POZ Community Forums
Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: BriGuy on March 03, 2009, 05:02:32 pm
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Hello. I will be starting Atripla tomorrow. It will be the first time I've taken meds. I've done much reading/research about this medicine. Needless to say, I am a bit anxious about some of the side affects, but I feel more confident being 'prepared' for what may happen - and also by reading the experiences of others.
I know that alcohol is not recommended for anyone with HIV. Does this mean that I shouldn't ever have a glass or wine or vodka and tonic again? And, how would having a drink interact with Atripla?
God - I certainly don't want to bid my Merlot goodbye forever, but I guess if it is going to kill me I will send it on its way. lol.
Thank you for any practical advice you can give. And, if any of you ever drank while on Atripla, can you please let me know your experience.
Have a great one!(And wish me luck as I start this new chapter of my life.)
Diag HIV + 08/2008
Labs as of 03/03/2008 CD-4 223 VL 15533
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Hi there,
I've been on Atripla for a month and yep i still drink. The only thing I have found is the amount of booze I can drink has been greatly reduced. DAMN, I am a lightweight drinker now! ;) Other than that I have no problems when im out with friends living it up.
Hope all goes well with your meds and little to no side effects occur.
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Bring it up with your physician ... I wouldn't worry much ... moderation will probably be encouraged!
Been on Atripla since its release. Almost every Wed eve, I've swallowed one after a G & T chaser with lime! During Carnival, I had one with a jello shot. Remember, there's always room for Jello!
In short, there's no known restrictions or interactions with alcohol. Not suggesting it's the wisest choice.
Have always been a lightweight with booze ... so moderation is my only option.
Cheers and here's to a successful treatment with Atripla.
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I know that alcohol is not recommended for anyone with HIV. Does this mean that I shouldn't ever have a glass or wine or vodka and tonic again?
I've had 5 HIV specialists over the past 16 years and not one has instructed me to abstain from any and all alcohol. Where are you getting this nonsense? What they do state is that EXCESSIVE intake of alcohol is not recommended.
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Tomorrow, I'll have a white russian with my Atripla in homage to Miss Philicia! Cheers.
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Both ID Doc's I was examined by instructed me to not drink alcohol. But before I was poz, my Doc's gave me the same advise.
I think Doctors defalt to making statements like don't smoke, don't drink, get more sleep, loose weight etc....
I have to admit (and I know this is a web site where I can be honest), I have fell off the wagon twice and drank while recently starting Atripla therapy. The next morning I woke up with swollen painful neck glands. I am trying very hard to stay away from alcohol but it is very hard sometimes. I am back on the wagon again, but all it takes is a certain situation, meeting, dinner or a visit form a friend and Bam....I get weak and I am out on the town again. One think that is good is that I don't do drugs or smoke. I feel a separate section on this web site relative to substance abuse and HIV would be helpful to alot of us who admitting indulge in bad behavior and maybe we can learn from oneanother how overcome those little monsters that creep up on some of us.
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Allow me to be very clear -- there's a world's difference between a glass of red wine from time to time and "falling off the wagon" type of alcoholism. Of course any doctor would instruct a patient with a propensity to over drink not to do so. If you have difficulty with controlling your intake then it is probably prudent to eliminate the temptation completely, as it will possibly damage your liver which metabolizes HIV medication. Same thing goes with recreational drug use -- if you can't limit yourself to an ecstasy pill once every four months then maybe you need to consider going without it all. The primary concern with most HIV patients, and be mindful of their case load, is that patients with abuse problems are the primary types that develop resistance issues because of skipping doses.
So once my doctors assessed that I do not have alcohol abuse issues they were clear to me that it's important not to deprive oneself of simple joys in life just because you have HIV. You know, we're not china dolls really. If you want a glass of red wine a couple times a week with dinner there is no medical reason with HIV not to do so. One problem with internet forums and this topic is that people with abuse issues come on and project their own experiences on the larger non-abuse population when, in fact, all things are not equal.
