I read that the "d" drugs can cause neuropathy. But, can Sustiva as well. I have been on a sustiva and combivir regimen for 5 days. The first day, I woke up dizzy and could barely move my left arm and leg because of numbness. As the day wore on, the numbness lessened but never went away. For the past 4 days, I have been experiencing some numbness in my feet and a terribly painful prickly feeling in the fingertips of both of my hands. (My previous regimen of 18 months was Viracept, D4T and Epivir). My doctor says that my problem is due to the drugs but ruled out AZT. Thank you.

The symptoms you mention were not seen in the studies of Sustiva. What this could be however is not neuropathy - but some of the early symptoms that do commonly occur with Sustiva. What has been noted is a complex of many different symptoms - for some it is dizziness, or a feeling like being 'hung over'. For others it is more vivid dreams. For others it has been mood disturbances. So for you - this tingling/numbness sensation may be part of what has been seen for others. But it is unusual.

Rarely, 3tc/epivir has been linked to symptoms of neuropathy - and that is the one drug that is common to both of your combinations. I gather from what you wrote that you did NOT have these symptoms before starting the combination - since these symptoms can occur with d4T as one of the 'd' drugs as well. And it can take a while to go away even after you stop the meds.

But the symptom of weakness is unusual regardless of the meds you are taking - so if this continues - I would get back either to your clinician - or even to a neurologist if you can - to help sort this out. Since these meds are unlikely to be responsible for all of what you describe. And HIV itself can cause some nerve damage...

Good luck. CC