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Efavirenz: Difference between revisions
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'''Efavirenz''' (sold by the brand name '''Sustiva''') is an antiretroviral medication used in the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS.<ref> | |||
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{{cite journal | vauthors=((Vrouenraets, S. M.)), ((Wit, F. W.)), ((Tongeren, J. van)), ((Lange, J. M.)) | journal=Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy | title=Efavirenz: a review | volume=8 | issue=6 | pages=851–871 | date= April 2007 | url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1517/14656566.8.6.851 | issn=1465-6566 | doi=10.1517/14656566.8.6.851}}</ref> It is notable for being able to produce [[psychedelic]] and [[hallucinogenic]] effects despite possessing an extremely novel pharmacological profile and chemical structure not shared with any other psychedelic substance. | |||
'''Efavirenz''' ( | Efavirenz was approved for medical use in the United States in 1998.{{citation needed}} It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.<ref>{{cite web|title=WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (19th List)|url=http://www.who.int/medicines/publications/essentialmedicines/EML_2015_FINAL_amended_NOV2015.pdf?ua=1|work=World Health Organization|accessdate=8 December 2016|date=April 2015|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213052708/http://www.who.int/medicines/publications/essentialmedicines/EML_2015_FINAL_amended_NOV2015.pdf?ua=1|archivedate=13 December 2016|df=}}</ref> | ||
Recreational use of efavirenz for its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects has been reported in South Africa. The tablets are reportedly crushed and smoked in a mixture known as "whoonga" , "nyaope" , and "wonga". A form of black tar heroin. Although current analyses of whoonga samples have yet to confirm the presence efavirenz in the mixture. <ref>{{Citation | year=2008 | title=Getting high on HIV drugs in S Africa | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7768059.stm}}</ref><ref>{{Citation | vauthors=((News, A. B. C.)) | title=“No Turning Back”: Teens Abuse HIV Drugs | url=https://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodNews/story?id=7227982&page=1}}</ref><ref>{{Citation | vauthors=((Vice)) | year=2014 | title=Getting High On HIV Medication - Part 1/2 | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7BCi5ax7jk}}</ref> | |||
==Chemistry== | ==Chemistry== | ||
Unlike most psychedelics, efavirenz is not a [[tryptamine]], [[phenethylamine]] or [[lysergamide]]. Efavirenz is classified as a benzoxazine and has several different moieties which give it a unique pharmacological profile. On the two position of the benzoxazine ring, efavirenz has a ketone attached. Efavirenz also has a trifluoromethyl group as well as a cyclopropane ring. | Unlike most psychedelics, efavirenz is not a [[tryptamine]], [[phenethylamine]] or [[lysergamide]]. Efavirenz is classified as a benzoxazine and has several different moieties which give it a unique pharmacological profile. On the two position of the benzoxazine ring, efavirenz has a ketone attached. Efavirenz also has a trifluoromethyl group as well as a cyclopropane ring. | ||
Efavirenz is a white to slightly pink crystalline powder with a molecular mass of 315.68 g/mol. It is practically insoluble in water (<10 µg/mL).. Efavirenz is chemically described as (''S'')-6-chloro-(cyclopropylethynyl)-1,4-dihydro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2''H''-3,1-benzoxazin-2-one. Its empirical formula is C<sub>14</sub>H<sub>9</sub>ClF<sub>3</sub>NO<sub>2</sub>. | |||
==Pharmacology== | ==Pharmacology== | ||
Pharmacologically, efavirenz is primarily classified as a non-nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor, or NNRTI. Reverse transcriptase is an enzyme found in several viral species that is a type of DNA polymerase and nuclease that allows viruses like hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus to transcribe viral RNA into DNA. Efavirenz is considered a non-nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor because it does not have a structure based off of a nucleotide | Pharmacologically, efavirenz is primarily classified as a non-nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor, or NNRTI. Reverse transcriptase is an enzyme found in several viral species that is a type of DNA polymerase and nuclease that allows viruses like hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus to transcribe viral RNA into DNA. Efavirenz is considered a non-nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor because it does not have a structure based off of a nucleotide. | ||
