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 | | | | |||
| 4 | HSV-2 | Hair loss | When I had my first outbreak they put me on valtrex right away. I haven't had another outbreak. I did have extreme hair loss for the past few months however. I just started on a number of vitamins to hopefully stop and reverse this issue as I would rather not get off of valtrex. | F | 36 | 5 months 1X D | 12/6/2010 | 4 | HSV2 | slight headache | I was just trying to take it during outbreaks instead of daily but started to experience more frequent outbreaks. Now I will take it daily. I'm concerned about this altering my body and causing some kind of dependence. I do have to say that it relieves symptoms quickly. I've tried Lysine and other natural herbs that were not as effective. | F | 36 | 5 months | 11/9/2007 | 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 | 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 | 3 | Genital Herpes | I've been experiencing; frequent debilitating headaches, blurred vision, stomach upset, soft stools (not really diarrhea), very dry skin, easily dehydrated, fatigue (i'm exhausted halfway through the day). I'm not on anything other than Valtrex, vitamins, and birth control (which I've never had an issue with in the 10 years since I started taking it). | I've been on once daily Valtrex (500mg at night before bed) for 5 months now. I was fine when I started taking it, but a few months later things were getting progressively worse. I'm thinking of asking my doctor if it's really worth all this. | F | 24 | 5 months | 4/29/2008 | 2 | herpes type 1 genital | Burning/Itching stomach/Intestine area some times sharp painsproblems in my groin area,facial acne, thrush, blader infection. | Have had blood tests, taken proscribed pain killers that had allergic side effects,proscribed antibiotics, causing thrush.Had ultra sounds and today a CEG scan with dye. I can't win. Im going to go of valtrex to see If things go back to normal.I've been like this for 5 months now and I've had enough.I welcome any advice from anyone who has also had the same symptoms. Thanks | F | 40 | 5 months | 8/20/2007 | 5 | HSV 1 & 2 | Twitching in legs, around mouth. Slightly more anxious but that may be due to having HSV 1 & 2. | Have had HSV 2 & 1 over 30 years and previously used Acyclovir for outbreaks and longer periods of suppressive therapy. I still had outbreaks whilst on Acyclovir, and was aware of the symptoms 'rumbling' away. February 08 was put on Valtrex and what a difference, it has suppressed the symptoms and reduced the pain more. For me, it is much more effective and has improved matters considerably. It also means I take less medication on a daily basis, two tablets a day, 500mg morning and night. The higher dose is due to the frequency and severity of my outbreaks. Maybe after a year I can cut the dose down to 250mg twice a day, but it has worked for me and with no side effects that cause concern. | F | 47 | 6 months | 8/27/2007 | 5 | Gential herpes | Gasy, Very dizzy and nausous first week of treatment, weight gain, angry | I didn't know I had anything until Oct 2010 and I had my first outbreak and it was the worst experience I have ever felt on my body!!!!!!!!!! I was so humilated that I had contracted this STD but that's what happens when you are not extremely precautious! The drug has worked wonderfully I have not had another outbreak yet. I just worry about my mental health, it has plummeted since I have taken the drug. Im more aggiatated and easily angered. But I will have to deal with it because I don't want to ever risk another outbreak. I also take depression meds to help with this. | F | 25 | 6 months 500mg 1X D | 4/8/2011 | 5 | Genital Herpes- HSV2 | My urine has a strong odor. It took me awhile before I figured out it was the Valtrex. | I have had HSV2 for about 6 years. I will gladly pay this ridiculous amount of money and deal with the minor side effects rather than live with the painful, monthly outbreaks that lasted 7-10 days before I began taking the 1 gram preventative daily dose of Valtrex. Prior to this I felt like I was only symptom free for a couple weeks before it started again. I have only had two, quite tolerable, mild outbreaks that lasted just a couple days since I began taking it. I am VERY happy with Valtrex! | F | 29 | 6 months | 11/15/2008 | 5 | herpe2 | whe i started on it, i got a slight rash all over my