Does Atripla causes sleep disorder?

[VikkMathis]

I've been on Atripla for nearly a year now and really never had a problem with it besides the dreams. Never had headaces, dizziness, or that feeling of walking up feeling light headed.

I work the night shift on my job from 11:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. (The graveyard shift) and lately I've been having a lot of trouble falling asleep when I get home from work. I'm a little concern that it may be due to the medication I'm taking which is Atripla and Lipitor. Sometime I'll go two days with no sleep and usually end up crashing and feeling tired and messed up at work.

I've heard from some people who's also on this medication that it can cause sleep disorder in some people, but usually right away and it's only minor and last for a couple of days. The thing is I'm not just starting the medication for I've been on it for almost a year and half now.

Has anyone else had any problems with this medications beside the dream?

What are the side affects beside dreaming and feeling dizzy?

[mecch]

Eventually I had trouble sleeping with Atripla. It was unclear if it was the HIV medicine itself or the anxiety of taking HIV medicine and being HIV+.  I got a sleeping pill prescription, and take it sometimes. I seem not to need it. I think there is a placebo effect - if you know you have a sleeping pill that works, then you are less anxious about falling asleep, and don't need to take it all the time. So, try that.

[richva]

I started Atripla in April '08; the dreams and whatnot eased up by May, I believe.  Then, beginning in September or thereabouts, I started having insomnia - mild at first, then raging.  Missed work; grumpy and wiped out even on my "good" days.  Since the Atripla was "working," ID doc and I decided to try a variety of sleep aids.  Each worked for a night or two, then nothing.  Finally decided to switch meds in late December.  The change was pretty dramatic.  Today, I sleep like a baby without any sleep meds.  (I've also had the energy and enthusiasm to start a running program; not so on Atripla.)  So, to your question: Yes, there are cases where folks have started off on Atripla fairly well, only to have problems arise later on.  To complicate matters, though, there are also reports that some cholesterol-lowering meds may also contribute to sleep disorders.  Not sure if Lipitor falls into this group, but it's worth discussing with your doctor.

Good luck!

[newt]

The efavirenz in Atripla can cause sleep disorders to arise in the medium to long term, not just on starting.

It's not the only cause of sleep problems obviously, but the effects being so well known it needs to be a suspect.

Unfortunately, the presentation is more or less the same as sleep disorders from stress, sleep disorders from other meds.....

But the short answer to our question is yes, Atripla can.

- matt

[decayingsinner]

I have always had crazy dreams (talk in my sleep, laugh, etc.). The Sustiva/Truvada has definitely increased the vividness of my dreams.

[Oh501sguy]

I don't think Atripla has caused a sleep disorder for me.  I actually relax with the buzz that comes from the meds before bedtime.  The dreams are what they are.  Sometimes scary, sometimes fun...sometimes even sexual as when I was in my teens!  My sleep problems are related to being anxious and enjoying too much starbucks at 3pm.  I found that tylenol PM helps me to get drowsy.  You should check with your doc.  But has far as the meds causing sleep problems... I've not heard of that.

[RapidRod]

As Newt has said, yes it can cause sleep disorders. Reason for taking sleeping pills. Nothing worse than getting a couple hours of sleep then be wide awake and can't get back to sleep for hours. We use to have several on here at night that were all taking Atripla and we would all be up chatting because we couldn't sleep. Finding the right sleeping pill for you is sometimes harder than finding the correct HIV meds that work for you. If you are given a sleeping pill and it doesn't work tell your ID doctor. They understand.

[poz2008]

I was diagnosed 4/28/2008 and started atripla after my first blood work results and have been on it ever since.  My CD4 count is 170 so I am still on Bactrim.  My Viral Load is undetectable.  The only sleep disorder, if you want to call it that, are just vivid/wild dreams.  Luckily I have not encountered any other adverse side-effects. 

Last time I went to my ID Dr. they did a cholesterol check because Atripla can cause it to rise.

[Peter Staley]

Poz -- just wanted to welcome you to our forums.  Glad your new regimen is working well -- congrats on getting to undetectable!

[poz2008]

Thank you Peter,  I just found out about this website through a friend.  I am glad to have found a place with such a supportive community. 

Everyone Keep it real, and Keep up the Positive Mental Attitude