Genvoya and Insomnia: What Users Say

• MJa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 4, 2020

For HIV Infection "I’ve been on Genvoya for 2 years after first learning my diagnosis. I was undetectable within a month, and my counts have been fantastic. I spoke to my doctor about some side effect concerns, and he told me to give it time. I’ve been speaking to him for about a year about my fatigue, lack of sleep, weight gain of over 40 pounds, depression, and sometimes numbness in my hands and feet. He says I work too much, and it’s all stress related. During the quarantine, I stopped taking my meds, ate clean, and worked out. I lost 11 pounds the first month. I kept the same routine and started taking my meds again. I’ve gained 2 pounds. This doesn’t add up. At this point, I don’t know if switching to other meds would be any better. They all sound like they have similar side effects."

• You...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 10, 2019

For HIV Infection "Horrible side effect. My doctor kept telling me I was okay, but I know my body more than he does, so I got kinda pissy about it. Then he’s like, it’s just this and that, blah blah blah. Listen to your body and do your research. Genvoya gave me so much diarrhea, I lost so much weight, and I couldn't sleep. I was crazy and worried all the time. I was stressed out, and I couldn’t control my anxiety. I was going crazy, so I had to switch. Finally, my doctor agreed after moaning and moaning at him. Now I’m on Triumeq, and I feel so much better. My eyes aren’t as red anymore."

• CS1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 26, 2016

For HIV Infection "I started Genvoya after being on ATRIPLA since 2007. I wish I would've switched sooner to at least Stribild. I hated the 'drunk/high' feeling I got for hours after I took ATRIPLA. I switched at the beginning of March. The only downside I've had was the first two days I really didn't sleep very well (maybe only 2 hours each night). Also, my ears would have sharp pains for those two days. Now I feel great! I don't have to freak out if I have to drive during the day because it doesn't make me high. I take my new little pill with breakfast, and I LOVE it! Oh, another plus is it's about 1/3 the size of ATRIPLA!"

• Gen...
• February 22, 2017

For HIV Infection "What a great drug! No side effects, VL undetectable, CD4 count 1159. I was on Atripla for a period of time but couldn't handle the side effects. Rashes, forgetfulness, horrible dreams, not being able to sleep, feeling like I was crawling out of my skin, etc. My doctor immediately took me off of Atripla and put me on Genvoya, absolutely no problems since then. I highly recommend this drug."

• Isr...
• October 13, 2016

For HIV Infection "I switched from Atripla to Genvoya after experiencing kidney issues with Atripla. I have been taking Genvoya for just 5 days, and I experienced very little side effects, which I hope will go away with time. These side effects on me are: - slight swelling of my tongue and glands without pain or feeling, just if I look in the mirror I can notice. This side effect is called respiratory tract inflammation. - trouble sleeping. I just heard this issue will go away taking the pill with your breakfast instead of your dinner (as I did), so you give time to your body to metabolize Genvoya long before going to sleep. I'll try that from today. - gassy feeling (not really a problem for me, but it is for my boyfriend, hehehe)."

• VA2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2018

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed back in June of 2018, and I have been having the worst side effects with on-and-off nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, and not being able to sleep. Granted, my numbers have changed for the better, but does it get better at all?"

• Aus...
• December 25, 2017

For HIV Infection "I'm a 40-year-old male. I've been taking Genvoya for about 8 months now. In the beginning, it wasn't too bad, but lately, I've been noticing sleep problems. Every night, I have weird dreams or nightmares. Also, nausea and stomach cramps. Some days are good, and some days I feel out of it. I'm going to talk to my doctor about changing to a different med. I noticed it's good to drink a lot of water when you're on these meds. Plus, lately, I noticed protein in my urine. I took a urine test, and the doctor says it's one level above normal. I told the doctor I think the meds are causing that, so we'll see what happens. I'll keep you guys posted. Stay healthy, everyone."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 14, 2020

For HIV Infection "I have been on Genvoya a few years. My side effects are that I have dreams, frequent urination, half of the time diarrhea, trouble sleeping, bloating, weight is not bad. Any advice on what to take?"

• Anonymous
• April 12, 2016

For HIV Infection "It's my third day taking it. I am very bloated and nauseous all day long. I also have issues sleeping, but nothing to be bothered about. On the other hand, I feel stronger than before."