[Severe psychosis in an African woman due to the antiretroviral agent efavirenz].
A 34-year-old woman originally from Ghana was given efavirenz as antiretroviral therapy. One week later she was found to be in a psychotic state with paranoid hallucinations and anxiety; she then stabbed a nurse. The literature indicates that female patients of African origin appear to be more susceptible to the side effects of efavirenz due to genetically reduced clearance and therefore higher serum levels.
van Twillert
G
G
Academisch Medisch Centrum/Universiteit van Amsterdam, afd. Inwendige Geneeskunde, Meibergdreefg, 1105 AZ Amsterdam. g.vantwillert@amc.uva.nl
van Santen
G
G
Godfried
M H
MH
D000328:Adult; D000480:Alkynes; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D048588:Benzoxazines; D044383:Black People / Q000235:genetics; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D005260:Female; D005869:Ghana / Q000208:ethnology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate / Q000235:genetics; D009426:Netherlands; D010078:Oxazines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology*
D000480:Alkynes; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D048588:Benzoxazines; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D010078:Oxazines; C098320:efavirenz