Drug interactions
Efavirenz + Esketamine
Severity: Minor
Efavirenz and Esketamine: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Efavirenz commonly causes dizziness, vivid dreams and other CNS effects. With esketamine, central nervous system effects such as sedation and dissociation may be additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Efavirenz and Esketamine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Efavirenz belongs to Anti Virals; Esketamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS effects; efavirenz may also weakly induce CYP3A4 and CYP2B6, which could lower esketamine exposure, though this is not well characterized.
What to do
Monitor for excess sedation and dizziness after esketamine dosing. Review response to treatment if efficacy appears reduced.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Efavirenz and Esketamine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Esketamine
Other interactions of Efavirenz
- Cobimetinib + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dienogest / estradiol valerate + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Efavirenz + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Efavirenz with Esketamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Efavirenz and Esketamine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Efavirenz commonly causes dizziness, vivid dreams and other CNS effects. With esketamine, central nervous system effects such as sedation and dissociation may be additive.
How serious is the interaction between Efavirenz and Esketamine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for excess sedation and dizziness after esketamine dosing. Review response to treatment if efficacy appears reduced.
What other medicines interact with Esketamine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Esketamine with, for example, Alfentanil, Amobarbital, Belladonna and opium. The full list is on the Esketamine page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
