Doctor,

I'm a 40 year old female; diagnosed two years ago. Up until last month I was undetectable/600 cell count. Due to the side effects of viracept my doctor and I both decided to try other meds. Sustiva made me feel as though I was a zombie. My work demands that I have a clear head at all times - so that was out. Then we tried viramune. Still have the rash. Next resciptor (sp?). I've never even heard of it. Will this help. I'm beginning to feel like a guinnea pig and although I know its not my doctor's fault, resentful. What meds are out there that a) don't make your hair fall out; b) don't cause fat redistribution; c) don't cause varicose veins; and, most importantly d) control the virus.

I thank you in advance for your assistance.

AB NY

Rescriptor is the trade name for delavirdine, a drug in the same class as Sustiva and Viramune. The most common problem is (you guessed it): rash. Usually the 'zombie-like' effects of Sustiva are short-lived and have resolved by 4 weeks-- you don't say how long you tried it. many combinations of meds will control the virus, so don't lose hope. Some of my patients have told ne that their hair falls out when their virus is not under control. What causes fat redistribution is complex and not really well-explained yet, so I can't give you any reassurances about that.