Just beginning Truvada/Viramune

[JPinLA]

Hiya Kids -

Today is my third day on Truvada/Viramune.  So far I have not experienced any side effects other than maybe  a little dizziness in the evening (when I take them) and in the mornings.  Although I have to say that it's difficult to discern that form the normal amount I experience on a daily basis 

Has anyone any experience taking this combo?  How soon (or long) did the side effects (if any) rear their ugly little heads?

So far so good for me!  Other than the fact that it took my pharmacy FOREVER to get them in (well, it was 5 days, but come on) all is well in LA (so far....)

JP
I look forward to your advice, stories and experiences...

[edited to fix spelling]

[Pippet]

I was 10 days into the same regimen when I developed an extreme rash and fever and had to stop the viramune.
Don't let my experience scare you.  I have a friend who swears by that combo and hasn't had any side effects, worth complaining about, for years.
Best of luck to you! 

Pip

[Toronto37]

Hey Jp

I have been taking this combo every morning at 8am since last April with no side effects.   

Hang in there... it works !


Cheers
T

[pault212]

Hi JP, I switched to Viramune after toughing it out on sustiva for 9 long months. After the sfx I had with sustiva, viramune was a walk in the park. I've been on it now for nearly 2 years and have had no discernible sfx from the combo. 

[JPinLA]

Thanks for the replies! 

I have another question..have you seen with any of these medications alterations in moods (i.e. higher anxiety or depression?).

[Pippet]

Truvada makes me very moody.  My hubby would say 'snappy' or 'bitchy'.  I narrow it down to Truvada simply because it was the same if I was chasing it with Viramune or Reyataz /Norvir.
I think it has a lot to do with just feeling headachy and out of sorts from the meds.

Just bite your tongue as much as possible but don't take depression lightly.  Bring it up to your doc and/or consider a counselor.  You (we) are going through a lot of changes trying to adjust to this medication.

Pip

[JPinLA]

Thanks Pippet!

I appreciate your candor and advice!  I am definitely a bit more snappy since beginning meds (albeit only 4 days in so far) and MUCH more sensitive.  My bf would call it being needy.  I've also been anxious teetering into depressed.  I am seeing a therapist weekly and I will absolutely tell my Doc about these feelings since they've manifested only after beginning meds.

I do feel a bit out of sorts too..no headaches yet though.  I call head-in-the-clouds.

Anyway, thanks a lot for your advice.

JP

[J.R.E.]

Hello JP,

Wishing you the best on your regimen. I've been on viramune since October of 03, with no problems. Also had no difficulty in starting viramune. I am assuming you are in the break-in period of the viramune,

From the drug section :

"Taking Viramune is a two-step process. For the first two weeks (14 days) of treatment, the dose is one 200mg tablet once a day. Two weeks after starting treatment, the dose of Viramune is increased to one 200mg tablet twice a day. Following this schedule – which you should do under your doctor's guidance – can reduce the chance of developing a rash or other side effects.



As far as the Truvada goes. I am on one component of that drug, which is the Viread. I am also on Epivir, which is similar to the Emtriva portion on Truvada.


I had very little side effects when I had started on this medication, back in 2003. Hopefully things will go well for you also.I believe there were a few mood swings, in the first few of medication, but then things started to mellow down. Just remember to drink plenty of water.


Glad to hear that your doing well so far on the Combo.



Take care of yourself-------Ray