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Author Topic: Started Isentress + Truvada - interested in hearing other positive experiences..  (Read 24904 times)

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Offline wylidas

  • Member
  • Posts: 85
  • Trying to love this life, since it's all we got.
I am on Day 1. I took my first I+T pills last night before bed, and then I took the 2nd I pill about 2 hrs ago.

So far, I just feel this sort of lethargic but also anxious feeling, but it's not super bad. Just feel off, not like myself.

I am extremely hopeful for this combo. I am sticking it out for as long as it takes, provided I have no allergic reactions obviously.

I wanted to hear from others on this combo. Has anyone experienced any of the 'out of it' feelings at first to have them dissipate? I also had weird dream last night, but I was able to go right back to sleep and sleep through the night.

Interested in hearing from I+T newbies and experienced!
Diagnosed + in 2006.
Atripla in 2006 (Bad dreams, nervous system reaction after a few weeks. Discontinued.)
Epzicom/Reyataz/Norvir October 2007 - February 2012 (anxiety and elevated BP primary s/x)
UD VL <30
CD4 - fluctuates between 250 - 500 with 25%+
Discontinued meds in February 2012 (due to adherence issues after detoxing from Ativan)
March 2012 - CD4 296, VL 120
4/22/2012 - Started Complera
5/1/2012 - Discontinued Complera, began monitored drug holiday
7/3/2012 - VL 55,000; CD4 211 - started Bactrim
8/5/2012 - Began Truvada + Isentress

Offline POZinLBC

  • Member
  • Posts: 13
I can't wait to read the replies. I plan on starting the I & T regimen next month as a first treatment. Thanks for posting.

Offline jkinatl2

  • Member
  • Posts: 6,007
  • Doo. Dah. Dipp-ity.
I have been on Isentress, Truvada, Norvir and Prezista for about four years, with no appreciable side effects except diarrhea from the Norvir, which I control with diet.

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

-Kimberly Page-Shafer, PhD, MPH

Welcome Thread

Offline wylidas

  • Member
  • Posts: 85
  • Trying to love this life, since it's all we got.
Hmm. I rarely hear anyone describe the side effects of anxiety or dysphoria when it comes to I+T, but those are the only prominent ones I feel so far. Beginning to wonder if it's just me. This is my 2nd time trying this combo in the last 2 years, and I respond the same way each time.

Hoping it passes. :-/
Diagnosed + in 2006.
Atripla in 2006 (Bad dreams, nervous system reaction after a few weeks. Discontinued.)
Epzicom/Reyataz/Norvir October 2007 - February 2012 (anxiety and elevated BP primary s/x)
UD VL <30
CD4 - fluctuates between 250 - 500 with 25%+
Discontinued meds in February 2012 (due to adherence issues after detoxing from Ativan)
March 2012 - CD4 296, VL 120
4/22/2012 - Started Complera
5/1/2012 - Discontinued Complera, began monitored drug holiday
7/3/2012 - VL 55,000; CD4 211 - started Bactrim
8/5/2012 - Began Truvada + Isentress

Offline RWR

  • Member
  • Posts: 138
  • if You think You can’t you can’t
Hi i am on Isentress and truvada and doing well on the combo with no side effects.
Hiv+ 1986


Bobby

Offline Cojo

  • Member
  • Posts: 232
I've been on this combo for a year - zero side effects.
May 2011 - Tested Positive
June 2011 - CD4 330   16%   VL182,000 no resistance
Oct 6, 2011 - CD4 300  20%  VL 60,000
Oct 7, 2011 - start Truvada / Isentress
Nov 29, 2011 CD4 280 26% VL 54
Feb 7 2012 CD4 260 25% UD!
Mar 20 2012 CD4 400 28%
June 2012 CD4 330 26% UD
Sept 2012 CD4 450 32% UD
Dec 2012 CD4 310 28% UD
May 2013 CD4 500 32% UD
Oct 2013 CD4 460 33% UD
May 2014 CD4 360 33% UD
Aug 2014 swap out Isentress for Tivicay
Oct 2014 CD4 320 33% UD
Feb 2015 CD4 420 30% UD
Jul 2015 CD4 480 32% VL51 !!
Sep 2015 UD
Feb 2016 CD4 460 35% UD
Aug 2016 CD4 378 33% UD

Offline wylidas

  • Member
  • Posts: 85
  • Trying to love this life, since it's all we got.
Awesome to hear so many 'zero side effects' stories. THis gives me hope!

Maybe I just need to ride this first part out for a week or two until my body starts getting used to the combo. It could also be my immune system rebuilding already, as my numbers were pretty bad having been on drug holiday for the last 3 months.

As someone pointed out on another thread, a lot of times these uncomfortable feelings when starting new meds are actually a good sign that they are working really well. :)
Diagnosed + in 2006.
Atripla in 2006 (Bad dreams, nervous system reaction after a few weeks. Discontinued.)
Epzicom/Reyataz/Norvir October 2007 - February 2012 (anxiety and elevated BP primary s/x)
UD VL <30
CD4 - fluctuates between 250 - 500 with 25%+
Discontinued meds in February 2012 (due to adherence issues after detoxing from Ativan)
March 2012 - CD4 296, VL 120
4/22/2012 - Started Complera
5/1/2012 - Discontinued Complera, began monitored drug holiday
7/3/2012 - VL 55,000; CD4 211 - started Bactrim
8/5/2012 - Began Truvada + Isentress

