Biktarvy and Vivid Dreams: What Users Say

• wil...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 8, 2019

For HIV Infection "After using Atripla for years, my doctor thought it was time for the newer drug Biktarvy. Well, I immediately had bad dreams and slowly this had an effect on my daily temper as well. After a few weeks, it got me down so much, it started to bother me. So, after using it for about 4 months, I changed back to Atripla and all is fine again. Best Regards. By the way, 26 years positive and on meds for about 20 years, 700 CD4, and undetectable."

• JXT...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 21, 2025

For HIV Infection "I have been taking it for 1-1/2 years with no side effects except weird dreams now and then. It seems to be very effective. My CD4 (immune system) was a low 63 when they first found I had HIV-1 before I had surgery for a cyst, truly a shock. Now CD4 is up to 220. Viral load coming down as well."

• Ema...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 22, 2021

For HIV Infection "I’m part of the 5% of HIV+ patients who get strong side effects. Started with Atripla, Truvada, and two others until Genvoya. This Wednesday my doctor decided to switch to Biktarvy because my CD4 was at 976 and I generally have over 1200, and because my cholesterol was high. I experienced dizziness, 20 minutes after taking all, blood would rush into my head and feel extremely high. I had diarrhea over 15 times in a day. Nausea, intestines felt like I had acid running, burning... headache. Abnormal dreams and insomnia, extreme psychosis. I only slept 3 hours in two days. On the second day was desperate, frustrated, and depressed... I’m not suicidal, but just wished I didn't have to live like this. Motivation zero, felt inhuman."

• Fig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 22, 2019

For HIV Infection "Was diagnosed HIV positive on August 24th of 2019. Went to the hospital for cellulitis and got the news. CD4 count at 24, very low, AIDS range. Started treatment September 11th and feel a lot better. I notice small bursts of energy randomly, almost like I’m reconstructing. At first, I had a pretty tough time sleeping. I don’t know if it was because of the diagnoses or meds. Crazy dreams were an issue for a short period. I haven’t let this slow me down because I’m the same person I was before I knew I was positive. Currently fighting a skin infection, but along with antibiotics. I can’t wait to get my updated CD4 number, I don’t remember what my viral load was, so that’ll be a surprise as well. I’ll update around the 13th of December because that’ll be a solid 90 days. Gained about 23 lbs as well. There is a Biktarvy support group and HIV support group on drugs.com."

• tk1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 11, 2019

For HIV Infection "After being on Atripla for 10 years, undetectable and CD4 600, my Dr. asked if I wanted to try Biktarvy. She said it is more refined, blah blah, so I went on it. It seems to be fine, no blips or changes. I did start to have crazy dreams, which I didn't get with Atripla. I do want to comment about the blood pressure and kidneys, since I see a lot of people mentioning it here. My blood pressure is suddenly high, and kidney function tests are off. This started recently. Hopefully, it will subside."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 20, 2021

For HIV Infection "Started taking Biktarvy on 12/02/21. My CD4 count was only at 30 and viral load above 2 million. In the first 3 weeks, I had very bad dreams, night sweats, and brain fog during the day, but it disappeared after then. Now, 2 months later, my CD4 count is up to 179 and viral load 100! Still have a little rash on my shoulders, back, and neck, but my doctor said it will disappear when I’m above 200 CD4. For me, Biktarvy literally saved my life. The only thing I can recommend is to eat very healthy, very clean, keep on exercising, and take your pills daily at the same time."

• New...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2020

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed on Oct 1, 2019, after being screened for PrEP. Guess I was too late. Started on Biktarvy Oct 30th. Started with a VL of 18500 and CD4 of 269. Only slight side effects, dull headache, which was relieved with Tylenol, and vivid dreams. First follow-up, Dec 4th. VL undetectable, Doc didn't check CD4 at this time. Headaches are less frequent, hydration helps. Second follow-up, Mar 4th, 2020. VL still undetectable, CD4 count up to 516."

• Hug...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 29, 2018

For HIV Infection "Was previously on Stribild, which worked great. No problems at all. Doc switched me to Biktarvy. Supposedly not as harsh on liver, stomach, bones, etc. First week I felt lethargic. Still able to function and work. After the first week, things have been great. No side effects. No night terrors. Weird thing is... I had bizarre dreams and nightmares way before I was positive. Seems to be working well with my body. Been on it about 3 months now. Best health!"

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2021

For HIV Infection "I switched to Biktarvy from Truvada and Viramune on the 1st of June 2021, big mistake. I came down with a chest infection, severe mood swings and irritability, loss of weight, rash on my penis (and I’ve not had any form of sex for six months), looking pale and washed out, chills, temp 37.8, strange dreams, and generally feeling unwell. I’ve just been left like this. I’ve had the same symptoms in the past when I was on Descovy, but my HIV doctor kept dismissing my symptoms. Now Biktarvy and Descovy both have TAF, so proof is in the pudding! Be careful before switching to Biktarvy, as all medication affects people differently."

• Jsw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2019

For HIV Infection "Newly diagnosed with HIV-1, love the treatment so far. Only initial side effects were some pretty intense and realistic dreams. My initial viral load was 1,330 copies per milliliter, while my CD4 count was around 1,100. Started treatment in June and only one month later my VL is down to 45 copies per milliliter (virtually undetectable) and my CD4 count has risen up to nearly 1,300. Would encourage at least talking to your healthcare provider about this treatment option!!!"

• ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 11, 2019

For HIV Infection "Taking this medication for PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) treatment because I did not have insurance to cover Truvada and Isentress, and they had this available to me at no cost. I take this at night, and the only side effects are extreme nausea in the morning and vivid dreams."

• Ken...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 8, 2023

For HIV Infection "I started Biktarvy five years after diagnosis when I was hospitalized for pyelonephritis. My CD4 count was at 4. Taking the medication was awful during the first 9 months. I had a lot of bad dreams and strong suicidal ideation combined with anxiety and exhaustion. The viral load was quickly undetectable and the CD4 count came up to 200 without really improving my general state. Now, after more than a year, I have fewer suicidal thoughts and anxiety, but fatigue still persists."

• Dea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2018

For HIV Infection "Took my first dose tonight, so far so good. Was excited to see a much smaller pill than Triumeq. I’ve been on Complera, Stribild, and Triumeq with varying experiences. Mostly no side effects, but I have crazy dreams every night. Sometimes I felt sick with Triumeq when I didn’t eat, so I’m hoping Biktarvy is better."

• Bri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2020

For HIV Infection "Been on Biktarvy for 16 days. Immediately, very bad dreams, nightmares, waking up after 4 or 5 hours. Some stomach ache in the beginning. Switching today to another medication."