IM PRESENTLY ON SASTEVA, IS THERE OTHER MEDS THAT DO THE SAME THAT DONT HAVE THE SIDE AFFECTS THE DRUG HAS

Your question is fairly general. The main side effects of Sustiva are neurological, and include strange dreams, dizziness, difficulty waking up in the morning, mood changes, and rarely, exacerbations of psychiatric problems, such as depression or mania. In the majority of people, these side effects are present early on but decrease during the first month. Side effects still present after a month are likely to last, and some people (5-10%) end up switching because of lasting side effects. Other side effects include rash and abnormal liver function tests.

The most straightforward alternative to Sustiva (efavirenz) is Viramune (nevirapine). It is in the same class of drug, and although there are no head to head studies, is probably as effective. Sustival does have the advantage of a longer half life, which MAY mean it is more forgiving if you miss a dose now and again, but neither drug is very forgiving. Nevirapine does not have any neurologic side effects. It does cause rashes during the first 2-6 weeks in 10-20%, which can occasionally be severe. Abnormal liver function tests are another potential problem, and rarely this can be severe.

There is rarely a reason to stick with intolerable side effects of any drug. Talk the options over with your providers.

Good Luck

ATP