Valtrex Resistant?

[JJlove]

I have prodrome symptoms consistently, basically every day, even though I don’t get outbreaks. I’ve been taking valtrex for a little over 5 weeks now every day and the prodrome symptoms haven’t gotten any better. 
 

Is it possible I’m resistant to the antiviral? I read that been that are immunocompromised could be resistant but it’s very uncommon so I’m not sure why it’s not working for me. 
 

Has anyone else experienced this? I tried acyclovir for a couple of weeks which also didn’t help. I don’t know what else to do if the antivirals aren’t working! I’ve tried all natural remedies and I live a healthy lifestyle. Please help! 

[mr_hopp]

@JJlove — I get why you’re feeling frustrated with the constant prodrome symptoms, especially when antivirals like Valtrex and acyclovir don’t seem to be helping. I remember I went through something similar early on. You're still within the first year of having herpes, right? If so, your body and immune system are still adjusting to this new roommate. 😉 These symptoms should subside over time as your body gets things under control. It’s pretty rare to be resistant to these medications (especially if you aren’t immunocompromised); perhaps your symptoms would be more severe if you weren't taking meds, who knows.

So yes, keep working with your doctor to dial in the right medication plan, but also have some patience and trust that your body is doing its best. This is a super common experience in the first year of having herpes.

Also, goes without saying to make sure you're taking care of yourself in general. All those cliches like eating well, sleeping well, de-stressing as much as possible, etc. Those will all help strengthen your immune system to help suppress the virus naturally. Then medication can help as another layer on top of that. Also, some have claimed that taking daily Lysine supplements can help (while others say it didn't help at all). There's not a lot of science to back that up, but it can't hurt. (Check with your doc before adding this in, though, just to be safe.)

Stay positive, and remember you’re not alone! 

[Sumshine]

You might want to switch to acyclovir twice a day! When I first started the antiviral meds, I started on Valtrex. I had prodrome symptoms every single day that I was on it even though I had never had Prodrome symptoms prior to getting on the medicine! I know both of these medicines are supposed to be very similar, but they are not when it comes to side effects. Once I switch to acyclovir twice per day, I never had prodrome symptoms again or outbreaks for that matter. It is certainly worth a try

[AZGIRL]

I do experience prodrome symptoms daily for over a year now. I’ve changed my diet to low sugar and sodium sometimes do intermittent fasting. Antivirals have not helped. I’m also taking supplements: Vitamin D2, Turmeric and Nuphoria (multivitamin for nerve pain) Nothing works and it’s so frustrating, doctors don’t even believe me because I don’t develop blisters, they say it’s not herpes but I tested negative foe everything else and the burning is in the exact same spot. I cut down on acidic foods completely. No alcohol l, coffee etc. I’m overall healthy but this condition has taken over my peace and don’t know what else to do. I’m not sexually active and have no desire to, as I know the friction will cause an outbreak. It was dormant for a while and they it woke up out of the sudden, hasn’t changed since then.