chest,feel tired at first, but that went away after taking ti for a few weeks | i love valtrex though i wish it wasnt so expensive, i havent had an outbreak since taking , i am on suppressive therapy 500 mg daily, ive been on it for 6 mo and it has worked wonders for me, but i do go in every 6 mo to a year to have them check my levels, for any damage done to the liver or kidneys, i have heard of some people having issues with hair loss, that hasnt been my case as of yet,, i also take 500 mg of lysine and you take a break from it every 6 mo,,also reg algae,olive leaf extract,oil of oregano, put 4 drops under tongue and then spit out..works great.. | F | 45 | 6 months | 11/16/2008 | 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 | 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 | Ocular Herpes Simplex | I started this battle with a doctor that | I was very sick and now I'm a lot better. I think Valtrex has helped. I am interesting in finding others with ocular herpes if anyone has any infomation! Thank you. | F | 30 | 6 months | 8/4/2004 | 3 | genital herpes | general malaise, hearing problems | Switched from acyclovir only because of advertisements that said it was the only drug shown to reduce incidence of spread to an uninfected partner. It was so much more expensive, and so new, that I became nervous and decided to switch back. Acyclovir worked great (took it for 6+ years without a single outbreak), had no side effects, and my partner still hasn't been infected. | F | 43 | 6 months | 6/19/2007 | 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 | 3 | Genitial herpes | Tiredness and weight gain | I have taken Valtrex on and off for years without any major problems until I started taking the Generic alternative which has put an extra 20 pounds on me in the last 3 months. I've decided to stop taking the medicine and see if anything changes. Curious if anyone has experienced this with the generic. | M | 41 | 6 months 500 MG 1X D | 3/10/2011 | 3 | Herpes/Cold Sore in Nose | I'm HIV positive and not on meds so it's hard to say if this is related to Valtrex or not. I have a tingling of my tongue (might be from Listerine rinse), thrush in middle of tongue, dry mouth, very strange and vivid dreams. | It works for the most part I just wish that my side effects made more sense or were the same each time so I knew what to expect, but that is what I deal with in having a compromised immune system. Last time I took it I had abdominal pain and that was all. | F | 26 | 6 months | 12/25/2008 | 1 | Thought I had genital herpes | I started taking valtrex in October because I had blisters on vulva area. I had 3 culture swabs that were negative but tested positive for HSV 1. So the doctors put me on valtrex, well I never had it. I have a skin dermatitis, they finally did a biopsy. I hated being on the medicine. Felt depressed, agitated, bloated. The worst though has been since I stopped the medicine. I have been off the medicine for two weeks and I've had horrible anxiety. I am so glad I am off and hope to feel better soon. | F | 34 | 6 months 1000 | 4/14/2012 | 4 | genital herpes | At first I got hives temporarily on my face and neck, then a rash on my wrists, calves, and ankles that came and went. It was like poison ivy. This was when I took it for obs. Then I went on suppressive therapy because I was getting obs every other week. After about 3 months on 500mg/day the rash went away. My legs feel swollen, but this is the only thing I notice. It seems worse if I drink more than 1 glass of alcohol. | F | 35 | 7 months | 12/6/2006 | 4 | HSV 2 | Some dizziness, and luckily the rare side effect of diarrhea (which in my case involved even incontinence, yuck). But the latter side effect only occurs for the first day I start taking the medicine because of an outbreak, not during any of the other subsequent days I take the medicine. | It does seem to dispel some of the itchiness that comes with herpes, which is really the only bothersome thing I have with it, other than the very small bumps that are fortunately not on my genitals but around my anus.. (I guess that's fortunately) | M | 22 | 7 months | 5/8/2008 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 5 | Fever Blisters/Oral Herpes | None that I noticed. | Its wondeful! It clears the fever blisters when I get an outbreak. I usually get an outbreak about once a month, and at the first sign, I take