Unlike most non-nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors, efavirenz is also a 5-HT<sub>2A</sub> partial agonist, similar to [[LSD]]. Additionally, efavirenz is a [[serotonin]] and [[dopamine]] [[reuptake inhibitor]] and a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitor. Efavirenz also acts as a [[GABA]]<sub>A</sub> positive allosteric modulator, similar to [[benzodiazepines]] and [[barbiturates]].<ref> Neuropsychopharmacology | | Unlike most non-nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors, efavirenz is also a 5-HT<sub>2A</sub> partial agonist, similar to [[LSD]]. Additionally, efavirenz is a [[serotonin]] and [[dopamine]] [[reuptake inhibitor]] and a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitor. Efavirenz also acts as a [[GABA]]<sub>A</sub> positive allosteric modulator, similar to [[benzodiazepines]] and [[barbiturates]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Gatch, M. B.)), ((Kozlenkov, A.)), ((Huang, R.-Q.)), ((Yang, W.)), ((Nguyen, J. D.)), ((González-Maeso, J.)), ((Rice, K. C.)), ((France, C. P.)), ((Dillon, G. H.)), ((Forster, M. J.)), ((Schetz, J. A.)) | journal=Neuropsychopharmacology | title=The HIV Antiretroviral Drug Efavirenz has LSD-Like Properties | volume=38 | issue=12 | pages=2373–2384 | date= November 2013 | url=https://www.nature.com/articles/npp2013135 | issn=1740-634X | doi=10.1038/npp.2013.135}}</ref> Efavirenz has a bioavailability of about 40-45% when it is taken on an empty stomach. | ||
Efavirenz is known to cause a false-positive for [[cannabis]] on some urine tests.<ref> | Efavirenz is known to cause a false-positive for [[cannabis]] on some urine tests.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Rossi, S.)), ((Yaksh, T.)), ((Bentley, H.)), ((Brande, G. van den)), ((Grant, I.)), ((Ellis, R.)) | journal=Clinical Chemistry | title=Characterization of Interference with 6 Commercial Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Immunoassays by Efavirenz (Glucuronide) in Urine | volume=52 | issue=5 | pages=896–897 | date=1 May 2006 | url=https://academic.oup.com/clinchem/article/52/5/896/5626853 | issn=0009-9147 | doi=10.1373/clinchem.2006.067058}}</ref> | ||
==Subjective effects== | ==Subjective effects== | ||
{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}} | |||
{{effects/base | |||
|{{effects/physical| | |||
*'''[[Effect::Physical euphoria]]''' - This effect is generally quite mild. | *'''[[Effect::Physical euphoria]]''' - This effect is generally quite mild. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Difficulty urinating]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Difficulty urinating]]''' | ||
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*'''[[Effect::Dizziness]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Dizziness]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Headaches]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Headaches]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Spontaneous | *'''[[Effect::Spontaneous physical sensations]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Stimulation]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Stimulation]]''' ''or'' '''[[Effect::Sedation]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Appetite suppression]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Appetite suppression]]''' | ||
}} | |||
{{effects/visual| | |||
====Enhancements==== | ====Enhancements==== | ||
*'''[[Effect::Colour enhancement]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Colour enhancement]]''' | ||
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*'''[[Effect::Scenery slicing]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Scenery slicing]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Symmetrical texture repetition]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Symmetrical texture repetition]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Tracers]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Tracers]]''' - This is considered the most common visual effect of efavirenz. | ||
====[[Effect::Geometry]]==== | ====[[Effect::Geometry]]==== | ||
The geometry found within efavirenz is generally extremely mild, and for many users, it may not happen at all. | |||
====Hallucinatory states==== | ====Hallucinatory states==== | ||
*'''[[Effect::Transformations]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Transformations]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Internal | *'''[[Effect::Internal hallucination]]''' (''[[effect::autonomous entities]]''; ''[[effect::settings, sceneries, and landscapes]]''; ''[[effect::perspective hallucinations]]'' and ''[[effect::scenarios and plots]]'') | ||
