Viranz Side Effects

Like all medicines, efavirenz tablets can have side effects. When treating HIV infection, it is not always possible to tell whether some of the undesirable effects that occur are caused by efavirenz tablets, by other medicines the patients are taking at the same time or by the HIV disease. For this reason it is very important that the patient inform the doctor about any changes in the patient health.
Mild-to-moderate rash may occur when taking efavirenz tablets but it usually resolves with continued therapy.
Symptoms including, but not limited to, dizziness, insomnia, somnolence, impaired concentration and abnormal dreaming may occur during the first one or two days of therapy and generally resolve after the first 2 - 4 weeks. These side effects may be reduced if the patient take efavirenz tablets at bedtime on an empty stomach. If the patient have these common side effects, such as dizziness, it does not mean that the patient will also have serious psychiatric problems, such as severe depression, strange thoughts, or angry behavior. Tell the doctor right away if any of these side effects continue or if they bother the patient. It is possible that these symptoms may be more severe if efavirenz tablets are used with alcohol or mood altering (street) drugs. If the patients are dizzy, have trouble concentrating, or are drowsy, avoid activities that may be dangerous, such as driving or operating machinery.
Changes in body fat develop in some patients taking anti-HIV medicine. These changes may include an increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck ("buffalo hump"), in the breasts, and around the trunk. Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen. The cause and long-term health effects of these fat changes are not known.
Other common side effects include tiredness, upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea.