Just switched meds

[JJ80909]

I started on Atripla last May with no side effects at first.  In late July/early August I found it difficult to stay asleep, had some viviid dreams, experienced the mental fogginess, became more depressed, started getting nauseous for most of the day and generally just was feeling pretty crappy.  I was also under a lot of stress at work -- which may relate to the onset of the side effects.  My ID put me on Phenergan for the nausea and Ambien to sleep.

I discussed these side effects with my ID last week, and she switched me from Atripla to Norvir and Prezista twice a day and Truvada once a day.  I started this regimen on Monday, 8 Nov.  So far so good -- the nausea has gone, and sleep has been good.   I am still guarded on the depression issue as I am trying to learn to live with this disease, not have the disease control my life.  Going from one pill a day to five a day is an adjustment, but if it helps me feel better, I can do it.

I'm curious if any of you had similar experiences with side affects starting several weeks after starting a drug regimen, rather than right away.

Thanks!

[wtfimpoz]

I'm sorry to kinda go off topic, but was there a reason your doc put you on such an unwieldy combo?  A popular alternative is isentress/truvada which is twice a day, a few other things dosed once a day. 

[newt]

Hello

Good about the side effects subsiding from the old combo.

Since you have no resistance to PIs (the drug class that Prezista belongs to) you can take two 400 mg Prezista tablets plus one 100 mg Norvir capsule once a day. This is 100mg less Norvir, which is always good (better for cholesterol).

- matt

[JJ80909]

 wtfimpoz, Newt:

Thanks for the feedback, i really appreciate it and will talk to the Doc when I go back in three weeks -- I have been on this combo now for five days now and feel better -- I hope it is not a fluke, but a better combo for me.  I have had a new sense of energy these past few days, which I have not had in months.

The Truvada is labeled "Truvad 30's 200 - 300 mg Tabs"
The Prezista is 600 mg tabs 9(taking 1200 mg a day)
The Norvir is 100 mg tabs (taking 200 mg a day)

I am on Crestor for cholesterol now, and if I can reduce the dosage the Prezista and Novir, that may be better for my liver. 

Again, thank you for the feedback!   

James

[nychope1]

Just started the Atripla five nights ago and was taking it with ambien. Stopped the ambien two nights ago and besides one rough night without it last night I slept pretty well. I personally don't think taking ambien to cope with a med is a good long term strategy so you probably made the right decision. Just an opinion. Good luck.

[JJ80909]

I thought I'd post an update after seeing my ID this week.  I discussed with her what was posted here with the new regimen and she agreed to change. She indicated her usual protocol for new patients was the two Prezista and two Norvirs twice a day.  She has changed it to once a day -- but the single dose of Prezista will increase from 600 (1200 mg a day) to 800 mg once a day, plus the just one 100 mg of Norvir and the Truvada.

I have had some side effects, but am not sure yet if it is a seasonal cold (and dry heat) or the new therapy.  The new side effects started a few days before I saw her.  I've had an unusual thirst and dry mouth, and itchy skin. It also seems my appetite has increased.  That part I need to watch.  I will add I've had my glucose checked and am in the normal ranges. I've also experienced some diarrhea - not a lot or daily. If I don't feel better as far as the dryness goes, I'll go back in a talk with her.

I have my labs ordered for next month -- CD4, VL, lipids and kidney functions.