Offline Billy B

  • Member
  • Posts: 392
Hello Big Texas,
You can see by my sig that I have been on I&T for over two years. I had a little gas from the Truvada but that "passed" in a few weeks. I have had no other problems.
My IDS told me that he is now starting most of his treatment naive patients on I&T because it works so well. The ones that make a big deal about having to take meds twice a day get Atripla.
Peace,
Billy
VL 4420 CD4 340 CD4% 24   3/15/10 Started I&T
VL  UD   CD4 340 CD4% 26.5 05/13/10
VL  UD   CD4 360 CD4% 27.1 08/3/10
VL  UD   CD4 310 CD4% 28.4 11/22/10
VL  UD   CD4 420 CD4% 27.9 02/11/11
VL  UD   CD4 370 CD4% 26.4 06/08/11
VL  UD   CD4 360 CD4% 27.7 09/23/11
VL  UD   CD4 370 CD4% 28.3 01/20/12
VL  UD   CD4 430 CD4% 28.8 05/11/12
VL  UD   CD4 370 CD4% 28.1 09/07/12
VL  UD   CD4 390 CD4% 32.3 03/14/13
VL  UD   CD4 450 CD4% 29.8 09/10/13
VL  UD   CD4 430 CD4% 31.0 04/29/14
VL  UD   CD4 520 CD4% 34.8 11/05/15
VL  UD   CD4 440 CD4% 33.5 03/10/15
VL  UD   CD4 450 CD4% 30.5 08/23/16
VL  UD   CD4 510 CD4% 34.0 07/21/20  (Biktarvy)

Offline denb45

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,048
  • "1987 Classic Old School POZ+"
Been on  Isentress + Truvada since 2006 haven't had any side effects what-so-ever
I even became UD after a few months back then, and still maintain that UD as well as higher CD-4s & 8s today  ;)

Hope this help you out some


keep taking them, and good luck to ya!

HUGS

DEN  :)
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline wylidas

  • Member
  • Posts: 85
  • Trying to love this life, since it's all we got.
THanks DenB and Billy.

One thing I am noticing is my feet feel freezing cold. Not my hands, but my feet just feel cold like the circulation is not as good or something.

I tend to get anxious about even small things, so I am sure I am over thinking this, but I am just noticing lots of little things. I am due for my 2nd dose tonight before bed, and I gotta admit I am anxious about taking it. :-/

I just want to ride this out and pray all of the anxiety passes.
Diagnosed + in 2006.
Atripla in 2006 (Bad dreams, nervous system reaction after a few weeks. Discontinued.)
Epzicom/Reyataz/Norvir October 2007 - February 2012 (anxiety and elevated BP primary s/x)
UD VL <30
CD4 - fluctuates between 250 - 500 with 25%+
Discontinued meds in February 2012 (due to adherence issues after detoxing from Ativan)
March 2012 - CD4 296, VL 120
4/22/2012 - Started Complera
5/1/2012 - Discontinued Complera, began monitored drug holiday
7/3/2012 - VL 55,000; CD4 211 - started Bactrim
8/5/2012 - Began Truvada + Isentress

Offline denb45

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,048
  • "1987 Classic Old School POZ+"
RELAX   ;D  you'll be just fine, think positive thoughts.......go read a good book are something, don't let you mind go there, put it in a better place, and you will feel so much better I promises you that  ;)
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline wylidas

  • Member
  • Posts: 85
  • Trying to love this life, since it's all we got.
I'm trying to do just that, denB. :)
I actually called the pharmacist to make sure the cold legs and feet weren't a sign of anything serious like lactic acidosis, and she said if I didn't feel flu-like, then it was more than likely nothing serious and just to monitor it for a day or two and see if I improve or feel worse.

It might be a little high strung, but I find that making simple calls like that puts my mind at ease. I am gonna read and watch some good TV now and relax before I take my meds and hit the sack.

Hopefully I will feel a little better in the morning. :)
Diagnosed + in 2006.
Atripla in 2006 (Bad dreams, nervous system reaction after a few weeks. Discontinued.)
Epzicom/Reyataz/Norvir October 2007 - February 2012 (anxiety and elevated BP primary s/x)
UD VL <30
CD4 - fluctuates between 250 - 500 with 25%+
Discontinued meds in February 2012 (due to adherence issues after detoxing from Ativan)
March 2012 - CD4 296, VL 120
4/22/2012 - Started Complera
5/1/2012 - Discontinued Complera, began monitored drug holiday
7/3/2012 - VL 55,000; CD4 211 - started Bactrim
8/5/2012 - Began Truvada + Isentress

Offline 0608

  • Member
  • Posts: 67
Thanks for posting this!  This is the combo that I'm hoping to start my treatment with later this month.  Keep up posted on how you're doing.  I'm sure it's only natural to be anxious when you're starting a new treatment, so some of what you're experiencing may be just due to that.  Hope you can relax and everything goes well. :)

Offline Ann

  • Administrator
  • Member
  • Posts: 28,134
  • It just is, OK?
    • Num is sum qui mentiar tibi?

Hmm. I rarely hear anyone describe the side effects of anxiety or dysphoria when it comes to I+T, but those are the only prominent ones I feel so far. Beginning to wonder if it's just me.


In one of your other threads, you mentioned...


Sometimes I feel like my fear of the new drugs and potential side effects is worse than the actual reality.


I wonder if your fear isn't playing into the effects you're feeling. It might be a self-fulfilling prophecy. The mind is a powerful thing - if in the back of your mind you're half-expecting to have/worrying about having anxiety and dysphoria due to the meds, your mind might just be obliging you. It's certainly something to consider. Do you have a therapist you can explore this with?
Condoms are a girl's best friend

Condom and Lube Info  

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline mecch

  • Member
  • Posts: 13,455
  • red pill? or blue pill?
It is my fourth combination and the best one for me.
It was not my first combination, it's your first right?  I think SOME people feel a bit "out of it" when starting HAART, no matter the combination. I did. Spacey feeling was very real but it also faded away.
“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” 1875 K Marx

Offline Ann

  • Administrator
  • Member
  • Posts: 28,134
  • It just is, OK?
    • Num is sum qui mentiar tibi?

