POZ Community Forums

Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: makesmewonder on October 12, 2008, 01:52:45 pm

Title: Viramune and Truvada!
Post by: makesmewonder on October 12, 2008, 01:52:45 pm
 :(

Hi everyone! i am about to start Viramune and Truvada Tomorrow! and i am so anxious about it! i cant even sleep anymore! i really worry about the side effects like the Rash! ahhhhhhh
I want to know someone who takes them and what do they feel? i want to start the treatment but i am really scared about the side effects!
and i need to start to take them tomorrow! ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh
can someone help me please?

Thanks
T

 "To fear is one thing.  To let fear grab you by the tail and swing you around is another".  ~Katherine Paterson, Jacob Have I Loved
Title: Re: Viramune and Truvada!
Post by: Imnew2this on October 12, 2008, 02:09:47 pm
I do not take Viramune, but its sister Sustiva (as Atripla).  But I do understand completely the fear of taking that first pill and worrying about the side effects.  I started Atripla 6 weeks ago and rank it as one of the top 5 most fearful times of my life.  BUT, I am happy to say that I have tolerated it incredibly well, without a rash, terrible dreams, or anything other than just an occasional woozy feeling.  And plus, my viral load dropped from almost 20,000 to a measly 100 in less than 30 days.  And the best part, I feel like myself again!  The horrible fatigue is gone and I feel like I'm winning this battle finally.

What does all that mean for you????  Just because the side effect is there doesn't mean you'll experience it.  Just see those first pills as the first swallow to a newer, healthier, better-feeling you. 
Good luck!
Title: Re: Viramune and Truvada!
Post by: Assurbanipal on October 12, 2008, 02:19:05 pm
Hi

I'm on Truvada and the only thing I can attribute to it is a few more burps each day.  Not on Viramune, but I've been lobbying my doc to switch me over.  You might want to look over this thread here,
http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=21323.0
which is full of comments from folks starting Viramune and Truvada.

Remember that it's important to know the potential side effects so that you can manage them or switch -- but that doesn't mean it is at all likely you will get them.  Starting meds is an investment in long term better health; whereas if you never start the meds the likelihood of some very nasty diseases is quite high.

Stay strong,
A
Title: Re: Viramune and Truvada!
Post by: makesmewonder on October 12, 2008, 02:20:05 pm
Hey imnew2this!!
thankl u very much for yr kind words!! its true, i will take those pills and think they are working to bring the best in me, they are just helpingi!! ahhhhhh i think i wont sleep toniteee
xx
t
Title: Re: Viramune and Truvada!
Post by: makesmewonder on October 12, 2008, 02:23:40 pm
Fear: Fear is just your feelings asking for a hug.  ~Danielle Sanchez-Witzel and Michael Pennie, My Name is Earl, "South of the Border Part Uno/Dos," original airdate 7 December 2006, spoken by the character Joy Turner!

Ahh i think that is me now!
Title: Re: Viramune and Truvada!
Post by: Desertguy on October 12, 2008, 11:52:38 pm
I have been on Truvada & Viramune for 3 weeks now no side effects.  Just make sure you follow directions & do the 2 week break in period with the Viramune
Title: Re: Viramune and Truvada!
Post by: parteboy on October 13, 2008, 08:15:26 am
I switched from truvada and stocrin to truvada and viramune two months go.

My experience has been weird.... The issue is its hayfever season in melbourne at the moment so i can't tell what my symptoms are from...

I did get a slight rash on the face... It sort of came up one day and was hot. two hours later it was gone. Then the next day it came hack and burnt like hell and then three hours later gone.... I get a little nausea of the morning and yogurt seems like something i can't eat anymre as i don't sleep when i eat it.

Definately make sure you follow the break in period. At least i can sleep on these tablets. on stocrin i was only sleeping two-four hours a night.... Make sure you get regularly checked up on and you'll be fine....
Title: Re: Viramune and Truvada!
Post by: jennynyc7 on October 13, 2008, 08:58:08 am
Hi, I have been on Truvada & Viramune since Feb or March and did get a mild rash but it went away in a few days. Other than that, I felt a little woozy the first few weeks (that's the viramune). It felt as though I needed to go to sleep but wasn't really tired. I don't know, I can't really explain the feeling. I have had no stomach issues at all, which I am soooo happy about. I had IBS for years and had finally gotten that under control so I was not looking forward to any new stomach issues. Good luck, let us know how it goes.

j
Title: Re: Viramune and Truvada!
Post by: Tempeboy on October 13, 2008, 09:53:58 pm
Hey Makesmewonder,

This is a great combo, lots of people take this combo with few if any long term problems and it works great against the virus.

Many people report mild side effects when they start treatment.  This 'Induction' or starting period is the first few days and sometimes weeks when your body is getting used to new medications for the first time.  This theory applies to other medications as well ie antidepressants, antibiotics etc.

The majority of people are fine, and you can plan ahead by taking time off from work if you can and preparing for side effects.  Stock up with headache pills, antinausea, antidiarrhoeals and even antianxiety medication.  Chances are you wont need them but they will be there just in case.

If you take your first doses with toast and bland food you eliminate the chance of nausea.  Ginder tea is great for nausea as is ginger beer. 

Take care.
Title: Re: Viramune and Truvada!
Post by: makesmewonder on October 13, 2008, 09:59:17 pm
Hey Tempboy!!
I took my pills its been 4 hours and i am here  wide awake! hehe feeling just abit nausea! heheh but its fine! i dont know if thats because i am always panicking about things but i cant sleep! i was tossing and turning!! and i am very anxious! maybe i am waiting for the side effects to happens when i know they wont! but i am here! doing nothing! when i had to be sleeping! hehehe
Thanks for your response and i will try the ginger tea or ginger ale! heheh i love ginger ale! so its always good!
Thanks
T