two for the first dose, then one for the rest. It usually clears up in 3-5 days on valtrex vs. 2 weeks without. | M | 15 | 8 months | 1/7/2009 | 5 | Genital Herpes | none.......but I worry about long term effects. I am always researching for any or new information. | I've had herpes since 1991. Had breakouts about 4 to 5 times a year. My breakouts increased in the last couple years and eventually started breaking out twice a month. Valtrex worked immediately. Changed my life. I am able to have a relationship stress and worry free. Not to mention I feel so much better physically and mentally. I did miss a couple doses at one point and had a break out once and noticed a bad mood swing. Won't be doing that again. I am grateful for Valtrex. I don't know why I waited so long. Sometimes it feels to good to be true. Good insurance is definitely needed, it is so expensive. I feel bad for the people who need it but can't afford it. | F | 36 | 8 months | 3/27/2006 | 5 | cold sores, genital herpes | dark stool Since taking, I have had a really dry nose. It might not be connected to the Valtrex, but worth mentioning since it is such a nuisance. | I have had cold sores my entire life--Valtrex is the only medicine to really work. I took only (approx. 8 times a year)during outbreaks for 3 years. I have been taking Valtrex for genital herpes for 7 months and my life has returned. My energy levels were so low prior to the suppressive treatment and now I have not only been outbreak free, but feel like myself again. It has changed my life in such a positive way, but I do hope to learn more about long term effects. | F | 30 | 8 months | 2/20/2006 | 4 | Herpes | I am having short term memory loss. This is the only drug that I take, outside of vitamins. I now forget things that I did 5 minutes ago. Not sure if its related but I am concerned | The drug does work for me. I take it every other day (500 mg). However, if I miss a day I am bound to feel the beginnings of an outbreak. I use it in conjunction with Zovirax cream. This combination reduces my outbreaks to about three days. | F | 29 | 8 months | 11/6/2006 | 4 | genital herpes | Initially I got mild headaches and sudden sharp nerve pain in head. Also noticed the red spots on my trunk that others have mentioned. Dizziness on lying down and getting up, but am learning to live with it. Most annoying side effect has been tachycardia, but I cured that by taking 1/4 of a 90 mg tablet of potassium with the Valtrex. Can Valtrex cause potassium depletion? Have definitely noticed a loss of energy and an inclination to nap after lunch, something I had not done before. Will try taking the pill before sleeping instead of in the morning and see if that helps. | Have had GH for almost 20 years. Very infrequent breakouts at first, but outbreaks increased after age 60. Was happy to find a doctor who prescribed Valtrex suppressive therapy, one 500 mg tablet a day. It works like a charm, but if I forget for just one day I get a tingle in the sole of my foot that tells me a breakout is imminent. I also worry about long term side effects but my doctor says Valtrex has been used for many years and at one point the maker was considering making it available over the counter since it was so safe. Hard to imagine since it's so expensive. | F | 64 | 8 months | 3/10/2008 | 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 | 3 | Herpes | Extreme vision problems, headaches, and joint pain. | When taking Valtrex only for treatment, it worked great and I had no side effects. But after I was getting out breaks once a month, I chose to take the pill daily for suppressive therapy. Now I have blurred vision that impares my driving, daily headaches and frequent migraines, and joint pain in my hips and knees. The only reason I continue to take it is to reduce the chance of transmitting it to my husband. | F | 22 | 8 months | 7/23/2005 | 2 | Genital Herpes | Noticeable hair loss and still outbreaks though not severe. Am going to try Lysine, etc. Not willing to go bald! | F | 47 | 8 months | 12/15/2008 | 5 | Genital HSV-1 | None on daily regimen, but a little nausea with double dosing | My first OB lasted about 3 weeks and I was on 1 gram valtrex twice daily. I continued 500mg daily when it cleared up and have not had anymore OBs. There was one point where I was moving and traveling and such and i forgot to take it for a few days in a row and I