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Those Darn Side Effects!

The most common side effects, common to all HIV drugs, are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue and headaches. We can provide some common sense tips for reducing these side effects, and how to deal with side effects once you have experienced them. However, if what you are experiencing can be classified as moderate to severe symptoms, please call your doctor immediately.

Debbie Clark, Medications Adherence Nurse for Infections Limited, advises that some or most of the side effects can be avoided or minimized by strict adherence to the food and water restrictions and recommendations provided by your medication adherence nurse or your pharmacist. Debbie offers the following suggestions, and is always a very good resource for particular problems with your medications.

Nausea: Before getting out of bed, try a few dry crackers. Chamomile or peppermint teas are very good for calming the stomach. Altoids and ginger ale also work very well. Some people prefer room temperature 7Up, which is also helpful. If you still are experiencing a moderate amount of nausea, speak wit your doctor who can prescribe medications such as Reglan, Compazine, and Phenergan.

Vomiting: If you are experiencing vomiting more than just occasionally, see your doctor for a prescription for one of the medications mentioned above. Also, try some of the other recommendations, like dry toast/crackers and chamomile tea to help settle your stomach.

Diarrhea: A clear liquid diet is recommended to help replace nutrients lost from dehydration. Avoid alc0hol and coffee. Coffee with actually contribute to the dehydrations process. Use the BRAT diet when you can tolerate solids: Bananas, Rice, Apples, Toast.  There are also some over-the-counter medications that can help, as long as they are not used repeatedly. Usually a bout of diarrhea will go away in time. There are exceptions though, such as when you are on Viracept. If this is the case, please keep your doctor informed of your symptoms.

Fatigue: Take plenty of naps! Give yourself permission to take a siesta every afternoon, if that is what is needed. Eating well and being able to keep food in your system will help, as will a vitamin regimen. I know, I know--more pills! There are many vitamins to choose from; please make an educated choice. Believe it or not, mild exercise will help to combat fatigue.

Headache: If the light bothers you, stay in a darkened and quiet room. Try over-the-counter medications first, and if the headache continues or at any point worsens, call your doctor.

If any of these side effects occur after hours, and you tried the above remedies to no avail, Debbie suggests that you visit your nearest Emergency Room. It is better to be cautious, especially with things like diarrhea, which can cause serious dehydration in a short time.