It was not my first combination, it's your first right?


Read his signature line. It's his fourth.
Condoms are a girl's best friend

Condom and Lube Info  

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline wylidas

  • Member
  • Posts: 85
  • Trying to love this life, since it's all we got.
Ann is right. It's my fourth combo I am trying, though the only one I stayed on for years without too many incidents was Epzicom/Reyataz/Norvir.

Unfortunately, I didn't sleep well last night. The anxiety still seems to be at about a constant 4 or 5 out of 10, but last night I slept for about 4 hours then awoke only to not be able to fall back asleep. I layed in bed watching TV and finally fell back asleep around 7am and got 3 more hours of sleep.

This morning my feet are cold, my hands are cold, and I just feel blah. I feel a little gassy, but I also have weird sensations of my heart beating kinda slow or something. I don't know how to describe it. Some of the sensations I feel I wonder if they are just gas.

I don't feel flu-like, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea or any of the more common side effects I read on here. I just feel tired, incoherent and out of it along with the cold extremities. It seems like I am having more of the rare side effects from the pamphlet for Truvada, but none of the common ones. Does this make sense?

I gotta be honest, it's making me not want to take the 2nd Isentress today. I just feel like this is doing weird stuff to me, but then every regimen does something weird. Plus my body is probably reconstituting the immune system etc. since I was off meds for 3 months.

It would make me feel a lot better if I heard from someone who had the cold extremities that eventually went away. But all I seem to read on here or hear from others on I+T is how amazing it is and how there are zero side effects. Makes me think this is not the combo for me after all. :(
Diagnosed + in 2006.
Atripla in 2006 (Bad dreams, nervous system reaction after a few weeks. Discontinued.)
Epzicom/Reyataz/Norvir October 2007 - February 2012 (anxiety and elevated BP primary s/x)
UD VL <30
CD4 - fluctuates between 250 - 500 with 25%+
Discontinued meds in February 2012 (due to adherence issues after detoxing from Ativan)
March 2012 - CD4 296, VL 120
4/22/2012 - Started Complera
5/1/2012 - Discontinued Complera, began monitored drug holiday
7/3/2012 - VL 55,000; CD4 211 - started Bactrim
8/5/2012 - Began Truvada + Isentress

Offline wolfter

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,470
Perhaps you should consider staying on a combo long enough to see if the side affects lessen?  Day 2 and you're ready to determine this isn't the correct combo?

I'm on Truvada, Intelence and Isentress.  This is by far the greatest combo I've ever taken and I've taken just about all of them.  Not even really sure if I have/had side affects because I was so deathly ill when I started this combo, that I appreciate every improvement.

Wolfie

Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline wylidas

  • Member
  • Posts: 85
  • Trying to love this life, since it's all we got.
Wolfie- I am sticking with the combo. Just was expressing my disappointment with feeling the weird stuff, when all I hear about is how this combo has zero side effects.

I am going to stick it out. If I feel like it worsens though, I am going to see my doctor about it.
Diagnosed + in 2006.
Atripla in 2006 (Bad dreams, nervous system reaction after a few weeks. Discontinued.)
Epzicom/Reyataz/Norvir October 2007 - February 2012 (anxiety and elevated BP primary s/x)
UD VL <30
CD4 - fluctuates between 250 - 500 with 25%+
Discontinued meds in February 2012 (due to adherence issues after detoxing from Ativan)
March 2012 - CD4 296, VL 120
4/22/2012 - Started Complera
5/1/2012 - Discontinued Complera, began monitored drug holiday
7/3/2012 - VL 55,000; CD4 211 - started Bactrim
8/5/2012 - Began Truvada + Isentress

Offline Billy B

  • Member
  • Posts: 392
I was wondering if you are taking your Truvada in the AM?
Billy
VL 4420 CD4 340 CD4% 24   3/15/10 Started I&T
VL  UD   CD4 340 CD4% 26.5 05/13/10
VL  UD   CD4 360 CD4% 27.1 08/3/10
VL  UD   CD4 310 CD4% 28.4 11/22/10
VL  UD   CD4 420 CD4% 27.9 02/11/11
VL  UD   CD4 370 CD4% 26.4 06/08/11
VL  UD   CD4 360 CD4% 27.7 09/23/11
VL  UD   CD4 370 CD4% 28.3 01/20/12
VL  UD   CD4 430 CD4% 28.8 05/11/12
VL  UD   CD4 370 CD4% 28.1 09/07/12
VL  UD   CD4 390 CD4% 32.3 03/14/13
VL  UD   CD4 450 CD4% 29.8 09/10/13
VL  UD   CD4 430 CD4% 31.0 04/29/14
VL  UD   CD4 520 CD4% 34.8 11/05/15
VL  UD   CD4 440 CD4% 33.5 03/10/15
VL  UD   CD4 450 CD4% 30.5 08/23/16
VL  UD   CD4 510 CD4% 34.0 07/21/20  (Biktarvy)

