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Drug interactions

Efavirenz + Nefazodone

Severity: Moderate

Efavirenz and Nefazodone: moderate 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 may reduce nefazodone and its active metabolite concentrations, potentially causing loss of antidepressant effect. Nefazodone can also inhibit CYP3A4 and affect efavirenz exposure.

What this interaction means in plain words

Efavirenz and Nefazodone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Efavirenz induces CYP3A4, increasing nefazodone clearance.

What to do

Monitor depressive symptoms and consider an alternative antidepressant with fewer CYP interactions.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Efavirenz with Nefazodone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Efavirenz and Nefazodone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Efavirenz may reduce nefazodone and its active metabolite concentrations, potentially causing loss of antidepressant effect. Nefazodone can also inhibit CYP3A4 and affect efavirenz exposure.

How serious is the interaction between Efavirenz and Nefazodone?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor depressive symptoms and consider an alternative antidepressant with fewer CYP interactions.

What other medicines interact with Efavirenz?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Efavirenz with, for example, Cobimetinib, Dienogest / estradiol valerate, Dihydroergotamine intranasal. The full list is on the Efavirenz page.

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