could feel an OB about to happen (tingling, soreness in legs and buttocks), I immediately doubled the dose for about 3 days and it went away (no blisters). I take the medicine right before bed along with my BC, Vit D and melatonin so it doesn't really change much in that sense. I would so take this drug over having any OBs. No side effects at all other than when i double dose and get a little nauseated. And actually, I've noticed that my nails get longer and harder while taking it daily. I haven't found any studies to say that it's a true benefit, but I've noticed it. | F | 25 | 9 months 500mg 1X D | 7/6/2012 | 5 | HSV 1 | Worked very well at first but still get ob around eyes during mens and have to go onto full course. Really hope they find a cure soon. | F | 35 | 9 months 500mg 1X D | 1/28/2011 | 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 | 3 | Genital Herpes | Serious weight gain, Stomach constantly bloated, burining in intestines, bad acne, some dry spots on my face that constantly peel and the rest of my face is soo oily and nasty. extreme loss of energy.Metalic taste in mouth also. REally tary bowel movements,and diahrea. | I have had G.H. For 9 months since Valtrex have had no outbreaks, but i can sence one coming on right before my period every month. Vaginal smell ive never experienced before. I dont know if valtrex is doing all the side effects to me or im just deteriorating. But All the problems i am having started shortly after I starting taking this med. I wish there was something safe to take to get ride of O.B. and not have a life long effect on your body. There is no research for what it will do to your insides after years of taking the medicine. Thats scary. "So I have no Out breaks but I have liver failure, Kidney Malfunction" Hypothetically speaking. is it worth it??? Please email me with your input, or advise. Thank you. | F | 22 | 9 months | 10/29/2007 | 3 | Feeling that nerves are fibrilating, jumping in limbs and across chest, pins & needles, cramps, numbness, tendons/muscles more sensitive. When virus appears to be 'active' experience a burning feeling in spine and spinal stiffness after, particularily in the lower back area. | Taking Valtrex for 9 months now. outbreaks HSV 1 in three areas, genital, lower back, across chest, rib, and lower neck/facial. Having a period of severe outbreaks, feels symptomatic almost daily in the range of areas. Have been on 500mg twice a day. Some concern that it is cerebal too! Have noticed a change over past month that areas of previous outbreak get very cramp like feelings and lots of pins and needles, also a strong feeling internally that my nerves are fibrilating, across chest, down legs etc, and that when virus is more 'active' I have a bag of 'popping candy' inside, very frightening stuff. Noticed that it all seems to be going on each day but to varying degrees. When very 'active' spine burns and gets a stiff feeling almost in the spinal cord, then numbness in lower back. Also have the visual disturbances and mental disconnect but thought it may be due to outbreaks on neck, now question this having read other comments. No rash/blister though. Dare not come off Valtrex, | F | 47 | 9 months | 11/17/2007 | 3 | HSV-2 | Weight gain and fatigue. | I started Valtrex suppression therapy in February 2010 and have gained 15 pounds in 9 months. I am a certified personal fitness trainer and workout strenously 3 to 5 times a week and with my clients. I maintain clean and balanced nutrition, so a poor diet and lack of exercise is not the reason this insidious, creeping weight gain and debilitating fatigue that I'm experiencing. The medication is indeed effective at suppressing HSV-2 outbreaks, but it's not worth the havoc that it's wreaked on my overall well being. I stopped taking the Valtrex on 11/8 and hope that I will feel whole again soon. | F | 43 | 9 months 500mg 1X D | 11/11/2010 | 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 | 3 | HSV2(genital) | Tiny red spots(blood)pin sized, appearing on arms, legs, chest, etc..like crazy, fatigue, headaches, random brusing and rashes (only a few though). Muscles are often sore if I take more than 1g, inner thighs throbe, constant nervousness, body, legs are tired. I am forced to take at least 500mg daily. 