User Reviews for Valacyclovir to treat Herpes Zoster

Valtrex (valacyclovir) "Be aware I am anti big pharma on numerous levels. I fought using any kind of pharmaceutical for decades. I have chronic shingles that keeps occurring on my left back hip. A pinched nerve triggers when sitting for very long. I hate to say it, but Valtrex saved me. Taking one 500 mg about once every 3 days, and have not been plagued with any shingles since taking it 6 mos ago. It also seemed to relieve about 50% of the pain associated with the outbreak area. Not sure what the connection is. I also have genital herpes that pops up every couple of months (before taking Valtrex). Nothing has appeared in over 6 mos. This drug has been a godsend (okay, I'll give the manufacturer a high five for this one, as much as I hate to say it)."

"I'm a 56 year old woman in great health- I had some weird on and off annoying stabbing nerve pain on my right side followed by an itchy welty rash. I had no idea what it was but I decided to see my dermatologist because I wanted to make sure it wasn't from spiders or bedbugs or worse. He knew what it was right away- the dreaded Shingles- and got me started on Valtrex. I guess I started taking it early enough because it stopped the progression in its tracks. I had NO pain and the blisters never surfaced. I'm going to ask for a refill so I can have it on hand just in case it ever flares up again!!! My pharmacist said to make sure to take Valtrex with lots of water as it could cause kidney stones."

"I am one week shy of my 50th birthday. Shingles appeared on my left torso and abdomen. I was prescribed Valcyclovir HCL 1 gram tablet 3 times a day for a week. As someone that is severely emetophobic, I am terrified to take any prescription drug. I already take too many for various issues. Of course the internet makes it worse when you read about the side effects. I am happy to report that I have had ZERO side effects on this medication. Nothing! My shingles started to go away on day three, and it is now day five. I still have them, but the medication is working! No question! I think what helps with side effects is that I take this with 24 oz (3 cups) of water. I was told to take this with a lot of water. I am so relieved to have this going away. It is really debilitating!"

Valtrex (valacyclovir) "Discovered rash on a Thursday, prescribed Valtrex on a Friday. Woke up Saturday and rash was still spreading but stopped by that night and began to dry up by Tuesday- no blisters ever formed and itching/pain was very minimal! Side effects only the first day or so, but not positive it was from Valtrex- the sickness/headaches I felt could've easily been from my anxiety. By the third day, any side effects subsided completely and had no issues finishing the medication. After reading stories of shingles sufferers who did not take anti-virals, I am so happy my doctor prescribed this medication. Also, a suggestion, Burow's solution (sold as Domeboro in most pharmacies) helped soothe and dry up my rash quickly! Keep your head up! :)"

"Valacyclovir is a miracle drug! My outward symptoms started in one little spot near my right eye, first with stabbing pain and then an itchy spot. By day 2 the outbreak had spread enough for me to start thinking it might be shingles so in going to the clinic right away it was caught early. I was on the antiviral immediately and over the next couple of days the rash spread slightly, then day 3 the drug really kicked in. One week later and I'm left with just a small spot where it originally started. My prescription is for 10 days, which I'll finish. I've had none of the possible side effects."

Valtrex (valacyclovir) "I was able to take Valtrex within 14 hours of the onset of the rash and I feel that it helped suppress what could have been a disaster. It has been three days on Valtrex and I am beginning to feel myself. The rash suppressed it's growth and is beginning the second and third cycle of healing."

Valtrex (valacyclovir) "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 andIi continued feeling mild pain for another week or so."

"I give this a 10 for working. BUT WILL NOT TAKE AGAIN. I took it with 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 taking at 6 pm. within 24 hours I felt 100 times better and happy and normal."

"Getting Shingles at 54 was not something I expected! Went to the Dr. within 48 hrs. of the appearance of the rash. No one was more shocked than I was when after 48 hrs. on this medication my rash began to dry up and fade away! Now its been 5 days on this medication (1 gram 3x day) and I can honestly say I am 90% back to myself. Shingles truly is a terrible illness but this is an awesome medicine. Side effects have been minimal."

"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 and left eye and left ear. 3 outbreaks a year was too much emotionally. I take valtrex now as 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 withing 3 days the blisters were scabbed over and the pain never really got a chance to crescendo . IT'S been 6 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."

"I'm sure this medication works but I felt depressed shortly after taking it. Experienced periods of eerie confusion. Rapid heart beat. Anxiety. Felt like my throat was swelling up so I ran outside, phone in hand to take a walk and felt much better. Yeah, I won't be taking this one anymore... I am 29 years old, Shingles hit me out of nowhere!!"

