POZ Community Forums
Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: zachysmom on July 03, 2007, 02:29:08 pm
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Hello,
I have been on Viracept and Truvada, for almost 2 years, and am still experiencing weird and strange side effects. I have been feeling fuzzy almost like my head is fogged over, as well as nauseaus all the time. There are times I feel like I'm so dizzy I'm about to faint, and it happens in the strangest of places like the grocery store, and as a result I've developed an anxiety.
Am I going crazy? Is anyone else experiencing this?
I have talked with my I.D doctor about this, and she thinks nothing of it, in fact she prescribed me anti dizzy pills the ones you take on a cruise, they don't really help.
Please help?
Nicole
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Hey Nicole,
That fuzzy feeling can be a side effect of the Viracept, but usually it goes away after a while.
Has your doc been monitoring your blood pressure and blood glucose level? Both of those could contribute to these types of feelings.
I have never taken either of these meds, so I really can't speak from experience here.
But I would have another talk with the doc about this. After two years, this has become a quality of life issue, at least in my humble opinion.
Keep us posted on how things go.
HUGS,
Mark
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Oh my god, Mark, it is a quality of life problem, you nailed it.
I have always had lower than usual blood pressure, but lately it's been increasing creeping up, and I atribute it to my father having heart disease, so I must be careful with what i'm eating ( it sucks getting old).
My I.D doc does check my sugar with every panel, and nothing to alarming so far. My question is could I be developing Diabetias? What are the symptoms to look for?
Or could it be a thyroid problem? And again what are the symtoms to look for?
I will see my doc in the next few weeks, and I will have a serious talk with her again, she just doesn't want to switch me out because i've been doing so well, numbers wise anyway. But I'm willing to try anything, cause I can't live this way, especially if I plan on going back to work, How will I cope?
Thanks for your help.
Nicole
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Hey Nicole,
Yeah, it can really suck getting older at times, but it sure beats the alternative at this point. ;)
Since your doc is monitoring your blood glucose level, she would probably have said something if your sugar level was too high (generally more than 100).
I went through a period when my blood pressure was too low. Just ask our dear Jan (AnnieBC). We were in Montreal and she was afraid I was going to crater on her.
My doc ordered me to eat more salt to increase my blood pressure, which is now a robust 110/50. It had been 60/40.
But don't do this without asking your doc first. Who knows, you may have high blood pressure and more salt could make it worse.
Your doc needs to get to the bottom of this for you. If its the meds, then a switch may be in order. It could be something else, as you have suggested. I know nothing about thyrod problems, but your doc should.
May I suggest you write down each time this feeling comes over you during the next few weeks. Then present that list to the doc and say, "Honey, we need to talk!"
Sometimes docs have to be nudged.
Let me know how things go.
HUGS,
Mark
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Mark,
What a wonderful man you are, you have really made me feel so much better, God is smiling down on, because you are a truely kind man. And Thank You.
I will do my labs sometime next week, and have them back in another 10days after. so we'll see from there. I will definelty keep everyone posted.
I'm just singing the praises for Mark, because I've been living with HIV longer than not , and have been blessed to not have to take meds untill recenty. When I bring it up to my husband, he doesn;t really pay much attention to it, either he doesn't want to be bothered by it or it reminds himself of his own reality? Who knows here. But it is always nice to meet other people who are kinder souls,
thanks so much for making me feel better, Mark
I hope I can return the favor someday,
Nicole