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Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: DanMo on July 09, 2011, 05:14:02 pm

Title: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on July 09, 2011, 05:14:02 pm
Hey everyone!

So based on the trends of my previous labs, my doctor has recommended starting medication. She prescribed Atripla about a month ago. I have been jumping hoops trying to get placed on the ADAP waiting list. Finally got on it and so I applied for the Patient Assistance Program through the clinic I go to.

I should be getting my first prescription on Wednesday of next week. (13 June).

Before, I couldn't wait to start meds, but now I understand some people's hesitance. It's freaking real now, once I start HAART, I have to keep to it for the rest of my life.

What were your feelings before starting meds?
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: Ac75088 on July 09, 2011, 05:27:58 pm
I'm only two months into it myself..I had the same reaction at first..I stared at the pill bottle for the longest time before I could open it, knowing this is something I'm gonna have to do every single night..I am used to it now..I see it as taking a vitamin now..Once I got my first labs back last week, and saw how low my VL had dropped, it felt so good..I made a decision to fight this little bug multplying inside of me..In the end I keep telling myself it's well worth it in the long run :)
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on July 09, 2011, 05:43:47 pm
I'm only two months into it myself..I had the same reaction at first..I stared at the pill bottle for the longest time before I could open it, knowing this is something I'm gonna have to do every single night..I am used to it now..I see it as taking a vitamin now..Once I got my first labs back last week, and saw how low my VL had dropped, it felt so good..I made a decision to fight this little bug multplying inside of me..In the end I keep telling myself it's well worth it in the long run :)

I'm glad it's working for ya man! I hear that it's a wonderful drug at keeping the VL suppressed.

It's such a big milestone to start HAART. I guess I'm just scared of how my body will react. Thanks for your reply.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: drewm on July 09, 2011, 06:10:46 pm
Just remember Dan, for you, it really is a choice as to whether to start meds...not so for all of us. When I was dxd with AIDS, I would have killed for the first pill. Don't worry about this pill, it's side effects or the fact that you have to take it forever. It IS the functional treatment for HIV/AIDS and it kicks it in the ASS!

 ;)
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: Ac75088 on July 09, 2011, 06:43:06 pm
I'm glad it's working for ya man! I hear that it's a wonderful drug at keeping the VL suppressed.

It's such a big milestone to start HAART. I guess I'm just scared of how my body will react. Thanks for your reply.

Atripla is a very good pill..Minimal side effects..Of course, just like any medicine, it takes getting used to..From my personal experience at first, my first night I was a little dizzy, but not very bothersome since I was in and out of sleep anyway..The morning grogginess was the only thing that bothered me..But I'm not a morning person anyway hehe
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: buginme2 on July 09, 2011, 07:03:06 pm
I'm sure you know the first few weeks can be a little weird on Atripla.  Try not to let it bother you, things settle down very quickly.  Very soon it will be just another part of your day.  In a couple weeks you'll be saying "its no big whoop."

Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on July 09, 2011, 07:43:32 pm
I remember the nervousness associated with starting a lifetime regimen (for me it was way back in May 2006) but I can truthfully say that once I settled into a routine, I am grateful for how this medication has enabled me to go back to living my life.  Give yourself the gift of this adjustment to a new reality, allow for the period of time needed for your body to adjust...hopefully, like many of us, this will become a regular, even uneventful, part of each day. 

I have been blessed with great results on Atripla.  I hope the same for you.

Gary
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: Hellraiser on July 10, 2011, 04:37:10 am
What were your feelings before starting meds?

My feelings were something along the lines of: Having AIDS blows and I would prefer a nice lofty CD4 count.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: Ann on July 10, 2011, 10:34:09 am
Dan, you actually have time to wait some more before making any treatment decisions. You're dealing with an infection that's barely six month old and your body is still adjusting. Now that your body is starting to have some control over your VL, your CD4s will start to rise. Give it some time.

You don't have to jump into something you're not ready for - you do have time to see what happens and get used to the idea of meds before starting.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: Jeff64 on July 11, 2011, 01:48:53 am
Enjoy the dreams! Better than any Hollywood movie!
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on July 12, 2011, 12:50:30 pm
Hey everyone!

Thanks so much for your thoughtful replies. I got a call yesterday from my peer counselor telling me my medication arrived at the clinic. I can go pick them up when I want.

