Drug Interactions between efavirenz and Verelan PM

You may take verapamil with or without food, but take it the same way every time. You should avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice as much as possible during treatment with verapamil. If you have been regularly consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice with verapamil, do not increase or decrease the amounts of these products in your diet without first talking to your doctor. Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels and effects of verapamil. Contact your doctor if you experience sudden, unexplained weight gain; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; chest pain; or difficulty breathing. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Taking efavirenz with food increases the amount of medicine in your body, which may increase the frequency of side effects. You should take efavirenz once a day on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. Taking it at bedtime may make some side effects such as dizziness, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, trouble concentrating, and/or unusual dreams less bothersome. However, these symptoms may be more severe if efavirenz is used with alcohol or mood-altering (street) drugs. You should avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Ask your doctor before using verapamil together with ethanol (alcohol). Verapamil may increase the blood levels and intoxicating effects of ethanol (alcohol). This can cause symptoms of extreme drowsiness, confusion, and nausea. If you experience any of these side effect you should avoid activities requiring mental alertness. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Using verapamil together with multivitamin with minerals can decrease the effects of verapamil. Talk with your doctor before using verapamil and multivitamin with minerals together. You may need a dose adjustment or need your blood pressure checked more often if you take both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.