Hi - I turned 45 a few weeks ago and really want to run a marathon this year - my problem is that I am so tired that I have not been exercising. Fatigue is overwhelming. I am disappointed in myself for not pushing through to work out and wonder if I am just using it as an excuse. I have been getting pretty good sleep, am struggling with depression - can't tell if I am depressed because of fatigue or have fatigue from depression. Should I push through? Is it common with HIV to be sooooo tired? I have been on Atripla for 2 years - Any great ideas? Thanks - L

I am so sorry you are feeling that way. But I know exactly how you are feeling since I have had to battle that same feeling many times. When we are that horribly tired, sleep quality is probably the number one issue. For some people, Sustiva, one of the medications in Atripla, does not allow good REM sleep. Some have nightmares that do not improve after the 10-15 days that most doctors talk about. I was one of those patients and had to switch to another drug because of it.

Some people have tried a medication called Provigil with great success (I personally like it when I am very tired). You may wan to talk to your doctor about it.

Antidepressants like Celexa or Wellbutrin may also improve energy in some.

Have your doctor also check your free testosterone and thyroid functions just to make sure you are ok.

As you can tell, it is a complex issue that needs to be discussed with your doctor.

Let us know what happens!

nelson