Offline Billy B

  • Member
  • Posts: 392
And not judging, but I see that you were taking Ativan.  Do you think that this is where some of the anxiety is coming from?
Billy
VL 4420 CD4 340 CD4% 24   3/15/10 Started I&T
VL  UD   CD4 340 CD4% 26.5 05/13/10
VL  UD   CD4 360 CD4% 27.1 08/3/10
VL  UD   CD4 310 CD4% 28.4 11/22/10
VL  UD   CD4 420 CD4% 27.9 02/11/11
VL  UD   CD4 370 CD4% 26.4 06/08/11
VL  UD   CD4 360 CD4% 27.7 09/23/11
VL  UD   CD4 370 CD4% 28.3 01/20/12
VL  UD   CD4 430 CD4% 28.8 05/11/12
VL  UD   CD4 370 CD4% 28.1 09/07/12
VL  UD   CD4 390 CD4% 32.3 03/14/13
VL  UD   CD4 450 CD4% 29.8 09/10/13
VL  UD   CD4 430 CD4% 31.0 04/29/14
VL  UD   CD4 520 CD4% 34.8 11/05/15
VL  UD   CD4 440 CD4% 33.5 03/10/15
VL  UD   CD4 450 CD4% 30.5 08/23/16
VL  UD   CD4 510 CD4% 34.0 07/21/20  (Biktarvy)

Offline wylidas

  • Member
  • Posts: 85
  • Trying to love this life, since it's all we got.
I do believe I am still getting hit with anxiety post-benzos. I am on another site dealing with those issues, so it's perfectly reasonable to think this is all just anxiety.

As for your Truvada in the AM/PM question, I do take it PM right before bed. I used to take my old regimen for 4 years in the mornings with breakfast and I slept really great at night. Do you think switching my Truvada intake to the mornings would be helpful in the sleep arena?

Diagnosed + in 2006.
Atripla in 2006 (Bad dreams, nervous system reaction after a few weeks. Discontinued.)
Epzicom/Reyataz/Norvir October 2007 - February 2012 (anxiety and elevated BP primary s/x)
UD VL <30
CD4 - fluctuates between 250 - 500 with 25%+
Discontinued meds in February 2012 (due to adherence issues after detoxing from Ativan)
March 2012 - CD4 296, VL 120
4/22/2012 - Started Complera
5/1/2012 - Discontinued Complera, began monitored drug holiday
7/3/2012 - VL 55,000; CD4 211 - started Bactrim
8/5/2012 - Began Truvada + Isentress

Offline mecch

  • Member
  • Posts: 13,455
  • red pill? or blue pill?
Oh sorry. If fact now i remember your dire experience with ativan.

What else are you doing in your life. Job? School? Friends? Family? Sport? Culture?

I gingerly suggest you need some MAJOR and CONTINUOUS distractions, hopefully relatively enjoyable ones, the next couple of weeks, if not months.  Clearly you are a person who is very very very in touch with body speaking to mind, noticing everything, and then thinking about it.  You are gonna have to stick to this for awhile so what is your plan to get your mind off all these body issues and maybe too, some of the emotional ones...   

I think its a good bet that in your case there is no such thing as a drug without noticeable effects.  So hoping for a side effect free HAART seems a tall order, given your history with drugs. 

Rewarding and enjoyable engagements of your attention might be key, this time.  Isentress and Truvada really are quite magic.  Even if its not magic for you, these drugs are among the easiest, so please give it the colllege try as they say.  Wishing you good luck this time.
« Last Edit: August 07, 2012, 06:07:50 pm by mecch »
“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” 1875 K Marx

Offline wylidas

  • Member
  • Posts: 85
  • Trying to love this life, since it's all we got.
I don't have friends or family that can help distract me. I don't really have a support system locally. All my supportive friends live outside Texas, where I currently reside. I am actually planning to move back to the NorthEastern US in 18 months when my lease is up, but in the meantime it's all up to me to take care of this on my own with no real support in place.

I am currently on medical leave because I can't perform my job functions due to the intensity of the benzo withdrawal and recovery as well as the anxiety I am dealing with.

The truth is that I did fairly well for 4 years on my old regimen, and I know that I was able to get past that initial startup phase, but I was younger and hadn't been through benzo withdrawal at that time. I think that's what is making this time so much harder. My brain has structurally changed due to the chemical effects of Ativan on my brain.
Diagnosed + in 2006.
Atripla in 2006 (Bad dreams, nervous system reaction after a few weeks. Discontinued.)
Epzicom/Reyataz/Norvir October 2007 - February 2012 (anxiety and elevated BP primary s/x)
UD VL <30
CD4 - fluctuates between 250 - 500 with 25%+
Discontinued meds in February 2012 (due to adherence issues after detoxing from Ativan)
March 2012 - CD4 296, VL 120
4/22/2012 - Started Complera
5/1/2012 - Discontinued Complera, began monitored drug holiday
7/3/2012 - VL 55,000; CD4 211 - started Bactrim
8/5/2012 - Began Truvada + Isentress

Offline mecch

  • Member
  • Posts: 13,455
  • red pill? or blue pill?
OK but that is a bunch of no.  What about some yes.  What are you going to do with all your time? There's got to be something that you enjoy.  Are you bedridden?  Apartment bound due to the anxiety?
“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” 1875 K Marx

Offline wylidas

  • Member
  • Posts: 85
  • Trying to love this life, since it's all we got.
Yes, apartment bound and social anxiety which I never experienced in 33 yrs of life.
It's not a bunch of no. It's just facts.