I'm going to talk with him before I start since I'm leaning towards beginning treatment.

Thanks again for your help.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: anewpozzie on July 12, 2011, 05:24:44 pm
On my third day of Atripla. First night I was dizzy and woke up hung over all day. Second night got buzzed and dizzy. No hang over today. Hope third night not as intense. Tummy feels good. Keep u posted
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: Gio on July 12, 2011, 08:56:07 pm
The anxiety off takin meds is understandable but atripla is the best minimal side effects and duration...  But take your time in startin until you know and are ready to commit
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: anewpozzie on July 13, 2011, 10:29:43 am
Night three not as intense. Less dizziness. Dreams not as wild. Managed to eat something light an hour after dose with no problem.  Seems to be getting easier.  No rash yet. Hope my body is liking this new drug. 
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: drewm on July 13, 2011, 10:41:09 am
Night three not as intense. Less dizziness. Dreams not as wild. Managed to eat something light an hour after dose with no problem.  Seems to be getting easier.  No rash yet. Hope my body is liking this new drug. 

Sounds like things are going very well  ;)
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: skeebo1969 on July 13, 2011, 10:47:37 am
What were your feelings before starting meds?

LOL I was mad as hell.   I wondered why I couldn't be one of those who go 5-10 years without meds.  At the time I was only infected for one year....  I can still remember picking up that first bottle in Coral Gables during rush hour traffic, looking at my pills while navigating in a sea of vehicles.

Fun times indeed......
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: anewpozzie on July 14, 2011, 11:44:00 am
day 4 update- less dizzy last night just tingly.  ate an hour before med.  little groggy but never was a morning person anyway.
very energetic and feel rested.  the dreams are not that bad and seems business as usual. 
eating properly and lifiting my dumbells. i have noticed that i am friskier. 
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on July 14, 2011, 12:15:35 pm
OK so, I've just gone to pick up my meds today. I've decided to start taking them on 1 August. I have the month of August off so that way, I won't be stressed out about work and I'll have free time to adjust to the meds.

My peer counselor thinks it's a good idea since by waiting to start I'll have an emergency stash built up.

Thanks everyone for all your encouragement and advice. I'll definitely keep you guys up-to-date especially when I start the regimen.

Dan
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: anewpozzie on July 14, 2011, 12:42:22 pm
good luck!  i have had no issues yet.  just need to get past the second week to see if rash develops then it should be fine after that.  just program your smart phone to alert you to take the pill and take it with a tall glass of water. go straight to bed.  if you need to get out of bed, make sure your sit up on bed and let blood flow flow head sdown before you full stand up to avoid the dizziness.  i love only have to take one pill a day and expect my vl to go down and my t's up more. 
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: thelovedones on July 16, 2011, 06:44:57 pm
I've had great luck with Atripla so I'm happy about that. From what I hear the side effects if any are minimal. I only had the early light-headedness, dizzy feeling but that passed in 2 weeks.

As for the life-time regimen thing, this is something that really got to me and I can totally empathize. But what you have to remind yourself is that there are plenty of folks out there who have to take maintenence drugs everyday forever for other conditions and some of them are really terrible. So comparatively, living on Atripla is kind of a walk in the park.

Good luck with your treatment.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: anewpozzie on July 23, 2011, 04:30:58 pm
week two on atripla and i feel great!  i developed a rash on my arms and upper chest on day 7.  it has cleared up with a little skin care.  less intesnse dreams and really been a breeze taking one pill a day.  go in for labs next week. hoping to be undectable soon.  my cd4 is 800 from 204 when i was diagniosed in january.  wish me luck!
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on July 23, 2011, 09:22:12 pm
week two on atripla and i feel great!  i developed a rash on my arms and upper chest on day 7.  it has cleared up with a little skin care.  less intesnse dreams and really been a breeze taking one pill a day.  go in for labs next week. hoping to be undectable soon.  my cd4 is 800 from 204 when i was diagniosed in january.  wish me luck!

Anewpozzie:

I'm so glad to hear that everything is working out fine for you! I hope it goes well for me when I begin.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: anewpozzie on July 24, 2011, 11:32:15 pm
Take it 3 hours before you go sleep. It kicks in and your off to lala land. I take half an ambiem as well to sleep right through the night.  let's us know your experience as it help Others.  Thanks!

