Drug Ratings for VALTREXAverage Rating: 3.4 (468 Ratings)
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Results are sorted by length of time drug was taken from shortest to longest (with no time reported listed first) Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.) |
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR VALTREX | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
  | F M | | | | |||
| 5 | Cold Sores | None | This is the best medicine for cold sores. no side effects | F | 27 | 1g 2X AN | 2/4/2010 | 5 | cold sores | no side effects | Valtrex significantly reduced the severity of cold sore outbreaks, as well as the recovery time. | M | 40 | | 12/25/2000 | 5 | HSV-1 | Constipation, mild headache. | This drug worked really well, and caused complete symptom remission! | F | 30 | As needed 1X D | 1/18/2011 | 5 | Genital herpes outbreak | M | 34 | 1000mg 1X D | 6/2/2011 History | 5 | Herpes S2 | Every night I have wild crazy dreams, never nightmares...I love it, its great, I cant wait to go to sleep to find out whats gonna happen this time....I was just diagnosed 2 months ago, and have never had a second outbreak (not yet anyways) Not sure if its the Valtrex, or just the way my immune system works. Since I have no negative side effects, Im going to continue taking it. I have felt tingling down the back of my leg..I took 2 pills that day and nothing seemed to come of it | F | 31 | 500 1X D | 1/20/2012 History | 5 | herpes 2 | Initially, I experienced some symptoms of diarreah and constipation while taking valtrex. I also would sometimes get mild headaches. However, those symptoms lessened after I began taking the daily 500mg prescribed for suppressive therapy. I have been out-break free for over a year and a half! I guess it's time for me to go sailing and horseback riding now! | I LOVE this medicine. I forgot I have herpes and it also reduces the risk that you spread it to others. | F | 30 | | 3/29/2005 | 4 | HSV2 -genital | nothing yet... 1 week on the medication and I usually take on empty stomach with a couple chugs of water. | **attn: if anyone women couldnt shave previous to taking this medication and now can please share ur story! that is one of the worst things I cant do. **Taking daily. So far it has been one week and I already am having to worry less about outbreaks. It was taking over my life before...couldnt shave, couldn't have sex, couldn't sit for a long time, couldn't wear lace underwear, couldn't work out... to many couldn'ts... along with depression about all the things I could'nt do. I am still afraid to shave because I dont want to get an outbreak. Got on this medication because my partner wanted to have sex so I was trying to be as responsible and thoughtful as possible. I try to take the medication around the same time daily, and there have been a couple times where I will get the tingling itching sensation and by the next dosage it goes away. I am very concerned with the long term affects partly because if this doesnt work out I dont have any other options and i get outbreaks alot. Even had an outbreak on my inner thigh once the size of a silver dollar. it was absolutely horrible and when I first got diagnosed I seriously considered suicide... thats how emotionally and physically painful this has been for me. but I am better now thanks to this medication and years of experience. | F | 25 | 1G 1X D | 11/3/2010 | 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 | 4 | | 6/30/2009 | 4 | shingles | none | M | | 9/18/2009 | 3 | shingles | foggy head, stomach cramps on day 4. | taking the generic Valacyclovir but it's the steroid that gives me insomnia.. | F | 52 | 20mg 1X D | 7/17/2011 | 2 | F | | 10/27/2003 | 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 | Fever Blister | I had a fever. | F | 16 | 1.1 times | 1/12/2007 | 1 | Cold Sores and Shingles | I take high does of the Amino Acid L-Lysine instead (8 Grams a day, 4/morning, 4/evening) which completely stops and reverses symptoms. There is no need to use this expensive medicince. L-Lysine helps your body repair itself. | M | 42 | 0 days | 10/6/2006 | 5 | simplex, sores in nose | maybe a tad queasy, but nothing else | I've gotten cold sores for years in my nose when under stress or having my period. They are painful and horrible, especially if I have to blow my nose. Valtrex is a godsend. I took two pills yesterday morning, and two last night. This morning I still had a few blisters visible, and now, at 3:30 p.m., they are completely gone. Expensive drug, but