Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
Ask the Experts about Drug Resistance and Staying Undetectable
I started using atripla e weeks ago and am drowsy all the time day or night, dont have taste in my mouth and have mood swings. What can i do to ease these side effects?
Advertisement
>
Response from Dr. Sherer
Fortunately, the neurological side effects of efavirenz (which is one of the three drugs in atripla) tend to improve after 2-6 weeks.
Some people find that taking the dose in the evening reduces the somnolence and helps sleep, so that is one concrete suggestion that may be useful. I urge you to talk to your doctor about this issue, and, for the time being, stay on the medication and take ALL doses as prescribed, as these side effects should lessen and resolve after 4-6 weeks. Most importantly, I urge you NOT to skip a dose of atripla out of concerns for these side effects, for that would be the worst action you could take. If they persist and they are intolerable, you and your doctor can find a reasonable alternative without losing any of the potential benefit of the NNRTI class of drugs.
Want to read more questions and answers on this subject? Our experts have answered many similar questions!
Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.