Diarrhea is reported as a side effect with some HIV treatments. If you develop diarrhea after starting treatment, drinking enough fluids can help. Tell your healthcare provider if the diarrhea is severe, doesn’t go away, or makes it hard to take your medicine.

Nausea or vomiting can make it harder to eat, drink, or take your medicine. If this happens after you start treatment, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist whether taking your medicine with food or making other changes could help. Let your care team know if you can’t keep medicine or fluids down.

Headaches can happen after starting some HIV treatments and may get better as your body adjusts. If you develop headaches, keep track of when they happen and how severe they are. Talk with your healthcare provider if they’re severe, don’t go away, or feel unusual.

Feeling tired can have many causes, including HIV itself, sleep problems, depression, anemia, or some HIV treatments. Fatigue after starting treatment doesn’t necessarily mean the medicine is the cause. Paying attention to when it started and whether it changes over time can help narrow down what may be contributing.

Some HIV treatments can cause insomnia, vivid dreams, or other sleep changes. These problems may improve as your body adjusts to treatment. The timing of when you take your medicine can sometimes make a difference too. If sleep problems continue or start affecting your daily life, your healthcare provider can help you figure out what to try next.

Dizziness can happen with some HIV medicines and may increase fall or driving risks. If you experience dizziness, sit or lie down until it passes. Contact your healthcare provider if the dizziness is severe, keeps coming back, or happens with fainting, chest pain, weakness, or confusion.

A rash or itching can happen with some HIV treatments, but these symptoms can also have other causes. A mild rash may go away on its own, but some rashes can be more serious. Get medical help right away if a rash comes with fever, blisters, painful skin, swelling, trouble breathing, or peeling.

Weight gain or changes in lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) can happen with some HIV treatments, but these effects don’t happen to everyone. Weight can also change for other reasons, including changes in appetite, activity, or overall health. These changes can be monitored over time after you start treatment.

Some HIV treatments have been linked with changes in mood or sleep, although depression, anxiety, or irritability can have many causes. Pay attention to new or worsening changes in how you feel after starting treatment. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, get help right away.

Note: If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or using the online chat.

Kidney or liver problems are possible with some HIV treatments, and they may not cause noticeable symptoms. That’s why blood or urine tests may be used before and during treatment to check how these organs are working. Get medical help if you develop symptoms such as very little urine, swelling, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain, or unusual weakness.