Atripla and Nausea: What Users Say

• 123...
• March 28, 2018

For HIV Infection "I suspected something was wrong. I had the night sweats for about 2 weeks. A couple of months later, shingles, then thrush. In early 2006, I lost close to 100 lbs and became very sick. I was told that a former partner of mine had died of HIV pneumonia. In the summer of 2006, blood work showed low platelets and high white blood cells. Tested 4, HIV came back as positive. I felt floored. My CD4 was around 20 and viral load was off the charts. Full-blown AIDS. I thought I was going to die. I was 38 then. I was put on Atripla, stabilized in 3 months, put on a few pounds. 6 months later, my CD4 was around 1200 and I was undetectable. Side effects: vivid dreams, nausea. Found it easier to take it in the A.M. on an empty stomach. Atripla saved my life, for which I am grateful. Today in 3-2018, still undetectable, CD4: 1200. I am 50 and pretty much healthy. Thank you for reading my story. It is so important to get checked early and start treatment. I didn't, and it almost cost me my life. Hope this helps someone. Anonymous"

• Jay...
• July 29, 2013

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed in April 2013 after getting really sick with fungal meningitis. My CD4 was 41, and the viral load was 260,000. After one month, the CD4 went to 71 (which wasn't supposed to increase as much), and the viral load was undetectable. Many people recommend taking the pill on an empty stomach, but I haven't done this, and it hasn't been a problem. I never had crazy dreams, though the first weeks were kind of hard because I used to get nauseous. Now it's all good. This pill rocks!"

• 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."

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2014

For HIV Infection "I have been using Atripla now for about three months. I haven't gotten my second blood test. However, when I began taking Atripla, my CD4 was 386 and my viral load was 85K. I was experiencing acute respiratory problems. As soon as I began taking Atripla, within several weeks, my lymph nodes began to shrink and the respiratory issue (persistent cough) went away. Side Effects: Severe drowsiness ('drunk feeling') - 24 hrs, severe nausea - 24 hrs, vivid dreams - 2 weeks (mostly clowns and snakes), sleepiness - 2 weeks ... I still only take Atripla at night, but it no longer makes me as sleepy as it did when I first started taking it. I do not yet know how my numbers have improved. I'll report back in a few weeks with those."

• GLa...
• June 29, 2010

For HIV Infection "I've been on Atripla for 3 years now. According to my test, I am undetectable. When I discussed medication options, Atripla was the one that caught my attention right away. A once-a-day pill that is to be taken at night before going to bed. I've not conditioned myself to associate bedtime with my medication. I did notice how much more vivid my dreams became. And that if I take my dose and stay up, I feel awful. I've cut out going to bed at 3 am. I've been told that missing one dose is like missing 10 days of the medication. So, be sure to ALWAYS take the medicine. DO NOT MISS DOSES! I'm having a great quality of life."

• Kal...
• November 4, 2010

For HIV Infection "These pills significantly and quickly lowered my viral load as well as raised my CD4 count. Within 3 months, I went from an almost 65,000 viral load to undetectable. On the other hand, I have had severe issues with nausea; reoccurring bladder/kidney irritation. I had to increase my methadone to 100 ml from 40 ml over a course of 5 months and am still having issues with it. As well, I have trouble finding a time I can take my rabeprazole when it won't affect my other medicines. In general, Atripla is a Godsend for my HIV, though I am 7 months into taking it and am finding no end to, in fact, an increase of nausea, even if there isn't an increase in vomiting."

• Dud...
• May 19, 2011

For HIV Infection "I would rate this 10 except that I have morning sickness (no jokes please), and my experience and medical advisers tell me that it's okay to eat close to when I take my pill every day, but the more fat, the more vivid (or disturbing) the dreams. I have heard you are supposed to avoid grapefruit also."

• 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."