Forum on Managing Side Effects of HIV Treatment: Sleeplessness and Sustiva

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		Sleeplessness and Sustiva Nov 25, 2005 I used to love my sleep but now after taking Sustiva for so long (5 years) I have been having immense problems with insomnia. I have been thinking that it's a problem with the drug interacting with cortisol and melatonine levels in the natural body system as I have been seeing thousands of people suffering similarly who exercise, eat well and have a good lifestyle (and a proper good mattress), have a similar problem. Now Im looking into how to change levels of melatonine and cortisol levels to readjust it naturally. Any ideas as I think this is going to help a lot of us on Sustiva? I have had insomnia for 2 years and always half an hour after taking it, even though I have been yawning, exhausted and ready for bed. Thanks a lot, M.


Advertisement Response from Dr. Henry You might want to see a sleep specialist to optimally sort out the problem. Sometimes taking a sleeping pill or a low dose of an antidepressant can help some patients. Taking the Sustiva in the AM also helps some. For some, switching off the Sustiva is the best choice. I haven't seen any details and an effective way to balance melatonin/cortisol levels as it relates to Sustiva side effects. Some patients take a 3 mg melatonin and 25 mg Benadryl at night with some improvement in their sleep patterns. KH Want to read more questions and answers on this subject? Our experts have answered many similar questions!

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