Valtrex User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

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

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

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

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

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!!"

• Anonymous
• September 14, 2009

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."

• Kit...
• December 17, 2015

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!"

• Jen...
• December 24, 2014

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

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

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."

• vir...
• September 23, 2010

For Cold Sores "I got up Sunday morning with a cold sore. Didn't get a chance to take Valtrex until Monday afternoon around 2 pm. By Tuesday morning, it was already clearing up. And by Thursday, it was gone. Usually, without taking any medication, my cold sore would last about a week and a half to two weeks."

• SMM...
• July 25, 2019

For Cold Sores "I am so happy I found this! Or rather, found a doctor that prescribed it. It’s a miracle drug! I get probably 4-5 cold sores a year, particularly when I’m extra stressed, which is always the worst time for a cold sore. I never feel them coming the night before. I always wake up with several blisters that formed overnight. Anyway, I immediately take 2 grams of Valtrex (I always have it on hand! I get my prescription refilled immediately after I use it in prep for the next one). By mid-afternoon, it’s stopped itching. I take 2 more grams before bed. The next morning it’s grown a little but not bad. 2 more grams that second morning. By the afternoon of the second day, the blisters are mostly gone and only slight scabs remain. I’m lucky that mine are in the corner of my mouth. You can’t even see it by the second afternoon. I then reduce to 1 gram morning and night for a week just to be sure it’s totally gone (I’ve had them come back!)"

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 14, 2016

For Cold Sores "First time I used Valtrex, I thought I was done or almost done with cold sores, it healed up so fast. I was really glad something was finally helping me for real. Abreva and all the other stuff don't really work, I'd even say Abreva makes it worse. But in the last 5 months, I had 2 cold sores unfortunately. Both times I took Valtrex as soon as I felt a little tickling. No matter what, both times I woke up with a full blister and bigger. So people saying it stops it right in its tracks are wrong. But it does help for the healing time. In 5 days, it’s gone. Still better than the 7-9 days I used to go through before. Can't wait till they find a real 'cure' or at least something that kills the virus for real as soon as you take it."

• Not...
• January 3, 2015

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I've been on Valtrex as suppression therapy for two months. After first contracting HSV-2, I was getting outbreak upon outbreak with no break. It has significantly reduced my outbreaks, but I am still getting them and presently not much relief. My doctor thinks it may take more time for the medication to work. But I did notice a review where this person upped their dosage while in outbreak. Will try this and see."

• ste...
• January 5, 2015

For Cold Sores "I've been getting cold sores for a while now, and before Valtrex, none of the creams would help, and I wouldn't notice a difference. Now when I feel a little bump, I take Valtrex right away, 4 pills ASAP, then another 4 a few hours later. If I catch it early enough, it won't go past the little bump and will be cleared up by the next day. If I catch it a little too late (sometimes they like to show up while I'm sleeping), I still take Valtrex and I will get the outbreak, but no swelling, blister. Still clears in 3 days. I also use Polysporin patches. This stuff is the closest thing to a cure right now. My doctor says to take 1 pill a day around the times of the year I usually get them, and sometimes I can go a year or a year and a half without one."

• Red...
• December 29, 2014

For Cold Sores "Had one of those tricky cold sores where there is no tingling or burning, it just up and shows up out of nowhere. Showed up as a single blister around 10 pm, and I knew there was nothing I could do except ice it until the morning. Continued to ice all night in the hopes that it would not get worse and went to the doctor first thing in the morning. Took 2 pills in the morning and 2 pills at night, and it is essentially gone, two days later. Never broke open, never crusted. Just kinda disappeared, all because of this little miracle pill. Definitely worth going to the doctor for, hopefully, one day it will be available OTC!"

• RLC...
• September 30, 2015

For Cold Sores "Wow is all I have to say. Anyone who has a cold sore knows the minute it happens you're worried how big, how long. I was driving home from work Monday at 6 pm, felt the tingle, freaked out, took the Valtrex, and again in the morning. I was worried because it did seem to grow. But by the end of Tuesday, it was not as bad as it would have been. The next morning, I was shocked. Normally waiting for that blister and gross that you know comes. But it was flat. No blister, it seemed to stop all production. Yes, what's there is healing, but wow, it's basically at the end of a cold sore. Not where it should be like the beginning. I will keep this on hand always. Amazing. I am so happy."