Thanks for your concern.
Diagnosed + in 2006.
Atripla in 2006 (Bad dreams, nervous system reaction after a few weeks. Discontinued.)
Epzicom/Reyataz/Norvir October 2007 - February 2012 (anxiety and elevated BP primary s/x)
UD VL <30
CD4 - fluctuates between 250 - 500 with 25%+
Discontinued meds in February 2012 (due to adherence issues after detoxing from Ativan)
March 2012 - CD4 296, VL 120
4/22/2012 - Started Complera
5/1/2012 - Discontinued Complera, began monitored drug holiday
7/3/2012 - VL 55,000; CD4 211 - started Bactrim
8/5/2012 - Began Truvada + Isentress

Offline Billy B

  • Member
  • Posts: 392
I do believe I am still getting hit with anxiety post-benzos. I am on another site dealing with those issues, so it's perfectly reasonable to think this is all just anxiety.

As for your Truvada in the AM/PM question, I do take it PM right before bed. I used to take my old regimen for 4 years in the mornings with breakfast and I slept really great at night. Do you think switching my Truvada intake to the mornings would be helpful in the sleep arena?

Yes I think that you should try taking it in the AM. My IDS suggested that schedule for me and I do sleep well at night. I also take an evening walk which helps my brain and body wind down.
You hang in there and if you get restless get out and walk. I have met a lot of very nice people on our local Greenway and I now have several regular walking partners.
Billy

VL 4420 CD4 340 CD4% 24   3/15/10 Started I&T
VL  UD   CD4 340 CD4% 26.5 05/13/10
VL  UD   CD4 360 CD4% 27.1 08/3/10
VL  UD   CD4 310 CD4% 28.4 11/22/10
VL  UD   CD4 420 CD4% 27.9 02/11/11
VL  UD   CD4 370 CD4% 26.4 06/08/11
VL  UD   CD4 360 CD4% 27.7 09/23/11
VL  UD   CD4 370 CD4% 28.3 01/20/12
VL  UD   CD4 430 CD4% 28.8 05/11/12
VL  UD   CD4 370 CD4% 28.1 09/07/12
VL  UD   CD4 390 CD4% 32.3 03/14/13
VL  UD   CD4 450 CD4% 29.8 09/10/13
VL  UD   CD4 430 CD4% 31.0 04/29/14
VL  UD   CD4 520 CD4% 34.8 11/05/15
VL  UD   CD4 440 CD4% 33.5 03/10/15
VL  UD   CD4 450 CD4% 30.5 08/23/16
VL  UD   CD4 510 CD4% 34.0 07/21/20  (Biktarvy)

Offline Gary S

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  • Posts: 60
I started Isentress and Truvada in December after about 7 years on Kaletra and Truvada. I was very optimistic given the rave reviews this combo gets. Well I had a tough time of it at first because of sleep disturbance ( vivid dreams, waking in the middle of the night and not being able to fall back to sleep, restlessness etc.). The materials on Isentress do indicate this happened in 3-4% of people in trials. As a matter of fact, the information from the manufacturer indicated it had a higher incidence of sleep disturbance than Sustiva.

These quotes are directly from the manufacturers pamphlet

"When ISENTRESS has been given with other anti-HIV drugs, side effects included nausea, headache, tiredness, weakness, trouble sleeping, stomach pain, dizziness, depression, and suicidal thoughts and actions."

 "Other side effects include feeling anxious, paranoia, low blood platelet count, and diarrhea."

 "The most common side effect of moderate to severe intensity (that interfered
with or kept patients from performing daily activities) was trouble sleeping
This side effect occurred more often in patients taking ISENTRESS plus
Truvada (4%) versus Sustiva plus Truvada (3%)"

My sleep disturbance is better now (8 months later). I would stick with it a little longer but accept that you could be one of the lucky 4% that don't think Isentress in the best thing since sliced bread....although it's still a hell of a lot better than DDI or Zerit or Crixivan or AZT or........



Offline mecch

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  • red pill? or blue pill?
Yes, apartment bound and social anxiety which I never experienced in 33 yrs of life.
It's not a bunch of no. It's just facts.

Thanks for your concern.

It is concern - meaning I remember very well the old posts now. Ann asked if you have a therapist. Im guessing, however, that there isn't much possibility anymore for anti-anxiety meds.  Therefore, something has got to get your attention away from HIV and HAART and your body and your anxiety about all of that.  So you are isolated in your apartment.  Given that, what activities can you do.  Can you type out a list?  I'm on holiday every summer - and also suffer from anxiety.  Free-floating time tends not to be a good thing for me UNLESS there is some structure and lots of activities to fill it up.  Keep me busy, reward me etc etc.  My shrink gets me to make different kinds of lists.  Social dates I want to have.  Household stuff.  Little and big projects. Etc etc.  Last week I made cookies and brownies for several hours - pot ones - while I was watching some old movies that I love.  The goodies are now an extra incentive to see my friends and share the wealth so to speak.
 
You dont have to share your daily lifestyle and activities - since your post is after all just about Isentress/T and its side effects on you.  I just think it might help us to understand you and the situation better.   People have suggested walks.  Reading a good book.  I've gone into categories and you close them down (no family, no friends you say) but don't open up the categories that are available to you. 

From a distance, the impression is that you are over thinking this and over diagnosing yourself and looking (despite your self-preservation instinct) for ways its going to be overwhelming and impossible. 

You have to snap out of the circular thinking on this and get your mind on some other things.  Please call somebody and have a chat about something completely different than your health.  Go for a walk.  Read a great book series.  Listen to the audio book of a book you loved when you read it.  Then watch the movie.  Watch the nightly news.  Play music and rearrange the furniture. Make gazpacho.  Iron clothes while watching something funny on TV.  Take your HAART to the municipal garden, swallow it there, and walk around observing how gorgeous and strange and alive everything is. Go to a zoo. Sit in a shopping mall with nothing to do but drink a vanilla shake. etc etc.
« Last Edit: August 08, 2012, 10:10:15 am by mecch »
“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” 1875 K Marx

Offline wylidas

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  • Trying to love this life, since it's all we got.
Thanks again for all your support. I actually wanted to report that I slept a lot better last night. I managed to sleep through the night a full 9 hours only waking up once but went right back to sleep.

