Atripla and Depression: What Users Say

• gsa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2013

For HIV Infection "Started Atripla 4/12. VL >300,000, CD4=54. CBC, optical, pulmonary, & endocrine systems in very bad shape. Shingles x 2 & MRSA over a 7-year period of time. Exhausted, sore all over, falling asleep at work & while driving. Chronic sinusitis & tonsillitis. I was 'wasting.' Severely depressed. On and on. IDC specialist said that I was 'end stage,' and that there was a good chance that I could die soon without a miraculous recovery. After 3 weeks on Atripla & Septra, VL"

• JPL...
• April 25, 2010

For HIV Infection "I have been on Atripla successfully for over 2 years, but now I am having increased trouble concentrating and remembering things that I used to take for granted. I used to be a very sharp and alert person, but now I am seeing my doctor on Monday to ask if I can switch to something else because my depression and concentration are unbearable. I am a very high-functioning partner at a firm, and I am noticeably less sharp! I am bummed because I don't want to switch yet! I thought I would be on this for 10 years before I had to find something else. Also, fatigue and muscle loss are more evident. I am, however, grateful that my counts are very good, but wow - I need to get a grip on my joy and alertness again!"

• Mik...
• March 15, 2017

For HIV Infection "It was great to bring the viral load quickly to undetectable, but otherwise, it was not a great experience. Was on it for about 8 months. Headaches, fatigue, weirdest dreams, irritability, depression, and almost committed suicide. Got off that drug, and a few days later, I started to feel like myself again."

• JDa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 28, 2018

For HIV Infection "I started Atripla in 2012 and was not a fan of it. It did lower my VL and raise my CD4, but the side effects were horrible. I never felt like I got any sleep after a full night of sleep. I woke up tired and with a cloudy mind. I couldn’t remember things for the life of me. It gave me cotton mouth. All around, I felt like a zombie. My quality of life did not improve because I wasn’t living it. I had no energy and was depressed for the longest time. For all medical purposes, this medicine does work when it comes to lowering your VL and increasing your CD4. I remained undetectable since I got on it until now, I’m 2018. Now my VL is back up, but my CD4 is good and I am switching to a different medication, and I am very impressed with it so far!"

• Sas...
• February 27, 2017

For HIV Infection "I started taking Tribuss in December. My CD4 count was 450, and its end in February my CD4 is 880. It really worked for me, but the side effects in the first month were horrible, from having hallucinations and insomnia. But they are getting better now. The only problem is my mood swings. Ever since I started taking Tribuss, I feel very depressed, and Tenofovir's side effects are better than Tribuss."

• Ste...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 18, 2016

For HIV Infection "Diagnosed in 2006. Began treatment in 2008 while VL was still relatively low and CD4 relatively high. Dizziness, vivid dreams, and depression were among the side effects. I stopped taking Atripla in Dec 2015 because of depression. My mood began to improve. It's now nearly 12 months later, and I've been on no meds at all, and I'm still undetectable with my highest CD4 (898) since starting treatment in 2008. I got to say, I think that's a big vote of confidence for Atripla. Will decide my next course of action with my doctor in a week."

• RLS...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 1, 2025

For HIV Infection "My Dr. was brilliant. CD4 200. Platelets 15. Viral load 10,000. Dr. put me on Atripla. One mo. later, “undetectable,” platelets 190, CD4 almost 800. Side effects were horrible: flushing, no appetite, couldn’t sleep. Woke every hour. Slept no more than 5 hrs. a night. Anxiety and depression, no motivation to work or do anything. Other side effects: nausea, dizziness, like vertigo. Side effects 6 to 9 drove me crazy, lasted longer at other times. Told my Dr. and in a few mos., he worked a dosage right for me of one 10 mg tablet Diazepam, 3 times per day as needed: 1 when I take Atripla, another when I wake, another as needed since at times the side effects are still noticeable. Now I’m normal. No side effects. Wake early, to bed early. Great appetite, enjoy working construction. It’s been 20+ yrs., same med regime. Only problem, I moved. Doctors ignorant about HIV, Atripla w/Diazepam denied for side effects. Now side effects returned, it’s hell since I get 1 tablet Diazepam per day."

• RLS...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 1, 2025

For HIV Infection "My Dr. was brilliant. CD4 200. Platelets 15. Viral load 10,000. Dr. put me on Atripla. One mo. later, “undetectable,” platelets 190, CD4 almost 800. Side effects were horrible: flushing, no appetite, couldn’t sleep. Woke every hour. Slept no more than 5 hrs. a night. Anxiety and depression, no motivation to work or do anything. Other side effects: nausea, dizziness, like vertigo. Side effects 6 to 9 drove me crazy, lasted longer at other times. Told my Dr. and in a few mos., he worked a dosage right for me of one 10 mg tablet Diazepam, 3 times per day as needed: 1 when I take Atripla, another when I wake, another as needed since at times the side effects are still noticeable. Now I’m normal. No side effects. Wake early, to bed early. Great appetite, enjoy working construction. It’s been 20+ yrs., same med regime. Only problem, I moved. Doctors ignorant about HIV, Atripla w/Diazepam denied for side effects. Now side effects returned, it’s hell since I get 1 tablet Diazepam per day."

• The...
• February 15, 2016

For HIV Infection "I've had a very difficult time with it. I suppose it's working well, but the side effects are very severe. I am unable to function, the depression is unbearable, and the nausea and confusion render me useless. Every time I have to take the pill, I break down in tears. I haven't taken it in weeks, I'd prefer dying."

• Jo ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 6, 2013

For HIV Infection "I took Atripla for two years. Major bad side effects. Depression, insomnia, cholesterol issues, and pain. I recommend Complera. I just switched to Complera, and I can sleep again."