| Key to ratings for valtrex: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken and Dosage | Date Added | |
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| 2 | HSV 1 and 2 | No side effects from Medication. Others who report depression are probably so, just from the stress of having herpes, and the fear of rejection from telling someone you like (or love) about it. | I acquire genital herpes when I was 17. I am now 47. I suffered the outbreack, 6-8 per year until around 2003. That is when I began to take generic acyclovir. In 7 years I had only 2 or 3 outbreacks. But this year (2010) I began to have outbreaks again. About once a month. I stopped taking acyc. When I was ready to start new medication, because I could now afford the name brnad, I asked my DR for a Rx for Valtrex. I have been on it for 4 months. I thought that Valrex would work better than asyc. I WAS WRONG. It seems like I have nothing but constant outbreaks every WEEK. The sores apear on Sunday, and are gone by Wednesday. But then the very next Sunday, new sores appear. It almost seems like Valtrex has INCREASED my outbreaks. I have decided to stop taking Valtrex for a month. I will return to the generic acyc, as it is more effective, and less expensive. | M | 47 | 120 days 1g 1X D | 7/27/2010 | 3 | HSV-2 | Fatigue, irritable, neck pain | I started taking Valtrex when I was diagnosed with HSV-2. Before I began supressive therapy, I had about 10 outbreaks a year(for 1 year), right before I would start my period. I could always feel when I was about to have an outbreak, my thigh, buttocks, or pubic area would become very sensitive and even painful. My outbreaks would typically last 5-8 days and were usually quite painful. Since starting treatment 1 year ago, although I have not remained outbreak free, I have had only 5 outbreaks which last no more than 3 days and usually are not too painful or bothersome. I also do not have the sensitivity and pain that I used to feel before an outbreak would occur.I am thinking of asking my HCP to increase my intake to 1 gram daily to see if it may eliminate outbreaks all together. For me, the side effects I experience from Valtrex do not outweigh the symptoms I experience from HSV-2 and will continue to take this medication. | M | 28 | 1 years 500mg 1X D | 7/19/2010 | 5 | Cold Sores/Fever Blisters | I had a side effect that nobody is listing. I felt great while taking Valtrex. After stopping I started having the brain fog. | I took Valtrex 2g stat dose in March 2010 for cold sores. The pain went away immediately. I felt great. I had a lot of sun exposure in May (daughter's softball season) and started getting fever blisters. Tried Valtrex for suppression therapy. Noticed again how good I felt. Like a fog was lifted from my brain. I do not have depression or anything like that, but Valtrex made me feel good (not high). As soon as I stopped Valtrex (end of June) fog came over me again. Odd. | F | 38 | 30 days 600mg 1X D | 7/13/2010 | 4 | shingles | I was on Valtrex for shingles and it did dry up the blisters but it did cause joint pain. I didn't know it was from that till I found this website and other people experienced it also. I stopped taking it at 9 days and the next day the pains in knees was 90% better. I took it about 3 yrs. ago for 7 days for shingles and did not experience any joint pain and the medicine helped the blisters then also. Just wanted to let people know when you stop the medicine the joint pain will go away. | The medicine does it's job in drying up the blisters. It does not help with the pain from shingles. I would use it again for shingles but not past 7 days. I also used aloe vera gel on my skin where it hurt and for some reason it helped. Try it! Also I noticed after stopping the medicine my skin started to peel. | F | 60 | 10 days 1 g 3X D | 6/17/2010 | 3 | hsv2 | tiredness, nausea, stomach aches, and loss of appitite | ive had 5 outbreaks in the entire six months ive been on this drug and I take it daily i dont understand why this is happening. My physician bumped my 500mg to twice a day while having an outbreak and i see improvement but still get outbreak frequently. | F | 18 | 6 months 500mg 2X D | 6/6/2010 | 4 | HSV-1 in the genitals | Dizziness, lack of interest, depression symptoms and terrible brain fog to the point where I can't think clearly or straight. | I hate this drug, I don't feel like myself anymore from taking it! I'm even more out of it than normal and I feel like I had a lobotomy, seriously. I was on acyclovir for almost 2 weeks before getting on this drug after having the initial outbreak, and had several days in between the medicines. The Zovirax (acyclovir) made the nasty little bumps go away..and I haven't had any problems since. | F | 21 | 25 days 1G 1X D | 6/5/2010 | 4 | shingles (herpes zoster) | DEPRESSION after treatment ended. Almost zero side effects during treatment, except for sleeping later in the a.m. plus very slight stomach discomfort, no gas. | Was a bit apprehensive about taking Valtrex after reading the comments on this site, but took it anyway and was very pleased to have *almost* zero side effects. However, the day after my last dose, I began feeling really lousy -- bummed out, worthless, overwhelmed and too tired to deal with anything. This has been going on for 4 days. It didn't occur to me until just this morning, while I asking myself, "What in the heck is going on here?" that I remembered reading that depression is one of the rare side effects of Valtrex. Because these feelings are not at all the norm for me, and there's nothing new in my life circumstances to explain the sudden arrival of these feelings, I am strongly inclined to attribute this to Valtrex. Hope it's short-lived, because it's fairly incapacitating. On the bright side, the Valtrex stopped the newer of my 2 shingles rashes dead in its tracks, and is probably responsible for the dramatic improvement in my symptoms (awful pain & sensitivity) after just 2 days on the Valtrex. | F | 52 | 7 days 1000 mg 3X D | 6/1/2010 | 4 | HSV2 | No side effects at all which is very unusual for me. I usually have side effects from everything I take but I have not have any from Valtrex. | F | 51 | 5 days 500 2X D | 5/31/2010 | 3 | HSV 2 Meningitis | Extreme fatigue, extreme lack of appetite and nausea....food does not taste the same. No diarrhea (thanks God), mild dizziness. | I've had HSV2 for many years with almost no OB in the last 5 yrs. Now all of a sudden I've had 5 episodes of hsv meningitis in one year...the last 4 episodes have been only two months apart. Initially I am treated with IV acyclovir x 14 days then started on oral valtrex. I am now up to 3000mg/day to see if this will keep me from having another episode. I truly feel horrible. | M | 50 | 3 weeks 1000 3X D | 5/31/2010 | 4 | HSV2 | VERY VERY TIRED. BLOATED. GASSY. BAD HEADACHES. | WHILE TAKING IT I NEVER HAVE AN OUTBREAK. IT HAS LESSENED MY OUTBREAKS IF I DO HAVE ONE BECAUSE I FORGOT TO TAKE MY MEDICINE. I'VE BEEN SEXUALLY ACTIVE WITH MY PARTNER FOR 6 MONTHS AND HE HAS NOT CONTRACTED IT, SO I'M THANKFUL THAT EVEN THOUGH THERE ISN'T A CURE THERE IS AT LEAST A PILL I CAN SWALLOW DAILY THAT MAKES IT STAY DORMANT. ONE DAY WE CAN ONLY HOPE THEY FIND A CURE. IT IS ALWAYS ON MY MIND THOUGH. I CONTRACTED IT THROUGH A DISHONEST BOYFRIEND. IT DEFINITELY CAN MESS WITH YOUR MIND AND MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE LESS OF A PERSON....BUT I KNOW I'M NOT ALONE IN THIS WORLD. | F | 28 | 2 years 1GM 1X D | 5/29/2010 | 3 | Shingles | fatigue, brain fog, depressed | My shingle symptoms are improving, but I am wiped out. I feel exhausted, not sleepy exactly, but just fatigued. I am so happy tomorrow is my last day on this med. | M | 42 | 7 days 1 gram 3X D | 5/12/2010 | 5 | shingles | none other than extremely dry& flakey facial skin. | F | 64 | 10 days 1 gm 3X D | 5/10/2010 | 3 | EBV- Chronic Fatigue | Feeling very "out of it", disassociation which elevates my anxiety, very impaired concentration and memory, very tired, vivid scary dreams | I have had flu-like symptoms for about a week now, which is due to the toxins being released from the dying virus in my body (according to my doctor). I am taking an herbal supplement called Burbur (hard to find) to help with the detox and it does make me feel better. So it does seem to be working, though the fatigue has worsened for now. The vivid scary dreams and feeling of disassociation has increased my anxiety. Please let me know if you have had similar reactions and what you have done to treat them! | F | 28 | 20 days 1000 mg 3X D | 5/7/2010 | 4 | Genital Herpes | dizziness, headache, smelly urine and fatigue | I started taking Valtrex when I was tested positive for genital herpes. I had herpes for more than 10 years but never took any mediction til I tested positive and had more often outbreaks until I moved to another country. I think cold climate affect the outbreak. I started taking Valtrex about 2 years ago and at first the medicine did the job until now. It started when the season change from summer to fall. My last outbreak was 12 days ago and I took Valtrex 500mg. twice daily. The blisters disappeared in 3 days, the burning sensation in 5 days but I still feel tender around the affected area so I'm still taking Valtrex but after 14 Days of taking Valtrex I still feel tender and I'm afraid if I stop taking Valtrex now I'll have the reoccuring outbreak. I have 2 tablets for tomorrow but I think I have to continue taking Valtrex to prevent another outbreak because I don't think taking Valtrex twice daily for 5 days does the trick for me this time. | F | 36 | 15 days 500mg. 2X D | 5/6/2010 | 3 | Genital Herpes | No side effects at all. | I have had genital herpes for about 10 years and have taken Valtrex for almost as long. In the beginning I would take it when I had an outbreak to shorten the duration. I switched to a daily dose about 7 years ago as the outbreaks got worse. (2-4 outbreaks/year) Steadily, year after year, the outbreaks have gotten more and more frequent and MUCH more intense. As I type this I am having the worst breakout in all 10 years. 2 months -> going on 3 of constant blistering. It will begin to heal and then breakout again. ... You would think after 10 years that I could tell you if Valtrex works or not. There are times when I've sworn by it and thought it really worked, and there are times, like now, that it seems to be doing nothing. Herpes is quite the sex life killer. | M | 38 | 10 years 1 GM 1X D | 5/2/2010 | 5 | genital herpes | Sunlight exposure does seem to cause bumps on arms. sometimes get a funny feeling or tingling in my genital area but nothing i cant tolerate. | I was diagnosed at 33 with genital herpes. Took Valtrex for first outbreak and it went away in about 2 weeks. After a year of almost constant outbreaks I decided to start daily Valtrex. Not only did my outbreaks clear up but they went away completely for over 6 years. I started to skip dosage occassionally the past year, may have been a mistake. I am currently experiencing the fun of passing a kidney stone. Feeling terrible I did miss 2 doses in a 3 day period and what happens 1st outbreak in 6 years. I doubled up my 500 mg to twice daily to clear it up. I am still having a super mild 1 bump outbreak i believe due to the kidney stone. I would like to say during the 6 outbreak free years I ate what I wanted, chocolate, oat based products, way too much coffee, fast food, deep fried everything and Valtrex let me live life outbreak free. I can also confirm Valtrex does stop viral shedding. I was outbreak free for over a year before I started to date again and not one of the women I have been with has contracted HSV2 from me. While protection and condom use is preached we all know its not practiced. My last girlfriend was tested after we split up and after 2 years of unprotected sex she was NOT infected. If you have genital herpes this drug can help you live a more normal life. We must always be aware of what our bodys tell us and the mental strain never really goes away. Any side affect this drug may have is better that outbreaks. | M | 40 | 6 years 500 mg 1X D | 4/27/2010 | 4 | HSV-2 | Weight gain (about 10-12 pounds//10% weight gain) since starting Valtrex | F | 39 | 6 months 500 mg 1X D | 4/26/2010 | 4 | Shingles | The only things I noticed were headache, bloating, and extra gas. I always ate a little something when I took it and that seemed to really help. | F | 23 | 7 days 1000 mg 3X D | 4/22/2010 | 4 | Herpes around spread into in my eye | I guess my body is getting used to it, having less side effects in general | F | 24 | 3 months 1 GM 1X D | 4/21/2010 History | 2 | GH | Near constant roaming prickly feeling throughout genital area. Constipation, trouble sleeping/dreams, lack of apatite/wt. loss, vaginal discharge/dryness, backache. Sores (not a BO) that come and go, like paper cuts that may bleed - feels like my nerves are exposed. I've been off of Valtrex since 6/08. Few Bo until after a yr being off of it. I used it occasionally since '08 for BO. The last BO I treated w/ it I ended up once again w/ prickles that would not go away (read comments). This drug worked for me before w/ no real side effects besides back ache - I don't know what to think now...Scary, what else is there? I hope valtrex settles my virus down soon as my prickles responded to it before. No BO since I started suppressive therapy 3 mos. ago. | Was diagnosed in '91. BO perhaps every 3 or 4 months in the same location every time. My OBGYN suggested Zovirax in '95. After 6 wks. I had a burning sensation where I always broke out - I thought it was a yeast infec. since I was treated for a UTI while on the drug. Two wks. later I discontinued the Zovirax due to constant prickling throughout my genitals that lasted for years! My BO became so frequent that my Dr. put me on Valtrex in 4/04. This seemed to put my BO to rest and after a yr. and a half or so of being on Valtrex my yrs. of prickling finally went away!! Has any one else had constant roaming prickles? | F | 49 | 3 months 500 2X D | 4/19/2010 | 3 | Herpes labialis | Really vivid and freaky dreams, dizziness, some abdominal discomfort | Cleared up a really bad cold sore in about two days | F | 39 | 1 weeks 50 mg 3X D | 4/16/2010 | 1 | shingles | caused extreme migraine headaches | F | 48 | 3 days 2X D | 4/16/2010 | 2 | GH | Dehydration, dizziness, hallucenations, prickly, tingling pain, itchy crawling skin, exhaustion, extreme vision changes, bloody bruising on skin, hair loss and have some speech problems that I believe are related. | About 15 months ago I contracted GH from my "monogomous" partner of 4 years. Had a very extreme herpes outbreak that freaked me out so badly I started taking valtrex immediately. No