POZ Community Forums
Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: postsingular on February 17, 2013, 06:09:31 pm
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I had a severe reaction to Atripla (probably the Sustiva component). Normally, I'm a happy, chipper guy. After 2 weeks on Atripla, I was having vivid thoughts of my own suicide. This is very bad, and out-of-character. The doctor and I decided to try a different cocktail.
Today is day #4 on Truvada + Viramune.
PROS: No mental side effects (except for a feeling of mild drunkenness on the first night, which only lasted an hour). No dizziness, no insomnia, no horrific dreams. Hooray!
CONS: My abdomen feels swollen and uncomfortable. The feeling is worst on my right side. I am not a doctor, but I can't avoid noticing that my liver is located there. Last night I had a couple twinges of pain on my back side, behind the liver area.
I'm trying to keep calm. I searched the web for "swollen liver" etc... No clues.
Is this "normal"? Will it go away? I did leave a message for my doctor, but it's the middle of a holiday weekend, so I guess I just have to wait.
Ugh. :P
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Well, I did hear from the doctor today. Apparently these symptoms are typical during the body's adjustment phase.
I AM NOT A DOCTOR, don't use this post to diagnose yourself. I've been instructed to contact my doctor if the symptoms worsen. Hopefully that won't be necessary.
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I only post here when I'm worried/stressed about HIV, but here's some good news: This is day #8 on Truvada + Viramune. My body seems to be adjusting to the new meds. All the side-effects have lessened to a point where I can basically ignore them. :)
I feel pretty good. Hopefully there will be a nice reduction in my viral load, too!
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I'm glad that you're feeling better. It's not unusual at all for anytime in the first several weeks on any HIV medication to have weird symptoms that gradually or quickly subside (though obviously the previous one with Sustiva demanded action).