I also managed to talk myself out of a panic attack yesterday by using the coping skills I have learned in therapy. So, I do seem to be making progress. :)

I will keep everyone updated on how things go. For now, I am going to go to the library and check out some books.
Diagnosed + in 2006.
Atripla in 2006 (Bad dreams, nervous system reaction after a few weeks. Discontinued.)
Epzicom/Reyataz/Norvir October 2007 - February 2012 (anxiety and elevated BP primary s/x)
UD VL <30
CD4 - fluctuates between 250 - 500 with 25%+
Discontinued meds in February 2012 (due to adherence issues after detoxing from Ativan)
March 2012 - CD4 296, VL 120
4/22/2012 - Started Complera
5/1/2012 - Discontinued Complera, began monitored drug holiday
7/3/2012 - VL 55,000; CD4 211 - started Bactrim
8/5/2012 - Began Truvada + Isentress

Offline POZinLBC

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Wylidas,

I totally understand what you are going through. I just took an Isentress and Truvada pill about an hour and a half ago. This is my first time ever to take HIV meds. It was a very difficult thing for me that I mulled over for weeks. I can tell you that I already feel the affects.  I feel a little dizzy and anxious. I too have had bad reactions to other non-HIV medications.  The latest being an allergic reaction to bactrim.  However, everyone's posts regarding I & T have been very encouraging and I am going to continue with it and hope that any side effects subside quickly.

Offline wylidas

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  • Trying to love this life, since it's all we got.
PozinLBC- Hang in there. Use my progress reports to give you encouragement if you need it, because honestly today is way better than yesterday. I think the anxiety around meds is 50% of the problems we face honestly.

I just got back from the library and I checked out several books, including Tina Fey's Bossypants *which I have been wanting to read for ages* and I also found they had a huge catalogue of movies on dvd so I got several of my favorite comedies and even my old favorite TV show from being a kid, Degrassi Junior High. LOL

I plan on distracting myself as much as possible while I am adjusting to these meds, because I know once I am over the hump I am going to be just fine. You will get there too. (Don't I sound different from just yesterday?) :)
That's what a good night's sleep will do for ya.
Diagnosed + in 2006.
Atripla in 2006 (Bad dreams, nervous system reaction after a few weeks. Discontinued.)
Epzicom/Reyataz/Norvir October 2007 - February 2012 (anxiety and elevated BP primary s/x)
UD VL <30
CD4 - fluctuates between 250 - 500 with 25%+
Discontinued meds in February 2012 (due to adherence issues after detoxing from Ativan)
March 2012 - CD4 296, VL 120
4/22/2012 - Started Complera
5/1/2012 - Discontinued Complera, began monitored drug holiday
7/3/2012 - VL 55,000; CD4 211 - started Bactrim
8/5/2012 - Began Truvada + Isentress

Offline mecch

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  • red pill? or blue pill?
Thats the spirit!  Bossypants is hilarious.  She reads the audiobook version as well, if you like it the first time on paper.
“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” 1875 K Marx

Offline 0608

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Degrassi Junior High!!!  Oh, man, I used to love watching that on PBS ages ago.  Good call!!! (and good luck with the meds) :)

Offline POZinLBC

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Wylidas,
Yes, you did sound a lot better than the other day and I am glad for you. I also used to suffer from anxiety attacks. It got so bad that I couldn't drive at night. I'm sure you know all about that feel of impending doom. :) I still get them once in a great while when I'm stressed out.
So yesterday I felt a little dizzy about one hour after taking the I&T in the A.M.   Then I also felt a little dizzy an hour after taking the Isentress in the evening. But the dizziness was very mild for both instances. The only new thing I noticed was that I had a soaking night sweat last night (and I had the AC on too!).  Those have been my symptoms so far and I would have to say they are very tolerable. If I don't have any crazy symptoms by the end of the third day I would anticipate that this regimen will be very tolerable. I will continue to follow your reports. :)

Offline wylidas

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  • Posts: 85
  • Trying to love this life, since it's all we got.
Well, I wanted to report that Night 4 went great as well!
I slept great, feel a little out of it today, but that could just be low blood sugar.
I have been watching Degrassi (god, I miss the 80s) and trying to keep my stress levels low.

No new side effects to report, in fact, everything feels great. I really feel this is the regimen. One interesting thing and I don't know if it's related to the meds or if it's just because I my immunity is improving and so everything else is improving, but my libido is kinda nuts right now. It's like I can't get enough, and when I climax it feels so good almost like when I was a teenager. I am 34 now. What is up with that?? NOt that I am complaining lol. It just feels very intense.

The other thing that isn't ideal about I+T is having to take it twice a day. I really see now why everyone wants to get everything into one pill, but my doc told me there is a quad pill coming out that is I+T plus a booster that will be daily. Can't wait!

LBC - Hope you're feeling good about this combo. I know I am now that I am on Day 5, and I see what all the fuss is about this being tolerable. I am the most anxious person I know, and I am really doing well so far.

