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 Tumi,
Please consult your doctor about this. They will need to take a look at the rash, they may also suggest that you change treatment. Please see Q3 here: http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
Hi I’ve been on tribuss treatment for two months now nd im having a prblm with headache everyday, nd on the third week of taking the treatment I had rash on my arms only, nd it disappeared but now it reappeared on my whole body nd it’s itchy especially on my face, wht can I do or apply? Nd how long do the side effects take?
Hi Thabiso,
How long have you been taking Tribuss? It’s recommended that you take it at bedtime so that side effects can happen when you’re asleep. But side effects usually go away in the first few weeks.
What does the doctor say about this?
How long does it last side effects specially in the morning Vomitting and dizziness
Hi Ayanda,
If you haven’t yet started Tribuss I’d wait until your exams are done. This is because there may be some side effects. However, if your CD4 count is low then you should start your meds as soon as possible.
There’s more about starting meds here: http://i-base.info/guides/starting
I am writing my exams next week. Îs IT advisable to Take tribuss now
Hi Nare,
As Lisa says above, the side effects usually go away in a few weeks. If the side effects are not mild, you can talk to your doctor about them and make sure they’re not serious.
I have started taking Tribuss two weeks ago which I’m holding on though side effects are not nice at all. Approximately how long do the side effects take there are times where I feel so tired and the heat affects very bad
Hi Bongiswa,
Many people have mild side effects in the first week or two. And then they usually go away. But yes, it’s a good idea to consult doctor, especially if you are worried.
Hi
I started medication a week ago, im suffering from dizziness,body itching and running stomach every morning,so im worried how long will it takes or may i consult my doctor?
Im worried