"Valacyclovir worked extremely well on the pain, blisters, burning and itching, but the nausea and headache were just as extreme. I could only take the valacyclovir for 2 days, then decided the pain was more bearable than the constant nausea. My doctor is going to try famciclovir and see if I do any better with the side effects."

"I came down with shingles on a Friday but couldn't get to my doc until late Monday. The illness affects my mouth, nose, and scalp on the left side. Doc prescribed valacyclovir 3 x day for 7 days. This is day 4. I have been 4 days with a bad headache and similar pains in the neck/throat area. The valacyclovir seems to be working, and I am glad to have an antiviral available. Just tired of this ordeal...procrastinated on the shingles vaccine. If you haven't been vaccinated, do it now."

"I started taking Valtrex within 24 hours of a small rash appearing. The rash continued to get somewhat larger but then stopped (within 3 days). It never developed any further. I just finished the 7 day prescription. No leakage, no pain, just a slight itch and the rash is fading. It appears that the sooner you start treatment, the faster it clears up. Thanks"

Valtrex (valacyclovir) "Would have preferred a 10 to 14 day treatment, rather than a 5 to 7 day. NERVE aggravation understandable irritation due to rash could be less severe if patient was able to continue medication for an additional number of days. IF VIRUS is going to linger for several weeks then the initial first two weeks might prove beneficial. In my case, I would have benefited from the extra period. DOCTORS do not think so, but of course they think enduring the pain and discomfort is medical treatment. I think it is a wasted office visit."

"Was feeling pain in my back under right shoulder blade for about a week. The pain meds I'm on for chronic back pain didn't even help. Stepping into the shower I noticed a rash and knew what I had... Shingles at 53—and no stress in my life. Never had chickenpox either. Called doctor next morning and given script. Took first two doses day after rash/blisters appeared. Been on for 48 hours (eight doses) and rash hasn't spread, but itching and mild pain persist. I could not imagine the pain I'd have had if I hadn't been taking Norco, cymbalta, and robaxin already. Fingers crossed this continues to rapidly get better."

Valtrex (valacyclovir) "Having been diagnosed with Shingles, I followed the doctors advise.....SILLY ME. I am a physically fit woman and work in the Fitness industry. No ailments in my life whatsoever. Extreme stomach cramping and the vomiting."

"My nearly 92 YO, healthy uncle was placed on Valacyclovir 6 weeks ago for a Shingles outbreak on his eye. He took 1 gm, twice a day, for 7 days (script was written for 10 days, but they stopped at day 7). Three days ago, he was placed on Hospice, and is expected to die within several days. He got every single one of the "rare" side effects: extreme weakness, no appetite, anemia, hallucinations, eyelid/facial swelling, difficulty walking, difficulty breathing, coughing, on and on and on... PLEASE do not use this medication with the elderly!!!"

"Shingles of the eye misdiagnosed for 8 days--excruciating pain akin to acute appendicitis and childbirth except it lasted for 8 days. Valtrex started probably 5 days after rash appeared. I was 60% better within two hours of the first dose. 7 days later I'm 90% better. I'm going to continue it for 10 days. Valtrex saved my life, I couldn't have continued the way I was going. I have multiple allergic reactions and intolerable side effects with many drugs so at 74, I only take a reflux med--tried going off it 4 times and just couldn't. I see no reactions to the Valtrex except I'm fatigued--don't know if that's the Valtrex or carry over from shingles attack."

Valtrex (valacyclovir) "I was put on Valtrex for dermatitis that was suspected shingles (which likely wasn't shingles as it was gone in 2 days, never blistered and never was painful.) On the start of Day 3 I started getting what I thought was heat-rash in my arm fold and waist. It spread like wildfire and now I have hives/red welts over pretty much every part of my body except my face and back that itch like the worst itching you ever felt. I stopped the meds yesterday and a day later I still have new hives popping up. 3 days of Prednisone starting now to try and get rid of the hives."

Valtrex (valacyclovir) "Valtrex has been a life saver in relation to recurring shingles. It reduces the pain and inflammation and duration of the outbreak."

Valtrex (valacyclovir) "Works great even after outbreak."

Valtrex (valacyclovir) "This medication is a lifesaver!! I have recurring infection when stressed and every single time it clears it so fast. I do get insomnia a little on it but I’d rather have that than blisters"

"I'm not sure if this medication is working. My oncologist prescribed it to prevent getting shingles (herpes Zoster prevention)"

"I had shingles for 3 months"