Title: Tonight's the night!
Post by: DanMo on July 31, 2011, 03:33:29 pm
I will be taking my first dose of Atripla tonight. I'm very anxious about my first pill but I want to take control over my health.

Wish me well guys! I'll post my experiences with the pill tomorrow.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: spacebarsux on July 31, 2011, 03:41:48 pm
All the best Dan! I am sure it'll be easy peesy for ya.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on August 01, 2011, 12:12:18 am
Thanks spacebar!

So, I just took my first dose! It took me like 10m of mental preparation before I took it. I hadn't even opened the pill bottle until now. I was surprised at the size of the pill... but I reasoned that my daily vitamin pill is slightly smaller. It went down pretty easily, didn't even feel it.

Well, there's no turning back now! Gotta take this sucker every night. 15th August I have an appointment with the doctor to see how I'm doing on the pill. Here's to a healthy life!  ;D

Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: buginme2 on August 01, 2011, 01:09:52 am
Way to go Dan!  I have to kind of chuckle to myself when I read about how apprehensive people are in taking that 1st pill (myself included, it wasnt too long ago that I took my first pill).  In short order you wont event think twice and will be popping those pills nightly without reservation.  I hope its a smooth transition.  I'm sure it will be.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on August 01, 2011, 01:12:10 am
Thanks for the vote of confidence buginme! It's been an hour since I've taken it and don't feel any different. Gonna go watch some Doctor Who with a good friend ;D

P.S.

I'll post about my morning experience waking up here. Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: SunnyFlorida on August 01, 2011, 03:05:35 am
I'm with Dan right now and it is 3am EST, three hours after his first dose of Atripla. He's started feeling rather dizzy and "high". He seems to be in good spirits overall. We're watching Doctor Who tonight and pretty much chilling out. So far, so good. :)
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: spacebarsux on August 01, 2011, 03:26:28 am
Thats great. I didn't know people watch Doctor Who in the States. lol
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: SunnyFlorida on August 01, 2011, 03:53:53 am
Thats great. I didn't know people watch Doctor Who in the States. lol

PLENTY of us Whovians here in the States. ;) It's broadcast on BBC America, as is Torchwood. Absolutely love it.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on August 01, 2011, 12:02:48 pm
So! I just spent my first night on Atripla. I wasn't able to get to sleep very easily. I kept drifting in and out of sleep, so I took some melatonin, that seemed to help. I had a pretty vivid dream, but no more vivid than the dreams I usually have. I woke up just a bit dizzy. Nothing very bothersome actually.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: drewm on August 01, 2011, 12:44:36 pm
So! I just spent my first night on Atripla. I wasn't able to get to sleep very easily. I kept drifting in and out of sleep, so I took some melatonin, that seemed to help. I had a pretty vivid dream, but no more vivid than the dreams I usually have. I woke up just a bit dizzy. Nothing very bothersome actually.

Sounds good!  ;)
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: Cojo on August 01, 2011, 02:16:56 pm
Hang in there Dan! Plugging for you and sending lots of good Karma your way. All shall be well.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on August 01, 2011, 03:02:22 pm
Thanks Drew and Cojo!!  ;D
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: hope_for_a_cure on August 01, 2011, 04:06:37 pm
Hey Dan,

Good to read things are going well for you regarding Atripla. 
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: buginme2 on August 01, 2011, 08:43:27 pm
Thats great!  From my experience the 2nd night is about 90% easier than the 1st, so if you didnt have a problem on night one it should be smooth sailing from here.

Let the Atripla rash begin!! (j/k)
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on August 01, 2011, 08:49:51 pm
Thats great!  From my experience the 2nd night is about 90% easier than the 1st, so if you didnt have a problem on night one it should be smooth sailing from here.

Let the Atripla rash begin!! (j/k)

LOL Yes! The infamous Atripla rash! I'm hoping it comes and leaves quietly. hehehe

But I'm definitely looking forward to tonight's pill. I think my mistake last night was not going to sleep immediately. I was curious and wanted to see how I would feel, but once the dizziness kicked in, it was hard for me to get to sleep.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: phildinftlaudy on August 01, 2011, 08:56:24 pm
LOL Yes! The infamous Atripla rash! I'm hoping it comes and leaves quietly. hehehe

But I'm definitely looking forward to tonight's pill. I think my mistake last night was not going to sleep immediately. I was curious and wanted to see how I would feel, but once the dizziness kicked in, it was hard for me to get to sleep.

