I work a busy schedule, leaving the house at 5:45am and returning between 5pm and 6pm. I rush to eat by 7pm so I can take Atripla at my bedtime, which is 9pm or 9:30pm. How long must you wait after eating to take Atripla? I try 2 hours, is that enough?

The concern about taking Atripla (efavirenz) with a full stomach relates mostly to an increased risk for high efavirenz level (when high fat content in meal) that could lead to increase side effects (mostly central nervous system). That concern lessens after the first several months on treatment. Atripla can usually be taken with a low fat meal/snack without significant problems. Two hours is usually enough time after a high fat meal to not result in noticeable spikes in efavirenz levels with worse side effects. Many patients can take Atripla within hours after a meal without any problems (particularly after being on Atripla for > 4-8 weeks). There can be wide variation from person to person so tracking your own experience with a diary log can be useful in discussions with your HIV specialist. KH