Just Started ATRIPLA today, WITHOUT my doctor in town

[madison1769]

Just started taking Atripla. Ive read a ton of info from the makers and reviewed all my medicine taking skills and even made a binder complete with all my atripla info as well as a Advance Health Care Directive and Power of Attorney. i even have a card taped to my insurance card in my wallet with all my medical information. Ready to Go you might say.

Now I've just emailed my doc as per her request the morning after i take my first dose and i get an auto reply saying she is out of the office, in Ireland, until Oct. 10. GRRR we discussed this date in advance. I started my meds. SHOULD I BE CONCERNED? I Haven't felt anything yet but a little drunk feeling when i woke up. I'm continuing without my doctor being available, should i know anything else?

thanks

Lucas

[Teresa]

HI Lucas,

Welcome to the forums!

It sounds like you have got everything covered. I'm sure you will do fine taking your med like your suppose too. My Hubby is on Atripla and he hasn't had a problem with it. I know there are others here that have so I'm hoping you will be lucky like my hubby.

I'm sure you will do just fine till your Dr gets back.

Again WELCOME!

Hugs
Teresa

[DingoBoi]

Hey, it's no biggie.  You most likely won't need to see your doctor at all.   

The only real thing to watch for is a rash...  should you have any problems, post here and we'll be glad to help and let you know if it's something to be concerned about and if you need to see a doctor or not.

It seems you've done quite a bit of research on this so have a good idea of what to expect already and the potential side effects.

Many of us have been on or are still on this combo.  Don't stress about the doctor at all.

[Eldon]

Hello Lucas, it is Eldon.

I wanted to take a moment to extend a warm WELCOME to you here at the forums. Here you will find communication, understanding, support, some cries, some laughter, and many of your questions relating to HIV/AIDS answered. We have a great group of people that will listen as well as answer you. There is a lot of information on this site at your disposal.

Please DO come and visit from time-to-time and vent with whatever is on your mind. It is unfortunate that you have tested positive, however it is a good thing that you DO know so that you can take action with your health. As for your meds, please DO take them as prescribed by your Doctor if she is in town or not.

If you haven't already done so, it is recommended that you start a multi-vitamin, drink plenty of fluids, change your eating habits, get some exercise, and get your proper rest. If there is anything you need, please feel free to come and post a question or a topic on the site.

Again, Welcome! and make the BEST of each Day!

[Razorbill]

Welcome and best of luck.  You should have no problem.  The part about the binder and all the health stuff is a bit disconcerting though.  If I may suggest - don't obsess.  Take the meds and let your body tell you if you have a problem.  I have told my doctor to tell me about side effects only if they are life threatening.  What you don't know about, you probably won't get.  Gradually, I read up on things and breathe a sigh of relief over all the bad side effects I missed out on.  Enjoy the ride - it's the only one you've got.   

[alisenjafi]

My doc told me to take Sustiva on the week end so if there were any side effects I wouldn't be at work. Well my body waited 3 weeks before a rash broke out. Will she be gone long? If so she should have another doc handling her emergency cases.
As for the rash if you live in America buy Aveeno Soothing bath treatment for itchy irritated skin. It will list poison ivy , hives , chicken pox, all the good stuff. I lived in my bath tub 24/7 for 3 days with the Sustiva rash. My doc thought nothing of it and over perscribed antihistamines. Consider it your welcome to the HIV club a baptism by fire!
Good luck

[bobik]

Hi Lucas,

whenever you experience something unusual tell us. I am sure you'll get answers and replies before you know it.

Good luck with your pills, and....welcome to the forum!

Coen

[blondbeauty]

Hi Lucas!
I am on Sustiva + Truvada=Atripla. The first days I felt heavily drunk. But even the next morning after my firt dose, I was able to go to the gym. I felt driving that morning a bit difficult. But in one week the side effects had gone.
I hope you are just as lucky!
Juan

[Iggy]

.

[madison1769]

Thank you everyone, your messages helped to relive a lot of stress. Well its day two and the drunkenness is less than yesterday. I'm actually disappointed with that. i really enjoyed the drunk stumbles in the morning. but other than that i just have increased energy. hopefully things continue as they are. I'm also on the look out for that crazy rash, but so far nothing.

thank you again, and thank you for making me feel welcome here.

Lucas

[ndrew]

Hello Lucas,

Welcome!  I am starting Atripla tonight.  I hope I don't feel too drunk in the morning as I have a meeting, but no major stress!  Wishing you the best with your treatment!

Kindest,
Drew