Mental health problems as a side-effect of HIV treatment

It is known that the anti-HIV drug efavirenz (Sustiva) can cause psychological disturbances. Some people have difficulty sleeping, or have vivid dreams or nightmares. Other people have reported depression without any other apparent cause.

Treatment for hepatitis C virus with pegylated interferon is also known to cause depression. People who receive this treatment are often given antidepressants because of this.