well, well, well worth it. | M | 40 | 1 days | 2/3/2007 | 5 | Cold Sores | A little tiredness, but thats about it, maybe a lil dizzy if taken on an empty stomach, as experienced in the past. | I got BURNT at the beach this weekend. BAD. My lips I thought were fine, until yesterday I felt that tingle. I had no Valtrex left, so I had to go see my dentist this morning (luckily he is in the same building as I). Wrote me a prescription for 40 with 4 refills ($20 co-pay, not bad). Took the pills 3 hours ago, already I can feel it working, and they were about three hours from breaking the skin. I say it works even when you get em in your system when you think its too late. | M | 26 | 1 days | 5/31/2007 | 5 | Herpes | None | I was on Valtrex for almost a year. Taking 500mg everyday. I Went from having Cold sores once a month to never getting them while I was on the medicine. I was getting horrible cold sores too. I have now been off the once daily 500mg and have not experienced anything. It's awesome. I heard that with some people taking the medicine for a while causes less reacurrences. I highly recommend it...and I had no side effects. | F | 22 | 1 days | 8/6/2007 | 5 | Cold Sores | None so far. My first experience with this drug. | Took 2 1000mg pills as soon as the tingling and swelling on my lip started--took another 2 pills 12 hours later. The outbreak has not gone beyond the initial swelling. This is a first, usually it takes 2 weeks to get back to normal! So far, I'm very satisfied with this drug. | M | 40 | 1 days | 6/6/2006 | 5 | Take whenever I feel a fever blister breaking out on my mouth. No side effects. Works like a charm! | For years I have gotten fever blisters on my mouth whenever I eat chocalate or too many nuts. Originally I took Zovirax whenever I felt a fever blister breaking out. Over time, it began to not work as well as it had in the beginning. My doctor perscribed Valtrex with the dosage: 2 pills (1 gm each) at the first sign of outbreak and 2 pills about 12 hours later. This works wonders for me. The first dose stops the outbreak and the second dose garentees no spreading. I would highly recommend this drug to anyone with herpes of the mouth. | F | 68 | 1 days 2 gm 2X D | 12/30/2010 | 5 | HSV1 in the mouth | Her OB started Sunday morning and only started treatment wednesday night. First time trying valtrex. My daughter says it stopped the burning sensation of the fever blister within 12 hours. She has braces as well as an expander in her mouth,and with all the blisters in her mouth she was really discouraged and cried alot. Had trouble eating.She took 2000mg of valtrex befor bedtime and 12 hours later took another 2000mg. This helped her so much. Not only physically but also emotionally. Side effect was dizziness a bit. | They are quite expensive, this is the third OB,every month during menstrual cycle, next month she is going to take when she feels it coming on. To see the smile of my daughter i would have paid more. It isn't a cure but at least she feels better. | F | 17 | 1 days | 6/20/2008 | 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 | oral herpes/lesions inside mouth | Today is only my first day of treatment, 500mg 3 times per day for 10 days. So far, my neck seems to be sore, but not sure if it's from being in horrible pain for a week or the medication. | I have only taken it twice so far, and already the intense pain inside my mouth has eased up tremendously. I have been in SEVERE pain for a week, have seen the dentist twice, doctor twice, and went to ER this morning. I have lesions covering the entire roof of my mouth as well as swollen gums. I am already cutting back on numbing medication, cant wait till tomorrow!!! | F | 28 | 1 days | 12/12/2008 | 4 | HSV-2 (Genital Herpes) Suppression | No side effects | Thank you all for the helpful comments. I have had HSV-2 for almost ten years and averaging 3-4 outbreaks per year. I recently started a relationship and I decided to give Valtrex a try. | M | 41 | 1 days 1GM 1X D | 12/2/2010 | 4 | HSV-1 (cold sores) | Works well at decreasing the symptomatic days of cold sore infection, as long as I get the pills started the first day (second day at the latest but results are spotty). If I take the pills later in the breakout phase, they have little effect. | F | 29 | 1 days 2g x 2 | 9/2/2012 | 4 | cold sores | Grogginess, fatigue, muscle weakness, aching muscles and joints. | Was precribed a one day treatment of 2 doses of two pills each. Immediately suppressed outbreak of several sores on mouth, chin