Drug interactions
Efavirenz + Sertraline
Severity: Moderate
Efavirenz and Sertraline: 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 lowers sertraline concentrations, which may reduce antidepressant effect. Both drugs have some QT-prolonging potential, though the additive risk is small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Efavirenz and Sertraline 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 belongs to Anti Virals; Sertraline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Efavirenz induces CYP enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP2B6) that metabolize sertraline, plus possible additive QT effects.
What to do
Titrate sertraline to clinical response, increasing the dose if needed. Check an ECG if other QT-prolonging risk factors exist.
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?
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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
Other interactions of Sertraline
- Isocarboxazid + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Sertraline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Efavirenz with Sertraline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Efavirenz and Sertraline 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 lowers sertraline concentrations, which may reduce antidepressant effect. Both drugs have some QT-prolonging potential, though the additive risk is small.
How serious is the interaction between Efavirenz and Sertraline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Titrate sertraline to clinical response, increasing the dose if needed. Check an ECG if other QT-prolonging risk factors exist.
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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