Yeah - at least early on it is usually best to take it right before going to bed.  I can now take mine a few hours before bedtime with no dizziness.  I also did not get any type of rash when I started Atripla - so, maybe you will be a member of the rashless club.

I still get some vivid dreams every now and then - last night I had a few - even though I don't remember them today.

Hope it continues to go well for you.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on August 02, 2011, 12:44:12 am
Yeah - at least early on it is usually best to take it right before going to bed.  I can now take mine a few hours before bedtime with no dizziness.  I also did not get any type of rash when I started Atripla - so, maybe you will be a member of the rashless club.

I still get some vivid dreams every now and then - last night I had a few - even though I don't remember them today.

Hope it continues to go well for you.

Thanks for the well wishes phil! I hope I don't develop a rash. I've always had sensitive skin and get all types of rashes (heat, sweat, etc.)

Well, I've taken pill number 2 at about 00h30 UTC-5:00. Gonna try and get to sleep soon.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on August 02, 2011, 12:15:06 pm
Alright! So I went to sleep about an hour after taking my second pill and I went to sleep immediately! I had no trouble whatsoever getting to sleep.

I recall kinda waking up in the middle of the night. I felt dizzy, but I readjusted my sleeping position and I fell back to sleep right away. Also I didn't have any dreams that I can recall. So, night number 2 went very well!  ;D
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: Cojo on August 02, 2011, 02:38:59 pm
Great news Dan! You must be feeling much relief. Sending good thoughts from the ocean in Delaware. !
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: AaronbytheC on August 02, 2011, 02:57:31 pm
That’s great news Dan, it only gets easier!   ;D

One thing to remember the fight is on now that you're on meds...  You're giving your body the tools it needs to kill off nearly all of those little pests!  Over the next few weeks your VL will drop like a rock.  Once its does most of the side effects you’re experiencing will go away and life becomes pretty routine.

Keep up the good work!
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: numbersguy82 on August 02, 2011, 07:33:31 pm
Alright so I'm jumping on the Atripla bandwagon as well! After a year of treatment I asked my dr to switch me to Atripla. I think the one pill will help me remain more consistent with taking my meds. Also I just couldn't get UD. My dr suspects that while my resistance test was negative, that for some reason one part of my current Prezista/Truvada/Norvir could use improvement. I take my first pill tonight.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on August 02, 2011, 07:50:26 pm
Alright so I'm jumping on the Atripla bandwagon as well! After a year of treatment I asked my dr to switch me to Atripla. I think the one pill will help me remain more consistent with taking my meds. Also I just couldn't get UD. My dr suspects that while my resistance test was negative, that for some reason one part of my current Prezista/Truvada/Norvir could use improvement. I take my first pill tonight.

Welcome to the A-Team! LOL

Some advice for you: take the pill immediately before going to sleep. Don't wait up like I did. Once the dizziness kicks in, it's really hard to get to sleep. And as buginme2 said, the second night's 90% easier!
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: drewm on August 02, 2011, 08:19:43 pm
After you are taking Atripla for say a month or so, it becomes a total non-event.  ;)
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: AaronbytheC on August 03, 2011, 11:46:30 am
Welcome to the A-Team! LOL!

 ;D ;D  Well said!

Good to see you back Numbers!  Not that I'm here all that often either...   :P

The thing I love about Atripla is it's not something that has to be taken exactly at the same time every day.  Once your VL is under control (which you are even at 74) all you really need to do is take it every night before bed.  My doctor says every night within a few hours is perfectly fine.  So leave your pill box next to your toothbrush and you'll never forget!  But if you do you're also going to wake up with Funk Breath because you didn't brush your teeth!!  :o
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on August 03, 2011, 05:24:40 pm
Pill # 3

I woke up this morning feeling slightly woozy, but after eating breakfast I felt fine.