and in nose. | F | 32 | 1 days | 12/7/2006 | 3 | Genital Herpes | Alopecia | I am not sure that my hair loss is due to Valtrex, but it started a year ago when I started Valtrex. I am not willing to stop taking it just yet until I exhuast every other possibility for the Alopecia. | F | 60 | 1 days | 6/3/2006 | 3 | Genital Herpes | Fatigue, Diarrhea, Could not concentrate, Brain Fog, Reflux. | I think this medication would be useful in taking at night or during an outbreak. I do not find this useful at any other time. I can't deal with such loss of concentration and fatigue when I have stuff to do during the day. I am a busy mom and can't afford lounging around not being able to focus. I am going to stop these and take Lysine. | F | 18 | 1 days 500 mg. 1X D | 8/5/2012 | 3 | Occasional Cold Sores | Since the first day I've been very cranky and have no patience. Loud noises make me angry. I feel very bloated and have gained 7 pounds. The fourth day, within 20 minutes of taking a dosage, I was on the bathroom floor with extreme abdominal pains and nausea. It was so bad I could barely breathe. I've had headaches for a few days and feel blah. It sucks, I'm going to stop taking it. | F | 22 | 1 days 500 MG | 2/16/2012 | 3 | GH 2 | **THIS IS DAY #1** Hello. I am new to this community and to this predicament. I was diagnosed 17 months ago with GH 2, although I have never had a BO. I could not bare to be with someone for the fear of rejection for 17 months! I've told 1 partner who doesn't mind in the slightest. I am taking the pill to see what happens and to blog the outcome here. This is DAY 1. | **THIS IS DAY #1** I know I am not the only one feeling isolated about this condition. I plan on logging in regularly to update what I am experiencing - I will mark my posts with **THIS IS DAY #**". I know this is not the end of the world, but the misinformation and scaremongering makes being honest about our situation much harder. Your secret sister, Rosie. | F | 29 | 1 days 500mg 1X W | 3/9/2011 | 3 | HERPES 1 | I take 500 mg as needed for outbreaks. All I can say is PEE U, don't get around me the first few days of taking it, I am full of stinky sulfer smelling GAS. Yuck. | F | 35 | 1 days | 12/23/2008 | 2 | Shingles | Very sore joints, persistent mild headache, heartburn, feverish chills, gas, general malaise, unable to sleep, had to urinate "suddenly" ... | My first attack of shingles. It was already blistering and painful, but the doc said give Valtrex a go. A case of the cure being worse that the disease. Ended up getting off this crap and just toughed it out. | M | 34 | 1 days | 12/7/2008 | 2 | Shingles | I felt out of it, did weird things, like talk out loud when no one in room, found myself doing stuff with my hands like brushing my hair and I had no hairbrush?! I felt like I had taken an overdose of pain meds or something, just real messed up, hate, rather just have symptoms and treat the pain. | F | 56 | 1 days | 2/20/2008 | 2 | Herpes | HEADACHE!!!, upset stomach and fatigue. | I just took the drug once, and I mean once today, and this drug has made me feel the worst headache I have ever had in my life. I had to leave work today and have been sleeping all day it seems. I feel dehydrated and yucky. | F | 31 | 1 days | 9/10/2008 | 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 | 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 | 1 | Cold Sores | Severe migraine headaches, nausea, vomiting | If you have issues with migraine headaches, beware about take this medication. It gave me major migraines after just the second dose. | F | 41 | 1 days | 2/3/2008 | 1 | Herpes of mouth | Mood swings hallucinations metallic taste memory loss concentration low | Are side effects permament | F | 32 | 1 days 2grams 2X D | 3/6/2011 | 1 | shingles | needles and pins, weird pain in the face and eye, foggy head, exhausted and heart bit | I think my problem was not that big for such a medication- after I read your opinions and having experienced these side effects I think I m going to stop it immediately !!!! I only had 3 pills, imagine to take the 21 my dr told me too | F | 48 | 1 days 1g 3X D | 11/12/2010 | 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 | 1 | shingles | Extreme stomach pain | Never had a reaction to anything like this! The pain was so bad I could barely breathe. Only took one day of a 20 day prescription. Emergency room Dr. Wanted to inject antihistamine for breathing problem, but trouble breathing was from the pain. -- decided to tough it out rather than risk