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 Jep, if you are struggling with side effects it is important you find the best time to suit you. Efavirenz is advised to be taken at night to reduce some of the side effects. Sleep disturbances is one, but taking in the morning you may experience others e.g., mood changes. There has been a study showing that some people do find adherence with efavirenz better when taken in the morning. Have you been eating before going to bed? If you have a high fat meal it can increase the side effects of efavirenz.
Hi! Im taking arv since December 1st. And it contains efavirenz. My doctor advised me to take it at night, however, this causes me some troubles to sleep. Can I change the time of taking my arv from night to morning? Thank you.
Hi Suka, thanks, this is easy to do. Instead of 3 pm tomorrow, just take them at 8 pm from now on :)
Hie I just want to change my time to take my meds 3pm to 8 pm
Hi Lebo,
Odiume needs to be taken in the evening before you go to bed, this will help with the side effects. Weight loss isn’t common with Odimune, if anything you might put weight on.
Hi, I discovered last month that I’m HIV+, my CD4 was around 613 and viral load at about 5000. I’ve been on Odimune for about two weeks now, had a moderate rash exactly a week after starting the meds but it has subsided now…I take the pill 6a.m and some of the side effects I still feel are, hunger-pangs, but lack of appetite at times, a bit of fatigue and dizziness/ being lightheaded..
One of my biggest fears is losing weight because prior finding out about my status I was gaining weight…I was actually doing well