Peripheral neuropathy is a side effect caused by damage to the nerves. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include tingling, burning, numbness or weakness, usually in the feet and hands. Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by the nucleoside analog drugs ddI , ddC and d4T , but can also be a result of HIV disease itself. Peripheral neuropathy usually disappears a few months after the drug that causes it is stopped. In some cases, peripheral neuropathy can remain a problem.
Paresthesia is a side effect.
Its symptoms include prickling, tingling or numbing sensations, often around the mouth. Paresthesia can be caused by the protease inhibitor ritonavir . Some anti-HIV drugs can cause mental side effects like confusion, anxiety, paranoia and delusions. People who already have mental illness may have worse symptoms when they start taking anti-HIV drugs. Any unusual change in mental status should be reported to a doctor as soon as possible .