June 2025 Archive - Sustiva (Efavirenz) and Effexor (Venlafaxine)

This month we published two practical drug guides you should know about. One focuses on Sustiva, the antiretroviral drug efavirenz used in HIV care. The other breaks down Effexor, the antidepressant venlafaxine, with real-life advice about benefits and side effects. Both articles aim to give short, usable info so you can talk with your clinician more confidently.

Sustiva (Efavirenz) - What you need to remember

Sustiva remains a common choice in some HIV regimens because it works well at suppressing viral replication. I covered how it acts on the virus, typical dosing, and why adherence matters. Side effects can be striking for some people: vivid dreams, dizziness, mood changes, and occasional rash. If you experience severe mood swings or suicidal thoughts, contact your provider right away. There are important drug interactions - tell your doctor about anticonvulsants, rifampin, or certain herbal products like St. John's wort. Pregnancy planning? Efavirenz was once avoided in early pregnancy, but recent guidance is more nuanced; discuss risks and alternatives with your specialist.

Practical tips from the post: take Sustiva at bedtime to reduce dizziness and sleep disruption, avoid alcohol during dose adjustments, and get regular liver tests if you drink heavily or use other hepatotoxic drugs. We also note options for switching regimens when side effects are intolerable, and how viral load monitoring guides treatment choices.

Effexor (Venlafaxine) - Straight talk on benefits and risks

Effexor treats major depression and some anxiety disorders by balancing serotonin and norepinephrine. I focused on who benefits most: people with major depressive episodes, certain anxiety profiles, and those who didn't fully respond to SSRIs. Common side effects include nausea, insomnia, sweating, and sexual dysfunction. Withdrawal can be abrupt and unpleasant - taper slowly under medical supervision to avoid dizziness, electric shock sensations, or flu-like symptoms.

We compare Effexor to other antidepressants and explain when a switch makes sense: lack of response, intolerable side effects, or interactions with other meds. If you have high blood pressure, Effexor can raise it at higher doses, so blood pressure checks are practical. Also covered: combining therapy with psychotherapy, lifestyle changes that boost outcomes, and tips for managing side effects like taking doses with food or adjusting timing to reduce insomnia.

Both articles emphasize communication with your healthcare team. If you missed the full posts, they're linked on our site. Read them to get detailed dosing, monitoring checklists, and patient-friendly FAQs so you can make informed decisions with your clinician.

Next steps: talk to your provider before changing meds. Bring a list of current medicines including OTCs, supplements, and recreational drugs. Ask about baseline labs - liver tests for Sustiva and blood pressure for Effexor. If cost or access is a concern, ask about generics efavirenz and venlafaxine, patient assistance programs, and local pharmacies that offer price checks. If you're supporting someone else, learn common withdrawal signs and safe ways to encourage adherence without judgment.

Bookmark our June 2025 posts for quick reference and share with others who may benefit.