Truvada and Viramune side effect???

[RevMC]

I started on Truvada and Viramune 2 weeks ago.  On one pill a day for both, then 2 pils a day for the Viramune.  Started the 2 pills a day Friday night.  Doc told me I can take them at the same time, that I didn't have to do one in the morning and one at night.

My legs have been feeling strange since starting these meds.  Like a tingling sensation.  Louie put his hand on my legs where this was happening and he could feel it.  Not sure if it's nerves or muscles doing this.

This happened this morning (Saturday) and when I got out of the Jeep my legs felt so week I almost fell.  It was real scary driving back home right away.  I took a hydroxyzine for my panic attacks since I was having one of those at the time as well.

Is this problems with legs normal?  Is it something that I should be overly concerned with?  I work as a hairstylist and can't keep this up, don't want to fall flat on my face when working on a customer.

Besides Louie can't walk our dog when he's hooked up to his I.V.'s and someone has to pick up after her.  If my legs give out I'm scared we'll have to call 911 to get me up.

I'm going to talk to my doc on Tuesday afternoon, but what should I do in the meantime.  I feel it may be the viramune since this BIG effent happened after I started the 2 doeses, it happened about 8 hours after I took the 2 pills.

Should I stick to just the 1 pill until I see the doc, do the 2 anyway, spread it out or stop.  AAAAUUUUUGGGGGHHHHHHH

This is scaring the shit right out of me!

[ajm_ldn]

Usually Viramune is taken in two seperate doses.  I can't imagine that would do any harm, and it might help!

I'm surprised you doc says take it once a day considering this:

http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/1667_11411.shtml

[AlanBama]

Michael,

I'm sorry I am just now reading this thread today (March 8th).  This is the same combo I am on, and my doctor also told me it was o.k. to take all the pills at once...however, I have taken multiple dosings for so many years, the having to do twice a day dosing was not a big deal for me, and I told him I would prefer to take one Viramune (am) and one Viramune with the Truvada (pm)   This is the way I have always done it; occasionally, I will have a little leg "weirdness" that you describe, but perhaps not as severe as yours.   Mine is just twitchy, more or less...  I have not felt as if I were going to fall.

Let us know what you find out, and how you are handling this.

Hugs,
Alan

[superdupe]

Hello Everyone!
      I'm new to this site, and as a typical lurker I actually had to make my first post had to comment on this issue only because I also suffer from this same problem so severely. I was diagnosed 2 years ago and was put on a combo of Combivir and Viramune 2x a day within the first 3 months, although the severe leg pain didn't start until 6 months into the meds.
      After moving and switching primary docs, I was switched to Truvada and Viramune once a day, because my numbers were so good.  I have to admit I don't think it was "those meds" that are causing this exact same problem that I've seen so much of this identical dilemma on this site, but perhaps either "any med" or the HIV itself.
     I also suffer from my doc telling me "its not the meds", I almost feel like he doesn't believe me, but what is there to do about this? I've tried Lyrica, and Cymbalta and nothing. I'm up at 4:30am for work, cant walk for the first 30 minutes until I stand in the  shower until my body prunes, then like clockwork.. by 11am I'm hobbling at work, and by end of day I have to force myself up the stairs to my apartment.
     If the pain isn't enough the down fall is I have no energy to do anything. What was a body I was once proud of has now gained 60 lbs due to inactivity because I can hardly walk!
    I'm freely open to any an all suggestions!
     And thanks for your time!
         

[RevMC]

OK, went and saw the doc on Tuesday.  I told him that since I've always had back problems, could the meds be agravating the situation.

He said yes, that it is possible.  So he suggested that I take ibuprofen so he gave me a script for some stronger than over the counter ones.

It's a very strange sensation, when I put my chin down to my chest I feel like a pulling down my legs.  Doc asked me if I've had whiplash.  So I told him no that I didn't and he said it sounds just like whiplash from what I'm experiening.

The Naproxen is helping, 1 pill 2 times a day.  And it's only been a few days.  He told me the feeling should get better in a few weeks, if not sooner.  We'll see what happens.  No other complications though which is a good thing.  I'm not going to stay on Naproxen for very long because of possible complications from taking it for very long.  I'll see about switching meds if that happens.  Can't go on working at a hairsalon on my feet for 6 hours straight with my legs feeling this way.  Of course I get breaks when I need them but I'm VERY POPULAR  LOL  so there are times I just keep going and going just like the energizer bunny.

Hope everyone does better, I'll keep everyone updated.

Rev. Michael

[J.R.E.]

Michael,

Perhaps I am mis- reading here.... Are you talking about taking both Viramunes together, at the same time, instead of one every 12 hours?


Ray

[JPinLA]

Hi Michael!

I also just started Truvada/Viramune about 1 week ago.  I am still in the one Vriamune pill a day stage.  I have felt a little tingly in my extrmities and this morning a little achy.  One day I had exactly the same kind of weak feeling you had as well.  From what my Dr. said, these are typical and usually go away or lessen with time.

Having said that, I am nervous about beginning the 2 pills a day given your experience.

I'm glad to hear the Naproxen is helping out.  I hope that these symtpoms drift away for you too.  Keep us posted on your experiences.  I have to say it really helps me and hopefully you too.

Cheers!

JP