Valacyclovir User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

• lav...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 17, 2015

For Herpes Zoster "I give this a 10 for working. But will not take again. I took it within a few hours of the first signs of a rash. 3x's a day for 10 days. Side effects not worth it. I had nightmares, extreme irritability, felt depressed, nausea, and vomiting. It hit hard and fast. Felt depressed before I even took my 3rd pill. I thought I'd try to stay with it and it would get better, I got worse. My very quick change in behavior started to affect loved ones. So I stopped taking it. I'd rather be in physical pain than the emotional turmoil I felt. I felt out of control of my own thoughts. Last pill was taken at 6 pm. Within 24 hours I felt 100 times better and happy and normal."

• Anonymous
• May 20, 2010

Valacyclovir for Cold Sores "This drug is a miracle! I woke up with a full-blown cold sore and went to the doctor, who gave me Valtrex. I was very skeptical because the cold sore was pretty big already, but 12 hours after my first dose, it looks much better and the pain is gone. Will never again waste my time or money on OTC cold sore treatments. This stuff really works!"

• jar...
• December 3, 2011

Valacyclovir for Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I have HSV-2 since about 22, and at about age 26, Valtrex became available. I have taken 1 gram daily (somewhat consistent) until about 2.5 years ago. It was great, and I didn't have one single outbreak in almost 14 years, nor did my two long-term ex's get the virus. Unfortunately, I developed an allergic reaction from long-term use and can no longer tolerate it without a major skin rash, major itching, hypersensitivity, and also had some hair thinning. I'm trying Famvir, but so far I'm back to having outbreaks. I have gone on and off the medicine 6-7 times, and within weeks have had negative symptoms, which subside within days of discontinuing."

• Mar...
• March 20, 2016

Valacyclovir for Herpes Simplex, Suppression "Had my first outbreak about two weeks ago, it was excruciatingly painful. Couldn't urinate without being in the bathtub or running water over the sores. This outbreak had been going on for a whole two weeks almost, so I went to my doctor, and she prescribed me Valtrex 500 mg, 2x a day. By the second day of taking the medication, the burning while urinating went away. I am now on day 6, and the sores are almost all gone. I have maybe one left, but there's little to no feeling in it. This was my first outbreak, and I just turned 21, it flared up right after I got the flu and had a high fever. Apparently, HSV can stay dormant in your body for some time until your immune system is shot, but I'm finally feeling normal again, and the meds for sure work."

• mbg...
• May 28, 2015

Valacyclovir for Cold Sores "I love this medicine!!! I've had cold sores since I was a kid, and none of the over-the-counter stuff ever worked for me. I take it as soon as I feel that tingle, and it's usually gone in 2 days. I recently had a bad illness and broke out with 5 blisters after a night of 103 fever. I took two pills in the morning and at night, and all but one blister is gone! I would have been so miserable if I didn't have this miracle to take!"

• Arr...
• March 20, 2015

Valacyclovir for Herpes Zoster "I started taking Valtrex 2 days after the rash appeared, it slowed down the spread of the rash and reduced the pain. 3 days later, I was feeling better, but the rash took about 10 days to disappear, and I continued feeling mild pain for another week or so."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 15, 2020

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I was diagnosed with HSV-1 and HSV-2 one year ago. I had my first outbreak when I had a vaccine shot. I was experiencing outbreaks twice a month, so I decided to get on medication daily. I started taking 1g valacyclovir. Yet, on medication, I was still experiencing outbreaks, usually during the time I was ending my menstrual cycle. I do have an autoimmune condition, might this be the reason why I’m having constant outbreaks? Does this occur to anyone else?"

• Und...
• January 13, 2014

Valacyclovir for Cold Sores "I have gotten cold sores/fever blisters since I was a young boy. I too have tried it all. I find that taking a small amount of lysine and eating a lysine-rich diet, low in arginine helps to prevent them, but they inevitably come around. I just had a cold sore, and it was a tricky one. Sometimes they don't start tingling until it has already swollen. Once I realized it was one, I had waited a full day too late, but I was still very impressed. Thirty minutes after taking one, the tingling stopped. The next morning it was half the size. I had two that day, and by the third day, it was gone. I have every hope that if I take it within an hour next time, it will stop it cold. Awesome."