outbreaks since but have had severe side effects. I'm so afraid to go off the drug because I don't want another outbreak. My biggest fear is going off the meds and having more extreme outbreaks. However, I really need to get off these meds because they are ruining my life. I feel like herpes was going to ruin my life too so I really don't know what to do. I have reduced my own doses taking 250mg every 2 days, still having all the side effects but no outbreaks. Think I'm going to reduce the dosage even more to see what happens. | F | 51 | 1.5 years 500 1X D | 4/11/2010 | 1 | virus in ear | caused me to vomit and get very very nauseaed. was the worst drug I have ever taken. | F | 69 | 1 days 400 3X D | 3/30/2010 | 4 | Herpes II | When I first started taking Valtrex over 4 years ago, I experienced bad headaches for about a week. After that I've been relatively side-effect free (I had some irregular periods when I upped the dosage to 1000mg, so I went back to 500mg). However, recently, I've begun to experience some hair loss; my hair has been breaking and coming out at the roots quite a bit since last summer. It could be age but I do think it's due to the Valtrex. | I too have been worried about the long term effects of Valtrex and have attempted to wean myself off. I went cold turkey several times and had outbreaks within 2-3 days of stopping the drug. However, for the past 6-7 months I've been taking one 500mg pill every other day, skipping weekends completely, and have remained relatively outbreak-free (one outbreak when I went four days). I plan to try decrease the frequency to every two days to see if my body can handle that. | F | 39 | 4 years 500 mg 1X D | 3/24/2010 | 3 | Herpes 1 | Only have been taking for 3 days. Just experience smelly pee/gas. | Haven't taken the drug for that long. Cold sores seem to have disappeared a little since I started the drug 3 days ago. | M | 19 | 3 days 500 MG 1X D | 3/22/2010 | 3 | cold sores | While taking Valtrex I experienced hair loss. | I started taking a gram then increased to two grams when symptoms came back. I am now into a year of treatment and the symptoms are returning again. At first symptoms went away. Outbreaks are milder with Valtrex but I am afraid I will always need more. | M | 37 | 12 months 1 gram 2X D | 3/17/2010 | 5 | shingles in eye | no side effects | So thankful for Valtrex! I've suffered with shingles in my eyes for 21 years now and since discovering Valtrex, my life has been so much better. I take 1000 mg a day to prevent outbreaks. I also watch my diet very close and avoid high arginine containing foods. I try to eat a balanced diet, enough sleep and exercise and take Valtrex every day. When I do have an outbreak, I go back to the 1000 mg, 3 times a day and can usually stop the outbreak from getting too bad. | F | 47 | 5 years 1000 3X D | 3/16/2010 | 4 | Shingles | Severe gas, bloating, and farting. Diarrhea started on the 2nd day and has lasted throughout the week on VALTRAX. Can't eat a full meal. I am nauseuos a few bites into any meal. Drinking lots of tea and water. Gas pains are by far the worst side effect! | I'm not sure if it decreased the length of my shingles. This is my first shingles outbreak. My shingles started clearing up on about day 5 of VALTREX. If you can get through the gas pain, bloating, and farting....give Valtrex a try. | F | 32 | 7 days 1 G 3X D | 3/8/2010 | 5 | eye herpes | Headaches,joint pain,dizziness and gas | About 18yrs.ago I got eye hearpes was in hospial on IVmedicine.No big damage.Then 2001 I started to get cold sore DR.'S put me on Valtrex which stop it in it track.I would get them on and off. Then Nov. 2008 I got injuried on the job in the eye. Few days later I got herpes of the eye.Valtrex saved my vision in my other eye.I'm now blind in one eye.I'm very lucy that the state I work in has to pay for Valtrex for rest of my life.When I paid for Valtrex its worth every penny.To me I feel valtrex is a cure. I thank God that there are pharmacy com. that are making are lives better when it comes to this virus. | F | 44 | 1 years 500mg 1X D | 2/19/2010 | 5 | Systemic EBV; HHV6; HSV | None and I consider myself extremely sensitive to any medication | Awesome, amazing drug. No side effects, there is no "herxheimer" effect, where people get this, I don't know. Herxing occurs with spirochete bacterias, Lyme, Syphyllis, Sarcodosis, etc. Has lowered viral blood testing titers significantly. | F | 46 | 3 years 500mg 2X D | 2/18/2010 | 4 | Daily suppression of Herpes Type II | Initially, I noticed some minor rashes around my neck, but this went away after taking it for a few months. It does seem as though when I stop taking the drug that I get an outbreak. However, I did have pretty frequent outbreaks before taking the drug (as in at least a minor episode once a month). | One little thing I would like to say first: I noticed that some people report tingling, itching, or soreness around the genital area as side effects, but these are symptoms of herpes. I used to have these symptoms before I ever even started taking valtrex. The soreness I think is from glandular swelling. I am now taking the generic version of Valtrex, which appears to be just as effective. I occasionally do have minor herpes-related symptoms. One thing that I know induces my symptoms even with the Valtrex/generic is drinking coffee and sodas. I went through a very busy couple of months and was drinking too much of both; I cut them out, and I haven't had any problems since. I have also taken Lysine with Valtrex, but I'm not sure if it really made a difference. I would like to get off of the drug at some point; I will be consulting a homeopathic doctor to discuss other natural options. | F | 27 | 2 years 500 MG/Day 1X D | 2/17/2010 | 3 | H 2 | Hi, so glad i found this site....i have was on valtrex for 6 months and as soon as i stopped i had a painful outbreak so i started taking them again in hopes it would go away. A day of two before i started taking them my ob started to go away but i am unsure so i started to take the 1g again. i have read some of the comments and i have also experienced almost daily tinging and weird pain in my genital areas. Maybe this is a side effect? i would love to stop taking this but i am scared if i do i will have an ob like i just did. i also have a long time bf and if this can help i will take it. | when you get off the 6 month period are u more likely to have an outbreak? is that normal? | F | 25 | 9 months 1g 1X D | 2/10/2010 | 5 | Gential Herpes | Sleepy, tired and minor skin rashes that comes and goes..... | I didn't have any symtoms that comes alone with the herpes none what so ever, before I found out that I had it, a yeast infection that kept coming back and that when I was told that I have Herpes i was stunned and I just accepted and i take my medication everyday VALTREX and it works excellent but if i never had any symtoms of Herpes its ended the coming in going of the yeast infestion and i go back for an follow-up to make sure that VALTREX working for me. Even when I found out that I have the Herpes my boyfriend tested Negative which is a good thing and now we just practice Safety first....let me know if I am the only one that isn't getting skin rashes that appear and dissapear.... | F | 40 | 2 months 500mg 1X D | 2/6/2010 | 5 | Cold Sores | None | This is the best medicine for cold sores. no