginning the squat at the same time. It is a very fluid motion that, when performed properly, results in the flawless expulsion of shit at the exact same second that one’s ass is properly placed on the toilet seat. Done properly, it even assures that the choad is properly inserted into the front rim of the toilet in the event that the piss stream lets loose at the same time; it is truly a picture of coordination rivaling that of a skilled ballet dancer.

Terry · « **Reply #4 on:** July 13, 2006, 09:05:26 pm »

Terry, note to self: “Never let doctor prescribe Norvir or Kaletra.”

[attachment deleted by admin]

appleboy · « **Reply #5 on:** July 13, 2006, 09:19:31 pm »

I was on Viramune and Truvada and drinking even small amounts (1 drink) will usually make very sick the next morning. I have pretty much just stopped drinking cause of it. I understand having a social life with meds can hender it at times. You may want to try a little less and try working up.
Good Luck
AppleBoy

dplush · « **Reply #6 on:** July 13, 2006, 09:29:30 pm »

yes I am in a similar situation, I take norvir, truvada, and reyataz, I was an occasional drinker but now I rarely drink, because it does not mix well with my meds

allopathicholistic · « **Reply #7 on:** July 13, 2006, 09:35:41 pm »

Now if I have half a beer I get drunk and i don't feel good. Before, when I was 26/27/28 I could drink 7 beers. So I think it's my body telling me not to drink. I appreciate my body talking to me- so I don't drink now.

ImagineFL · « **Reply #8 on:** July 13, 2006, 10:16:17 pm »

I don't drink quiet like I used too, I'll admit. I do drink everyday when I get out of work. There is this nice neighborhood gay bar here in Tampa that we go to. I have one pitcher of beer daily and then go home.

Before I went on the meds, I would drink at least two pitchers a day, go home and sometimes continue drinking until bedtime. $:-\$ So I am down to one pitcher, 4 days a week and the other 3 (weekends) I drink Margaritas (Hottie McBartender gives me them at half price).

But some good advise has been given in this thread... take it slow, baby steps and test your limits to see when you need to say when.

Cheers!
Patrick

otherplaces · « **Reply #9 on:** July 13, 2006, 10:37:11 pm »

I'm not on meds. My doc told me that if I drink more than 1 or 2 drinks a night my body won't be able to tolerate it. I'll have bad hangovers. I noticed this to be true for awhile coming out of the primary infection. Over the past few months I've been able to drink more w/o feeling too horrible the next day. I'll occaisonally kill a six pack in a night. I don't feel fabulous the next day, but can go and tiredly work through the day w/o too much trouble. I find getting a good nights sleep and eating enough to be the best things to make sure I feel okay. Of course, alcohol interferes with sleep.

Generally I'm trying to cut back. I figure I'll eventually quit all together. But right now it helps me deal.

brian

fearless · « **Reply #10 on:** July 14, 2006, 12:39:22 am »

Thanks Matt,
I was not aware of this until now.
I'm just going to have to limit myself to one drink per sitting from now on though. For me, there is only one thing worse than throwing up and that is feeling like you are going to throw up. So last night I threw up through the night and, well, I just feel shite today. It's as if I went out, knocked back 10 beers and arrived home legless. All off two beers. Never again.

lydgate · « **Reply #11 on:** July 14, 2006, 12:56:38 am »

Not on meds. Still drink about the same as I did a year ago, pre-infection. Which is 3 to 6 drinks a couple of times a week and the odd glass of wine at dinner. Feel the same, hangovers when they occur are the same. Damn Norvir. Any other drugs particularly noted for alcohol intolerance? Jay

joemutt · « **Reply #12 on:** July 14, 2006, 02:46:48 am »

I have a similar experience, 2 glasses of wine, once a week or less ok, but three gin-tonics and I' m in bed all day the next day.
(Combivir, Viramune)

Trish · « **Reply #13 on:** July 14, 2006, 03:04:56 am »

All I know, is that I cannot drink the way I used to do... can't handle it anymore. Yes, I am on Norvir, but I've experienced the hangovers way before starting meds. IMHO, alcohol, being HIV-pos and the meds don't mix no matter how you mix it up.

Just my 2 cents...

Jena · « **Reply #14 on:** July 14, 2006, 02:19:26 pm »

I'm sorry to say my tequlia loving days are in the past.

Since starting on Combivir and Viramune last year even smelling alcohol makes my stomach churn.
Jena

DCGuy511 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 14, 2006, 02:25:40 pm »

When I was on Combivir and Kaletra I never noticed any increased side affects when I consumed alcohol. I was suffering from increased depression back then, so I was not going out and drinking very often.

