Feedback on Valtrex Side Effect and Usage, page 8

About Valtrex

If you use Valtrex, please help others by adding your feedback. What would you tell your best friend about this product? Please remember that we do not give medical advice. That is for your local health care provider, who is familiar with your medical history.

Subj: Hiccups
Date: 2/11/2005
I took Valtrex for 6 day, and happen something I never experiment before, I have hiccups for 4 days, don’t let me sleep at night. Also in day time, is with me 24 hours a day, I wonder if Valtrex have something to do with my hiccups, I will like to have an answer, thank you.

AskDocWeb: Haven’t heard of this before, sorry.

Subj: Alternative to drug therapy?
Date: 2/12/2006
Are there any herbal pills that act as the anti bodies we eventually build when we have herpes HSV2? Meaning I have had one major outbreak and I have heard as each outbreak comes my body will build the antibodies need to fight herpes. Can I buy any type of herbal or even non herbal pill that puts these antibodies into my body so my body thinks it has it all of the time? Hope you understand this question. Thank you,

Jasmin

AskDocWeb: Some people have been getting good results from taking an amino acid called Lysine (500mg daily) to control flare-ups. If you try this, please let us know your results so we can share it with others.

Subj: Valtex and Women Diagnosed With Herpes Pre-Pregnancy:
Date: 2/16/2006
It is my understanding that Valtrex is now widely prescribed to these women during the third trimester in order to help prevent an outbreak at the time of delivery so as to help ensure a safe vaginal birth, which is wonderful if it is safe. But I thought that very little research had been done on the effect of taking Valtrex during pregnancy. Is it now considered safe to take Valtrex during pregnancy and also, do you know if more research is being done in this area?

Mia

AskDocWeb: Valtrex is made by GlaxoSmithKline. We haven’t seen any research published by them on using Valtrex during pregnancy. But we know that doctors are being told that it is safe to take during pregnancy.

Subj: Nu-acyclovir
Date: 2/17/2006
Can I take voltrex once a day medication if I’m pregnant…because I just found out that nu-acyclovir is harmful to fetus and breast milk…can you give advise on what I can take while pregnant but at the same time control my outbreaks

Clarissa

AskDocWeb: We are not familiar with nu-acyclovir, sorry.

Subj: Valtrex yeast infection?
Date: 2/23/2006
Does taking valtrex increase the chances of getting a yeast infection? And what kind of a ‘rash’ would valtrex cause, as it was listed as one of the side affects…thank you.

Kaeleen

AskDocWeb: Only a few women have reported getting a yeast infection so it is likely just a coincidence. A rash could be an allergic reaction and that should be checked out by your physician.

Subj: Episodes of rashes
Date: 2/27/2006
My son, age 17 was prescribed valtrex, one 500mg pill once a day since June 2005. He has had episodes of rashes and/or hives/welts appearing by just touching his skin or by clothing touching his skin. Can this be a reaction to the Valtrex that he is on? Thank you.

Anne

AskDocWeb: It sounds like he may be suffering an allergic reaction, although it could be from something else too. This should be brought to your doctor’s attention. You might try using Benadryl for some relief.

Subj: Feel like a frog
Date: 2/27/2006
I take valtrex when I start to get a cold sore. I get terrible headaches, upset stomach, and I feel like I’m in a fog. I can’t remember what I’m trying to say and I forget words I’m trying to use. Has anyone else experienced this?

Anna

Subj: Rare case
Date: 3/2/2006
I beg to differ with the response of increased liver enzymes possibly being a side effect… the response was “not that we have heard about” I have been taking Valtrex for over a year and the last few months have not been taking it religiously. My liver enzymes are 5(AST) and 7.5(ALT) times higher than what they were 3 months ago which were in the mid normal range. I have ruled out all the other hepatitis possibilities. If you look at the Valtrex info it states that a side effect CAN be increased liver enzymes, hepatitis. It is rare, but anyone can be one of the rare ones. It seems that I am one of those.

Diane

AskDocWeb: Yes it does seem to be that you are one of the rare ones.

Subj: Acute itching
Date: 3/3/2006
Hi there, I’ve been on 500mg daily of Valtrex for two weeks now and have experienced more acute itching than usual (anal and vaginal). It might have been bad timing but it seemed as if the Valtrex almost triggered an outbreak of genital herpes! I also experienced spotting from day one and then early period. I also feel itchy all over. I will ask my health care provider but does this sound like an allergic response?

Jane

AskDocWeb: With an allergic response, the itching would not be limited to those areas. Valtrex should not trigger outbreaks, more likely it was just a coincidence.

Subj: Diagnosed with genital herpes
Date: 3/9/2006
I have recently been diagnosed with genital herpes that I contracted from my current boyfriend that had no symptoms. I am currently taking valtrex, 2 tablets a day for 5 days and it seems to be clearing up the outbreak, however I am still experiencing itching, tingling, swollen labia, and urination is still not normal. How long before I will feel 100% like myself again? And how long before I can enjoy or even feel normal enough to have sex?

Skim

AskDocWeb: It will probably take about 10 days. If things do not improve, make an appointment with your gyn and get a urine test. You will also always have to have your partner use a condom.

Subj: Outbreaks
Date: 3/13/2006
Every time I try to begin suppressive therapy (Valtrex)I have an outbreak. Is that normal at all?

Stacey

AskDocWeb: The standard line would be, “The outbreak probably would have been worse if you had not been on Valtrex” but a couple of others have raised this possibility. Discuss this with your physician.