One thing that's weird is for the past two nights I've woken up in the middle of the night for no apparent reason. I usually sleep all through the night. But it's not like I wake up completely. It's like I wake up, realize I'm awake, and then go immediately back to sleep. I haven't had any intense, vivid, wacky dreams yet. (Well, none that I can remember upon waking).
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: MiniPozToyota on August 03, 2011, 06:51:38 pm
Yeah Dan, day 4 with atripla (well tonight will be day 5) but i haven't had any crazy dreams or anything, a little dizziness here and there when I wake up but that's pretty much gone, I take mine about 1030pm and try to go to sleep about 1130-1200. I take mine a little earlier because my dr said that by morning time you shouldn't be so groggy, and so far its helping. Been drinking a lot of water and laid off drinking beer for about a week now ahhhhh but I want a COLD SAM ADAMS NOW!!! I'm going to let this med kick into high gear and then have a couple beers again for dinner, nothing to crazy. Hope your doing good on the med and if you have a iphone there is this app called poztracker or pillboxie that will send you a text when you have to take your meds, also poztracker keeps up your labs and shows a little graph.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on August 03, 2011, 08:54:28 pm
Thanks for the advice Mini! I have an Android phone, so I'll look and see if there's a version for Android or something similar.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: buginme2 on August 03, 2011, 09:03:22 pm
Poztracker, Ill have to look into that, of course there is an app for that :-).

Good to her you both are adjusting to the Atripla so well!
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on August 04, 2011, 03:30:41 pm
Pill 4

So, it's my fourth day on Atripla and I'm not feeling that different besides just morning dizziness. It tends to go away around 11.00. I haven't had any nausea or insomnia. There's a certain lack of vivid, intense dreams. I am still dreaming but they aren't that different from dreams I normally have. (Although I did have a very macabre dream last night, which I can barely remember).

All in all, I feel normal.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: AaronbytheC on August 04, 2011, 08:02:22 pm
The dreams took a few months to appear for me... 
That and the Atripla "Wood"    :P ;D
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: buginme2 on August 04, 2011, 08:19:24 pm
I think the dreams thing is overblown.  I probably have a vivid dream once a month.  Some were cool, like the time I dreamed that the world was run by monkeys wearing suits.  Othertimes they have sucked like when I dreamed I had throat cancer.  Fortunately they dont happen all too often, but when they do, trust me Dan you will remember them.

I took chantix a few years ago to quit smoking, that caused weird dreams every night, it was horrible.  The Atripla is no where as bad as that was.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on August 04, 2011, 08:23:48 pm
Well that's not so bad then. I'm glad that I'm getting an easy start.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: anewpozzie on August 06, 2011, 08:25:00 pm
Did you get the rash yet?  I got it the 7th day and I lasted two days. Cleared right up.  I like atripla ease of one pill a day. Sounds like your on a good road. 
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on August 06, 2011, 09:35:50 pm
Did you get the rash yet?  I got it the 7th day and I lasted two days. Cleared right up.  I like atripla ease of one pill a day. Sounds like your on a good road. 

I haven't noticed any skin rashes (and I assume the Atripla rash would be hard to miss).

The only thing is that I've started to notice the dizziness more often during the day hours after having woken up. I guess it'll take some time to get used to it and soon enough it'll go away.

I think it's good news that I've been on this pill for 6 days now and I haven't experienced anything else in terms of side-effects.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: MiniPozToyota on August 06, 2011, 10:52:54 pm
Yeah same here just took my 8th pill and really no side effects except I'm riding in a car right now and starting to feel a little dizzy. No rash no crazy dreams so everything so far is good to go.  Good luck A team!!!
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: MiniPozToyota on August 06, 2011, 11:10:57 pm
Correction 11th pill lol time flys did think I've taken 11 already so I had to count all my pills and starting with 90 I have 79 left lol so = 11th pill lol
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on August 07, 2011, 12:15:38 am
Correction 11th pill lol time flys did think I've taken 11 already so I had to count all my pills and starting with 90 I have 79 left lol so = 11th pill lol

You got a three-month supply? Lucky! I've only gotten a one-month supply.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: John2038 on August 07, 2011, 09:22:39 am
Made very few vivid dream in 2-3 years on Atripla.
Otherwise no side effects, excepting once in a while, dizzy for around 30min, typically 2h after taking it.

You may want to check the absortion level. My strocrin level was low, and I take 800mg instead of 600mg, the usual dose.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on August 07, 2011, 01:12:45 pm
I had a dream last night, not sure if it was Atripla induced or not, but I was drinking the best beer I've ever drank... now that I'm awake, I'm so disappointed because I can't remember what beer it was that I was drinking and I'm not even sure that it exists! LOL

BTW, can anyone share their experience on when they started to drink again after going on meds?
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: spacebarsux on August 07, 2011, 02:40:47 pm
I feel left out.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: MiniPozToyota on August 07, 2011, 07:07:14 pm
ahhhh beer after 11 pills I still haven't started back, but i would love a cold sam adams right now!!!!
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: phildinftlaudy on August 07, 2011, 07:20:33 pm

BTW, can anyone share their experience on when they started to drink again after going on meds?

