SUSTIVA GOING CRAZY

[SASA39]

Has anyone had problems with Sustiva..............
Me , on therapy for the 4,5 months seesms like going crazy................
Crying out of a blue , ..........................feeling very sad....................
Hard to switch drug due to a fact that it is a shortage of drugs overhere in Serbia..............
Please help....................
                                                                             Al

[antibody]

try to see if you can add a antidepressant like zoloft or paxil, prozac. i was taking 125 mg of zoloft daily. i recently went down to 100mg a day and still feeling my depression is under control.

[jkinatl2]

I had to stop Sustiva because of the long term depression.

[jimw]

I started on Sustiva when I was first diagnosed last year.  I tried to make it work for almost 7 months before I gave up because of the side effects (depression, etc.).  I took Xanax (1mg 3 times a day) and Lexapro (20 mg at night).  Most people respond to these medications, maybe you can ask your doc - I was just one of the unlucky ones who could not tolerate Sustiva, no matter what I took and finally switched regimens.  Good luck. 

[Ant]

I had problems taking Sustiva, took it for three years with Combivir and couldn't touch a beer without feeling terrible the next day. Also had sleep problems and anxiousness and lipo.

In the end I changed to Reyataz/Norvir with Truvada and feel better mentally but not so good with the diarrhoea and now I am quite jaundiced so might need to change again.

[donnahornby]

So sorry SASA39 - Been on it for 3 weeks now with hallucinations the first week. No alcohol. No fatty food. And I take it on its own at 9.30 at night as I go to sleep. I don't sleep well so feel a bit tired in the day but it's better than the other stuff. Also feel a bit down but maybe that's just starting this roller coaster ride. I hope it gets better for you.
Donna

[nick2046]

I've been on it 5 years but it seems ok with me...  I'm depressed but i always did in the past so nth is new.  I still drink beer now & then & eat sensibly; however, i don't believe in taking antidepressant as it won't sort the root of the problem.  You always get side-effects with drugs... so i take as few as possible, surely your doctor would know your conditions better.

[Cseanr]

sustiva for me is too extreme.  i cry aloft.  i feel like i want to hit someone.  terrible nightmares.  tired when i wake up in the mornings.  always feeling on edge and depressed.  i want to talk with my doctor about changing meds, but the thing is, I was in the hospital 8 months ago at 120 pounds basically left for dead.  i started my first regimen *epzicom and sustiva*.  ive gained the weight back and then some.  I'm only 8 months Ive gained 65 pounds.  i eat healthy, i exercise, but then i look at water and i gain more weight.  Has anyone else been having this issue with the regimen I'm on?  signed:  Depressed in Florida.

[hoper]

hi,

this might help:

http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Meds/Archive/SideEffects/Q164669.html

[Cseanr]

Gosh, I read that journal and I thought I was ready about myself.  I have always been a very optimistic person, and I can't seem to pull myself out of the rutt I'm stuck in all the time.  I even get sarcastic with people that are my great friends and we have never had any issues.  I'm going to chat with my doctor about changing regimens. 

Thanks again!!!

[suzieque]

 Hi,
   SASA39 and Cseanr, I am sorry to hear about your troubles. I had a lot of trouble with Sustiva, felt like I was living in a nightmare. I have never regretted changing. SASA39, is there any possibility for changing your meds where you live? Cseanr, I hear your concern about having been very ill and changing meds, I was in a similar situation when I began Sustiva, however as you are doing well I would think that you could change successfully ( is your viral load undetectable?). I began my meds in Florida too where they are very keen on Sustiva, however I now live in England and my doctor is really against this med unless absolutely necessary due to the amount of mental disturbances ( including psychotic behaviour in some) and suffering he has seen with it. I do know that it works well for some people.
                    Best wishes to you both,
                                Suzie

[Cseanr]

I really appreciate your feedback.  Previously, I felt like I was the only one dealing with this depression issue and thought it was part of the process.  But now that I see there are other alternatives, it makes me want to change.  I am now undetectable, but my tcells are just now about 200.  I was down to 57; not a fun time I might add.  I try to be as optimistic as possible, but it's hard when you always feel like there's an edge covering your and the thoughts I've been having.  It scares me to death, no pun intended.  Thanks again!

[suzieque]

 
 Dear Cseanr,
         With your viral load undetectable, in my opinion, you should have no trouble changing meds, even with a CD4 around 200. I have done so successfully before, even after having come up from a CD4 count of 40 and hospitalised with PCP! There are plenty of other strong options available. Find what is right for you, we are all unique Hang in there!!
               Best wishes,
                     Suzie