Efavirenz / emtricitabine / tenofovir disoproxil and Lightheadedness: What Users Say

• los...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 16, 2014

Efavirenz / emtricitabine / tenofovir disoproxil for HIV Infection "Was diagnosed in Feb 2008 and started Atripla at the beginning of 2009. Experienced fatigue and lightheadedness the first week but has been undetectable ever since. Great medicine, doctors want to take me off because of their own personal issues and experiences, but I refuse."

• bus...
• March 17, 2012

Efavirenz / emtricitabine / tenofovir disoproxil for HIV Infection "I'm from Canada. I found out I was infected in April of 2009. Thought I had a flu that I couldn't shake and throat infection. I laughed when they said, 'Have you been tested for HIV?' I had in the past, so I took the five-minute test and it was positive. They took blood and got back to me. CD4 was under 40, viral load well over a million. I was advanced AIDS. I was scared to start Atripla or any medicine, but glad I did. It kicked me in the head for a few weeks. Even years after, I get light-headed or get a body buzz. Atripla has done wonders."

• Tas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2012

Efavirenz / emtricitabine / tenofovir disoproxil for HIV Infection "I have been taking Atripla for just over a week now. The first day was the worst, and I did not move much off the couch. Since then, I have been symptom-free except for the odd light-headed feeling or sick feeling in the stomach, which a cup of black tea resolves. I normally take my dose about 9:30 pm before bed and sleep. I am yet to experiment with a night out on this medicine."

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

Efavirenz / emtricitabine / tenofovir disoproxil 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!"

• JJ ...
• July 22, 2010

Efavirenz / emtricitabine / tenofovir disoproxil 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."

• hat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 21, 2012

For HIV Infection "Overall, it has been a lifesaver, and my CD4 counts are up and viral load down. It has come with some nausea issues. I take it right at bedtime without regard to food. I used to take it in the morning, but avoid food for about two hours. It can make you woozy."