Side Effects of Efavirenz

Efavirenz is one of the medications used for the purpose of treating HIV infection, and is taken with other HIV medications. It does not cure this disease, but helps to prevent certain HIV complications. As with many other drugs, certain side effects are associated with Efavirenz that can be mild or severe.

Allergic Reaction

• For those taking Efavirenz, a severe allergic reaction is possible. Drugs.com states that symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue and mouth, difficulty breathing, chest pain or tightness, strange behavior, changes in personality, delusions and hallucinations. Other possible symptoms are dark urine, pale stools, memory loss, sores located in the mouth, paranoia, fever, rash, fatigue, severe depression and suicidal thoughts. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these persist.

Side Effects - Nervous System

• Mild to severe nervous system side effects are possible for those treated with this drug. As stated by Drugs.com, these may include dizziness (10%), insomnia (7%), headache (6%), drowsiness and hypesthesia (2-3%). Memory loss, hallucinations, agitation, vivid dreams, changes in personality, impaired attention span, nightmares, abnormal dreams, convulsions, tremors, trouble with balance, tingling and impaired concentration have also been reported. Many of these are not severe and subside after 2-4 weeks of treatment.

Side Effects - Psychiatric

• Psychiatric side effects have been reported and in some cases have been severe. Drugs.com reports that symptoms include suicidal thoughts, depression (19%), severe depression, anxiety (13%), nervousness (7%), non-fatal suicide attempts, aggressive behavior and paranoia. Obsessive behaviors, mood changes, delusions and irritability have also been experience by those taking Efavirenz. In many cases, Drugs.com states that patients have stopped taking this drug due to these side effects.

Side Effects - Dermatologic/Gastrointestinal

• Dry skin, rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, sensitivity to sunlight and skin discoloration have been reported by those taking Efavirenz, states Drugs.com. Skin rash occurs in up to 40% of those taking this drug. Gastrointestinal side effects include nausea (10%), diarrhea (10%), vomiting, indigestion, constipation, abdominal pain and rarely, burning in the mouth, gums and tongue. Drugs.com explains that in some cases, therapy was stopped due to burning mouth syndrome.

Further Side Effects

• Additional side effects include increases in certain enzymes in the liver, such as ALT, AST and GGT. Liver failure and hepatitis have also been reported. Heart palpitations, muscle pain, joint pain and flushing are other possible side effects reported by Drugs.com. Fatigue, abnormal vision, fever, cough, stones in the urinary tract, lung complications and pneumonia have also been experienced.