Valacyclovir and Fatigue: What Users Say

• NoR...
• November 11, 2013

Valacyclovir for Herpes Simplex, Mucocutaneous/Immunocompromised Host "I was infected with HSV-2 about two weeks ago in the genital area, pubic area to be exact. Only took 2 days before typical symptoms showed, but I waited 4 days before going to the ER, thinking the OB was folliculitis. I was prescribed Valtrex 1 g 2 times a day for ten days. After 2.5 days, I noticed that the herpes stopped spreading and the pain was gone. After 5 days, it was already healing/drying up. After 10 days, it is almost completely healed, with a few scabs left. This drug is very effective, but you have to take it on time every 12 hours or as instructed by your doctor. Side effects were fatigue, dry skin, dry eyes/slight redness at times, mood swings, hives, and sleeplessness."

• 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."

• 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."

• You...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 24, 2020

For Varicella-Zoster "I am 25 years old and have shingles for the first time. On day four of taking this valacyclovir medication. While this has certainly reduced the spread of the shingles to a small rash on my side, I have had very low energy, been very nauseous, had headaches, and have lost quite a bit of hair from one of the more rare side effects. I do not feel myself and am on edge and in a fog. Just be heads up for some of these symptoms."

• bay...
• February 13, 2019

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I was informed about 6 months ago that I had contracted genital herpes. Initially, I was prescribed a 3-day supply. I had been getting reoccurring outbreaks monthly, so I called and told them I wanted it as a daily preventative. I stopped having outbreaks, BUT I had severe side effects. I became depressed with thoughts of suicide, a complete lack of energy, I gained 20 lbs in less than 2 months, had severe joint pain, emotional outbursts, and diarrhea. I have been off this medication for a little over a week, and I already feel so much better. My mood has returned to normal, no more joint pain or diarrhea, and my energy level has returned to normal. The downside is that I am now having another outbreak. One difference I can find is the first batch I was on is manufactured by Jubilant Cadist, and the newer one (with all the side effects) by Aurobindo Pharm. Since the first was a 3-day supply, it's possible I just didn't notice the side effects that I had with long-term usage."

• HSV...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2016

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I have had genital herpes for the past 6 years. I caught it from my partner, so I didn't feel the need to use suppression, and my outbreaks did get less severe and less frequent over time. I recently got divorced, so I got on Valacyclovir as a daily suppressant since it can reduce my risk of passing it to a new partner (using condoms and paying attention to symptoms) to about 1%. I stayed taking it about 2 days into an outbreak and noticed a reduction in symptoms in a matter of hours. The only side effects I've had are a bit of fatigue and dizziness (I also take other meds that cause that, so it may be cumulative) and the occasional headache if I don't stay hydrated enough. Totally worth it to feel more normal though."

• Jud...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2021

For Herpes Zoster "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 the 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 carryover from shingles attack."

• Pol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 24, 2016

For Varicella-Zoster "Extreme fatigue, falling asleep while sitting, flu-like symptoms, unusual dreams, pictures going through my mind, chills, loss of balance, runny nose, lack of appetite, creepy feeling in my scalp, slurring of speech. After the fifth day, I am feeling better, but can't sleep tonight. Blisters are breaking and drying."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2025

For Herpes Simplex (HSV) "It made me extremely sick. I was supposed to take 1000 mg 3x a day for 14 days. I ended up only taking 1000 mg 2x a day for two days. Severe diarrhea and fatigue after taking it just one day. On day two, diarrhea got even worse and I got chills, agitated, and insomnia. I also developed lower back and side pain indicative of kidney damage. I had to stop taking it. It's now been over 24 hours since my last dose and my stomach is still upset and still have diarrhea, although it's milder now."