ACinKC · « **Reply #16 on:** July 14, 2006, 02:26:48 pm »

Quote from: ImagineFL on July 13, 2006, 08:48:04 pm

¹"The Move" Men know exactly what their bowels are up to at any given second. And when the time comes to empty the cache, a sequence of physiological events occur that can not be stopped under any circumstances. There is a move men make that involves simultaneously approaching the toilet, beginning the body turn to position ones ass toward said toilet, hooking ones fingers into ones waistline, and pulling down the pants while beginning the squat at the same time. It is a very fluid motion that, when performed properly, results in the flawless expulsion of shit at the exact same second that one’s ass is properly placed on the toilet seat. Done properly, it even assures that the choad is properly inserted into the front rim of the toilet in the event that the piss stream lets loose at the same time; it is truly a picture of coordination rivaling that of a skilled ballet dancer.

And which dictionary does this come from? Cause I looked in a couple and even checked the OL FUNK & WAGNALS....... I LOVE IT!

jack · « **Reply #17 on:** July 14, 2006, 02:33:43 pm »

I had to quit my favorite pastime while in a crixivan study around 10 years ago. I ended up in emergency room with unbelievable stomach pains. I could not walk and thought I was dying. Havent had a drink since.
I miss all my drinking friends very much but enjoy my new lifestyle much more. I have time and energy to do things and its fun waking up every morning feeling great(till I take my meds).
I had quit drinking before Norvir, of course that was the dreaded liquid norvir.

MSPspud · « **Reply #18 on:** July 14, 2006, 02:39:10 pm »

Is it bad that I sort of wish the meds would not allow me to drink as much ?

spicy1 · « **Reply #19 on:** July 14, 2006, 03:59:06 pm »

Even without being on meds i feel shite after having an alcoholic drink now post HIV. Ive cut down from having drinks at least 4 times a week to once a week.

newt · « **Reply #20 on:** July 14, 2006, 04:11:56 pm »

Bugger. I have Rosé Survivor Guilt..

cubbybear · « **Reply #21 on:** July 14, 2006, 09:13:12 pm »

Gee Steve, sorry to hear you've been for a rough ride on the ceramic express. That sucks!

I know on truvada/sustiva one drink normally hits me like a tonne of bricks.. whereas before.. it'd take two! LOL. What can I say, I'm a cheap drunk.. but I honestly don't get ill because of it.. just drunk a lot faster.

ImagineFL · « **Reply #22 on:** July 14, 2006, 10:54:56 pm »

Quote from: MSPspud on July 14, 2006, 02:39:10 pm

Is it bad that I sort of wish the meds would not allow me to drink as much ?

No, its not bad! Just think of all those people that work at the brewries and such. They depend on us for their paychecks!!

Now stop feeling guilty and drink up. You are supporting thousands of workers!!

Cheers,
Patrick

lydgate · « **Reply #23 on:** July 14, 2006, 11:19:21 pm »

"Work is the curse of the drinking classes." -- Wilde. Amen.

Eldon · « **Reply #24 on:** July 14, 2006, 11:37:38 pm »

Hello Brian,

Once in a blue moon a glass of white wine. All the other stills....can't handle it.

Make the BEST of each Day!

MSPspud · « **Reply #25 on:** July 14, 2006, 11:41:34 pm »

Quote from: ImagineFL on July 14, 2006, 10:54:56 pm

No, its not bad! Just think of all those people that work at the brewries and such. They depend on us for their paychecks!!

Now stop feeling guilty and drink up. You are supporting thousands of workers!!

Amen!

Jason (who's family was originally from Milwaukee)

DingoBoi · « **Reply #26 on:** July 15, 2006, 01:06:48 am »

Quote from: Trish on July 14, 2006, 03:04:56 am

All I know, is that I cannot drink the way I used to do... can't handle it anymore. Yes, I am on Norvir, but I've experienced the hangovers way before starting meds. IMHO, alcohol, being HIV-pos and the meds don't mix no matter how you mix it up.

Just my 2 cents...

I can understand your sentiments... and I think you are trying to say that drinking isn't good for hiv people period. But the fact remains that many of us are alcoholics to some degree.

I drink, heavily by most peoples definitions. I was pretty fine on sustiva/truvada and i'm still fine of my new combo of truvada/viramune.

my numbers are great. I don't think I would consider cutting back or stopping unless I considered my numbers in a 'danger range'.

For me it's a quality of life issue (well, since i can tolerate alcohol). I like to drink and will continue to do so as long as i'm able and healthy enough to do so.

Now of course, cutting down or stopping is preferable, but in many cases not realistic. Most of us didn't get here by being tea tottelers.