• ale...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 17, 2017

For Herpes Simplex, Mucocutaneous/Immunocompromised Host "I caught genital herpes from my ex-wife in 2015, she never told me about the virus. I had it for 2 years with so many outbreaks, and it affected my life. People think herpes is really a minor skin irritation, but herpes has long-term effects on health. The stigma attached to this virus by ignorant people is ridiculous. Most people have herpes in one form or another. I was first taking antiviral medicines, such as acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex), which are recommended for treating primary genital herpes outbreaks. This medicine can be taken when an outbreak occurs. It can also be taken every day to help prevent outbreaks. It is not a total cure, but it sure helps."

• Ash...
• June 15, 2016

For Cold Sores "The first time I tried this, I had my first cold sore in months. It was so bad it caused my lymph node in my chin to swell. I took this, and the cold sore healed so quickly. I woke up to a cold sore this past Sunday, took the pills on Monday, and it is now Tuesday, and it is barely noticeable!"

• tha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 24, 2013

For Cold Sores "I'm 24 years old. As a young female, a cold sore was terror. I have always gotten them on and off throughout the year and more so in the winter. As I got older, stress and worry would trigger a cold sore, and when I thought I had it healed, another would come up right next to it. I tried everything OTC and anything to dry it out. Needless to say, I was torturing myself until I mentioned to my Dr that I get them under stress, and once one healed, another came along. He suggested Valtrex 500 mg and to take one tablet every day! I haven't had a cold sore since, and I've had a ton of stress since. My Dr is amazing, and this is a miracle medication."

• Bet...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 27, 2019

For Cold Sores "Like so many of you, I have had a lifetime of cold sores. I want to share an experience with a doctor. I passed out during final exams because I had 18 fever blisters at once, and I had gotten poisoned by it. The doctor told me that people like me carry the herpes simplex type 2 virus in the nerve ending of our spine and that when we are run down, the immune system can't keep it under control, and it comes out again. So that was a revelation. Anyway, Valtrex has been a life saver. I tried everything as well, but nothing has ever come close to helping me until Valtrex. Thank you!!"

• abb...
• August 17, 2011

For Multiple Sclerosis "I can't say enough about this medication. The quality of my life is greatly improved: neuropathy, fatigue, low body temperature, and heat tolerance. The only side effect I have is that I get more dizzy if I get up quickly from a squatting position."

• Ibe...
• April 7, 2016

For Cold Sores "After being sick with bronchitis and upper respiratory infection for about 2 weeks, I woke up one morning with cold sores overtaking my whole top lip. I've always taken Lysine, and that helps cut back on the length of time for healing when I just have one cold sore. This time, the swelling and pain of having multiple cold sores was just too much to handle. I phoned my doctor and explained that my top lip was so swollen and that eating and drinking had become painful. The doctor called in a prescription of 2 a day Valtrex. I took the first one yesterday around noon, by 6 pm, the swelling and pain had already gone down. This morning I woke up, and while the blisters are still there, it's like it reversed all the sores. No pain or swelling. Just healing!!"

• Anonymous
• February 7, 2012

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I just started taking Valtrex, and it has been working great. Just contracted HSV2 in Dec. 2011, it's now Feb. 2012. Went to the hospital the day after I saw all the lesions and was on famciclovir (Famvir). Didn't really seem to do much for the lesions. I only had one week's worth of Famvir and was off antivirals until 3 weeks ago and had 3 mini outbreaks since then with 1 lesion each. Got on Valtrex, haven't even had itching or tingling since. Thanks, Valtrex."

• Lig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2019

For Cold Sores "I actually am not sure if what I had was herpes, but the side effects I experienced from just taking one dose of this drug were scary. I could barely wake up in the morning, my head was hurting so much. I felt sick all day, like I was going to throw up, and I took three naps and STILL felt exhausted. I ran to the bathroom a few times thinking I was about to throw up, leaving my 4-month-old alone while I did so. And I could not eat anything all day because of the nausea."

• Her...
• January 1, 2021

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "Okay. I long suspected I had herpes, I’d notice single outbreaks any time I had a cold. Then, when I turned 30, I had an outbreak not associated with a cold at all. I got on 500 mg Valtrex immediately, and still, I was having 1-2 outbreaks a month. So, based on that, I switched to acyclovir 400 mg 2x a day because 500 mg Valtrex was already more expensive, I didn’t want to pay for the 1 g. I did some digging and finally found that this actually is a documented medical experience, published in a couple of journal articles. For people with high outbreak numbers, 500 mg Valtrex is ineffective, while acyclovir, 1 g Valtrex, and famciclovir are. It would certainly shorten the length of the outbreak to 3-5 days when I took the treatment dose, but did not prevent. With 400 mg acyclovir 2x a day, I still get tingling and itching sometimes, but it’s been two months, and I haven’t had any outbreaks."