*'''[[Effect::External | *'''[[Effect::External hallucination]]''' (''[[effect::autonomous entities]]''; ''[[effect::settings, sceneries, and landscapes]]''; ''[[effect::perspective hallucinations]]'' and ''[[effect::scenarios and plots]]'') | ||
}} | |||
|{{effects/cognitive| | |||
*'''[[Effect::Anxiety]]''' ''or'' '''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]''' | |||
*'''[[Effect::Psychosis]]''' - At very high doses, efavirenz may cause a psychotic state. | |||
*'''[[Effect::Unity and interconnectedness]]''' - This effect is generally quite mild. | |||
*'''[[Effect::Confusion]]''' | |||
*'''[[Effect::Introspection]]''' | |||
*'''[[Effect::Dream potentiation]]''' - At non-recreational doses, efavirenz often induces strange dreams. | |||
*'''[[Effect::Disinhibition]]''' | |||
}} | |||
{{effects/auditory| | |||
*'''[[Effect::Auditory enhancement | *'''[[Effect::Auditory enhancement]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Auditory distortion | *'''[[Effect::Auditory distortion]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Auditory | *'''[[Effect::Auditory hallucination]]''' | ||
}} | |||
}} | |||
==Toxicity and harm potential== | ==Toxicity and harm potential== | ||
{{further|Research chemicals#Toxicity and harm potential|Responsible use #Hallucinogens}} | |||
Efavirenz has a [[Toxicity::low toxicity]] relative to dose. Like many HIV medications, efavirenz [[Toxicity::may cause liver toxicity at high doses or after chronic use]]. | |||
It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this drug. | It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this drug. | ||
===Tolerance and addiction potential=== | ===Tolerance and addiction potential=== | ||
Efavirenz is [[Addiction potential::not known to be habit-forming]]. While developing a tolerance to efavirenz is extremely rare, abusing efavirenz may cause HIV to become resistant to the drug and increase the viral load in patients with HIV. | Efavirenz is [[Addiction potential::not known to be habit-forming]]. While developing a tolerance to efavirenz is extremely rare, abusing efavirenz may cause HIV to become resistant to the drug and increase the viral load in patients with HIV. | ||
===Dangerous interactions=== | ===Dangerous interactions=== | ||
As efavirenz may cause hepatoxicity at high doses or after chronic use, it is not recommended to take this substance concurrently with other substances that may cause hepatoxicity. Efavirenz is an inducer of the CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 enzymes of the cytochrome P450 system, and as a result may change the metabolism of drugs metabolized by them. | As efavirenz may cause hepatoxicity at high doses or after chronic use, it is not recommended to take this substance concurrently with other substances that may cause hepatoxicity. Efavirenz is an inducer of the CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 enzymes of the cytochrome P450 system, and as a result may change the metabolism of drugs metabolized by them. Consuming garlic may decrease serum levels of efavirenz. | ||
====[[Serotonin syndrome]] risk==== | ====[[Serotonin syndrome]] risk==== | ||
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{{DangerousInteractions/SerotoninSyndrome}} | {{DangerousInteractions/SerotoninSyndrome}} | ||
==Legal | ==Legal status== | ||
{{legalStub}} | |||
Efavirenz is not known to be illegal in any jurisdictions, and is considered a prescription only medication. | Efavirenz is not known to be illegal in any jurisdictions, and is considered a prescription only medication. | ||
*'''Germany''': Efavirenz is a prescription only medicine, according to Anlage 1 AMVV.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/amvv/anlage_1.html|title=Anlage 1 AMVV|publisher=Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz|access-date=December 11, 2019|language=de}}</ref> | |||
*'''Switzerland''': Efavirenz is listed as a "Abgabekategorie A" pharmaceutical, which requires a prescription.{{citation needed}} | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
*[[Responsible use]] | *[[Responsible use]] | ||
*[[Hallucinogen]] | *[[Hallucinogen]] | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efavirenz Efavirenz (Wikipedia)] | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efavirenz Efavirenz (Wikipedia)] | ||
*[https://isomerdesign.com/PiHKAL/explore.php?id=2802 Efavirenz (Isomer Design)] | |||
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyuFBmlQS_s Getting High On HIV Medication (Hammilton Morris / YouTube)] | *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyuFBmlQS_s Getting High On HIV Medication (Hammilton Morris / YouTube)] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[Category: | |||
[[Category:Psychedelic]] | |||
[[Category:Benzoxazine]] | |||
[[Category:Carbamate]] | |||
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