Starting on efavirenz

Since 2005, UK guidelines recommended the NNRTI efavirenz as first choice because it a potent, once-daily drug with a lower risk of serious side effects.

• The main side effects of efavirenz relate to the central nervous system (CNS). This can include mood changes such as anxiety, euphoria and depression, and sleep disturbance that includes vivid dreams and nightmares. They occur in nearly everyone who first uses efavirenz, but usually get easier after a few days or weeks.
• Only 3% of people stop efavirenz because of more severe psychiatric symptoms. They usually can occur very early after starting treatment.
• Efavirenz is not recommended during pregnancy or by women trying for a baby.

Before starting efavirenz, your doctor should give you specific information about the side effects.

This is the web edition of the i-Base guide Introduction to combination therapy. This guide is available in UK clinics. You can order free printed copies or download a PDF version (516 Kb). Translations. Authors and credits. Glossary. Full section index.

Decisions relating to your treatment should always be taken in consultation with your doctor. Information in this guide is intended to support those discussions.