1g or 1.5 g during an out break for 4-5 days, then I go back to 500mg. | The side efects sucks but genital herpes is worst. It does seem that my outbreaks have greatly increased since i have started taking this, Had only a few outbreaks for 4.5 years, switched to valtrex per doctor request,now if I go off it, I seem to get an outbreak for not taking it. So its almost as if the drug is programed to the body this way. Its odd I cant figure it out. If Im off it even for 1 week, I will now get an outbreak. I compare this to not having a outbreak for 4.5 years to now having to rely on the drug. :( | F | 31 | 9 months | 11/7/2006 | 5 | Herpes | No side effects | This is a miracle drug, next best thing to a cure. No ob's in months! | M | 25 | 10 months | 1/27/2005 | 4 | herpes | it cleared my outbreak when i was first diagnosed w genital herpes. been on it since and when i quit taking it, i would break out. so i take it daily. havnt noticed any side affects. i used to got horrible cold sores and now i dont get them. | F | 10 months | 6/8/2007 | 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 | 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 | herpes | none | i've had herpes all my life with about 7 very bad breakouts a year. it made life was pretty miserable my first 36 years. I now have been taking 500mg of Valtrex everyday for the last 11 months. since then i have had only one real breakout and it was not too bad lasting only a few days. This mecidine is a bleassing for me. I will take it for life. I don't know what the long term effects might be, but regardless i would not regret taking this medicine. my life is 100 percent better. | M | 37 | 11 months | 10/15/2006 | 5 | HSV1 & HSV2 | frequent headaches, light headed, tired, joint pain, stomach problems, spacy sometimes, blurred vision | I have had HSV1 all my life, since childhood and found out a year ago I had HSV 2. Since taking 1 gram of Valtrex a day, I have had no out breaks. I have tried to go without it but then i get frequent outbreaks during my period and some times when wiping when using the bathroom, so i decided to go back on. I have many side effects that do not go away but it's better than living with an outbreak every 3 weeks. I just worry about the long term use and liver problems... | F | 31 | 12 months | 11/27/2007 | 4 | Cold sores on lips | BAD jitteryness, slight nausea, slight headache. | I take it as soon as my lips start to tingle and the outbreak never happens. It's works great and is such a relief. | F | 18 | 12 months | 1/29/2008 | 3 | HSV1 genital/lowerback/facial | Pins & needles, pricky feelings around body, almost like shivers, slight numbness hands and feet, twitches. Disturbed sleep due to symptoms. | On Valtrex 500mg twice a day since Feb 07, (had Herpes for over 20 yrs but never to current severity or frequency, suspect menopause could be trigger) have had what I think is these side effects in areas where virus errupts, but daily and the severity alters. These symptoms started 9 months into suppressive treatment, so I assume it is the Valtrex not nerve damage. Can still 'sense' when outbreak is taking place, no pain or blisters but aware of nerves jangling, no pain though. Have been given Gabapentin, a nerve calmer, to address possible side effects of Valtrex, not taking it as no doubt the Gabbapentin will also have side effects! No option but to endure and continue. | F | 48 | 12 months | 2/25/2008 | 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 | 1 | Herpes Keratitis | It made me nearly non-functional. Foggy headed, extreme fatigue, heart palpitations, mood-swings, despondent, tingling in legs, facial edema, mild nausea, pain in jaw, eye and ear, complete lack of motivation to do anything more than I absolutely had to do. | I get very sick from my outbreaks and when it jumped to my eye I got two dendrites, one of which left a scar that has effected my vision, I kept taking it. I thought I continued to be sick because of the underlying virus or that it might be my house as it does have mold. I had to quit taking it when my insurance lapsed and when I got it reinstated a couple of weeks later I got my prescription refilled. I had been feeling great in the weeks in between, but thought it was because I was eating better, meditating, etc. After taking the first pill, within two hours I was sleeping like the dead, my face swelled up, I had the tingling in my legs, etc. I am sure it is okay for some, but it was horrible for me. I am just grateful I have figured out that it was the