3rd nite on Atripla

[film333]

Hey guys, well tonite marks my third nite on Atripla.  The first nite was ok, didn't have any crazy dreams, but the next day I felt as though I just awoke from surgery.  I was so dizzy and couldn't even walk straight.  I called in sick to work and stayed in bed all day. The second day I woke up and felt somewhat the same, not as bad though.  Kind of nervous about tomorrow morning,  I am going to try to take it earlier than my bedtime to see if that helps the next day. How long will I feel this way?  I am taking it on an empty stomach and getting 7 hours of sleep.  I also feel kind of weak throughout the day, When would it be ok to get back to the gym for some lifting?  Any thoughts?  Suggestions?

[Rev. Moon]

Hello film333 and welcome aboard.  

The side effects vary per person, but they (especially the morning sickness feeling) should not last more than a few days.  I only experienced a minor rash for a couple of days and some restless sleep for about a week or two, no fatigue at all (actually feel more energised than ever these days; back to the running track whenever time permits) --and virtually no crazy dreams in three months that I have been on it.  Others will share different experiences.  

Allow yourself a couple of days and you should be fine to return to the gym.

Best of luck and health now that you have started!

M.

[HollyStar]

Hi there,

When I was taking Atripla my doc recommended a few tricks to help. I found that not eating at least 2 hours before pill time helped and actually waiting to go to bed about 1-2 hours after pill time. If you do get hungry, try non fat snacks as high fat foods can increase some side effects (due to the Sustiva in Atripla). That seemed to help with the dizzy and drunk feeling I got from Atripla. I do have to say though that I did switch my meds a few weeks ago due to other side effects. But think about these tricks, I hope you find some relief. It can take a while for some side effects to go away or lessen. Good luck and hopefully it will get better day by day.

[GNYC09]

The side effects do lessen as time passes.  It took me weeks until the dizziness wore off substantially but I was in bad shape at the time.  I wouldn't go to the gym but that's just me.  Good luck.

[AboutToStart]

for me the dizzines and weakness went away after the first few days. VERY IMPORTANT: not to eat prior to takin the pill (for me 2hrs was not enough, at least 3hrs for me..). Then - not too late at night for better morning.

During the first 1-2 months I would still feel - on occasion (about once a week) -  a general weakness that would last all day. On those days I would not work out. All other days - even the first ones - I would take advantage of a 2-3 hrs window of no dizziness to go run/swim/lift.

Now into 3rd month the only side effect I'd get is extreme fatigue if I did not get a good night sleep, but very well if I did sleep good.

Good luck!! Getting your first lab results after starting will remotivate you to continue!!!

[WillyWump]

Hi Film and welcome.

For me the chronic dizziness went away after about a week, thereafter I only got dizzy for about an hour after taking it. I suspect things will begin to turn better for you after a few more days, you just have to wait it out. Let us know how you progress.

-Will

[Kiwibiker]

Hi,

Am pretty new to this too - started Atripla just over two weeks ago and have been lucky enough to have a pretty good run but certainly are aware that there are side effects there, but do my best to ignore them. I hit the gym 5 or 6 times a week and wasn't going to miss just because of starting meds so after the first night, was there the next day. Was surprised to find the first few days when euphoria sneaks in, I was superhuman at the gym and could do way more than usual. Unfortunately I'm back to normal again!

So my approach was to just get on with my normal life and routine, and it worked for me.

I hope that as you keep getting more and more days under your belt, you are feeling better and more yourself again.

Cheers

[film333]

Hey guys, so far so good!  I will hit the gym tomorrow, been somewhat fatigued and my job requires me on my feet running around, so I didn't have the extra energy for a workout.  The only thing is I woke up today with this ugly rash on my stomach and thighs, yuck!!

[Rev. Moon]

The only thing is I woke up today with this ugly rash on my stomach and thighs, yuck!!

film, don't freak out too much about the rash; it happens to a good number of people in the beginning (in my case it covered my forearms and lasted only two days --other folks have had different experiences or no rash at all).  Hopefully it will go away soon; if it doesn't or if it gets significantly worse just check with your doc.

m.

[film333]

Thanks M.!!  I do appreciiate it, luckily it doesn't itch  just looks unpleasant, like someone threw some strawberry jam on my body and it just landed in spots lol.  Another weird thing I noticed was that my stool has been this very light brown color, instead of shit brown  no punt intended.  Anyone experience this?

[markaj]

Film I got the rash too, it just cleared up by itself in no time at all.  The colour of stools is all to do with bile, assuming there's been no dramatic change in your diet   If it persists it might be worth mentioning it to your doctor and they can take some samples from you and check things out.