side effects | F | 27 | 1g 2X AN | 2/4/2010 | 3 | herpes | I am taking the generic version by Ranbaxy. It appears to have stimulated the virus and got canker sores in my mouth. Also experiencing muscle pain but makes me sleep soundly at night. I have not had any outbreaks and feel as if the virus is in remission. | I hope it is similar to the original Valtrex which my insurance would not cover and was also extremely expensive. I have had the virus for about 40 years. | M | 57 | 7 days | 1/26/2010 | 3 | Shingles | Dizziness during the first couple of days. After that, I generally felt somewhat out of it. Headachy, could not sleep soundly, had trouble getting out of bed. | It cleared up the shingles after the first couple days; however, I'm not entirely sure it was worth it. Note: I took 1g 3/day for 7 days. | M | 21 | 7 days | 1/15/2010 | 4 | Genital Herpes | Occasional dizziness but that goes away after a couple of days. | Valtrex works great. I only get a 30 day prescription when I feel like my body is about to have an outbreak; itchiness, irratibility are some of the signs. Once I take the pill, those symptoms are gone within 2 days. I haven't had an outbreak in 9 years. I'm in a new relationship now and I don't want to risk him getting infected so I will need to talk to my doctor about "daily" Valtrex. | F | 41 | 30 days | 1/12/2010 | 5 | Shingles | After taking a few days I developed headaches. Most of all it aggrivated my acid reflux even though I am on Nexium. | Definitely saw the shingles disappearing after about 4 days of use. | F | 47 | 9 days | 1/8/2010 | 3 | Genital Herpes | ?? increased frequency of migraines ?? not sure... | The cost is killing me. Have tried acyclovir but it doesn't do as well for outbreaks. Wondering if anyone has taken acyclovir for daily suppressive dose and Valtrex for outbreaks? Can you "mix" the two? | F | 36 | 3 years | 1/3/2010 | 5 | shingles | After 7 days on Valtrex - 3 x per day. I was anxious to start after being diagnosed with shingles effecting the V2 nerve line. So panicked about it involving my optical nerve that would not have hesitated to take this medicine! Breakout involved my eye so that was enough of a scare for me. Also prescribed were pain meds and hydrox for itching (itching was intense for me) I took advil in place of prescript pain med and did use the hydrox for 3 days as prescribed. Afraid I would scratch my eye in sleep. Haven't quite determined if side affects were from the virus or the meds. Meaning still had swollen nodes and my inner ear was tender. Valtrex didn't make me sick to my stomach - tried both with and without food. I am usually sensitive to most meds but tried to ignore that fact. | I have a weakened immune system from thyroid cancer 15 years ago. My age is 49 & it is harder to heal without a thyroid. I was past the 72 hour mark and thought it was a cold - thought I had an inner ear infection (swollen nodes around my ear). More then likely kept @ bay possibly because I was doing several alternative remedies prior to taking the Valtrex. Had the rash for over a week before I started the meds. Personally it helped me to be disciplined and stay on a raw juice diet (carrot celery apple & parsley) also fresh orange juice the following week. If you read about helping yourself, studies show vitamin C is huge in the healing process for shingles. I didn't have much of an appetite and slept for the 1st three days trying to keep my eye closed and rest. I recommend drinking a lot of water and any extra fluids with valtrex. You are in the bathroom a lot which seemed to help me mentally thinking I was pushing everything thru. I was conscious about my diet at all costs and convinced this help me heal faster. Rash is not completely gone and I understand it is not instant gratification. So will try to be patient and continue healing. Personally I could not have lived without Valtrex. Healing time cut in 1/2 by at least a week. It was a challenge although much better then the other outcome! Hope this helps. Wishing you a fast healing process. | F | 49 | 7 days | 1/1/2010 | 2 | Genital herpes | I take it daily now because I am in a relationship with someone who doesn't have it but I feel like it makes the virus act up more rather thatn supress it. I have an ichy feeling all over my skin and feel more irriatable than normal. I am wondering if anyone else feels the same way? Really apprieicate the feedback and apoligize for my poor spelling!!! | i have been taking it for 2 months for suppressive therapy but have taken it for 3 years jsut for outbreaks. I think I might just go back to just as needed but I worry about spreading it to my partner even with safe sex practices but the iching is really keeping me awake at night. What to do? | F | 29 | | 12/29/2009 | 5 | genital herpes | nothing detectable | valtrex has completely suppressed my outbreaks for years. My husband of 15 years has not been infected. | F | 50 | 15 years | 12/3/2009 | 3 | EBV | Definite vision changes,stiffness and muscle aches,could be from the Herxheimer reaction, rash on both lower legs, fogginess, just overall unwell feeling. Has been generally tolerable. | It is expensive but I found a reusable coupon going to the pharmaceutical's website which gives discounts for up to 4 months so if you are on long term, this may help and last 2 months I ended up just paying $10 for a months supply, I am on 3g a day..can't wait to get off this stuff.. haven't seen changes in my EBV numbers yet but they are pretty high, it may take longer. | F | 50 | 8 months | 11/30/2009 | 4 | Shingles | Diarreah, fatigue and slight headache after day 3. Not sure if I want to continue taking the full 7 days because of the severe diarreah. The medicine has definitely helped heal the rash very fast but not sure if I should have just let my own body fight the virus instead. | F | 47 | 3 days | 11/20/2009 | 4 | genital herpes | Initially, no deleterious effects were noted. Over the course of a fews days I experienced headaches and nausea at the 1000 mg dosing which was greatly relieved with reduction to 500 mg. | Valtrex is a drug which works for me but not without problems. I understand many people have had more difficulty than me with it, but it has been a good ride. The idea of lifelong suppressive therapy is something I still have to wrap my mind around...I wish I had the foresight to avoid this situation in the first place. Having a limited relationship with a seemingly trustworty African American lead me to a lifetime of dealing with herpes. | F | 22 | 45 days | 11/9/2009 | 4 | Genital Herpes | Constipation | This was very bad when I first started taking it at high doses due to a severe outbreak. Then I went down to 500 mg/day and it seemed better. But later I added an antihistamine due to allergies and then an antidepressant and it has been off the wall. I eat at least 30 grams of fiber/day but that doesn't do much. So now I must decide which med to quit and that is a hard decision. Whenever I stop the Valtrex the herpes returns. | F | 53 | 5 years | 10/29/2009 | 3 | HSV-2 | Constipation for first few months. | I am taking 500mg once daily. Found out last April that I have HSV-2 and have had 3 outbreaks since. 