Just started Treatment with ATRIPLA and I am worried about my weight

[jody02]

Hello my name is Joe I just started treatment on Atripla a week ago, I have not noticed any weight gain as of yet.  I have lost muscle mass, I currently weighs 165 which I usually weigh around 195.  I just got out of the hospital with stomach problems.  I lost at least 10 to 15 pounds while I was in the hospital because I was on clear liquids.  After being out of the hospital for a week and being on Atripla I am now eating regular meals.  I am also taking liquid vitamin supplements and protein shakes.  Once I get back up to 175 I will go back to the gym and start weight training.  I surely hope that Atripla will work for me as it has worked for some of you. 

[justaguy]

It's worked for me.  I was slightly under my normal weight of 165 lbs when I started.  I'm now at 175 lbs, which isn't normal for me at all, but I'm not complaining.  Just need to get back to the gym and tone it.

The proof is in my numbers.  CD4 rising, VL is undetectable.

Good luck!

[Cosmicdancer]

Hi Joe, I've been on Atripla almost 2 years and my weight has held steady at about 175 the whole time.  I eat well, but only seem to work out about once a week because of my job schedule.  I've had very minimal side effects from it, aside from waking up at about 4 am sometimes, not often, and having trouble falling back to sleep. 

Hopefully you won't get a rash, but if you do it typically lasts just a few days.  Mine appeared on my legs mainly about 10 days after I started Atripla, but it went away in a couple of days, and as I said I've had only minor side effects from it.  I don't have weird dreams, just the occassional poor night's sleep.  I'm happy with how it's working for me. 

[ruralguy]

I've been on itsince mid-September.  I feel like I have to eat more than I used to to keep my weight from dropping.  But most likely this is because I don't drink as much alcohol .... so I need more sugar, etc than before.  So it is only indirectly related to the drug.

I moved my dose to the morning (no problem) and that takes away any issues with timing of meals.  I also seem to sleep better than when I took it before bed but I don't know why that is true.

I didn't really have any problems getting used to it after a few light-headed mornings.  I got to undetectable in only 3 weeks.  But I don't have any tests yet for CD4 or lipids, etc

Good luck and keeps us posted.

[tommy246]

i to am havivng those sugar cravings since cutting back on the drink now prefer a snicker bar to a cool beer sad days indeed lol