Skip to main content

Valtrex User Reviews & Ratings

Valtrex has an average rating of 8.7 out of 10 from a total of 297 reviews on Drugs.com. 83% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 10% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Valtrex

  • Kay
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 10, 2020

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "Hey guys, so in July 2019 I had my first outbreak & it was literal the biggest nightmare, I had lesions inside my urethra so peeing was the worst. I had went to the doctors and I was misdiagnosed! They told me it was a yeast infection and gave me medicine for that. Fast forward to October 2020, I had my second outbreak, not as intense as the first but still bad, went to my regular doctor this time and boom, tested positive for type 1 herpes. I had just gotten out of an abusive relationship with my boyfriend and I automatically knew I'd gotten the virus from him. I was broken, depressed and thought my life was over. But valtrex is really a life saver, after 3 days my symptoms started to disappear. Reading you guys’ messages brings me to tears. It lets me know that I'm not alone and my life isn't over. This virus doesn’t define us!! We are just as worthy, just as beautiful as we were before all this. Sending you guys all my love and support."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
295 Report
  • Silly...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • April 19, 2019

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I was diagnosed in 1993, at age 19 with herpes. I’ve been on and off this drug for the last 5 years, and I do much better when I take it daily. At first I was just taking when I had a flare up, but the flare ups were still kind of frequent. Once I started on a daily 500 mg regimen, no more flare ups. So for 2 years, I was blister-free. I ran out of my script and had trouble getting it refilled about 3 weeks ago, so I decided to try just taking L-Lysine. Nope, had the worst flare in 20 years and even had trouble sleeping because of the itching, burning pain. I started back on it and immediately my blisters started healing. Yay, science! I’ll probably take this med for the rest of my life, which is just fine with me, and you can bet that I won’t let my prescription lapse again. I just wish that some brilliant researcher would find a cure for HSV."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
260 Report
  • Nurse...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 3, 2018

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I’ve been using Valtrex for the past 5 years, both episodically and for suppression. I’ve done a year of suppression twice now and have had excellent results both times. Used episodically, I’m always better within three days. It’s been a life saver for me. Just remember, you may have herpes, but it doesn’t have to have you. This isn’t a disease of dirty people or people with questionable morals. It doesn’t discriminate. People shouldn’t, either."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
303 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Nobig...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 8, 2015

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "So you find out you have herpes, now what? I've read so many stories on blogs and different websites about how people disclose the topic to potential partners and their fears. Here's the deal guys, if you use Valtrex and a condom, the chance of you giving the infection to the other person is less than 2% (assuming you aren't having an active outbreak). If a girl/guy has an issue with the fact and can't see you anymore because of it than good! It's better you find out they weren't that into you this way than 6 months and countless dates later. A cure is right around the corner if you follow the updates in the medical community so hang tough and forget the stigma!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
363 Report
  • conte...
  • February 19, 2016

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I was getting frequent outbreaks and was very miserable. I felt I would never be normal again. Started this treatment and it improved my daily and intimate life by a milestone. Maybe get a little thing or two in a year and very possibly not. If so its quickly resolved with these meds..I reccomend it. Give yourself and love a chance. I am still very worthy and so are you. There is a huge and scary stigma about it but you are still normal and so am I. Its a small complication we have to deal with until God provides a cure. In the meantime take care of yourself and your partner. Be careful and safe. But don't underestimate your worth like I did. Try this treatment."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
280 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Finally
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 20, 2015

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "The day you are diagnosed with HSV2 is an incredibly traumatic experience. Everyone's first thought is, "who would want to be with me now?" The social stigma of the virus has always been greater than the reality of it. I, like many of you, struggled with the idea of living with it until I was given Valtrex. It looks like a horse pill, but it suppresses the virus so much that I forget I even have it. I hope there will be a cure in the next 5 years, but until then, Valtrex will be more than sufficient. Hang in there, everyone, it's more common than you think!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
270 Report
  • Bigfa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 5, 2019

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I am in my late 50's and was just diagnosed with HSV2; my OBGYN prescribed me Valtrex; and my outbreak lasted about 2 months!!! I quit taking the Valtrex two weeks ago and started taking L-LYSINE after some research not available on google as they are owned by big pharma now... the Valtrex made me so depressed and short tempered with insomnia who the hell can live with that? And, the virus thives off the stress hormone, so why not give me some Valtrex to make me crazy and just flip out and add another 6 months of OB time to it!? Say no to Big Pharma cheats and liars like the makers of Valtrex, it's a shame doctors don't advise on diet and holistic 1st; before trying this terrible drug. DON'T TAKE do your homework!!! Reduced the amount of Arginine rich foods you are eating, eg chocolate, eggs and nuts. Don't trust your doctors they get pay back from big pharma"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
159 Report
  • still...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 8, 2017