Valtrex. Thank god my insurance lapsed or I might have not ever figured it out. I am sure a few more months of this would have made me suicidal. My doctor even allowed me to think it was all in my head, never once did he suggest it might be the medication. | F | 52 | 13 months 800 2X D | 2/28/2011 | 5 | Viral Meningitis | None | Absolutely wonderful... I had Viral Meningitis and this keeps the virus at bay! :-) | F | 32 | 14 months 1X D | 5/23/2011 | 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 | HSV 2 | None | It works! After being diagnosed with genital herpes, I started taking this whenver I started to have an OB. I had difficulty telling when an OB was actually starting so I constantly missed the three-day window when you're supposed to start taking it. Because I was having frequent outbreaks (1x month) I decided to go on the 1x day regular maintenance dose. I haven't had a single OB since I started taking it full time, and I no longer stress about "Am I having one? Should I start taking it?" It's been a tremendous help and I highly recommend it. | F | 33 | 1 years | 8/3/2008 | 5 | GH | None | Used to have very painful outbreaks every 6-8 weekbs, accompanied by headaches, diarrhea etc. Since starting Valtrex approx. 1 year ago, I have had one minor outbreak that lasted 2 days. I even started playing with the dosage, since the pills are so expensive. I am now on 250mg daily (cutiing he pills in half) for the past 8 months with great success. Outbreak free and saving $$$. | F | 40 | 1 years | 1/10/2009 | 5 | Been suffering for years | Grogginess if I take before bed, nauseous (extremely mild and not long lasting) . I have been suffering from frequent bad outbreaks for years. Couldn't shave, exercise, have sex, even sit for to long wearing jeans without having the symptoms. It completely took over my life and I became very depressed. I finally decided to try this medicine and my only regret is not getting it sooner :( | F | 27 | 1 years 500 mg | 2/20/2012 | 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 | herpes | None | Works wonders. I've been using for a year and had my first outbreak while using the medicine (was really stressed and sleep deprived). I tried to stop taking for 4 months and got 3 outbreaks so I went back to daily therapy. What a godsend!!! | F | 32 | 1 years | 9/12/2007 | 5 | Herpes Symplex in the nasal cavity | none- if anything I have noticed I am sick a lot less from colds flu, etc, Warts dissapeared | This drug changed my life, I used to have blisters in the nose and on my lips on an ongoing basis. The pain was frustrating. I tried famvir and it workd marginally. If you suffer from on-going fever blisters and cold sores- You have got to try this | M | 36 | 1 years | 1/3/2002 | 5 | Herpes 1 | Very itchy rask on back and legs with small pinhead like lumps. Have been taking daily for 12 months | M | 1 years | 2/6/2007 | 4 | genital herpes | no side effect so far. | i take valtrex when ever i needed or when ever i feel something is coming down there.i drink two pills per day for 5 days and it have work very good. In the year i have had 4 outbreaks but must of the time is because i take too long to drink the pill.Im thinking about taking the medication everyday to protect my parnet better but iam not sure. i really dont want my body to get so use to valtex that later it stop working. | F | 20 | 1 years 500mg 2X AN | 4/24/2011 | 4 | Herpes 2 | Skin lesions appear after prolonged exposure to sun, during suppressive Valtrex therapy. Lesions improve considerably after stopping suppressive therapy. I've heard that many medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight. No other noticeable side effects. | I've had GH for ten years, with about 30 outbreaks during that time, although the frequency of outbreaks has increased in recent years. I periodically use Valtrex suppressively, 500mg daily, and have no outbreaks during that time. Apart from the increased sunlight sensitivity, I've had no other side effects. I guess I can live without a suntan. I once tried a snake-oil called Choraphor - absolutely useless! I'm considering taking Valtrex daily for the rest of my life, but can't find much information about any very long term side effects. I'm sure the drug companies are not too interested in finding a cure for Herpes. They are making too much money from not finding a cure! | M | 53 | 1 years | 12/20/2008 |