Valtrex questions about herpes suppressive therapy

[Strawberrygirl]

I'm concerned about the side effects. I would like to hear from people's experience who have been on the suppressive therapy for several years. When should i take the pill? in the morning or better at night? should i eat before taking it?

[willow]

Hi strawberrygirl! I dont have much exoerience with valtrex, but you should take it with a meal!!

Im curious what others have to say!??

[WCSDancer2010]

I was on Acyclovir (same medication in a slightly different delivery form) for 3 years and no side effects at all. From what I understand, (and I'm an anti-drug person) it's about as safe a medication as there it. Some say it can affect the kidneys but I would assume that is in people who either don't drink enough or who already have a kidney issue.

 

Taking it with a meal helps if you get nausea from it (I never did)...and take it when you are most likely to remember to take it ;)

[Kanoa]

I take valtrex at night (when I'm taking it) because it can make me pretty crazy dizzy. I was on it daily for 4 months last year when I was with a non -H partner and had some nasty headaches, but the positives (0 outbreaks and a protected partner) outweighed the negatives for me. Currently I only take it when I have an OB. One other thing...if you drink much alcohol and plan to continue while taking it, be careful :)

[Sparklepony]

I haven't been on it for years, only a few weeks and the duration of 5 days during my initial outbreak. I had some slight dizziness that may or may not have been the Valtrex. I was stressed and emotion that week so I wasn't hydrated or eating like I normally do. Could have been either of those.

 

It takes about a month for our bodies to adjust to these types of meds. Side effects should taper off during that time and almost completely go away within a month. If they don't, or they seem extreme contact your doctor who can lower your dose age or suggest a different route. Drink a TON of water and that will help your body adjust as well as help the meds to work.

[beachluvr]

I've been taking Valtrex every day since December when I was diagnosed. I take it first thing in the morning with a garlic pill and haven't had any issues. I like to take it first because I want it to get into my system before taking anything else. Once I eat, I then take my other vitamins. I have never had any issues at all with taking it daily or in the morning prior to eating. I feel more comfortable taking a pill daily. It has helped, I believe, with lessening OB's. I have only gotten 4 OB and each time was only one tiny blister, so I think it does work. Plus, I don't stress over H anymore. I've accepted it, deal with it when H decides to pay a visit, and move on with my life. Hope this helps.

 

Hugs