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Hola, tomo Biktarvy. Las 8 am , y como es normal tengo desceñaresde 2 horas en la madrugada! Que puedo aparte del Lorazepan???

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Barcelona
April 16
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What can you do besides Lorazepam for nighttime awakenings while taking Biktarvy?

Biktarvy can cause sleep problems, including insomnia and vivid dreams. One strategy that may help is to take Biktarvy in the morning instead of at night, which you're already doing at 8 AM, so that's a plus.

Here are some strategies that Show Full Answer

What can you do besides Lorazepam for nighttime awakenings while taking Biktarvy?

Biktarvy can cause sleep problems, including insomnia and vivid dreams. One strategy that may help is to take Biktarvy in the morning instead of at night, which you're already doing at 8 AM, so that's a plus.

Here are some strategies that can improve your sleep:

Sleep hygiene:
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day
- Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool (around 65°F)
- Avoid screens one hour before bedtime
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake 3-4 hours before bedtime

Before bed:
- Take a warm bath
- Eat something light if needed
- Avoid heavy meals, spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, and nicotine

During the day:
- Exercise, but 4-6 hours before bedtime
- Listen to your body and rest when you need to

It's important to talk to your doctor about these nighttime awakenings. They can evaluate whether there are other causes, such as sleep apnea, or if you need to adjust your treatment to minimize this side effect.

¿Qué puedes hacer además del Lorazepam para los despertares nocturnos mientras tomas Biktarvy?

Biktarvy puede causar problemas de sueño, incluyendo insomnio y sueños vívidos. Una estrategia que puede ayudar es tomar Biktarvy por la mañana en lugar de por la noche, lo cual ya estás haciendo a las 8 AM, así que eso es Mostrar respuesta completa

¿Qué puedes hacer además del Lorazepam para los despertares nocturnos mientras tomas Biktarvy?

Biktarvy puede causar problemas de sueño, incluyendo insomnio y sueños vívidos. Una estrategia que puede ayudar es tomar Biktarvy por la mañana en lugar de por la noche, lo cual ya estás haciendo a las 8 AM, así que eso es positivo.

Aquí hay algunas estrategias que pueden mejorar tu sueño:

Higiene del sueño:
- Acuéstate y levántate a la misma hora todos los días
- Mantén tu cuarto oscuro, silencioso y fresco (alrededor de 65°F)
- Evita pantallas una hora antes de dormir
- Reduce cafeína y alcohol 3-4 horas antes de acostarte

Antes de dormir:
- Toma un baño caliente
- Come algo ligero si es necesario
- Evita comidas pesadas, picantes, chocolate, cafeína y nicotina

Durante el día:
- Haz ejercicio, pero de 4-6 horas antes de acostarte
- Escucha a tu cuerpo y descansa cuando lo necesites

Es importante hablar con tu médico sobre estos despertares nocturnos. Pueden evaluar si hay otras causas como apnea del sueño o si necesitas ajustar tu tratamiento para minimizar este efecto secundario.

April 16
A myHIVteam Member

As always, consult your doctor about these alternatives. This is information to research, its NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.

April 19 (edited)
A myHIVteam Member

3. Supplement Safety Check
If you choose to use over-the-counter aids, there is one major rule with Biktarvy:

The Mineral Rule: Do not take sleep supplements containing Magnesium (like many "Sleep Support" blends or "ZMA") at the same time as your Biktarvy. Magnesium can bind to the medicine and stop it from being absorbed.

The Gap: If you take a supplement with Magnesium, Calcium, or Iron, you must take it 2 hours before or 6 hours after your Biktarvy (unless you take them together with a full meal).

4. Address "Sleep Maintenance" Insomnia
Waking up 2 hours early is a specific type of insomnia. Sometimes, your body wakes up because of a slight dip in blood sugar or a spike in cortisol.

Small Protein Snack: Try eating a small, high-protein snack right before bed (like a spoonful of peanut butter or a piece of cheese). This can keep your blood sugar stable and prevent your body from "alarming" you awake in the early morning.

April 19
A myHIVteam Member

2. Non-Benzodiazepine Medical Options
If you want to move away from Lorazepam, you can ask your doctor about these alternatives which generally do not have major interactions with Biktarvy:

Trazodone: This is an older antidepressant that is used at very low doses specifically for sleep. It is non-addictive and often very effective for staying asleep through the night.

Hydroxyzine (Vistaril): An antihistamine that is stronger than Benadryl. It helps with anxiety and sleep but doesn't carry the same dependency risks as Lorazepam.

Melatonin: Since your issue is "staying asleep" (early morning awakening) rather than "falling asleep," you might try a time-release (extended-release) melatonin. Standard melatonin hits all at once, but time-release formulas stay in your system longer to help prevent that 6 AM wake-up.

April 19
A myHIVteam Member

It is incredibly frustrating to wake up consistently at 6 AM and feel like your body has just "checked out" of sleep, especially when you are doing everything right with your Biktarvy.

Since you are looking for alternatives to Lorazepam (Ativan), there are several paths to explore that are safe to use with Biktarvy, ranging from timing adjustments to non-benzodiazepine options.

1. The "Biktarvy Timing" Trick
While Biktarvy is a fantastic, highly effective medication, it contains an integrase inhibitor (bictegravir) which is known to cause insomnia or "early morning awakening" in about 1–3% of people.

Switch to Morning: Many people find that if they take Biktarvy at night, the "peak" level of the drug in their system hits during the early morning hours, which can cause that 6 AM wake-up call. If you currently take it in the evening, try moving it to 8 AM (with your breakfast). This allows the highest levels of the medication to be in your system during the day rather than while you're trying to sleep.

April 19

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