• Cin...
• November 17, 2016

Valacyclovir for Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I had my first outbreak at 19 and maybe 1-2 minor outbreaks. At 38, my outbreaks became noticeable and frequent, as soon as the itching subsided, it would appear again 3 days later. Then my anus started to itch. After a visit to my gynecologist, I walked away with a prescription for 500 mg of valacyclovir to be taken daily. One week later, I had an outbreak similar to my first, except now my buttocks and thighs were included. I had a 1-inch lesion on my inner buttocks, and my vagina was swollen and weeping (the itching was unlike anything I've ever experienced). I stopped the valacyclovir after about 20 days. The symptoms abated 3 days later."

• Khe...
• November 7, 2014

Valacyclovir for Cold Sores "I can't say enough good things about it. The difference between my fever blisters with and without the pill is truly like night and day. I started taking 1 pill as soon as I see a bump or feel tingling, and the symptoms are reduced by >60%. Definitely worth going to a doctor to get a prescription!"

• lin...
• October 2, 2010

Valacyclovir for Herpes Simplex, Mucocutaneous/Immunocompromised Host "I am on a regimen program of Valtrex and I take 4 tablets on the onset of fever blister of the lips, then 4 tablets 12 hours later. Then, my doctor prescribed 1 Valtrex daily forever. It's well worth it. I have not had any breakouts since my doctor put me on this prevention program. I highly recommend Valtrex and am well satisfied with the results."

• syl...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 31, 2019

Valacyclovir for Cold Sores "My dentist prescribed me Valtrex for cold sores I get on my gums (and occasionally on the lips, though that is much less frequent). At the first sign of an outbreak, usually a small blister or a couple of them, I take 2000 mg every 12 hours for one day. Valtrex keeps it from spreading; I never get any more blisters than on first onset. They also never crack or crust over. Within about 3 days they're completely gone. I swear by this medication for intra-oral cold sores. The only side effect I seem to get is a bad headache. Definitely worth it."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 3, 2016

Valacyclovir for Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I found out I had genital HSV-1 about a month ago. I have never seen a sore or bump of any kind down there, but I experienced a burning that I compared to being cut, literally. The doctor found a lesion by the vaginal opening that looked like little paper cuts, apparently. Anyhow, the 500 mg Valtrex 1× daily started helping after 2 weeks. The weird nerve-like sensations I was experiencing were all gone after 3 weeks. The only negative side effect is fatigue after I take the dose."

• Ksc...
• October 1, 2015

Valacyclovir for Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I get cold sores very badly on my upper lip (doctors are even surprised how bad it gets), so I am prescribed Valtrex 1000 mg. I love it! It takes away all of the pain overnight and helps speed up the process very fast. I've also found if I catch my cold sores soon enough, I take my normal dose, and it doesn't appear! This medicine is an absolute Godsend, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who struggles with the same or similar symptoms, as we all know how awful Herpes Simplex can be."

• LL...
• August 14, 2015

Valacyclovir for Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I've had HSV1 since birth. My whole life suffering from terrible outbreaks. My entire mouth, tongue, and cheeks covered in giant cold sores. I would get about three single outbreaks a year and, every two years or so, have an outbreak of at least five cold sores at once. High school was hell, I was always trying to make up excuses like 'an allergic reaction' or 'I fell down' to avoid the accusations of 'girl with herpes.' Finally, when I was 18, it was a week before Halloween, and, of course, a giant outbreak! Finally, I went to the doctor, and she told me about Valtrex. I had seen it on TV and thought, 'I don't have genital herpes,' and was almost embarrassed to be prescribed it. I took the doctor's advice, and literally within a couple of days, it was gone. It works!!"

• Ble...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 27, 2016

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I have been taking valacyclovir every day for 7 years and haven't had an outbreak since my very first outbreak. I'm almost happily married and haven't passed the virus to my wife of 5 years. We gave birth to my daughter, who is also virus-free. I have truly been blessed, and thanks to God and this medicine."

• Anonymous
• September 14, 2009

Valacyclovir for Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I am 60 years old, female, have had many very painful breakouts over the last 15 yrs. I have a weakened immune system. Finally, after two breakouts within 2 months, I am now on 500 mg valacyclovir every night. So far, no problems except I have gained weight and feel tired all the time, but I take other medicines that cause this also. I recommend it highly."

• BTe...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 2, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been taking Valtrex for symptoms of MS for at least 5 years. When I first started taking it, within 3 days I could go up steps with no problems. I feel I have greatly improved in strength and ability over those last 5 years. After so many years, I started to wonder if it was really doing anything, so I stopped taking it when my prescription ran out. Two weeks later, I was having some pain in my legs, even while relaxing, and could barely get up out of a chair. So, I took one of my few remaining Valtrex (1 500 mg per day). It worked! Within a 24-hour period, I had no trouble getting out of a chair again. Not only that, but my MS symptoms have remained stable for the past 5 years while taking Valtrex. It works for me."