1000mg would be best for the first year. | F | 23 | 7 months | 10/28/2009 | 4 | Shingles | Body aches, like I had been run over by a truck. | Helped heal the blisters pretty quickly (difference within a day) | F | 35 | 6 days | 10/27/2009 | 4 | Shingles | end of 1st day -- loss of concentration, a bit out of it. day 3, urine smells, bad headache.... important to drink ALOT ofwater...stay hydrated. | I took it later than recommended like 4 days after shingles appeared (didnt know what it was). But by day 2 the neck and back pain was gone. Rash has notspread, and I'm very impressed so far. | F | 33 | 3 days | 10/23/2009 | 3 | Shingles | After taking Valtrex for my Shingles, I noticed that it was making my arm go numb where it was previously itchy & painful. I'd rather have numbness over pain, but I hope these side-effects are not long lasting. | Quite large pills! I affectionately call them horse pills. | F | 34 | 7 days | 10/22/2009 | 4 | Genital Herpes | none, that I know of, but after reading everyone's posts... I don't know | I feel like my body might be dependent upon the drug. I take 500 mg a day; if I skip even one dose, I get a minor outbreak. It's not as bad as a major outbreak, but I'm concerned it isn't as dependable as I would like. Anyone have any natural solutions that I could maybe couple WITH the valtrex? I don't want to risk spreading the virus to anyone... ever (if possible). | F | 24 | 9 months | 10/20/2009 | 2 | Genital Herpes | Induced outbreak | Anybody experience Valtrex induce an outbreak? I've had genital herpes for 1 1/2 yrs. I took Valtrex immediately after first outbreak, very minor, one noticeable bump. Took a month dosage, stopped completely. 9 months later, I took Valtrex for a 2-4 days. A day or two after taking Valtrex for first time after going off it I noticed a bump appear. I got the feeling that taking the Valtrex had somehow stimulated the virus. Now, I took a Valtrex pill yesterday (after 6 months without it) and today I feel my nerves jangling. It really feels like the few times that I've taken the drug it somehow stimulates the virus to react. Not sure if this is a reaction that others have had. If so please post. | M | 37 | 2 days | 10/18/2009 | 3 | Herpes | Itchy feeling, creepy crawling on skin, joint pain in knees & legs, burning sensation & prickley feeling on butt and back of thighs...uncomfortable to sit | Just started taking valtrex and noticed the symptoms. Not sure it I'd be better with it or without! | F | 39 | 10 days | 10/15/2009 | 4 | shingles | none | M | | 9/18/2009 | 5 | Herpes 1 | None that I could identify - not having 20 cold sores a year makes any side effects thoroughly unnoticed. | I hope there is no permanent effect, because I really like being on this medication. | F | 31 | 5 years | 9/14/2009 | 4 | Genital Herpes | My first menstrual cycle on Valtrex was the worst I've ever experienced, they have normalized now, but are still heavier than before. I've gained 12 pounds in the 5 months I've been taking the drug. I also experienced dizziness, but none of the other side effects I've read about. | I have not had an OB while taking Valtrex, I had three prior OBs. I'm on 500mg/day, but would like to cut that in half and see if I'll still be OB free. I can't find any substantial information on weight gain as a side effect but in my case there's absolutely a correlation. Please comment if you have had a similar side effect. I also believe that the manufacturer has the technology to cure this disease but won't take those steps because it will compromise the HUGE revenue stream they're currently enjoying. It will be interesting to see what happens when the patent expires. | F | 49 | 5 months | 9/7/2009 | 1 | Shingles | I was taking Valtrex 3 times per day (1 GM Tabs). On the fourth day I awoke feeling very disoriented and fatiqued. The fifth day was worse. I made the decision to stop taking the medication and even though several days have passed I still feel out of it. My shingles were not very painful and I feel my own body would have handled them without this medication. I am so sorry I took it and worry that this disorientation will not end. | If you have a mild case of shingles, let your body take care of itself without taking this medication. Valtrex should not be taken lightly. Do your research. | F | 57 | 5 days | 9/4/2009 | 4 | Shingles | 1st day I took 1 pill 3 times a day, then that night had rapid heartbeat and could not sleep for hours. I feel like I cannot think and things are foggy. Feeling tired and have dry mouth. I am only going to take one a day now and see what happens. | My shingles are going away though. I hate this drug makes you feel like this. This is probably the 4 time I have had shingles over 8 years. | F | 45 | 2 days | 9/2/2009 | 4 | Genital Herpes | metallic taste, tachycardia(?) | Not 100% positive that Valtrex is causing- most likely is. However, 500mg/day has totally stopped outbreaks that occured on a monthly basis. Will be asking my Dr. at my next exam if I can cut pills in 1/2 or taper off meds. | F | 29 | 5 months | 9/1/2009 | 2 | herpes | YEAST INFECTION. When I took the first pill, I started itching the next day. My doctor said it was not from it. I stop taking Valtrex and started taking Acyclovir as a preventive therapy. Then I wanted to take Valtrex again to see if it was all in my mind. NO it wasn't after taking the first pill the yeast infection was their the next day. I can't handle the yeast infection. It probably will work but after one pill I get an yeast infection. | I will continue to take my Acyclovir 200mg twice a day, taking four pills a day can be bothersome, but no outbreak since 3/09, maybe some tingling, but it goes away instantly.The pamplet does not say yeast infection but I do agree with another lady that wrote on this website, yes I got one also. | F | 41 | 1 days | 8/30/2009 | 2 | herpes 2 | tired, achness, anxiety, fatigue, feeling out of it. inability to focus. unable to stop taking it without experiencing and outbreak. the drug made my body dependent on it. | Contracted herpes 1 in 1996. maybe three outbreaks from then until 2008. Then in Oct 2008, i took it daily as my doctor recommended it to prevent transmission. However, I had unprotected sex on and off with three different partners for 10 years and did not give them anything.Starting taking it daily oct 08, and now I cant get off it without getting an outbreak and right before my period, i feel iching in my anus and the start of an ob, some small sores. the drug company is a minpulative greed and cruel org. go natural l-lysine, vitamin b, c, e and hair skins nails vitamins do fine. dont start it. let your body fight it off. | F | 35 | 1 years | 8/22/2009 | 5 | HHV-6, EBV & HSV-1 | In the first few weeks, headaches, mild dizziness. | Valtrex, I believe, has really helped keep my markers down for the variety of viruses I've got. I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome due to these viruses. I started on 500mg per day and am gradually working my way up to 1g. I graduate slowly due to viral shed off and the flu like symptoms. Note: these are not side effects of the drug, but effects of the virus cells dying off in my system. I'm very happy with this medication! | F | 39 | 11 months | 8/18/2009 | 5 | genital herpes | none. it's been great. | i've taken it daily to protect my partner. (i've had 2 outbreaks previously, once when i contracted herpes a year ago, another 3 months later. i took valtrex episodically.) for about 8 months now i've had it daily. it's been great. no side effects