I mean no offense, just offering a counterpoint. Though I do agree for health, nobody should drink ever, but that can and will have mental health repercussions for many and withdrawal symptoms for some.

with respect trish,
-Bailey

allopathicholistic · « **Reply #27 on:** July 20, 2006, 12:38:05 am »

thanks Newt - I'm on Norvir also and I was unaware of that fact

Oceanbeach · « **Reply #28 on:** July 20, 2006, 03:13:44 am »

Dear Steve,

There were at least 6 bars within walking distance to my house when I started meds 10 years ago. I had a bar at home and my after-hours parties were legendary. One day, I just got out of bed and moved out of Los Angeles. I moved to a tiny little town with only 1 bar. I went there at 10:PM on a Sunday, it was closed. The next day at Happy Hour, there was me and the bar owner. I stopped drinking that day and still have cases of premium liquor under the house.

I don't think it was an intolerance to alcohol because of the meds. I believe it was a major change in my social life. I have friends who come over at least once each month, they bring beer, bring it with them and take it when they leave. Have the best day
Michael

www.Commission-on-AIDS.org

GSOgymrat · « **Reply #29 on:** July 20, 2006, 05:22:16 am »

I haven't had an alcoholic beverage in 20 years. Alcohol just tastes gross to me. Beer is especially revolting... it's like drinking from a puddle of water in which something has died. I've always been puzzled why so many people love it so. It's not like drinking a chocolate milkshake. If you just want to become intoxicated I would think drugs would be more effective.

lydgate · « **Reply #30 on:** July 20, 2006, 02:03:04 pm »

Perhaps, GSO, but certainly not in the same way. Sharing a bottle of pinot noir at dusk with a friend, laughing and exchanging the week's stories, has very little in common with doing a tab of E at at a rave or doing a few lines of coke, or even smoking a joint. Different strokes et cetera. Also, it's a legality thing of course; when you've had a shitty day, that third martini sure as hell tastes a lot better than prison water. Actually, I'm surprised when people tell me they don't drink. Jay

lydgate · « **Reply #31 on:** July 20, 2006, 02:28:11 pm »

Michael, you said you have cases of undrunk premium liquor. Don't you think that those bottles might be shared with the AMeds family?

Jay

aztecan · « **Reply #32 on:** July 20, 2006, 04:17:17 pm »

Hey Steve,
I remember reading this thread and thought I had replied, but I guess not cause I'm not here!

Sorry about the alcohol intolerance. I truly miss beer, which I can't have thanks to the gluten intolerance thing.

On the plus side, I can have anything that has been distilled, so scotch is still on the menu.

I hope you are feeling better Steve. Take care of yourself.

HUGS,

Mark

allopathicholistic · « **Reply #33 on:** July 20, 2006, 05:48:43 pm »

Jay, I've heard people say that before - I'm having a bad day so I'll drink to forget

One drink - fine. but for some people, they allow themselves bad days as catalysts for drinking a lot (to 'escape')

Also known as a vicious cycle

---- I certainly don't mean everyone. Just people who aren't in touch with their own emotional-behavioral dynamics

fearless · « **Reply #34 on:** July 23, 2006, 10:21:44 pm »

Last week I raised this matter with my doctor and he did the usual blood draw to test for a number of things - Kaletra trough levels, lactate levels, liver enzymes etc.

I got the results back this morning and I have elevated liver enzymes (ALP and GCT, I think - sorry, I'm in a bit of a daze at the moment trying to digest what was said this morning at the surgery). End result of this is that I have cholestasis, which is basically a gall bladder problem.

At this stage, however, we don't really know what is causing it. I had more blood drawn for a Hep C test - I will be surprised if I have hep C though, as the last hep C test I did after being diagnosed HIV+ came back -ve and to the best of my knowledge I have not shared a syringe with anyone since then, have had no tattoos etc.

I also have to book into the hospital to have an ultra-sound to check for possible gall stones or a fatty liver.

Fingers crossed.

Little Steve

anniebc · « **Reply #35 on:** July 23, 2006, 11:26:11 pm »

hi steve

Sorry to hear you are having problmes

The tests you are talking about are ALT & GGT (Gamma Glutamy Transpeptidase)..and as you know are always done to determine Liver problems.

Just keep in mind that even a small amount of Alcohol 24 hours before a blood test can make a difference to the results.

Please keep us updated on your Ultra sound...fingers crossed for a good result..

Big hugs
Jan

fearless · « **Reply #36 on:** July 24, 2006, 12:32:13 am »

Thanks Jan,
I now have an ultrasound appointment this Wednesday. I'll let you know how I get along.
Hope you are feeling better.

Steve

clarke · « **Reply #37 on:** August 12, 2006, 02:22:51 pm »

I had to quit because my meds (I guess many do anyhow) get metabolized thru my liver.

