Atripla and Dizziness: What Users Say

• PUP...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2014

For HIV Infection "Infected mid-Nov 2013, primary infection symptoms at the beginning of Dec (fatigue, chills followed by heat and sweating, third week of December swollen lymph nodes, mucous discharge in throat), diagnosed January 8, 2014 (panic, denial (must have been a false positive.)), west blot confirmed January 10, 2014. Tests Jan 14, 2014: CD4 372, viral load 320,000, CD4/8 0.5. Follow-up on Feb 10, 2014: CD4 450, viral load 250,000 CD4/8 0.6. Atripla started March 4, 2014. First day dizzy, body itch (not bad), itch in my balls (unbearable all night). After day 1, all bad effects gone. Two weeks later, skin rash on the neck and chest, not itchy; cleared in 3 days. After 1 month: viral load 1,110, CD4 1,030, CD4/8 0.7. After 3 mo: viral load 127, CD4: 870, CD4/8: 1.0. 6 month test in 3 wks."

• sto...
• April 17, 2014

For HIV Infection "Been positive since 2008, and within 3 months of Atripla, was undetectable and been that way ever since, thank God. It's been a long road, but grateful to be alive. The medication is best taken at night and not during the day, for it has a very dizzy and weakening spell to it."

• Anonymous
• August 3, 2013

For HIV Infection "Did a great job lowering viral load (18,000 to"

• SLo...
• November 22, 2010

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed in late August 2010, with a CD4 of 130 and a viral load of 136,000, Candida and Kaposi's sarcoma. I began taking Atripla in early September, and for a few nights, I was a bit dizzy if I got up in the early hours, had some very vivid dreams, and minor aches/pains. No nausea. Now, I get the occasional vivid dream - nothing to worry or complain about. In only 6 weeks, my viral load went undetectable and CD4 rose to 240. Candida was treated and went, and KS has so far faded by approximately 80%. Fantastic medication that produces extraordinary, life-saving results."

• lov...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 4, 2012

For HIV Infection "I had an initial T-cell count of 175 (full-blown AIDS) and a viral load of 220,000 almost 4 years ago. I began Atripla, and within 6 months, my numbers were sensational; T-cells at 600 and viral load was/is undetectable. The crazy dreams were minimal. I miss solid bowel movements, but that is a very low price to pay for my health and peace of mind. I went back to college a couple of years ago, and I cannot take the medicines and stay up really late to do homework because it feels really weird and my head spins, but if I take it and go right to bed, then I feel nothing unusual. I have never paid attention to the not eating for two hours' guidelines and have noticed no issues. I am eternally grateful for Atripla."

• Vik...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 3, 2015

For HIV Infection "I have been HIV+ since 1988. Refused treatment till 1996 because I felt fine - but I abstained from penetrative sex. In 1996, I started treatment as my CD4 and viral load were bad!!! Fortunately, I responded well to all meds over the years. Have been on Atripla for over 7 years now. Works well for me - CD4 always above 800 and VL undetectable. I take it at night because of the dizziness it causes for the first few hours. My only problem now is lipodystrophy - excessive fat in the abdomen area despite healthy eating and dieting. Struggling to keep weight between 180 - 190. Would love to get down to 170. I exercise daily too! Docs don't want to change my meds as I am responding well to it. No other side effects for me."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 25, 2016

For HIV Infection "Diagnosed in July 2016. I suspected it was HIV when I broke out in several (roughly 12) canker sores in my mouth. I Googled this, and HIV was listed as a possible cause. Had no other symptoms. On August 9th, before taking medication, my results were viral count 396 and CD4 544. Been on Atripla since the 9th. As of November 11th, my results were undetectable and CD4 737. So it does work for me at least. The first few days/week I did have side effects. Basically dizziness. It was really bad the first couple of days. After the first week, I really have not had side effects that I notice. I can't measure the depression level of the drug because a 10-year relationship ended, I was diagnosed with cancer, and my HIV diagnosis all in the same week kind of makes anyone depressed. Take before bed!!"