I will keep updating.....Cheers to everyone!
Diagnosed + in 2006.
Atripla in 2006 (Bad dreams, nervous system reaction after a few weeks. Discontinued.)
Epzicom/Reyataz/Norvir October 2007 - February 2012 (anxiety and elevated BP primary s/x)
UD VL <30
CD4 - fluctuates between 250 - 500 with 25%+
Discontinued meds in February 2012 (due to adherence issues after detoxing from Ativan)
March 2012 - CD4 296, VL 120
4/22/2012 - Started Complera
5/1/2012 - Discontinued Complera, began monitored drug holiday
7/3/2012 - VL 55,000; CD4 211 - started Bactrim
8/5/2012 - Began Truvada + Isentress

Offline Billy B

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  • Posts: 392
Hey Big Texas- I am glad things are settling down. As for the twice daily dosing, I picked two events within my day that were twelve hour apart and that is when I take my meds. I get up and take my meds and since I work second shift I take my evening meds when I start my patient documentation. It is now a habit. I also use a pill box and pour my meds for a week at a time. It is a great help and you don't have to look at the bottles everyday.
I have never mention the libido effects of I&T, but yes, in the beginning I was horny as a three nut cat (sorry to those offended). Please enjoy it!
Peace,
Billy
VL 4420 CD4 340 CD4% 24   3/15/10 Started I&T
VL  UD   CD4 340 CD4% 26.5 05/13/10
VL  UD   CD4 360 CD4% 27.1 08/3/10
VL  UD   CD4 310 CD4% 28.4 11/22/10
VL  UD   CD4 420 CD4% 27.9 02/11/11
VL  UD   CD4 370 CD4% 26.4 06/08/11
VL  UD   CD4 360 CD4% 27.7 09/23/11
VL  UD   CD4 370 CD4% 28.3 01/20/12
VL  UD   CD4 430 CD4% 28.8 05/11/12
VL  UD   CD4 370 CD4% 28.1 09/07/12
VL  UD   CD4 390 CD4% 32.3 03/14/13
VL  UD   CD4 450 CD4% 29.8 09/10/13
VL  UD   CD4 430 CD4% 31.0 04/29/14
VL  UD   CD4 520 CD4% 34.8 11/05/15
VL  UD   CD4 440 CD4% 33.5 03/10/15
VL  UD   CD4 450 CD4% 30.5 08/23/16
VL  UD   CD4 510 CD4% 34.0 07/21/20  (Biktarvy)

Offline mecch

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  • red pill? or blue pill?
Did you start Bossy Pants yet?  You'll die laughing. I think I'll listen again, soon.
“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” 1875 K Marx

Offline wylidas

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  • Trying to love this life, since it's all we got.
Hey mecch- Haven't started Bossypants yet. I have been watching the movies and stuff since I still feel a little fuzzy-headed. But I can't wait to start it possibly this weekend. I am sure I will literally laugh out loud while reading it.

BillyB- Glad I am not the only one with the libido thing. It's a nice feeling for sure, but it just feels so intense that it throws you for a loop at first, especially going as long as I have feeling as bad as I have. ;)

So, today has been an interesting experience. Was feeling fine this morning and then had a sort of mini-anxiety episode this afternoon. I know it was triggered by my thoughts, and so I am trying to just fight through it and not worry too much. I really have a beast on my back when it comes to anxiety, and it is not leaving quietly, but I can't live this way anymore, so just gotta keep going.

Will update you all again soon. Cheers!
Diagnosed + in 2006.
Atripla in 2006 (Bad dreams, nervous system reaction after a few weeks. Discontinued.)
Epzicom/Reyataz/Norvir October 2007 - February 2012 (anxiety and elevated BP primary s/x)
UD VL <30
CD4 - fluctuates between 250 - 500 with 25%+
Discontinued meds in February 2012 (due to adherence issues after detoxing from Ativan)
March 2012 - CD4 296, VL 120
4/22/2012 - Started Complera
5/1/2012 - Discontinued Complera, began monitored drug holiday
7/3/2012 - VL 55,000; CD4 211 - started Bactrim
8/5/2012 - Began Truvada + Isentress

Offline mecch

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  • Posts: 13,455
  • red pill? or blue pill?
Bonkers libido is a lot better than the Sustiva Crazies, thats for sure. Maybe soon you can take advantage of the libido and get some action.
“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” 1875 K Marx

Offline wylidas

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  • Posts: 85
  • Trying to love this life, since it's all we got.
mecch- I agree with you there. I tried Atripla in 2006 for a little while and I just couldn't take it. Not sleeping through the night and crazy dreams and feeling stoned out of my mind, etc.

I find this I+T combo interesting. It seems to really have very little noticeable side effects, but I know it's working because HIV-related issues on my skin etc are clearing up RAPIDLY. THe anxiety I am feeling does feel different from the type of anxiety I would feel on my Epzicom/Reyataz/Norvir combo, but maybe that's because this combo is making me feel better, and I just haven't felt good in so long that I don't know how to react.
Diagnosed + in 2006.
Atripla in 2006 (Bad dreams, nervous system reaction after a few weeks. Discontinued.)
Epzicom/Reyataz/Norvir October 2007 - February 2012 (anxiety and elevated BP primary s/x)
UD VL <30
CD4 - fluctuates between 250 - 500 with 25%+
Discontinued meds in February 2012 (due to adherence issues after detoxing from Ativan)
March 2012 - CD4 296, VL 120
4/22/2012 - Started Complera
5/1/2012 - Discontinued Complera, began monitored drug holiday
7/3/2012 - VL 55,000; CD4 211 - started Bactrim
8/5/2012 - Began Truvada + Isentress

Offline POZinLBC

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  • Posts: 13
wylidas,

I'm glad to hear that you are doing so well on the I&T. I am doing pretty well too. I just finished my third day of I&T and I think this regimen is very good even though I have had mild diarrhea for about a day and a half.  I heard that it goes away with time. I felt a little nauseous yesterday after taking the isentress pill but I learned that eating something before or right after taking the pills helps with the dizziness and nausea for me.