and no outbreaks. and i stopped taking it for about a month this summer when i was home from college and not having sex. contrary to what i heard, i didn't get an outbreak when i stopped using it. | F | 21 | 8 months | 8/17/2009 | 2 | Herpes 2 | Extreme leg stiffness and joint pain. | I mentioned the onset of joint pain, which i've never had, to my doctor and she brushed it off telling me this is not a side affect of Valtrex. Took the medication a 2nd time and the same side effect. So for me, I stopped taking this medication as I only suffer perhaps 2 outbreaks annually. | F | 37 | 2 months | 8/9/2009 | 2 | genital herpes | My head felt weird (almost like blood pressure was up) after taking the first dose. Also felt tingling down my right leg (along the inner thigh area). I skipped the 2nd dose, and woke up the following morning with this weird area that popped up on my right thigh - looked like a blister/rash/allergic reaction. The doctor thinks it's weird that I had this reaction, but from what I have researched, this really isn't all that uncommon. I did additional research and have found that red marine algae and Lysine are good healthy alternatives that help keep outbreaks at bay. so far so good! | No way I will ever take this stuff again!! | F | 32 | 1 days | 8/3/2009 | 3 | shingles | fuzzy thinking, major abdominal bloating, tarry stools, constipation, weird taste in mouth. Prescribed 7 days 3xday, 1 gram. On fifth night impossible to sleep (now 4:30am) because of severe pain in my side hopefully from gas. | First dose about 24 hours after first shingles sore appeared, medicine didn't seem to kick in until day 4 of Valtrex when the sores finally stopped spreading. Or was this because I had received vaccine a year earlier? I don't know if Valtrex did any good and am going to either stop it or half the dosage for the last two days. The side effects are frankly worse than the shingles blisters' pain which I have dealt with fairly well with only OTC pain meds, cool damp cloths and the distraction of duties I could not ignore. Maybe I am just worn out at this point. | F | 61 | 5 days | 8/1/2009 | 3 | Shingles | Dizziness, upset stomach, diahrria, extreme exhaustion, mood swings | Began after 1 week of having active case of shingles | F | 43 | 5 days | 8/1/2009 | 5 | Genital herpes (type 2) | possibly dizziness, headaches, GI upset, and fatigue | I've had genital herpes for over 25 years, since I was 21. I've taken Valtrex for so long I can't remember when I started, but I began on Zovirax, the first version of the drug. It's been at least 15 years, so I must be one of the people who have taken it the longest. I take 500 mg daily with no major side effects, or at least side effects that I can definitely attribute to Valtex. I love that it keeps me breakout-free and can also reduce the chances of transmitting it to others. I rarely get a breakout, except if I miss or skip a dose and am sick or stressed. Sometimes sexual activity can irritate the area and trigger a breakout. Even if I get a breakout, it's now so minor I don't always know if it's a herpes sore, and it doesn't really hurt, I just have the sensation that there's a little spot of irritated skin. But I would much rather take the drug than have to deal with even minor breakouts, so I continue with daily suppressive therapy. If I get a sore, I double the dose for several days. I get bloodwork done every year to make sure my liver function is fine, and so far it has been. My only concern is that your body may become dependent on Valtrex and if you go off the suppressive regimen, it may take your body a while to build up its own antiviral defenses, so you might have to endure a series of breakouts before they subside. Then again, that might not be the case. I will continue taking Valtrex indefinitely. I'm hoping the generic version will be just as effective. | F | 48 | 15 years | 7/15/2009 | 3 | shingles | bad gas pain, couldn't get to sleep for hours last night. I usually never have gas pain, so I looked at side effects of valtrex since that's the only thing that's changed from my regular routine. | If I have to go through another night like that, I'll fight through it. The symptoms of shingles aren't as bad as that. Since Valtrex doesn't really "cure" you, I might stop taking them. | M | 33 | 3 days | 7/9/2009 | 5 | Genital Herpes | None. | Aside from the initial outbreak, I had just one other one three months later. Both times I took Valtrex episodically and both outbreaks were fairly mild. I then developed a relationship with someone and decided to use it daily to reduce the risk of transmission. That was 8 months ago and we're still together and I haven't had an outbreak since. | F | 21 | 8 months | 7/8/2009 | 4 | genital herpes | Head ache, sore throat, bad joint pain (it feels like someone took a baseball bat to my knees), itchy legs, and sore neck | It made the blisters disappear quickly. Well worth it | F | 20 | 7 days | 7/1/2009 | 4 | | 6/30/2009 | 4 | genital herpes | Valtrex works for me--reduces if not stops the outbreakes. I try to do everything Homopathically but somnetime the virus--particularly in summer heat get aggressive so I take the daily dose of Valtrex for about 6 months to calm it down. BEST REMEDY FOR OUTBREAKS that I have found VERY SUCCESSFUL in stopping if not quickly healing is to spray the area of the sore or thingling with DMSO (70% DMSO & aloe vera)just before an outbreak and during. I have been amazed that the sores just disappear! Good luck fellow sufferers! | F | 56 | | 6/29/2009 | 3 | chronic fatigue syndrome | very severe depression, acne, hair loss | This drug has really helped with my fatigue and body aches. It's also making me very depressed and I'm afraid of what might happen if I continue with this drug. | F | 28 | 30 days | 6/16/2009 | 3 | herpes | Extreme fatigue, fogginess | When I have an outbreak I take 1 gram, twice a day, for 3 days. It relieves the symptoms of an outbreak almost immediately. However, I'm otherwise non-functional because of total exhaustion and brain fog. For 8 years I took it every day; I did not have fatigue or fogginess when I took it daily. The symptoms of exhaustion occurred only after I switched to the as-needed dosage. | F | 39 | 10 years | 6/14/2009 | 5 | a form of herpes on my neck | none | i don't take it regularly. i only take it when i have a break out. i have a form of herpes on my neck that makes me have little bumps, kinda like shingles, all over my neck. it causes me great pain, and although ABREVA helps somewhat, it takes a long time to work... when i take valtrex, within 2 days, i'm all cleared up and feeling great again | M | 27 | 10 years | 6/8/2009 | 4 | EBV | Dizziness, back aches, dry eyes, depression, and consipation. | I was diagnoised with EBV in July of 08. This medication has really helped out with my fatigue...but has also created some ruff side effects. I had been taking 3g a day for about a month and then went down to 2g a day for another month and now Im just taking 1g a day. I did here from a friend that the Valtrex can depleate the Iron in your body. Maybe thats why everyone is feeling fatigued? All in all this medication has worked really well for my EBV, but the side effects can really be ruff. | M | 4 months | 5/31/2009 | 5 | I got diagnosed with genital herpes | I havent had any side effects | Maybe Im a special case but I went in a routine physical and got a blood test and I tested positive. Ive never had a single outbreak. But my doctor thought it would be wise to be on suppressive therapy | F | 26 | 3 months | 5/29/2009 | 4 | HSV 1 & 2 | This is only my second full week on this medication so I have to keep on eye on things. Nevertheless, so far... Week 1: Within the first 3 days I had: fatigue, headaches, my eyes were red and painful, had a mild sore throat, overall feeling of dehydration. Also, for about a day, I felt tingling in every area that I had ever had an ob. Week 2: The symptoms from Week 1 are gone with the exception on the dehydrated feeling. (the prescription information does state that drinking extra fluids is recommended) I'm usually very sensitive to medication, so I think I'm doing pretty well so far. From what I've read here, things could be a lot worse | I've had HSV1 affecting my lips for about 21 yrs. After a VERY bad ob about 12 years ago, after an extended period in the sun, my lip ob’s have diminished greatly and have been very few and far between. 