I never stopped to be honest - the only thing I changed was that I don't drink mixed drinks anymore (Bacardi Gold and Coke was my favorite).  But, I kept drinking my Coronas right when I started and still drink them - although, I usually only drink a couple of days a week (usually on the weekends).

Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on August 08, 2011, 12:19:50 am
Pill # 8

I was in bed for like 10 m and then I remembered! The pill!

I can't believe I almost forgot to take tonight's dose! I think it's time for me to make an alarm on my phone.

BTW, Phil, how close to taking your pill do you usually drink? Is it the regular 1-2 hours? And how soon afterwards?
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: phildinftlaudy on August 08, 2011, 12:30:53 am
Pill # 8

BTW, Phil, how close to taking your pill do you usually drink? Is it the regular 1-2 hours? And how soon afterwards?

I could lie and say the regular 1-2 hours, but, I have actually taken the pill with a beer to wash it down.  Not saying that everyone could or should do this - but it has never had an adverse effect on me.  My ex used to get upset when he would see more do it --- of course, he is one of these people who thinks that if he doesn't drink for at least 3 days before his labs and eats healthy a few days before them then they will come out better and then immediately after getting them he goes back to his normal routine of drinking and eating.  I just do what I do --- I don't try to "clean" up just for the sake of my lab test.  I figure if what I am doing is going to have a negative impact on my labs - then best to do it right up to the day of the labs that way I can see if it is causing harm and adjust appropriately.  I have even went in for labs the day after some heavy partying and actually had good labs.  As Ann always says - everything in moderation - including moderation.

Best you can do is try it --- the drinking beer right before or after and see how it goes - or don't try it.  I wouldn't want anyone to think that because it works for me - it will work for them. 
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: Ann on August 08, 2011, 08:24:31 am
The main worry about drinking while on hiv meds is simply forgetting to take your meds. If you're taking them at bedtime or need to take them sometime during or immediately after your drinking session it can be easy to forget. My advice? Use a daily, weekly or monthly pill container so you can see if you've missed any doses.

And like Phil says I say, "all things in moderation, including moderation". It just is, ok? ;D

Oh, and I keep forgetting to shift this thread over to the Treatment forum, where it belongs with the other Atripla threads. ;)

 
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: MiniPozToyota on August 08, 2011, 11:17:26 pm
poztracker on iphone or pillboxie app will remind you everytime, everyday whatever time you set....
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: Mp11 on August 09, 2011, 03:09:53 pm
I stopped drinking when I started the meds, but that just lasted a week.  This past weekend we had a softball playoff tournament and teammates brought beer both days, so I indulged with no effect after the games.   Well, I did get the infamous Atripla rash over the weekend, but I doubt that had anything to do with downing a few beers.  The rash is almost gone and I expect I'll continue to indulge on the weekends - my doc and pharmacist were not concerned about the drinking having any impact other than concern that I'd forget to take the pill.  They seemed more concerned with me avoiding fatty foods before the dose since that seems to increase the absorption rate.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: Coolio_7 on August 09, 2011, 06:16:15 pm
Well I'm not the beer drinker although occasionally I may have a budlight. I prefer to drink red wine and haven't drank a glass since I got diagnosed last June 14th.  Now that I'm taking meds I'm not sure what to do. My doc just told me to avoid grapefruit juice at all cost! I never drank that anyways. But I want my glass of occasional red wine with my meals again.

To all the veterans I'm thinking it is ok to one glass of red wine occasionally correct? Red wine is supposed to be good for the stomach.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: phildinftlaudy on August 09, 2011, 06:36:19 pm

To all the veterans I'm thinking it is ok to one glass of red wine occasionally correct? Red wine is supposed to be good for the stomach.
I think I qualify as a veteran in regards to taking Atripla - I have been on it coming up on two years - I also know a pretty good number of people on it and and none of them have had any issues in regards to drinking alcohol (wine, mixed drinks, or beer).  I'm not a wine drinker - but only because the sulfites in it give me an instant headache (and that was pre-HIV).  A glass of red wine every now and then should cause no problems for you as long as you are adherent to your dosing schedule; don't have any other medical issues going on that dictate you avoid alcohol; and your CD4s are in check.  I probably wouldn't recommend drinking if cd4s were on the low end or if one had a substantial viral load (but that is more a personal opinion rather than anything that I am backing up with any type of research).
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: Coolio_7 on August 09, 2011, 08:22:53 pm
^^thanks Phil. My viral load was 59k and CD4 count 333 when I I got blood work done June 25th. I started viraday ( generic atripla) July 29 of last month. Less than 2 weeks!

