Question
What are the risks of taking an over-dose of ARVs?
4 January 2011. Related: Adherence, All topics, Drug interactions, Side effects, Support.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
Taking one or two extra doses of ARVs it not likely to be a problem. But is could increase side-effects from the drugs for a couple of days.
To give you a more accurate answer please let me know how much of an overdose you are talking about. For example, is it just forgetting someone had already taken the drugs and taking them again once? Or are you talking about someone say taking a whole months supply at once?
Taking a double dose by accident on rare occasions shouldn’t cause serious harm, however, a deliberate overdose of a lot of ARVs could increase the toxicities to such an extent that it damages the body’s vital organs.
Hi Vuyokaxi,
Why are you feeling suicidal? If you feel like you want to harm yourself or take your own life it is very important to get help quickly. Is there a friend or family member you can talk to about this? Although it may feel like things are hopeless right now with the right support you may find that you are more able to deal with these issues than you realise.
Overdosing on ARVs is very likely to make you very ill but will not neccesarily kill you. This is not a good idea. You could cause permanent damage to your body.
Please do get back to me and tell me how you are.
I am on ARV’s for two years now.I’m thinking of commiting suicide because of the difficulties that are caused by my step daughter. I can’t take it anymore. It’s too much for me. Taking a lot at once will be the answer. Pls help!
Hi Lolly,
So called ‘immune boosters’ are not proven to have any effect on the CD4 count. The only medicines that can increase or maintain the CD4 count are ARVs.
To understand how CD4 counts change before and after treatment please see our training guide. Please let me know if you have questions after reading it.
Do you know what your CD4 count is?
How does CD 4 drops? Can it be possible to take boosters only if cd4 still high before going on ARV treatment how does this affect your health?
If you, or somebody you know, has taken 30 efavirenz tablets it is important to go to a hospital for emergency treatment. An overdose of any medication can be very serious, and possibly fatal. It is essential that you get urgent medical advice.
Can one die after eating 30 efavirenz tablets?
Hi Michelle, don’t worry- this shouldn’t cause any medical harm but you may feel unwell or experience side effects more strongly than usual.
I have accidentally taken ARV tablets twice today instead of once. i am worried. what should i do?
Hi Nonhla,
If you are worried that your sister is suicidal it is very important to get urgent medical and psychiatric help. There is a risk from overdose with any medicine, including ARVs. It’s important that you get help from medical specialists as soon as possible though.
If your sister is taking ARVs which include efavirenz (such as Atripla, Sustiva, Odimune or Tribuss) then her suicidal feelings may be connected to this drug. Mood changes are associated with this drug and in a small number of people this has been linked with suicidal thoughts and actions. It’s important to tell the hospital or psychiatrist you contact if she is taking this drug.
I’m worried that my HIV positive sister is suicidal. Can she kill herself by overdosing on her ARVs? Should we keep these away from her?