Valacyclovir and Depression: What Users Say

• Big...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2019

Valacyclovir for Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I am in my late 50s and was just diagnosed with HSV2; my OBGYN prescribed me Valtrex; and my outbreak lasted about 2 months!!! I quit taking the Valtrex two weeks ago and started taking L-LYSINE after some research not available on Google as they are owned by big pharma now... The Valtrex made me so depressed and short-tempered with insomnia. Who the hell can live with that? And, the virus thrives off the stress hormone, so why not give me some Valtrex to make me crazy and just flip out and add another 6 months of OB time to it!? Say no to Big Pharma cheats and liars like the makers of Valtrex, it's a shame doctors don't advise on diet and holistic first; before trying this terrible drug. DON'T TAKE, do your homework!!! Reduced the amount of arginine-rich foods you are eating, e.g., chocolate, eggs, and nuts. Don't trust your doctors; they get payback from big pharma."

• Kim...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 16, 2018

Valacyclovir for Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I was diagnosed with HSV-2 in 2001 after having sex for the first time. I was in so much pain and suffered from urinary retention and had to wear a catheter for about 2 months. I was so embarrassed and depressed. My partner accused me of giving him the virus; however, I was a virgin. I take Valtrex prn, and luckily I only have one to two outbreaks a year that last about 3 days and include one to two small blisters. No more urinary retention. I just wish I would have questioned my partner sooner related to a history of STDs."

• Tre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2015

Valacyclovir for Herpes Simplex, Suppression "So after reading these reviews, I feel a little better about taking Valtrex. I just took my first 500 mg dose for HSV-1 that has been recurring in my nose over the last 2 years (thank you, nose piercer). I read that it has the potential to travel up into my sinuses and, in rare cases, can cause fatal outbreaks in the brain. I can't tell you the kind of depression I fell into after I read that... It was all I could think about for weeks until I could get in to the doctor. I'm hoping it works as well for me as it seems to for all of you. Fingers crossed."

• lav...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 17, 2015

For Herpes Zoster "I give this a 10 for working. But will not take again. I took it within a few hours of the first signs of a rash. 3x's a day for 10 days. Side effects not worth it. I had nightmares, extreme irritability, felt depressed, nausea, and vomiting. It hit hard and fast. Felt depressed before I even took my 3rd pill. I thought I'd try to stay with it and it would get better, I got worse. My very quick change in behavior started to affect loved ones. So I stopped taking it. I'd rather be in physical pain than the emotional turmoil I felt. I felt out of control of my own thoughts. Last pill was taken at 6 PM. Within 24 hours I felt 100 times better and happy and normal."

• 2it...
• July 25, 2014

Valacyclovir 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."

• Ste...
• August 19, 2018

For Herpes Zoster "I'm sure this medication works, but I felt depressed shortly after taking it. Experienced periods of eerie confusion. Rapid heartbeat. Anxiety. Felt like my throat was swelling up, so I ran outside, phone in hand, to take a walk and felt much better. Yeah, I won't be taking this one anymore... I am 29 years old, shingles hit me out of nowhere!"

• 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."

• Ash...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2021

Valacyclovir for Cold Sores "Back when I was 12 years old, my uncle sexually abused me and gave me herpes HSV-2. Being so young, I had no idea what it was but knew it was for life, which made me feel completely awful about myself. Years later, I am now 22 years old. I had a long, passionate romantic relationship for 6 years, and he never got it and would have unprotected sex every time, never used a condom. Fast forward, we broke up. I was depressed, trying to find acceptance and love, and so I hooked up with some guy on a drunk night, and a couple of days later had a minor outbreak. WHICH, MIND YOU, I never had an outbreak since my initial one when I was 12!!! Went to go get tested, found out I had both HSV-2 & 1. I just wish there was a cure for this, the inconvenience and depression that come with it are truly traumatizing..."