• Gri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 17, 2025

For Multiple Sclerosis "Extraordinarily helpful. Started having a faint, chronic cold sore and began taking around the clock. Definitely suppressed cold sore, but unexpectedly felt more energy and just better. Stopped taking, and the fatigue that actually hurts returns. Would like to try stronger antivirals to see if I get even more results. Only taking quarterly IVIG and keto and holding steady."

• Kit...
• December 17, 2015

Valacyclovir for Cold Sores "This medicine is absolute magic! I only get a cold sore once a year, like clockwork. Always in November when the weather gets cold, and life gets hectic. I get it within the same week every year. I take this medicine as soon as I see it coming on and I get that tingle! Seriously, within 1-2 days, the cold sore is completely gone, looks a little red, that's it, can't even tell. Absolutely amazing, would recommend to anyone!"

• Val...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2019

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "Okay, so I had been suffering from this condition (herpes 2) for 16 years. Every GP I went to couldn't figure out what I had. I tried to research my symptoms online with no luck until recently. I made a self-diagnosis, went to the doctor for a blood test, and voila, mystery solved. Prior to figuring this out, I would have frequent outbreaks and treat it myself with Canesten cream that would clear up the condition within 3 days. However, within 2 weeks, hello, back again! Arg. For me, sugar was the trigger food. I gave up sugar and the outbreaks were less frequent. Now I am taking Valtrex 500 mg and have been experiencing headaches, although my symptoms have completely disappeared. I am wondering if 1/2 the dosage would work."

• Ale...
• November 8, 2016

For Herpes Zoster "I have recurring shingles brought on by stress. The pain lasts for weeks into months, and wearing clothes can be agony. It zaps my energy, and all I feel is lightning under my skin. It's usually garnished with fever blisters in my nose, left eye, and left ear. Three outbreaks a year were too much emotionally. I take Valtrex now as a suppressant with no side effects. I recently had a very stressful event that brought them out of hiding, and I quickly went to a treatment dose, and within three days, the blisters were scabbed over and the pain never really got a chance to crescendo. It's been six days, and I feel normal. The higher dose makes me a bit cranky, but it's nothing like living with shingles. I feel like I have my life back."

• Jen...
• December 24, 2014

Valacyclovir for Herpes Simplex, Mucocutaneous/Immunocompetent Host "I recently went to the doctor after seeing a small bump on my vagina. I was so freaked out because it hurt and burned when I used the restroom. I was so nervous going in and embarrassed. I looked online and thought the worst. As soon as my doctor saw it, she said it was herpes. I thought it was the end of the world, I fainted and thought I was going to die. But she explained that about 85 percent of people have it. There are two types: Type 1 and 2. Type 1 being from the waist and above, and Type 2 being anything below the waist. Herpes can be treated and it's not HIV or AIDS, so don't freak out."

• Ear...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 4, 2015

Valacyclovir for Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I have MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivities) and had suffered with outbreaks for years (1/month). Because of MCS, my body can turn a medication into a poison, so I was always too afraid to seek a remedy. When outbreaks became too frequent, I caved in under duress. My gyno prescribed Valtrex (not the generic) because the generics are inconsistent. I took one 500mg pill per day. This medication rocks! I took it for almost 7 years and did not have one single breakout and my body did not have any negative reactions to it! About 1.5 years ago, I stopped taking it because I couldn't afford it! Even though insurance covered a small portion of it. And 1.5 years later I'm having a breakout. I will go back to a daily dose."

• 2it...
• July 25, 2014

Valacyclovir for Cold Sores "I've been getting cold sores since I was 10 years old, and they get really bad. As I've gotten older, they only occur once a year if I'm really stressed, not getting enough rest, and not eating right. Talk about embarrassing, it spreads across my entire upper lip, then the crust and scab process is awful and unsightly. Mine usually last about 3 weeks. Sucks in a major way! Went to the MD in the middle of this outbreak because it was spreading, and I was totally depressed. She prescribed Valtrex every 8 hours for seven days. I've taken two so far, and the blisters stopped forming. Wish I would have taken it at the first sign. I'm impressed with this medication. I will be monitoring to see if it helps with healing and pain."