Starting ART is a big step, and yes — many people do notice changes in their body once treatment begins. The good news is that most short-term side effects tend to fade within the first week or two as the body adjusts.
Common short-term side effects can include:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
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Starting ART is a big step, and yes — many people do notice changes in their body once treatment begins. The good news is that most short-term side effects tend to fade within the first week or two as the body adjusts.
Common short-term side effects can include:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Weight gain
One myHIVteam member shared a helpful tip: "If the meds make you tired, take them at night. If meds make you hyper, take them in the morning. If they give you stomach problems, take them with a meal." Over the longer term, some people experience side effects that develop gradually after months or years on certain ART medications. These can include:
- Weight gain
- Kidney changes
- Higher fat levels in the blood
- Changes in how the body stores fat (especially around the abdomen)
- Psychological effects like depression
The important thing to know is that these long-term side effects are much less common with newer ART medications than they used to be. Weight gain is one of the most commonly reported changes. In a survey of myHIVteam members, 75 percent reported gaining weight since their diagnosis. While this can feel frustrating, working with a doctor, dietitian, or exercise professional can really help manage it.
If side effects ever feel unmanageable, it's worth talking to a doctor about adjusting the treatment regimen. Switching to a better-tolerated option is always preferable to stopping ART altogether.
May 16
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