Guides › Introduction to combination therapy

Starting on efavirenz

UK guidelines recommended efavirenz as first choice because it is once-daily drug with a lower risk of serious side effects.

The main side effects of efavirenz relate to the central nervous system (CNS). These 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.
About 10-20% of people stop efavirenz because of the general effect on their quality of life.
Only 3% of people stop efavirenz because of more severe psychiatric symptoms. These usually occur very early after starting treatment.
Before starting efavirenz, your doctor should give you specific information about these side effects.
Efavirenz is not recommended during pregnancy or for women trying for a baby.

July 2010

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

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