So perhaps an occasional glass of wine won't do any harm.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: phildinftlaudy on August 09, 2011, 08:28:10 pm
^^thanks Phil. My viral load was 59k and CD4 count 333 when I I got blood work done June 25th. I started viraday ( generic atripla) July 29 of last month. Less than 2 weeks!

So perhaps an occasional glass of wine won't do any harm.

You should see a nice drop in your VL on next labs -- it might take a little longer for the cd4s to go up but they will.

Enjoy the glass of wine --- have to make sure you make life enjoyable - and if a glass of wine is going to do that - then there is nothing wrong with that --- a positive attitude and frame of mind goes a long way.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: rocky48 on August 09, 2011, 10:47:49 pm
My two cents. I have been on Atripla since April and I still have a glass of wine with dinner with no side effects.
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: Danny47 on August 10, 2011, 12:57:34 am
Dan...I have been taking Atripla since 2009.  It did give me a face rash at the beginning but it did go away.  It is a great pill, just once a day is pretty much a blessing to most.  I still get some vivid dreams at times (if I have a heavy meal right before) but I can say that I enjoy them.  Do not think about tomorrow, if your Doctor recommended you to take it, then do it.  Hopefully the generic version (which is already available in Canada) will be here shortly and it will not be as expensive to get.  Stay on top on how you will get it. the Patient Assistance Program needs to be renewed, but it is a great program, though it is only available for short periods of time. 

I did buy at one time the generic version  for $289.00 for the 30 day supply...beats the $ 1,500 price tag in the US.  I did some research and got the one from a highly reputable producer (based in India) but regulated by Canada.

An alternative, but seemed to be pretty controversial to some.

My best to you...

Danny
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: Since2005 on August 22, 2011, 12:33:19 am
I was reading this thread tonight. I was wondering how's Danmo, Minipoz and whoever were taking the pills doing right now? Are you guys doing okay? Any side effects since you started..it would be 20+ pills for you guys. It would be helpful to know.. Any updates...?
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on August 22, 2011, 03:09:44 am
I was reading this thread tonight. I was wondering how's Danmo, Minipoz and whoever were taking the pills doing right now? Are you guys doing okay? Any side effects since you started..it would be 20+ pills for you guys. It would be helpful to know.. Any updates...?

Hey! I'm doing well. I took my 22nd pill tonight. I haven't been having any serious side-effects. Over the past week I've been noticing that I have trouble concentrating at times, but nothing too serious. I'm not sure if that's the Atripla though. I haven't had any rashes either and no vivid dreams. (I've noticed that I've been getting some serious morning wood though LOL and overall feeling quite hornier than usual. I've heard about the morning wood, but have any of you guys been feeling hornier?)
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: buginme2 on August 22, 2011, 09:53:50 am
(I've noticed that I've been getting some serious morning wood though LOL and overall feeling quite hornier than usual. I've heard about the morning wood, but have any of you guys been feeling hornier?)

Ahh yes the Atripla boners.  Most definately. I'm not sure why the makers of Atripla don't put it in big letters on their adverts.  Warning: Atripla can cause boners and increases horny-ness.

Way more people would take it.  Instead they focus on it causing dizzyness and everyone gets all scared about taking it. 
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: maceo28 on August 22, 2011, 12:40:36 pm
Ok...everyone...first post...been positive since 91...my tcells dropped to 100 two weeks ago..the Doc says I had to start something.....so Atripla it is....day 10...dreams subsiding...dizziness also less than before..I got a coupla hellafied boners the first three days (and acted on 'em! Figured why waste it!)...my question...I work nights so I take my meds in the day...but what do I do on my two days off??? So far I am keeping the daytime regimen but I'm missing taking care of my business on my weekend....thanks for reading...good luck to everybody out there!!
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: newt on August 22, 2011, 12:58:17 pm
Hello, welcome

lucky you about the boners

three answers:

1. After 5 days it makes little difference when you take Atripla as long as you take it every day (I note: for the vast majority of people). So a weekend change in time is feasible.

