Question
How long do efavirenz side effects last?
5 January 2016. Related: All topics, Changing treatment, Side effects, Starting treatment.
I just started with efavirenz and Truvada 10 days ago. I’m not sleeping properly and feel dizzy all the time.
Is this normal, and when will it get better?
Answer
Hi
The type of side effects you report are pretty common when starting efavirenz.
For most people the dizzyness starts to get easier to tolerate within the first week or two, but it sounds like you may be having a particularly difficult time.
One thing to check is that you are not taking your meds after dinner. Meals that contain a lot of fat increase efavirenz levels by about 60%. Efavirenz should not be take until at least two houf after food that contains a lot of fat. Taking efavirenz before bedtime means you are hopefully sleeping during the side effects.
It is up to you how long you want to give this before trying another drug. Although your clinic might suggest giving it more time, some people change within a week if they are badly affected.
You don’t need to prove anything to anyone by staying on a drug that doesn’t work for you. There are lots of other options and switching is easy.
There is more information on efavirenz at this link.
This answer was updated in January 2016 from a question first posted on 11 June 2011.
I started taking tribuss 3 years ago now. Suddenly I’m experiencing side effects: sleeplessness, loss of appetite, dizziness. I’m also loosing weight. I guess that’s because I’m not eating well. is it normal? And will they subside with time? Its been a week now. I have been OK until recently. My mood just changed and it went down from there.
Hi Millicent,
I can’t really tell you how to tell you family. But from what I know, being able to reassure them that you’re ok and that you’ve come to terms with your status may help.
If am HIV I can’t tell my mam .but am positive about everything how can I do so. I can tell everyone even my friend but I don’t know how to tell my family
Hi Lindiwe, please tell your doctor or clinic about these symptoms. This is in case they are symptoms of something else and not a side effect. Your doctor can then advise on options. Trepiline is used for many things including as an antideperessant. Your doctor needs to advise on this.
If your treatment includes the drug efavirenz, this link might help.
http://i-base.info/qa/12092
hey, I’ve started with my treatment about a month ago I’m shaking I have painful headache and I have chills that takes about 30 minutes and I have sleepless nights can I take trepiline for it?
Hi Dennis, these might be common side effects of efavirenz. Tell you doctor though. Please see this link for more details.
http://i-base.info/qa/12092
Hi.. Its been two years since i have been taking ARVs.. The combination of efavirenz, lamivudine and tenofovir.. Up to now i feel dizzy right after taking the med.. Is it normal.. Or i consult to clinic to changed my med? Thank you.
Hi, Your question has been answered here:
http://i-base.info/qa/11800
Why is that certain patients bulge starting from the neck to the shoulders is it a type of ARV they take?
Hi Ningi, I’ve looked at your comment again, and I’m not sure about your rash. Has it gone? If it has gone then of course you don’t need to have an examination.
But it’s still a good idea to talk to the doctor about your meds if they continue to make it difficult to perform your best at work. If so, you can ask if there are other meds available for you.
Thanks, Roy