The Body: The Complete HIV/AIDS Resource
Sign up for free e-mail updates!The Body en Espanol
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.

The participation of Dr. Joseph McGowan in this Forum is made possible by Boehringer Ingelheim.

Ask the Experts about Strategies for Treatment-Experienced HIVers
Recent AnswersAsk a Question

 

Combivir and Sustiva Side Effects
Oct 16, 2007

I have been managing the side effects of my medications with marijuana and have had great results. It is cost prohibitive and illegal, so I have discontinued using. Is there any other alernative to ease the horrible anxiety, insomnia, and bizarre dream imagery I am now feeling?

Response from Dr. Daar

In general the side effects you are experiencing resolve within weeks of starting these medications. Nevertheless, there are some people in which the side effects persist. In this case you can try other medications to manage the symptoms, but I would suggest you also meet with your provider to discuss treatment options. Usually people doing well on the regimen you are on do have many options that may not have many of these side effects. I would schedule this appointment soon since you should not have to suffer these symptoms.

Best, Eric



Terms of Use
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.

Copyright notice.