Offline POZinLBC

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  • Posts: 13
I forgot to mention that I got another night sweat last night and a bloody nose. I think the bloody nose has something to do with my seasonal allergies though. :)

Offline wylidas

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  • Posts: 85
  • Trying to love this life, since it's all we got.
Update: Felt pretty crummy last evening after the whole anxiety episode, but today I seem to be feeling somewhat back to normal. I did have crazy dreams last night, and I felt like it was not as restful, but I only woke up once at least and easily went back to sleep.

This morning I just feel sort of low energy, a little melancholy, and my hands are feet are freezing cold. I wish I could figure out what the coldness is about, as I don't see it listed anywhere in side effect profiles for either Isentress or Truvada, but it definitely started with the introduction of these meds, so I don't think it's 'in my head.' I guess I just need to get out and do stuff and try not to focus on it.
Diagnosed + in 2006.
Atripla in 2006 (Bad dreams, nervous system reaction after a few weeks. Discontinued.)
Epzicom/Reyataz/Norvir October 2007 - February 2012 (anxiety and elevated BP primary s/x)
UD VL <30
CD4 - fluctuates between 250 - 500 with 25%+
Discontinued meds in February 2012 (due to adherence issues after detoxing from Ativan)
March 2012 - CD4 296, VL 120
4/22/2012 - Started Complera
5/1/2012 - Discontinued Complera, began monitored drug holiday
7/3/2012 - VL 55,000; CD4 211 - started Bactrim
8/5/2012 - Began Truvada + Isentress

Offline Miss Philicia

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  • Posts: 24,793
  • celebrity poster, faker & poser
I wish I could figure out what the coldness is about, as I don't see it listed anywhere in side effect profiles for either Isentress or Truvada, but it definitely started with the introduction of these meds, so I don't think it's 'in my head.' I guess I just need to get out and do stuff and try not to focus on it.

I have that happen sometimes, as well as feeling over-heated in my head. I take my temperature and it's normal. I think it's just the result of having a virus in the body, not anything to do with medication, though when you first go on medication your body and the virus are doing a lot realignment. At any rate it's not going to kill you so don't let it feed your anxiety levels.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline wylidas

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  • Posts: 85
  • Trying to love this life, since it's all we got.
Thank you, MIss Philicia! I needed to hear that today. :)
I am going about my day like normal, trying not to focus on it.

Did you by chance have the tiredness and fatigue too? I see it listed as a common side effect, and I definitely feel run down. Does it eventually pass?
Diagnosed + in 2006.
Atripla in 2006 (Bad dreams, nervous system reaction after a few weeks. Discontinued.)
Epzicom/Reyataz/Norvir October 2007 - February 2012 (anxiety and elevated BP primary s/x)
UD VL <30
CD4 - fluctuates between 250 - 500 with 25%+
Discontinued meds in February 2012 (due to adherence issues after detoxing from Ativan)
March 2012 - CD4 296, VL 120
4/22/2012 - Started Complera
5/1/2012 - Discontinued Complera, began monitored drug holiday
7/3/2012 - VL 55,000; CD4 211 - started Bactrim
8/5/2012 - Began Truvada + Isentress

Offline Common_ground

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  • Posts: 292
Im on Atripla and get hot head from time to time or maybe its my hands are cold :P Tempererature, heart rate,bp shows steady normal so its nothing I bother about.
« Last Edit: August 11, 2012, 02:33:38 pm by Common_ground »
2011 May - Neg.
2012 June CD4:205, 16% VL:2676 Start Truvada/Stocrin
2012 July  CD4:234, 18% VL:88
2012 Sep  CD4:238, 17% VL:UD
2013 Feb  CD4:257, 24% VL:UD -viramune/truvada
2013 May CD4:276, 26% VL:UD

2015 CD4: 240 , 28% VL:UD - Triumeq
2015 March CD4: 350 VL: UD

Offline Miss Philicia

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  • celebrity poster, faker & poser
Some people seem to have a lot of continual fatigue, others don't. I was able to go out dancing for 12 hours, and do that two nights in a row up until I was 36 so I guess I wasn't that tired.

Depression and anxiety can make you feel tired, and glancing at your other posts that seems to be your larger issue.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline wylidas

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  • Posts: 85
  • Trying to love this life, since it's all we got.
I don't argue that depression and anxiety are issues of mine, but they were issues long before starting these meds. ;)

I definitely a marked tiredness that I did not feel before.
OH well, hopefully it passes! Thanks for the feedback
Diagnosed + in 2006.
Atripla in 2006 (Bad dreams, nervous system reaction after a few weeks. Discontinued.)
Epzicom/Reyataz/Norvir October 2007 - February 2012 (anxiety and elevated BP primary s/x)
UD VL <30
CD4 - fluctuates between 250 - 500 with 25%+
Discontinued meds in February 2012 (due to adherence issues after detoxing from Ativan)
March 2012 - CD4 296, VL 120
4/22/2012 - Started Complera
5/1/2012 - Discontinued Complera, began monitored drug holiday
7/3/2012 - VL 55,000; CD4 211 - started Bactrim
8/5/2012 - Began Truvada + Isentress

Offline Miss Philicia

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  • Posts: 24,793
  • celebrity poster, faker & poser
I don't argue that depression and anxiety are issues of mine, but they were issues long before starting these meds. ;)

I definitely a marked tiredness that I did not feel before.
OH well, hopefully it passes! Thanks for the feedback

Ah, OK -- so then I suspect it's your body adjusting to changes it is going through during the initial period of viral suppression. It's completely usual to feel weird for 3-4 weeks when beginning any new HIV regimen.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

 


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