Question
Will Tribuss always make me dizzy?
16 November 2016. Related: CD4 and viral load, Side effects, Starting treatment.
I’m 18 years and been diagnosed with HiV on August with a very high CD4 count.(above 600) I remember it was 901. I started with my treatment (Tribuss) on the 8th of November and when I woke up the next day I was very dizzy and not feeling normal the whole day and I slept most of it. So I skipped on the 9th cos I had an exam on the 10th, I was afraid I might be dizzy again. So my doctor said I should never again do that so I resumed on the 10th again and I’m still experiencing dizziness, I try tolerate and be strong hoping it will blow over during the day but it doesn’t. I stay dizzy the whole day till another dose, I don’t know how normal feels like anymore.
So please help me when will this stop? Will I ever be normal again? Or is dizziness something I’ll always encounter for as long as I take the medication?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
How are you coping with your resent diagnoses? Are you getting any support?
I’m sorry to hear that you’re having a difficult time and that this is affecting your exams.
Feeling dizzy is a common side effect when taking Atripla. (tribuss is a generic version) Its something that should pass in a few weeks. Please see the following link:
https://i-base.info/guides/1561
In the mean time what might help is if you take then a few hours before you go to bed. This should help with the feelings of dizziness. As when the drug levels are at their highest you will be asleep. Please see the following:
https://i-base.info/guides/side/cns-side-effects
With regards to missing your doses. In the beginning its important to take your meds as prescribed. And if possible they should be taken at roughly the same time every day. More information on adherence and starting treatment can be found here:
https://i-base.info/guides/starting
Good luck with your exams.
Hi Dikeledi,
If you’re feeling like this the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor. If you’re having issues with Tribuss there should be other options.
Hi I have been taking Tribus for the past 10yrs still on them,every time when they kick in I feel very strange tingly irritated&just whant to rest not talk ,eat, jumpy&just whant to slip after 30 minutes of rest now I can’t slip,what must I do pls help another thing I’m very healthy&happy my life is perfect.
Hi Angela,
If you’re saying that you’ve taken two Tribuss by mistake, though not prescribed, this won’t be a problem.
Hello, I wanted to find out if two pills of ARV taken in a day is harmful.
Hi Raj,
I’m sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. However, it’s good that you’ve started HIV treatment (ART). Starting ART can have important benefits for your health, even with a high CD4 count.
However, feeling dizzy is a reported side effect of efavirenz which is one of the drugs in Tribuss. It’s recommended to take it before bedtime and on an empty stomach. That’s because any side effects are likely to happen when you’re asleep. But that can be difficult if you work night shifts.
Please talk to your doctor about switching to other meds that are easier for you to take.
Here is an Introduction to ART. There’s a lot of info here about starting treatment.
Hi Guys I am 24 years old recently diagnosed with HIV with CD4 count at 530 currently on art (Tenofovir600) i am feeling dizzy after few hrs of taking medicine as I take it in day time I work for night shift
Hi Pee,
It’s very possible that you’re feeling like this due to the medication. How long have you been taking them for? Are you on Tribuss?
I’m 5 months pregnant and discovered I’m Hiv +. My CD4 count is 107 and already started on ARVs. But I’m feeling dizzy Nausea and loss of appetite