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "Hey everyone So I contracted HSV2 about two and a half years ago. Devastating but my life is not over. I began taking Acyclovir when I had outbreaks, but the occurred about every two months in the beginning, which is not ideal. I started taking Valacyclovir 500 mg daily. It worked (mostly) but I would get one or two outbreaks every couple months. I finally switched to 1g a day. I have not had an outbreak since and I feel absolutely AMAZING. I have been on Valacyclovir for I would say about a year and 4 months. My boyfriend is so supportive and does not have it. I only take it now so that I don't transmit to him. I have a question though: How long can people take it DAILY? Not just for outbreaks? I have been trying to do some research.THANK"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
211 Report
  • Keep...
  • April 20, 2017

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I only take this medication when I feel an outbreak coming. It's a burning sensation in my Vagina. I take two 500mg daily for about a week and a half. I wind down to 1 pill by day 5. I'm in the clear by day 8. The outbreak never comes to blisters. Its like a home run. I only catch an outbreaks once or twice a year. I actually forget I have it until I get the sad reminder. It is usually stimulated by my stress. Hope this was helpful."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
176 Report
  • Posit...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 26, 2020

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I have been on Valtrex for 5 months but still have symptoms. I really wish more was done to find a cure for this. My doctor said they don't even test for it with routine STD testing. I feel like the doctors are failing us when it comes to this. It's a shame."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
86 Report
  • Doc...
  • July 15, 2019

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "Valtrex did not work at all for me. Actually seemed to make it worse. Was having a continuous break out even taking drug several times a day. I switched to acyclovir and symptoms went away almost immediately and have not had an outbreak since. If Valtrex is not working I suggest switching. The drugs are not the same"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
100 Report
  • worth...
  • January 5, 2014

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "Valtrex has been a lifesaver for me. I've had this virus for 12 years now and would suffer through monthly outbreaks that lasted almost until the next outbreak would occur. I started by taking 2 500 mg pills/day or 3 pills if I had an outbreak. Now I take 1 500 mg pill once every second day and have had only one very minor outbreak in the last 2 years. If I feel an outbreak coming on I up my dosage to 3 pills a day and the outbreak is stopped/prevented. Valtrex is worth the cost, it makes living with this condition manageable. In addition to Valtrex, I avoid what I've found to be triggers for me...my only regret is not starting on this medication sooner."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
172 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 28, 2018

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "In 2006 after taking seven Valtrex pills 1000mg each, I didn’t have a outbreak until 2018. Now in 2018 I’ve taken 24 Valtrex pills and have continuous outbreaks. What changed? Did the Valtrex medicine change to ensure dependency? Devestated."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
96 Report
  • Fifty...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • November 20, 2019

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "Got herpes from a girlfriend and the first outbreak was horrible, got diagnosed and was prescribed Valtrex. Took some time but it cleared up my first outbreak , since then when I start to feel discomfort(burning sensations, itchiness, sensitivity) I start taking two 500mG daily and within 3 days I am good again. Immediate relief first day. It is expensive so I don’t take daily and I will go months without needing to take. I notice eating lots of veggies help but anything peanut related can trigger a reaction . (peanuts have high levels of arginine)"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
80 Report
  • Hello...
  • August 27, 2013

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I was diagnosed a year ago and it was the worst feeling I have ever experienced. I started taking Valtrex and the next day I felt the difference. I have been taking it daily since then and have not had an outbreak! If I miss a day I get scared and think it is coming but it hasn't yet. I am happy to say this medicine has not only given me a second chance but a new outlook on life."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
154 Report
  • Staying...
  • July 17, 2013

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I contracted HSV-2 about 3 years ago. That first year was horrible. I had about one outbreak a month and each outbreak brought about not only physical, but emotional turmoil. After a year of feeling depressed, worthless and guilty, I finally had enough and took myself to get tested. Sure enough, I was right. I asked the doctor for a suppressive Valtrex prescription. I take valacyclovir and it has completely given me my life and sanity back. I've been on the medicines for two years now and I have had one tiny outbreak that came about during a HUGELY stressful time and I had not taken the Valtrex for few days. The OB lasted 2, maybe 3 days, and never blistered or crusted. I can't say enough good things about Valtrex/Valacyclovir."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
154 Report
  • ABCDE...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • January 2, 2015

