Efavirenz for HIV Infection User Reviews

• Gre...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 23, 2016

Efavirenz "The binder change several years ago caused internal bleeding, severe bloating, complete loss of appetite, as well as liver, kidney, and pancreas issues. It was so bad I was in bed 24/7 for several years. I had to change doctors to change the medication, and everything improved immensely. The Mayo Clinic wrote about this reaction."

• Bay...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 2, 2015

Efavirenz "Was on it for years before I developed resistance to it. MUST be taken at night to minimize side effects. Bad depression, confusion, random crying spells, feeling helpless, suicidal thoughts (and no, I've never had it prior or after I stopped this medication). It does get better as the med levels out, but the first couple of weeks are torture! In a grocery store, I sat on the floor crying because 3 things on my list were on the same aisle. I've never experienced anything like that in my life!"

• myb...
• July 18, 2015

"4th month on this drug and I have never cried or thought about killing myself, but yes, it really gets me depending on my mood, I think. There are nights where I don't feel anything and others where I get drowsy, confused, and cannot concentrate on anything. Some dreams can be really immersive too."

• The...
• January 8, 2012

Efavirenz "This is my 4th day on Sustiva. I've experienced drowsiness, mental confusion, anxiety, and sleeplessness. I have to get used to not eating before taking, as eating prior to it only makes those symptoms worse. I've developed a habit of bumping into things, and when I drive, I'm not driving as I usually do, it's a little bit over the road, so be cautious with heavy machinery. The symptoms usually die down within 2 hours of my awakening, and I feel somewhat like my old self. Like I said, it's only been 4 days, so hopefully, these symptoms will subside as I continue to partake. I definitely do not recommend drinking anything other than water with this medicine. The effects are way too powerful. One last thing, be careful with your steps, I fell at work."

• njr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 26, 2016

Efavirenz "Started on Atripla, but after 3 months, the dizziness and nausea were too much to bear. Changed to Truvada and reduced to 400 mg Sustiva, and the side effects disappeared. Only slight lightheadedness, which resolved during the day. Sustiva works, but 600 mg is too much. 400 mg was found to work just as well and with fewer side effects. The only problem is having to take three pills at once, as Sustiva only comes in 200 mg tabs. Encore study shows reduced dosage works just as well."

• njr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 19, 2015

"This drug makes me dizzy and lightheaded in about 5 hours after. That is why you take it at bedtime when you can and always on an empty stomach. The amount of 600 mg in Atripla is not necessary for the same medical effect. The latest study in The Lancet showed that 400 mg a day works just as well as 600 mg with fewer side effects. Also, CD4 counts are slightly improved on 400 mg vs. 600 mg as well. I take 400 mg a day and I have experienced a marked improvement in being able to tolerate this drug and reduce my dizziness, lightheadedness, and possible nausea with the vertigo. I take this with one Truvada a day. Reference: Lancet 2014; 383: 1474-82. Published Online February 10, 2014 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)62187"

• Acc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 2, 2021

Efavirenz "By far the worst experience of my life. Sustiva made me sweat profusely for 4 hours a day. At work, it was traumatizing. The nonstop diarrhea was debilitating. Horrific night terrors every single night. It was a bad period of time. Really struggled with living, life didn't seem attainable. Thank goodness I lived with my wonderful partner who experienced the same. We stayed home on the weekends and enjoyed life there."