4 years ago, I was diagnosed with HSV2 genital herpes. I had a horribly painful initial ob that lasted 3 weeks! After that, my ob’s have been tolerable, until a year and a half ago, when my ob's dramatically increased to about once a month, which prompted me to consider and finally ask for a prescription. Stress, my period, and being overly tired all trigger my ob’s. I've also noticed that when I have a lot of sugar or just don't drink enough water, I'll have an ob. Now, I'm on 500mg once a day for suppression of my GH. When I started the medicine, I had an 8-day-old outbreak that cleared up after the second dose. Not sure if it was the meds or if it cleared on its own, but I'm hoping that I won't have anymore ob's and from what I've read here, my system won't come to depend on the meds. Yesterday, I was rushing out for work and forgot to take a pill. I could swear I felt tingles off and on all day. Maybe, it was all in my head, but I took the missed dose right when I got home and all seems to be okay. I know that there are no studies beyond 1 year, but the thought of having a pain-free, outbreak-free, normal life again and the possibility of reducing my chances to passing this on to someone else, for me, far outweighs any of the side effects I’ve exper | F | 34 | 2 weeks | 5/24/2009 | 2 | Herpes | Trouble sleeping, loose stool, sharp pains in my legs... I Just recently contracted to Herpes Virus and this medicine doesnt do anything good for me... | F | 19 | 2 weeks | 5/11/2009 | 4 | HSV-1 (spreaded to genital region) | fatigue, dizziness, sleepiness | I have been taking Valtrex on and off since I was 16 yrs. old. I caught the HSV-1 herpes through oral sex, so it is now on my genital region unfortuantely. I take 500 mg. It does work for me, but it causes me to be extremely sleepy. It does take about three to five days for the symptoms to go away for me with Valtrex. I pray they find a cure for this awful virus soon! I'm wondering if they are already working on a cure or if they even already have one and they just haven't put it out yet because of the money. Did anyone else on here happen to contract herpes the same way I did? I need to know if there is a group of people with herpes that I could communicate with. It's very difficult knowing you have this and that you can pass it on to a loved one. That breaks my heart. Thankyou to anyone who reads this. It is appreciated dearly! | F | 24 | 7 years | 5/9/2009 | 1 | Genital Herpes | headache, mood changes, deppression, appetite changes, joint pain, racing heart beat, loss of concentration, hallucinations. | I have had herpes a year and have been taking vatrex for just as long. i still have had outbreaks and it has only caused me more problems. My headaches are very severe. Valtrex affects my concentration so much its hard for me to work. i hate it. | F | 17 | 1 years | 5/4/2009 | 3 | HSV 2 | Grogginess (Groggy), some hair loss, loss of sexual appetite, extreme pain in knees/inflammation | I only noticed the symptoms when I started suppressive therapy. At first, I only took as needed, or the 3 day prescription/dose. I still get outbreaks, even during suppressive therapy. Very frustrating. I think I'm going to stop taking the medication because my knee pain is too much now. Bending my knees, which is very often, is painful. I did physical therapy for 2 months, but I'm going to stop taking medication to see how my knees improve. Someone out there has to come up with a medication that can help us! | F | 33 | 9 years | 5/1/2009 | 5 | Genital Herpes | Photosensitivity from sun exposure: results are (day 1) small red blotches on areas of skin that was exposed to sun and then day 2 are small pustules. | I've been taking Valtrex for about 6 years, 2 years of it on suppressive therapy. Since I've been on suppressive therapy I have not had an outbreak. The only side effect I've had is the photosensitivity. I'm not much of a sun bather, but I've noticed over the years that when I get the tiniest bit of sun this pimply red rash occurs and it takes several weeks for it to go away. I just want to know if anyone else has this problem. | F | 25 | 6 years | 4/26/2009 | 4 | coldsores | frequent dizziness, sleepiness, depression, brain-fog | Does anyone else still feels the side effects for weeks after taking the Valtrex? I took 2 grams about 2 weeks ago and I'm still randomly feeling dizzy. | F | 25 | 1 days | 4/22/2009 | 4 | hsv | Currently I take 1 gm daily for suppressive. I upped the dosage about 6 months ago from 500 mg daily. I'm very paranoid about an outbreak and also take lysine daily. Recently I ordered somehting on-line called Herpaflor which has Lysine and some other herbal supplements in it. I'm hoping it is ok to use both. I do feel like my stomach gets upset and have occassional headaches. I also have a lysine lip balm because there is a spot on my upper lip that could turn into an OB. To me anything is better than an OB. I am a bit nervous now because I noticed my fingernails seem to have horizontal ridges on them and I just had blood work done. My dr. said I seem to have low potassium. Does anyone if any of these medications affect potassium. Also does anyone seem to feel like their glands under arms sometimes throb. I also seem to notice that the bottom of my back and top of my next seem sore. I'm wondering if that is HSV related or medication related. Thoughts anyone? | F | 37 | 2 years | 4/3/2009 | 4 | HSV II | nausea and diarrhea | This is the third time I have tried Valtrex. I went on it for about two months when I was first diagnosed, but stopped because I was having GI side-effects. During the time I was on it I had one outbreak. I tried again a year later, and went off after a week because of the same side effects. I tried taking famcyclovir for about a year, but was still having 8-10 outbreaks a year. I went on valtrex for the third time about 1 year ago, and this time have not experienced noticeable side effects. I had two minor outbreaks in the first few months of taking the drug, but now have not had an outbreak in 9 months! This is by far the longest I have been outbreak-free since I contracted herpes 5 years ago. | F | 27 | 1 years | 3/25/2009 | 5 | Genital HSV 2 | none | I suffered through frequent episodes (10 or more per year) for 35 years and finally tried the Valtrex 1000 mg/day does to suppress the outbreaks. Since my first two pills I have not had an outbreak, and that was just over a year ago. I tried many, many remedies over the years, including changing my diet, hypnosis, exercise but the only thing that has worked well is valtrex. I too was concerned about side effects, but am pleased to see that some users have been free of outbreaks for up to 11 years on the same dosage I am on. Expensive, yes, but certainly better than the alternative. I have been happily married for 20 plus years and have a great daughter, and not having to worry about when the next outbreak is has made my life better. By the way, there is now a generic clone of valtrex on the market which is less expensive and is just as effective. | M | 59 | 14 months | 3/23/2009 | 5 | GH | I COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT THIS MEDICINE AND AS FAR AS I KNOW I HAVE HAD NO SIDE EFFECTS!!! BEEN TAKING IT EVERY DAY FOR ALMOST 11 YEARS NOW........ | F | 44 | 10 years | 3/22/2009 | 3 | hsv | tired, loss appetite | I have had HSV 18yrs, I have started taking 1gm daily for about a month. Started it after OB increased to monthly. I have noticed that I keep having symptoms like I am about to have an OB but nothing comes. I have alot of itching, sensativity in differet areas of the genitals but it does't progress into an OB.My concern is that this has been constant for the entire month still continues with the prickly feeling in my butt that usually lets me know an OB is coming, yet nothing comes. I am afraid to have sex bcuz I don't know if its a never ending OB or not. Not sure if this med is workig for me yet. Has anyoe else experieced this does it get better, happy for those that it works for but it seems to work for some and not for others. | F | 38 | 30 days | 3/21/2009 | 1 | herpes 1/2 | I took Valtrex for only 2 days, and I was extremely sick. I didn't feel anything until the 2nd day. After I went to sleep, I woke up vomiting. I haven't thrown up in years. I also had diarhea (probably spelled that wrong), and, yes, and had them both (literally) at the same time, and it was terrible. I have been lucky to not have had bad outbreaks, and I will not take this drug again. I obviously am extremely sensitive to it. | F | 30 | 2 days | 3/18/2009 | 5 | HSV | Little to none. | It works great. My outbreaks were weekly. Now they are mayby once or twice a year and only if I forget to take the valtrex. I take it when I remember to take it. on the avg I say abotu 1000MG caplet 2 times a week. I am 10 years with HSV. But long term effects do have me looking around and thats how I found this forum. Good luck to all, maybe a cure is in our future... However, I guess their is no money in that for the drug companies | M | 39 | 8 years | 3/15/2009 | 1 | HSV-2 | None | I don't see the point in taking Valtrex but maybe I'm a special case. I was diagnosed with genital herpes right before my 21st bithday and I had 3 terrible outbreaks... all while taking Valtrex. They lasted about 3 weeks each. After the last one I stopped taking Valtrex and since then I've had extremely minor outbreaks lasting a day or 2. So what's the point of taking it? It doesn't keep me from passing the virus to someone else, and it doesn't treat outbreaks so really to me its useless. I might just be a conspiracy theorist but I feel like with all the technology and research, there has to be a no BS CURE that can treat the virus. It really upsets me that drug manufacturers and doctors push this drug on ppl affected by this virus, and it only makes ppl sick and makes the ppl who make it rich. I bet if everyone stopped taking valtrex, and made these ppl lose all their money, they would find a cure real fast. | M | 21 | 3 months | 3/14/2009 | 1 | Epstein-Barr | Severe muscle aches & all over stiffness. I seriously feel like I've been hit by a truck!! Occasional sharp pains shoot thru my legs & I feel anxious and restless. Going to stop taking this as I cannot function like this!! | I noticed a few other comments on muscle fatigue, but nothing as severe as it has affected me. This is the only medication that I am taking, so has to be the Valtrex causing the syptoms. | F | 47 | 4 months | 2/24/2009 | 5 | Herpes | None that I can drastically notice | Thank goodness I only have gotten outbreaks sporadically; 2 or 3 times per year is a lot for me. I have had G.H. for nine years and my last outbreak was over a year ago. I just got a prescription for Valtrex today! I tried to endure through an outbreak once and it was a nightmare! I let my pride go and went to a Dr.; was prescribed 500mg/twice per day for 7 days. My outbreaks go away after the third or fourth day and I'm back to being okay. Valtrex is a wonder drug for me. The place where I get my prescription from also has a drug program where I get 28 500mg-pills for starters and then a year's supply for free! Can't beat that at all! If you need some let me know! | F | 29 | 7 days | 2/20/2009 | 2 | genital herpes | none other than increased outbreaks if I do not take it daily. | GH for 18 yrs. Initially, ob's were so infrequent(1-2/yr)that I took no meds & endured the ob's.Then a doc urged me to take Acyclovir during ob's to shorten duration. It did shorten duration & discomfort, but outbreaks increased to 5-6/yr. Decided to take daily Valtrex the past 3 yrs to prevent outbreaks so my hsb and I could safely try to conceive. Since then, I now get an outbreak if I don't take the med for 1-2 days. I hate this. The med has made my body more dependent on it. My doc doesn't believe me, but 2+2=4! I see others have said this too. I too have thought that this is the intention of the drug maker. As soon as we give up on conceiving, I will go off Valtrex & try to let my body build back its virus-fighting abilities, maybe try alternative medicine route. But may be stuck on it forever now, padding the pockets of the pharm. co's. | F | 43 | 3 years | 2/12/2009 | 3 | H1 | This medicine should not be used if you want to actually function. Severe headaches, Stomach pain, right hand numbness, joint pain and sleepy all of the time. | F | 28 | 1 years | 2/10/2009 | 4 | herpes in sacral area | Dizziness | I've been taking a suppressive dose (1/2 pill) for 6 months and never had any side effects until yesterday. I am still getting an occasional small outbreak so the doctor said to up the dose to one pill twice a day X2 days if I get a flareup. After taking the last pill yesterday, I got quite dizzy although not enough to make me ill. I'm hoping this is not going to continue because this drug has helped me very much even though I'm not cured. Obviously there's no cure for herpes but reducing the outbreaks is very important to me. I get a secondary skin condition as a result of herpes that's much worse than herpes, believe me. | F | 50 | 6 months | 2/7/2009 | 3 | Genital herpes | vaginal dryness, decreased sexual arousal, headaches | I've been taking 500 mg a day of Valtrex for 10 months. I've noticed since I've been taking it, I have less of a sexual drive and it is notable by my boyfriend. We both have Herpes but I get an outbreak about every 4-6 weeks even with the Valtrex. He does not take Valtrex and has had about 3-4 outbreaks in about 10 months! I don't understand why I have so many and why Valtrex does not seem to help. | F | 26 | 10 months | 2/7/2009 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |