Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange - newsImportant note: Information in this article was accurate in August, 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
click here to return to CATIE News main menu
DonateNow
Efavirenz users stick to treatment when given support

Sean Hosein
CATIE News: August 31, 2004 click here for French language version of article

Efavirenz (Sustiva, Stocrin) is sometimes used as part of combination therapy for HIV/AIDS, but, like all medications, efavirenz has side effects. The side effects specific to efavirenz affect the brain and central nervous system (CNS) and can include problems falling asleep and difficulty concentrating and thinking clearly. These side effects tend to happen right after starting therapy and are supposed to fade within a month. However, for some people with HIV/AIDS (PHAs), efavirenz-related side effects can persist or even become worse. Also, as people continue to take efavirenz new side effects can occur, including vivid dreams or nightmares, hallucinations and depression. Because of these distressing side effects, some PHAs choose to stop taking the drug.

Researchers at Montreal's Clinique l'Actuel carried out a study to find out if psychological support would help efavirenz users to better cope with side effects and keep taking their therapy. The team analysed medical records from 2002 to 2004 of efavirenz users, some of whom received a program of psychological support. Not surprisingly, the results show that such a support program helped a majority of participants remain on therapy.

Study details

Researchers reviewed data from 89 participants (10% female, 90% male), all of whom were taking efavirenz. Thirty participants had received a psychological support program that included the following:

Results

Among the entire study group, 31% of people stopped taking efavirenz for the following reasons:

Comparing dropout rates during the first six months of the study between PHAs receiving support and others who did not, researchers found the following : This difference was statistically significant; that is, not likely due to chance alone. The researchers found that the support program enabled PHAs to cope with and understand their dreams. This decreased the stress caused by strange dreams and nightmares and reduced PHAs' risk of developing depression. Other clinics that have PHAs taking efavirenz may find such a support program useful.

-Sean R. Hosein

REFERENCE

Thomas R, Machouf N, Adams D and Trottier B The Effect of a Psychotherapeutic Intervention Support on Patients Treated by Efavirenz. XV International AIDS Conference, July 11–16, Bangkok, 2004. Abstract WePeB5883.

20040831
CATE-N20040809

Copyright © 2004 - TreatmentUpdate. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Editor, The Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange, 555 Richmond St. West, Suite 505, Box 1104, Toronto, ON, M5V 3B1 • Phone: 416-203-7122 • Toll Free: 1-800-263-1638 • Fax: 416-203-8284  http://www.catie.ca

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2004. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.