even worse side effects. Recommend you start with a low dosage to see if you get any side effects. Anyone have an immediate antidote? Did help the blisters even with just this one day dose, but the "cure" made the disease seem minor. | F | 54 | 1 days 1g 2X D | 10/12/2011 | 1 | Canker Sores | I am currently on my period and took a Valtrex in order to eliminate the canker sores in my mouth. I woke up in the middle of the night with a horrible stomach and and awful backaches and cramps. I felt nauseous, and tried to go back to sleep. I woke up, still felt terrible, and vomited. I will not be taking the pill again. | F | 17 | 1 days 2000 1X D | 4/13/2012 | 1 | possible herpes... precautionary??? | Nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, frequent urination, foggy brain, stomach cramps, shaking, noise and heat sensitive, depressed.... and this was the first few hours after taking it... | F | 38 | 1 days 1g | 12/26/2012 | 1 | Cold sores on lip | Day 1: Dosage: 500 mg/4 in a.m., 4 12 hrs later Tiredness - physical & mental Day 2: As above - plus nausea,headache,loss of appetite Day 3: As above Day 4: As above plus bowel upset (not diahrrea)& not food factor Day 5 (today): As above | Question: Is this an ongoing administration of the initial intake? If so, for how long? I'm losing work at this point in time. | F | 70 | 1 days | 4/4/2006 | 1 | Cold Sores on Lips & Face | Took my 1st dose (1000mg) at 8pm tonite. 90 minutes later, began to feel slightly dizzy, nauseous, & very sleepy. Went to bed & woke up at 3am, after having the worst nitemare of my life. Extremely vivid & detailed nitemare. My husband told me that I had been mumbling & crying in my sleep off & on for last few hours. After waking completely, was very disoriented, dizzy & upset over awful dreams. So upset, I immediately got online to check out other peoples reactions. | Have had genital herpes since 1983 & ourbreaks have been under control for years. 8 months ago, began to have severe cold sores on lips & around mouth, lasting approx 2 wks duration. Sun exposure and/or stress seem to trigger. Went to the doctor today & told to take 1000mg 3 times/day. Have only taken 1 dose so far & after this strong negative reaction-will NOT take another pill again. By the way-my life is very happy & content-do not normally have nitemares & had no reason tonite other than the drug reaction. I am actually afraid to go back to sleep now, at 4:30am. After reading other peoples reactions-I am terrified of this drug. | F | 46 | 1 days | 6/14/2007 | 5 | cold sore | none so far | took it as soon as I felt the burning sensation on my lips, the initial symptom, had valtrex for a day now, 1gm , twice a day 12 hrs apart. It subsided the outbreak and is healing now. No side effects so far, I do try to keep myself pretty healthy so that might help getting any side effects. | F | 32 | 1.5 days | 2/17/2006 | 3 | apart from the usual tiredness, i experience a numbness in my neck at times and redness on face | i had been on valtex- 1 tablet a day for 1.yrs now i try to only to take it when im feeling an episode approaching- am worried about the long term effects on my body. would like to hear from someone who has experienced numbness in the neck- please email | F | 24 | 1.5 days | 11/19/2008 | 5 | cold sore | Head Ach, nausea, grogginess, fatigue, muscle weakness, aching muscles and joints. | Works great, got the cold sore and one day later it is barely noticeable... | M | 32 | 2 days | 2/27/2008 | 5 | Genital Herpes | NO SIDE EFFECTS!!! Thank God!! I'm usually very sensitive to all kinds of medicine so I was hesitant to try Valtrex. Especially after reading all of these crazy posts! | This is my first outbreak and I have only been using the drug for 2 days. It has already helped a great deal with the pain. Great, fast results, no side effects...what more could you ask for?? Valtrex is the way to go! | F | 20 | 2 days | 7/20/2007 | 5 | hsv - 2 | i wouldn't know...maybe its just other reasons | i was found with hsv at age 17 took vatrex everytime i had an outbreak but that was twice a month or even up to 4 times a month....so i decided to go suppresive...ive been totally suppressive since march 2007 and just broke out sometime this week august with minor blisters no itchiness on main region but itchiness on the anal region. i went from many breakouts to just one break out in 5 months let see how long this takes to clear up its a great medication but im thinking of taking it 2 times a day and make my reccurences be longer for a year