I had Hep "B" in the late 70's, but have only the antigens for it now, but have found I feel like crud even after only a beer or even a shot of Drambui. I can't even take Nyquil or any other liquid medicine that has an alcohol base to it.

BB · « **Reply #38 on:** August 12, 2006, 09:57:30 pm »

My soon to be ex hiv doc told me to have a glass of red wine each day to increase my HDL count. When I started to drink red wine, my HDL was around 17 which is heart attack territory. After several months of determined red wine medication my HDL was up into the 40's and the last count the number jumped into the upper 60's or 70's.

I too am on Norvir, but my dose was cut in half to one pill a day with two Lexiva and one Epzicom. I'm in some new drug study to cut down on the Norvir dosing.

I have also noticed I seem to tolerate California red wine better than Italian red wine. This makes no sense to me, but stringent and vigorous testing on this matter is still on going.

Get well Steve.

BB

pozhoneybear · « **Reply #39 on:** August 14, 2006, 03:48:05 am »

I used to be a reguar drinker until I started the meds. Then I noticed that my tolerace got lower and lower. Sometimes I can still go like a champ, but most times, I limit or am forced to limit the intake. I still haven't decided if this is a good thing or a bad thing. All I know is a smoke a hell of a lot more weed as a result!

fearless · « **Reply #40 on:** August 14, 2006, 09:17:20 pm »

me too pozhoneybear, which has become a problem in its own right now.

stevevaboy · « **Reply #41 on:** August 15, 2006, 02:08:13 am »

Interesting thread... I started taking Truvada/Viramune originally back in May(?) and then had to switch to Truvada/Reyataz/Norvir due to resistance. I think I may have had a slightly increased sensitivity to alcohol initially, but I seem to be able to drink just as much as I always did and it seems that I don't feel quite as hungover as I would have pre-meds. HONESTLY though, I think overdoing the alcohol thing with the HIV, meds, etc... is just not a good idea period. With me it just increases depressive/anxious moods and I don't need that! I think moderation would be wise for all of us (at least most of the time!..ha ha).

Steve

clarke · « **Reply #42 on:** August 15, 2006, 10:35:00 am »

I've tried just having a beer or a shot of something several times in the last 5 years or so, and have felt really cruddy the next day. Even "alcohol-less" beer does it.

Can't even have Nyquil or ANY medicine that has alcohol in it.

Eldon · « **Reply #43 on:** August 15, 2006, 04:55:59 pm »

Hello Clarke,

You did the right thing to stop. I DO agree that you did not want the alcohol to metabolize the medicine in the liver. The liver is a filter and need to keep it unclogged and working healthy.

Make the BEST of each Day!

FiercenBed · « **Reply #44 on:** October 14, 2006, 08:43:48 pm »

tested pos in july and put on kaletra and truvada. CLEARLY asked the doc if i could drink and he said yes. i was drinking 2 drinks 3 or 4 times a week. about sept i started to have severe nausea. the doc ran all the these test and said nothing was wrong w/me. NEVER said to stop drinking. finally after three weeks of misery and unable to even finish a drink one night i came to the conclusion it was the alcohol. have regretfully stoped drinking all together and much better. BUT I MISS IT.

chadnla · « **Reply #45 on:** November 27, 2006, 11:43:54 pm »

have been on Kaletra and Combivir for 4 yrs until 1 month ago, my doc switched out to truvada. i've never had any issues with drinking wine, beer or spirits. i think the bottom line is let your body tell you, not someone else. what works for one may not work for another.

cheers! err, uh good luck for the non-drinkers (((HUG)))

RobT · « **Reply #46 on:** November 28, 2006, 01:19:05 am »

I usually have a glass of wine a night. Usually spaced an hour or two before taking my meds, Truvada/Sustiva. It does not bother me as long as it is taken b4hand.

RobT

AtomicA · « **Reply #47 on:** November 28, 2006, 02:16:41 am »

Red wine and Rye & coke have been my best and worst of friends. I'm on Kivexa and sustiva and have never ntocied anything nasty when I drink. I just make sure to not take my sustiva until after the night of fun has finished because when it kicks in, all the sobering up I did on my way home from the bar turns to wasted effort. Though, never noticed hangovers that were worse than before - and thank god for that... I can spend about 20 minutes in the gay bar if I'm sober!

chemistry001 · « **Reply #48 on:** November 28, 2006, 08:17:26 am »

I was a lightweight before and i'm still a lightweight, one sniff of the bar maids apron and i'm being carried home

NightmareHall · « **Reply #49 on:** November 28, 2006, 10:18:50 am »

Forums Index

Welcome

Author Topic: Alcohol intolerance - an UPDATE!!! (Read 26400 times)