Med Disorders Can Persist for Two Years

Scientists in the Netherlands and Spain report in the April 15 edition of the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes that mild Sustiva-related neuropsychiatric symptoms'such as sleep disorders, moodiness, and vivid dreams'can persist for up to two years after starting the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. A study of 120 HIV patients, half of whom took Sustiva for at least a year and the other half a protease inhibitor'based regimen, shows that significantly more Sustiva users reported at least one adverse drug side effect within the previous month, with the most common problems being dizziness, sadness, mood changes, irritability, lightheadedness, nervousness, poor concentration, disturbed dreams, and sleepiness. 'Our results show that the neuropsychiatric disorders persist in more than half of HIV-infected patients on long-term Sustiva therapy,' the researchers conclude. They add, however, that the vast majority of the adverse side effects were mild and tolerable and did not affect the quality of life or the overall psychological status of the Sustiva users. They note, though, that more serious reports of such problems as major depression, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts also have been tied to Sustiva use, but these adverse side effects are rare.