Q and A

Question

How long does dizziness with Tribuss last?

Hi I started Tribuss three days ago.

I just want to long know how long does dizzness takes because I’m I work night shift sometimes.

Answer

Hi,

Thanks for your email.

Tribuss is a generic version of Atripla.

Tribuss contains three ARVs- efavirenz, tenofovir and FTC. The dizziness you are experiencing is a common side effect of efavirenz.

Usually this will improve after the first few weeks of treatment. Efavirenz may be a difficult drug if you work shifts that require sometimes working days and sometimes working nights. This is becasue most people routinely take efavirenz before they sleep.

If this dizziness is affecting your ability to work, or making it dangerous to do so, it’s important to talk to your clinic about this. There are alternative drugs that may be more appropriate with your shift patterns.

There is more information about efavirenz side effects here.

95 comments

  1. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Sunday,

    Side effects can usually be mild and then go away around a week or two after starting treatment.

    However, if these side effects are ongoing and affecting your ability to work or study, it’s important to talk to your doctor about switching to other meds.

    Do you have access to your CD4 count and viral load? Please let us know.

  2. Sunday

    how long does the side effects of Tribuss last? started to take the treatment on the 7 Jan and i’m bundling with fatigue alot and i sleep at night.

  3. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Gift,

    Are you taking Tribuss? Feeling dizzy is a reported side effect of Tribuss.

    What does your doctor say about this? Can you ask about switching to different HIV meds that might suit you better?

  4. Gift

    Is there any treatment that can help me to take out this dizziness

  5. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Simphiwe,

    What does the doctor say about your dizziness?

    As Rebecca says above, if this is affecting you badly you can ask the clinic about other meds that would be better for you.

  6. Simphiwe

    It’s been 6 months now taking tribuss.. the dizziness doesn’t go and I keep on forgetting things sometimes it’s like I’m losing my mind. Please help I can’t live like this anymore, what should I do

  7. Lindi

    It’s been a month now on tribuss and boy I tell you I was feeling all sorts of side effects the first 3 weeks,the dizziness,the nausea,head spinning and too much saliva on my mouth
    But I can assure you ,now I can notice the difference slowly these side effects I’m not feeling anymore

  8. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Senzelokuhle,

    Its very possible that this is your body just getting used to the Tribuss. If it hasn’t stopped by the end of the second week of beginning treatment please see your doctor.

  9. Senzelokuhle

    Its been a week and few days taking a tribuss I’m struggling my mouth is always full of saliva I am vomiting I don’t know what to do…..one minute I’m asleep one minute I’m awake

  10. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Betty,

    It’s good that you’ve started HIV treatment (ART). But it’s important that you show your rash to the doctor if it happens soon after starting ART.

    What meds are you taking? Please check with the doctor that you are not reacting to the meds.

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