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "Contracted genital HSV a few years ago, and put up with the outbreaks for a while (mostly in denial of everything) hoping they would just go away. After multiple tests coming back negative (even tests from an uncrusted sore), I finally saw the right Dr., and finally showed positive. Dr. put me on Valtrex and I never looked back. No outbreaks since, and no noticeable side effects. Anyone with HSV knows of the stigma and fear of having to live with this. Valtrex is a lifesaver!!!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
130 Report
  • Despe...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 7, 2013

For Cold Sores "You should only read this review if you have a cold sore that you need to have removed ASAP. I am 18 and in high school so there is nothing worse than walking around school with one. In my situation, I woke up in the middle of the Monday morning with a tingle on my lip. Prom is Friday. I was in panic mode because mine usually last 1-2 weeks. In this desperate measure, my mom called and got prescribed Valtex. I didn't think it would work because the cold sore was completely out and I missed the pre-forming stage. I took 2 Valtex on Monday at around 2 p.m and another 2 before I went to bed. I also applied Denavir. It is Tuesday night and the cold sore is completely gone! It's a miracle!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
147 Report
  • Anonymous
  • March 28, 2012

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I was diagnosed 13 yrs ago my doctor at the time told me to take Valtrex for a year. I did and have not had an outbreak in 13 yrs. Neither did my ex from 10 year relationship get the disease. I believe if one eats healthy, tries to stay stress free you may not need to take it daily for your entire life. But that is my experience. It is a truly wonderful medicine!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
156 Report
  • Lovin...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 16, 2019

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I am an asymptomatic HSV 2 and HSV 1 carrier. I just started taking Valtrex regardless of never having outbreaks because I want to live a normal life and reduce the risk of passing it to anyone else. So far so good, I'm just hoping it doesn't trigger me to have outbreaks now that I have started suppressive therapy. No noticeable side affects after the first few days of use. Hoping for good results from Valtrex."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
61 Report
  • Anon
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 5, 2019

For Cold Sores "I’m 26. I was diagnosed with Herpes 2 years ago. This is my third time having an outbreak on my face, normally it’s just one cold sore that is gone within days thanks to Valtrex. This time, I’m broken out from my nose to my chin. Bumps everywhere! On my lips, above my lips. This is also the first time I’ve experienced the horrible pain associated with oral herpes. It’s dry and feels scabby. I’m three days in, and actually went to urgent care because my mouth was swollen this morning. The doctor told me to take my 500mg Valtrex 3x a day. I’m praying this clears soon because I’m at the point where I don’t want any human interactions, I’m so embarrassed and feel so ugly. Glad to see there’s others out there struggling just like me. Hang in there!"

Was this helpful?YesNo
59 Report
  • Dano
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 13, 2020

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "Generic Valtrex - valacyclovir from Camber does not work for me. I took it for months with nothing changing. I had outbreaks even while on the suggested daily recommendation and when I began breaking out, I’d take heavy doses hoping it would help. It didn’t. As other reviewers have said - it basically appears to be placebo pill. Unless you have insurance and can get the real valtrex - do not support Camber manufacturing. They’ve taken so much money from me and it never worked or gave me relief. I’ve switched over to acyclovir and believe I am noticing relief."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
49 Report
  • Happy...
  • July 15, 2016

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I am 21 I've had herpes since I was 15 and these pills have saved my life 100% I am now engaged and live a normal life. I don't take them everyday just when I feel an outbreak coming and it doesn't happen! I haven't had an outbreak in 2 years! Strongly recommend valtrex :)"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
80 Report
  • Khatti
  • March 4, 2015

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "Suffered for years until I found out about this medication online. Take it everyday and reduced outbreaks considerably. Since having kidney stones and being required to drink at least 2.5 litres of liquid, mostly water,and no soda/ coke etc. Have been TOTALLY free! Drink more water and your whole system functions better."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
90 Report
  • Big...
  • February 16, 2018

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I had never had an outbreak until I reached 71. I wish I had some exciting news about how I got Herpes Simplex. But alas, no. I made up for lost time and had 7 outbreaks in 5 months. Oooh the pain and ugliness. On 8-16-17 I received a shot of Valtrex. It was a miracle. I want to pass on the best treatment is to slather vaseline over all affected areas. It keeps it from spreading and helps the discomfort. Thx"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
67 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.