Subj: Dry mouth and feet tingle
Date: 3/15/2006
Can you get dry mouth and feet tingle while taking Valtrex? I take it twice a day and I was wondering.

Stacey

AskDocWeb: We have heard of someone having a dry mouth while on Valtrex, but not tingling of the feet, that is unusual. There may be a circulation problem here. If it continues or the tingling spreads to your fingers, make an appointment with your physician.

Subj: Blisters
Date: 3/16/2006
Took Vltrex 2x a day for three days, but on fourth day still have blisters. Should I take it again or just let it run its course?

Jamie

AskDocWeb: You should start seeing an improvement after the 7th day. If not, make an appointment to see your doctor.

Subj: UTI
Date: 3/25/2006
Can using Valtrex cause UTI’s???

Allison

AskDocWeb: No, it should not cause a UTI.

Subj: Valtrex aggressiveness
Date: 3/27/2006
I have been taking Valtrex for about a year. I was originally given the 1g to take daily for suppression. I noticed VERY aggressive behavior in myself (I have never been that way in my life) So I started taking 1/2 a pill a day. The aggressiveness was less. But still there. So I got the doc to write the Rx for 500mg and I take 1/2 so I am now on 250mg a day. I am now noticing depression but very little aggression (still more than I have had in my life) but less. My desire for sex since starting the drug is ZERO. So that and the depression has made me decide to go off the drug and use on an as needed basis. Before taking Valtrex I was breaking out every other month. Since Valtrex in the past almost year I have broken out only twice.

Joline

Subj: Bad idea
Date: 3/27/2006
I’ve had cold sores my whole life and consider valtrex a miracle drug. I only take when I have an outbreak. It is a very expensive drug. I may take 1 or 2 more than I should with an outbreak, but within days they are gone and dried up. Sometimes I can even stop them in their early stages. This drug is a wonder drug to cold sore sufferers. I don’t think I have had any side effects at all. I am wondering what long term issues this drug may cause later in life.

Sarahz

AskDocWeb: So do we, especially when you are taking twice the dosage expecting to see faster results. When it comes to drugs, it doesn’t work that way. Typically what you end up with is an overdose and sometimes a trip to an emergency room.

Subj: Having constant symptoms?
Date: 3/29/2006
I have been using 1gm of Valtrex for about six months for Herpes II and have almost constant symptoms, whereas before starting the medication I had minimal symptoms. Anyone else having this problem? I am not immuno compromised. I do take blood pressure meds…..any link?

Sunny

AskDocWeb: We suggest you talk with your doctor about this because it sounds like the medication isn’t working as well as expected, or your dosage need to be increased.

Subj: Internal organs shutting down?
Date: 4/6/2006
My husband has been on Valtrex for about 5 years now, to treat an infection within his eye. He has now had surgery to correct this problem, but is still taking this medication on a daily basis to stop his eye from flaring up. He is now complaining about his internal organs. He says he feels like his system is shutting itself down. He is very tired feeling, and has upset stomach most of the time. Can long-term use be harmful to his organs. And can this cause long-term damage? Please write back, we are very concerned.

Kelly

AskDocWeb: We share in your concern for your husband. It sounds like your husband should have a liver function test, done by drawing blood, and a urinalysis to check if there is anything wrong. This drug may cause nausea, headache, vomiting, dizziness and abdominal pain. He should talk with his doctor about this.

Subj: Yeast infections with Valtrex
Date: 4/12/2006
I got herpies 1 on my genitals from oral sex 3 years ago. My doctor prescribed Valtrex and I have been taking 500 mg per day ever since to suppress outbreaks and have only had about 3. However, in the past 12 months I have been getting a vaginal yeast infection about every 3 to 4 weeks. Even when I’m not sexually active for months at a time. I recently moved and my new doctor has told me that the valtrex could be causing my natural flora to become out of balance and suggested I stop taking it on a daily basis and only take it when I have outbreaks. Has there been others who have experienced this and if so, what was the answer.

Lilly

AskDocWeb: Yes, others have had this problem. Your doctor is correct for you to only take it with outbreaks since you are having yeast infections continuously. You might find some help with yeast infection here.

Subj: Valtrex for chronic fatigue
Date: 4/29/2006
At the age of 53, I was diagnosed with Mono (Epstein Barr Virus)in August of 2005. My life was hell. Just when I seemed to be getting better, I had a total relapse. The fatigue had become totally debilitating. I walked like a drunk, slurred my speech, was always tired, unable to concentrate, memory was a word of the past. Since the onset of Mono, I have only been able to work 3 months under extremely difficult conditions. Then I ran across an article on the Net saying that Valtrex “may” help relieve the chronic fatigue symptoms of Epstein Barr Virus. That was in March of 2006. My doctor agreed to let me try it. Within 48 hours of taking 1g/3 times per day, I felt absolutely terrific for the first time since last August. I was ecstatic. This dramatic improvement lasted the duration of my 2 week prescription. After the 2 week treatment, unfortunately, I relapsed again. We tried the lower doses of Valtrex to try and maintain my condition. It didn’t work. I am presently back on the 3grams per day and feel wonderful. The only thing that seems a little strange, is that now I am getting some rather unusual severe right frontal headaches. It’s too soon yet to be “sure” they are caused by the Valtrex but my doctor is monitoring me closely. Has anyone experienced these severe headaches on 3g per day of Valtrex?

I did in fact read “headaches” as a possible side effect. Is there anything known to “cancel” out the headaches and still allow 3g of day of Valtrex to be used for Mono control?

Critter

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