It's 5 am. I can't sleep! I HUGELY regret changing to Atripla!!!!!

[LA Dude]

I already posted about Atripla making me nutty, BUT now I can't sleep. My Combivir and Viramune were working just fine. but my doctor talked me into changing to Atripla. I have never been much of a drinker and I don't do drugs, because I hate that dull, high, and/or out of control feeling. NOW- that is my life 24/7!!!!!

This is THE single greatest regret of my 7 years of treatment.

I'm still trying to find out if I can go back on Combivir and Viramune. It seems like I read somewhere that I cannot. I am an honor student about to start grad school, but I feel like my IQ is now half of what it was before.

I will see another doctor at the clinic on Tuesday, but he wants me to start a Protease Inhibitor. I am scared about starting on one of those as I worry about lipodystrophy, getting a belly, or whatever else could happen.

Any advice from physicians or anyone with knowledge on my delima would be MUCH appreciated.

[ARMANDO]

sure you can switch back,i don't know why you switched  in the first place if you were getting good results with the old combo.BEST thing to do is get a genotype to find out if you have developed no resistance to the old combo.once you find a combo that works ,you shouldn't change it just for the sake of trying something NEW!!!

[aztecan]

Hey Dude (I've always wanted to say that!  )

As long as you didn't develop resistance with the other meds, I don't know why you can't go back to them. Has your doc said something about not going back on the Viramune or Combivir?

I feel for you regarding Atripla. When I started Sustiva, I thought I would never be able to adjust to it. I seem to be doing much better now, although sometimes still foggy. It took two months for it to settle down for me.

Regarding the PI, not everyone develops the lipodystrophy issues, and some are less prone than others for this.

I would have a serious heart-to-heart with your doctor, explain what's going on and your concerns about the PIs. There has to be a happy medium for you out there.

HUGS,

Mark

[J.R.E.]

Hello,

As long as you didn't have a hypersensitive reaction to the viramune, I am not sure why you can't switch back to that drug. This is the only time I am aware that Viramune should not be restarted. What are your current t-cell numbers?
Also, how were your liver function tests, while on viramune ?
I am not sure whether it would have to be started again in half doses or not, for a two week period.


Keep us posted------Ray

[redhotmuslbear]

I will see another doctor at the clinic on Tuesday, but he wants me to start a Protease Inhibitor. I am scared about starting on one of those as I worry about lipodystrophy, getting a belly, or whatever else could happen.  Any advice from physicians or anyone with knowledge on my delima would be MUCH appreciated.

Dude,
As a full-time professional and a part-time grad student, I totally agree with having to be on top of your mental game!

You mention "another doctor at the clinic?"  I take this as meaning a public health setting where you have some sort of case management available, apart from medical care.  You need to call a case manager NOW and be very assertive about the diminshed quality of life you are experiencing.  Then, when you see the doctor, explain why you WILL NOT take another pill with Sustiva and why you do not want to take protease inhibitors now, then put Viramune on the table as an option that will keep you from moving to another drug glass while escaping the horror of Sustiva.

Best,
David

[BlkRedBonenla]

Simple:

DON'T TAKE ATRIPLA AT BEDTIME
DON'T TAKE ATRIPLA AT BEDTIME
DON'T TAKE ATRIPLA AT BEDTIME!!!

I started meds 3months ago and with Atripla and could not sleep with it. I simply take it several hours BEFORE bedtime. That stoned/drunk feeling - which I also hate - sets in about 2 hours later and lasts for about 30-40 min. It's less intense if I stick to my vegetarian diet. But then I sleep beautifully!!!!

When you get home from work, take your pill, last out the evening, and by bedtime you should be fine.

Lowell
another LA dude!!

[LA Dude]

Thanks for ALL the advice everyone!

I took my very last Atripla over 48 hours ago and had a great FULLY consciuos day today! No drunk/high/lethargic feeling at all!!!!

My awesome doctor put me back on Viramune 2x a day and Truvada once daily. We'll see how it goes.......

[J.R.E.]

Thanks for ALL the advice everyone!


My awesome doctor put me back on Viramune 2x a day and Truvada once daily. We'll see how it goes.......

Good Luck Dude !!


Ray

[milker]

Bro, that's awesome! Keep cool, Dawg!

Lates, Dude.

Milker.