Sustiva vs Depression

May 23, 2009

My doctor has suggested I start to think about meds, and has identified Sustiva. Ihave suffered time to time wiht depression, over the yeasr tried a few antidepressants but never was on them for a long period of time. I have read that Sustiva may cause depression. I am very confused, as I like all teh other benefits of this drug compared to the worse side effects of other drugs. Do you know what the % of Sustiva making people depressed?

Response from Dr. Henry

Sustiva often causes (perhaps 50% of patients) sleep problems, night mares, or foggy /alterred mental clarity in the AM when first starting (worse in first 1-2 weeks-usually gone or at least much better by 4 weeks). Those central nervous system effects can aggravate or precipitate depression in some patients though generally don't actually cause new depression to develop. Other alternative drug options including raltegravir or boosted protease inhibitor based regimens have a lower rate of central nervous system side effects so are worth considering instead of efavirenz in some patients. KH