• Def...
• August 13, 2016

For HIV Infection "I found out in 2010 I was infected with HIV after my partner also tested positive. Whilst he went the route of a government program, I went to a private doctor and used my insurance from work (government plan). I was given Atripla. The first weeks were horrible. I experienced severe shortness of breath and could barely sleep. I had to sleep (at least try) sideways with the AC directly to my face. The dizziness was crazy, as if I had drank alcohol all night. My face would get red, and I would feel hot. Regarding the strange dreams, well, I always had vivid dreams and nightmares all of my life, so it wasn't new. Other than that, I'm still using Atripla daily at bedtime and became undetectable within 6 months from starting."

• Anonymous
• November 29, 2009

For HIV Infection "I've been on Atripla for a year and a half for HIV and HBV co-infection. My viral load is undetectable, and it has also been very effective in treating the HBV as well. The side effect I experience is dizziness, which my doctor was able to correct with a low dose of Restoril (7.5 mg), which completely eliminated the side effects. I take both at bedtime and do not suffer from the insomnia common with Atripla."

• Dan...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 19, 2017

For HIV Infection "I've been taking Atripla for almost 10 years with great success! Adjusting was tough for me, it took over 5 months before the dizziness and light-headedness would not be daily. I still have vivid dreams, and my weight just will not go down (I don't need to lose much, but 20 lbs is tough enough to lose at 60!). Dreams are my biggest problem. I'm switching to Genvoya on Jan 1st. Hopes for the best!"

• Use...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2017

For Nonoccupational Exposure "Just started last night for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after possible exposure. Very weird dreams, but not unpleasant. If I woke up a few times at night, everything returned to normal, closed my eyes, and the weird vivid pictures came back. I was itchy and dizzy this morning, but it wore off quickly and I can't complain otherwise. I notice euphoria and somehow improved focus at work. Strange, but much better than I expected. Not sure if side effects are supposed to get worse, but from what I understand, the first day is the worst. I feel fine right now. Let's see how it goes tonight. Best of luck, everyone!"

• JJ ...
• July 22, 2010

For HIV Infection "I've been on Atripla for about 2 and a half years. My viral load and CD4 are looking good. But I have had the most terrible time with bowel movements since I started, I have severe constipation. I have mucus buildup like crazy in my nose. I'm always sniffing or coughing, and I still suffer from dizziness and lightheadedness throughout the day. I'm going to talk to my doctor soon about changing this medication because using an enema every morning is a drag. Other than that, the medicine has been good."

• mau...
• February 4, 2016

For HIV Infection "I was nervous all day waiting for my first pill and was kind of shaking during my dinner, I took my pill right after that. Two hours later, I felt relaxed, a little dizzy, my ears were hearing a whistle, my face was a little red, but I was happy."

• Dan...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 12, 2017

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed in 2007 and started Atripla in 2009, about 18 months later. Atripla is my only HIV medication so far, along with other meds (Omeprazole, Crestor, 81 mg aspirin, daily vitamins, etc.), and all is well -- except for my dreams and weight. It was really tough for my body to acclimate to Atripla. I had night sweats, heavy nightmares, dizziness, bloating stomach, lightheaded disorientation, etc. My job is 24/7 emergency on call, so I had to consciously omit the Atripla if I knew I had to be up in 4 hours. All of that has mellowed for me -- but the dreams still are regular. They vary from light & pleasant to dark and threatening -- at times the dreams are so real I cannot tell the difference. I question my memory of specific events."

• Cri...
• May 29, 2015

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed with HIV in May 2015. Doctors say I got it a few years ago, my CD4: 180, viral load: 37,000. I started immediately with Atripla. Major side effects from the first days, like very dizzy, couldn't concentrate at all, chest pressure, breathing problems, stomach pain, heart beating (too fast). So I decided to see the doctor and change to something else. I got only 2 days, but I can't take more. So I'm unlucky with this :/"

• 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."