2. Strictly speaking the above is true of efavirenz, one of the 3 drugs in Atripla. If you split the combination into two parts, ie 2 pills, at the weekend you could take the non-trippy part, Truvada, in the day as you do in the week, and the efavirenz part at a more convenient tine.

3. Perhaps talk to your doc about a more work-friendly combination.

- matt
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: Since2005 on August 22, 2011, 01:53:39 pm
Thanks everyone sharing comments, suggestions!
@Danmo.. no side effects except for morning wood! WTG... who wouldn't want that from pill .. Thanks for sharing..
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: Mp11 on August 22, 2011, 04:32:25 pm
(I've noticed that I've been getting some serious morning wood though LOL and overall feeling quite hornier than usual. I've heard about the morning wood, but have any of you guys been feeling hornier?)

Geez - I think I got most of the side effects early on, but still have not experienced this one - something I could actually use :-)
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: maceo28 on August 22, 2011, 08:09:22 pm
Hello, welcome

lucky you about the boners

three answers:

1. After 5 days it makes little difference when you take Atripla as long as you take it every day (I note: for the vast majority of people). So a weekend change in time is feasible.

2. Strictly speaking the above is true of efavirenz, one of the 3 drugs in Atripla. If you split the combination into two parts, ie 2 pills, at the weekend you could take the non-trippy part, Truvada, in the day as you do in the week, and the efavirenz part at a more convenient tine.

3. Perhaps talk to your doc about a more work-friendly combination.

- matt


Thanks Matt...I appreciate the response!
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on September 06, 2011, 07:13:53 pm
So, I'm on pill 37! W00T!  ;)

I'm still feeling good. I've noticed just a bit of concentration problems, a bit of feeling tired throughout the day. Nothing too serious though.

Also, over this past week, my right index finger has been twitching a bit. It's become a little annoying especially when I'm using my phone and my index finger makes an unexpected move. I'll be sure to mention this to my ARNP... have any of you guys been experiencing twitching?
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: hubsen on September 22, 2011, 06:37:47 pm
So, I'm on pill 37! W00T!  ;)

I'm still feeling good. I've noticed just a bit of concentration problems, a bit of feeling tired throughout the day. Nothing too serious though.

Also, over this past week, my right index finger has been twitching a bit. It's become a little annoying especially when I'm using my phone and my index finger makes an unexpected move. I'll be sure to mention this to my ARNP... have any of you guys been experiencing twitching?

Hi DanMo,
I've had some twiching in the nerc on my forehead about a month after starting on Atripla. I went away after a week. Hold on and don't worry, you will get used to everything and the side effects will be milder and milder with time. Nowadays I don't feel anything. Event the dizzyness is gone :-).

I had my results yeasterday and I a'm UD only 3 months on Atripla. Great results and I feel on my best since I was got +.
It takes a while for the body and mind to adjust to the drug, once it does you'll hardly think about or feel any side effects.  ;D

Have a glass of wine in the evening and celebrate you great results to come.

Cheers and good luck!
 
Title: Re: Starting Atripla
Post by: DanMo on September 23, 2011, 12:23:00 am
Hi DanMo,
I've had some twiching in the nerc on my forehead about a month after starting on Atripla. I went away after a week. Hold on and don't worry, you will get used to everything and the side effects will be milder and milder with time. Nowadays I don't feel anything. Event the dizzyness is gone :-).

I had my results yeasterday and I a'm UD only 3 months on Atripla. Great results and I feel on my best since I was got +.
It takes a while for the body and mind to adjust to the drug, once it does you'll hardly think about or feel any side effects.  ;D

Have a glass of wine in the evening and celebrate you great results to come.

Cheers and good luck!
 

Hi hubsen! Thanks for sharing!

The twitching in my index finger has gone away. I mentioned it to one of the doctors at the clinic and he didn't seem to be very worried about it, especially now that it's subsided.

I don't know if you've seen, but I posted a topic in the Living forum: my first lab results after being on Atripla for a month. My CD4 is up to 699 and my VL went down to 1,938.  ;D

It's been almost a month since that blood sample was drawn and I could very well be UD by now or at least have a VL in the 10s.

Dan