Atripla and Vivid Dreams: 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"

• Che...
• December 23, 2013

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed with full-blown AIDS in June of 2013. My CD4 was 93, with a viral load over 10 million. I immediately started Atripla, and 2 months later was undetectable. The only side effects I had were the weird dreams, and I still have them, but they can be rather enjoyable. I just call it 'a triple theater.'"

• poz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 17, 2013

For HIV Infection "I had tested HIV almost three years ago and been on Atripla for about two. This is miraculous and easy to take. One pill at bedtime, which all is needed to control the virus. My T cell counts went from 500 to 850 to 1000. My viral load went undetectable in weeks, and I do not have bad experiences or any issues with this medicine after two years. The first week on Atripla caused me some side effects like rashes that were controlled by Benadryl, vivid dreams, and upset stomach. But nothing serious. These symptoms disappeared in a week or two, and I feel healthy, strong, working out, bench pressing, taking classes, and life goes on. It is a lifesaver; without it, I would not be here sharing my experience."

• CJR...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 24, 2013

For HIV Infection "I was sick 7 years ago, immediately after being infected, so there was very little time to do damage to my body without being on medication. I started on Atripla and was undetectable within 30 days, and CD4 went from 350 to 900. I still have weird dreams, but otherwise, my health has never been better. I take a strict daily vitamin regimen in addition to my Atripla. I only have to see the doctor twice a year now. I am so fortunate. This medication is amazing."

• Sti...
• May 19, 2016

For HIV Infection "CD4 190 went up to 400 (after a year), now undetectable, had crazy dreams but not as much. Still struggling, crying spells and sad at times. Very ashamed and embarrassed. Meds are good overall, but I wish I never got in this mess."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 11, 2013

For HIV Infection "I have been taking Atripla for a little over a month. Like most of the comments on here, my numbers after 10 years of being HIV were starting to change. Within 30 days, I was back to an undetectable status. I have had little to no side effects, other than the weird dreams from time to time. I consider myself quite fortunate that my body is tolerating the medicine well, and I hope it continues to do so."

• Anonymous
• January 19, 2012

For HIV Infection "I have been taking Atripla for just over 24 months. I was recommended to start after my CD4 dropped to around 400 after 2 years of contracting the virus. I was advised to take it before bed, did this for the first 2 months and suffered vivid dreams and also insomnia. 3 months later, a month of diarrhea. I decided to move my dose until around 5 pm on an empty stomach so I could then eat my dinner for around 6:30 pm each night. I usually go to bed before midnight and have had no further issues with sleep or any other side effects. CD4 on average around 1000 and undetectable. Just weird having to take medicines when you feel fine. I hope I get another 20 years from this medication, by this time I'm sure there will be advancements in treatment."

• You...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2014

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed with HIV early this year, and I was 19. As an individual, you freak out. I started Atripla, and the only symptom I have is very vivid dreams. My doctor told me my status is great, and I had blood work done recently, and they are amazing."

• 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."

• 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."

• Sco...
• April 20, 2016

For HIV Infection "In 2012, I was having blackouts. I would get up in the morning and pass out, I would wake up and lose 10 to 12 hours. Did not know what was going on. Was out with friends and was having trouble talking, thought I was having a stroke. Was taken to the hospital, I was there 4 days, found out I was HIV positive. Viral load was 4 million. Organs were shutting down. Was given Atripla. Within 3 months, I am undetectable and TC count was 750. I do have the dreams and sometimes night sweats. But Atripla saved my life."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• November 28, 2011

For HIV Infection "I've been taking this medicine for 13 months. My CD4 count is normal and viral load is undetectable. I'm grateful for this medicine; I know it's saving my life, but I still don't like it, and here's why: 1. Mood changes. Since I've started taking it, I've been moody and find it hard to concentrate. I'm sure this medicine is mildly psychoactive. My dreams are vivid, and sometimes I get terrifying nightmares and wake up screaming. 2. Price. 3. This goes back to #1, but I haven't really felt 'myself' since I started this medicine. I feel a sense of unreality to my thoughts and sensations."

• Anonymous
• December 28, 2010

For HIV Infection "I was hospitalized in October of 2010 with cryptococcal meningitis, a TC 4 count of 128 and a viral load of somewhere between 50,000 and 60,000. I started Atripla on Thanksgiving week and in one month my VR is 1,000 but my TC 4 count has only gone up to 151. I have vivid dreams nightly and find that I urinate a lot more. I'd have to give this medication 2 thumbs up as far as the quickness and the very minimal amount of side effects."

• 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!"

• Jof...
• November 5, 2010

For HIV Infection "I've been on Atripla now for 2 months, and it's a great drug. There were definitely some wicked side effects: strange dreams, frequent bathroom trips, and mild hallucinations, but after a few weeks they were gone, and in 3 weeks I went from a viral load of over 35,000 to undetectable."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2012

For HIV Infection "I went to the ER with a cluster headache on January 15, 2012. The doctor looked at my eyes and recommended that I do an HIV test. Needless to say, a few days later the results came back positive with a CD4 count of 4. Apart from the severe headache attacks, I have never had any problems. I started Atripla at the beginning of February with no side effects apart from the dreams. I have never had the headache attack since. I am having my review tests later in May. I am praying for the best."

• 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."

• 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."