or so afraid of the symptoms of future usage.... but willing to risk it as long as i dont suffer anymore. man ppl i sure hope a vaccine comes out quick! | F | 19 | 2 days | 8/15/2007 | 5 | Cold Sores | Slight headache and nausea | I could feel two cold sores starting to develop on my upper and bottom lips. i took 100mg of valtrex right away. the nausea & headache came 25 minutes later. i took the second pill 12 hours later and the same thing, nausea and headache, but no cold sores. it's amazing!!! the nausea was enough though to make me leave work and go home, but i think its worth it. a few hours of nausea as opposed to multiple cold sores that take weeks to heal. anyone who has serious cold sore outbreaks quite often should see their doctor about this prescription. | F | 19 | 2 days | 7/21/2006 | 4 | Herpatic Whitlow on L index finger | I have experienced no visible side effects with the exception of dependency. | Worried that my body has become dependent on Valrex. But my outbreaks were too frequent without it before I started. If I miss a day or two, my finger begins showing early symptoms of OB. I have tried going off it, but can only get a few weeks tops without an outbreak. Worried about long-term effects since it appears I will be on Valtrex for life. | M | 34 | 2 days | 5/22/2007 | 4 | oral herpes | incredibly fast & effective but have only taken 2x because of severe side effects: when took 2gm initially, as presc. w/in 1-2 hours couldn't sit upright-dizzy,muscles weary-awful. Just(1 yr later) tried 1gm 2 times, 12 hours apart only (in desperation for a quick fix) and had not as bad effects but still 1-2 hours of dramatic tremors, chills, muscle discomfort. | Wish I knew if it's actually dangerous - the side effects (at least of 1gm) are worth the quick cure but aieeegh...wonder what I'm doing to myself besides having a couple uncomfortable hours? | F | 56 | 2 days | 12/17/2005 | 4 | Shingles | I am not sure if it is due to shingles or taking valtrex, but I did have trouble sleeping and intense dreams. During the day, I could not stop cleaning my house. My heart rate is increased too. This might be pms. (the cleaning) | Seemed to arrest development of further blisters. | F | 35 | 2 days | 1/12/2008 | 4 | shingles | tiredness, intense dreams, significant joint pain | After only 1 day of 1000mg x3 dosage for shingles, I've already had an intense dream last night. Today I woke up to some significant hip and knee joint pain. I feels like i'm 70 w/ advanced arthritis. I'm also feeling lethargic today. I was already tired, but now it's worse. The upside, only after 1 day of taking Valtrex, the shingles are already drying up! I can live with the joint pain and tiredness for a week if it will clear up these annoying shingles. I'll have to wait and see if the side effects go away after this perscription runs out. | M | 35 | 2 days | 11/14/2008 | 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 | 3 | hsv 2 | started taking valtrex yesterday. 1000mg 2x a day. experienced headache ... like a sharp pain in my head ... came here and found that lots of people complain of a headache as well | M | 2 days | 4/23/2008 | 3 | shingles | on my 2nd day of valtrex and i have not been able to sleep one wink... hope that goes away. drinking tons of water, and peeing often... total loss of appetite, some nausea, ears ring when i try to sleep... heart rate up a bit, but might be a little anxiety from thinking about having this crazy shingles thing... dry cough, but i had a cold prior, so thats prob it. fatigue but cant sleep... | i think the valtrex stopped the spreading of the shingles, and i am hoping they dry up soon and leave... not a big fan of my first shingles experience. I didnt experience much pain yet, but the fact i am semi-quarentined to my couch is a big depressing... will post again when things improve, hopefully | M | 30 | 2 days | 3/30/2008 | 3 | Genital Herpes | Tiredness. I have to take a nap during the day and when i wake up from nap i am dizzy. | Can't give full comments of it because i have only been taking for 2 weeks. so i have no idea if it stops ob or not. | M | 21 | 2 days | 8/1/2007 | 3 | cold sores | fatigue, irritability, long lasting headaches, acne, and a sharp drop in pocket change | Took this drug because I was worried about cold sore outbreaks when Im on antibiotics. I don't have any of my nasty cold sores, but I can't shake the head ache and general foggy feeling in my brain. I haven't decided if this is a fair trade. | F | 24 | 2 days | 6/3/2007 |