Question
Can I change the time that I take my meds?
19 March 2018. Related: Adherence, All topics.
Hi, I have been taking arvs for now 5 years, I take efavirenz /lamivudine /tenofovir. I have been taking my medication at 10:00pm, is it possible for me to change to morning hours coz I don’t get enough sleep. I used to work at night when I had started taking my medication but I have noticed that I fail to sleep nowadays even when I quit my night job. The best I can sleep is just 2 hours.
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
If you aren’t able to sleep, it may be worth talking to a doctor about this. They should be able to give you something to help, or suggest yoga or meditation.
Though medication that contains efavirenz is recommended to be taken at night, you should take your medication at a time that suites you and your lifestyle. If this means changing from night to day, then yes this is something that you can do. If however you notice any changes, you may want to talk to your doctor.
There is a possibility that is may be the medication that’s causing your sleep problems, so you could mention this to your HIV doctor. They may suggest changing to something else.
Good luck with addressing the sleep issue.
Hi Lemakatso, thanks. Damicava is a generic version of TLD:
https://i-base.info/guides/14970
This is usually an easy med to take – which can be taken with or without food. Maybe try with different foods that can loosen your digestion or talk to a pharmacist about over the counter options if you are constipated.
If this continues though please talk to your doctor who can look at this in more detail.
Hi I was taking Odimune at night but my Dr changed it bcos they found kidney problems. Now I’m taking Damicava in the morning. I started last week on the but I have stomach ache every morning and I am constipated. It’ is stressing as before I was okay.
Hello Albertina and thanks for the question.
It doesn’t make a difference whether you take it morning or night.
Whatever is easier for you is the most important thing.
If you will remember it more easily at night, take it at night.
If it’s easier in the morning (some people take it after they brush their teeth), take it in the morning.
Is it good to take prep in the morning or evening