Now, as specifically for Atripla there is an advisement with alcohol if you are a patient that experiences dizziness. However there's not any proven contraindication between this medication and alcohol, so that's a very minimal type of advisement.
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I agree with Miss Philicia, if you are the type that can limit yourself to two glasses, you will be fine.
But if you are like me, then I advise you to stay away from the effects of alcohol. It can be bad news, positive or negative.
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I started Atripla Friday of last week, and I've been tolerating it really well. I was a little groggy for the first few days, but I feel amazing today, and it's only my fifth day! (Wait until the rash hits though, lol.)
I plan to try having a beer in the early evening Friday when I'm out. I figure one beer after dinner, five hours before I take my Atripla, should be a good way to test the water. For reference, I've never had drinking problems, and generally have a very high tolerance.
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When I found out I was HIV+, I cut back my alcohol consumption. I knew that meds are often hard on one's liver and that I'd be starting meds at some point. I figured I'd give it a break from all the alcohol. I never considered totally stopping drinking, but I try not to drink regularly often. By that I mean that I'll allow myself to drink on weekends or 'occasions'. Occasions can be parties, dinners with others or at restaurants, and when we go camping. I just wanted to break the habit of having a drink or two (or three...) every night. I'll probably have 2-4 drinks a week on average and about a 750ml bottle of liquor over a long 4-day weekend camping. So far, I haven't had any issues from the alcohol and don't foresee having any. In my opinion, like with most things, moderation is key.
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Sounds like we're all on the same page here with Atripla. Some of us may have to avoid or manage our alcohol consumption. Hope to hear back from Briguy on his experiences.
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Well Stated Miss Philicia !!!!
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Hey! Its Bri. Well, I'm on my 5th day of Atripla. I do not want to jinx anything, but I've really not had terrible side affects as of yet; and I realize that they can pop up at anytime. The first night, I had a few vivid dreams and when I opened my eyes, it was like my bedroom had a disco ball and lights! lol. Other than that, I've had a dry mouth so I'm drinking lots of water, my sleep is not as consistant as usual as I'm waking up every few hrs - but nothing that is causing me stress or discomfort. Also, I've stopped eating/had my dinner by 6:30 every night and take my pill around 10:30. Last night I was with friends and had 3 vodka tonics. I woke up today feeling a bit hung over but I've been active all day. I'll probably wait a few more week before drinking again so I can 'monitor' how I feel on just the atripla and how I feel after a few drinks. I've read about lots of people getting a rash and other side affects...so I do know I may be doing ok now and get something when I least expect it. Thanks for all of your comments and pls feel free to add more. Bri
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Also, I've stopped eating/had my dinner by 6:30 every night and take my pill around 10:30. Last night I was with friends and had 3 vodka tonics. I woke up today feeling a bit hung over but I've been active all day. I'll probably wait a few more week before drinking again so I can 'monitor' how I feel on just the atripla and how I feel after a few drinks.
Bri,
There are no dietary restrictions with Atripla. Avoiding high-fat meals or late meals is recommended for those who experience bad mental side effects. Otherwise, you can eat a normal normal diet at normal dinner times.
Having "three [3] vodka tonics ... or a few drinks" ... raises my brow about your alcohol consumption. Remember ... MODERATION. Glad your meds have been uneventful. Stay adherent too.
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I notice with my atripla that alcohol hits me alittle harder than it use to. i do get alittle more mouthy since being on it. A few times after a few the bath room floor was my buddy. Yesterday had brunch and some bubbly and it hit me hard. Yes my Doctors wants me to quit but i said i have given red meat,pork,rice,potatoes,bread,sweets up i do not smoke or take fun drugs so a little cocktail is about my fun for me.
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Thanks for the advice. But don't keep those brows raised for too long or you'll look like you overdosed on botox. lol. ;)