Valtrex for Herpes Simplex, Suppression User Reviews (Page 2)

• DD1...
• June 30, 2016

"I've been taking Valtrex for almost 18 years for suppression of cold sores. I would get them all the time before Valtrex, probably like 7 a year. I started with a daily dose of 500mg and would get one every now and again. I upped it to 1 gram and haven't had an outbreak in more than 10 years! Now, I'm back down to 500mg and if I feel an outbreak coming on, I'll put a little Zovirax on it with some DMSO after, and the sore goes away within 30 minutes. The combination works well. Hope this helps."

• Sug...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 24, 2018

"I took 500 mg Valtrex daily for almost a year while I had insurance back in 2005. I've had herpes since 1980, and I'm almost 59 now... I experienced outbreaks almost monthly for most of my adult life, and often several of them. Right after I got my last tattoo, I got five at once. In any case, during the entire time I was taking Valtrex, I experienced zero lesions. I finally have insurance again, and I asked my doctor for a prescription, which she gave me, but is only to shorten episodes. I really want the daily doses so I can maybe even think about having a relationship with someone. In my book, Valtrex is a miracle drug."

• RM2...
• April 21, 2014

"I had eczema on the skin accompanied by fever and joint pain for the first time last year and was diagnosed HSV2 by IgG positive test. I took Valtrex for two and a half months, and the following IgG test was negative. I repeated the test three months later, still IgG negative. My doctor does not know why. I would suggest those that have been taking Valtrex for a longer time (at least some months) right from the first outbreak to take a new IgG test. Maybe the Valtrex period of some months assists in the body reducing the number of virus through repeated life cycles such that it does not cause IgG antibodies. I like to add that the HSV1, which I had since long, gave a positive IgG response in all three IgG tests."

• Io8...
• December 31, 2014

"I have had herpes since 10 years old or so. I didn't know then that there was a medicine for this. I have had outbreaks during the whole of my life until I was 26 and googled the medicine for herpes. My doctor prescribed Valtrex to me after this and it's the best medicine I have ever taken (except antibiotics). This was life-changing for me and the best option. I don't take it daily though. Whenever I feel that an outbreak is coming, I take 2x500 mg and the herpes disappears in a few hours. Thanking the chemists that found this. Happy New Year!"

• Gra...
• January 7, 2015

"I find remarkable, quantifiable relief within 24 hours when using the 1G pill. It takes a few days for complete return to normal but 99% of symptoms are gone within 24 hours in my otherwise healthy body."

• Mr ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 27, 2016

"I take 500 mg Valtrex daily as a suppressant, and I have done so for the past 4 years. I still get the occasional small outbreak and apply wild oregano oil to the infected area. It stings but is absolutely amazing. It's antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal, and it clears up the herpes outbreak in rapid time."

• Ser...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 28, 2016

"I took Valtrex for about 3 years. I was having terrible side effects after about a year and a half, but I did not want an outbreak, so I kept taking it. I felt like total crap almost every day for months. One day, I realized I was out of my prescription and had to call the doctor for my yearly refill. I stopped taking it! I am a completely different person off of the pills. I no longer feel depressed. I was having all the side effects. I had a dull ache in the right side of my body that radiated from my hip to my breast. A week after stopping the pills, all my symptoms were gone, and the pain in my side was gone. I think back to a few weeks ago and never want to wake up every day feeling the way I did. I will deal with outbreaks. No more Valtrex."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2018

"Since I started on a half-tablet-a-day dose of Valtrex, I've seen a 100% improvement in my outbreaks. I had had extremely painful outbreaks many times throughout last year, about 5-6. I was terribly reluctant to go on any kind of medication for my symptoms, as I always try to treat myself naturally. I tried every herbal remedy, including rubbing organic garlic on my blisters, which stung like hell but did help a little. Valtrex completely kept them away, and for the first time in almost 12 months, I regained the confidence to start dating again and even share my condition with my date. I was finally living my life again without the thought in the back of my mind. Until this week, when my 3-month prescription ran out. Today I am due for an appointment to see if I can get more. But 5 days after finishing my last dose, I already have one dreaded blister back, reminding me of how I suffered."

• Hun...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 2, 2016

"Such a great pill! I contracted HSV-2 when I was only 17 by my boyfriend who cheated on me, one week before my high school graduation. I started taking it only when having outbreaks until shortly after I was having 3-4 a month. I was beyond depressed. My doctor told me about suppressive medicine, taking it twice a day (500 mg), and ever since then I have been clear of any sign of an outbreak. I'm going on month 5 with no symptoms. Makes me feel myself again! Remember ALWAYS USE PROTECTION!"

• Bla...
• July 31, 2017

"I'm 62 and have lived with it since June of 1978...almost 40 years! Just started Valtrex this summer because outbreaks were literally constant with 3 to 5 lesions at once! The itching...omg! Had to numb with an ice cube in a plastic bag and it worked, too! For some reason, this disease has become worse in the last few years, which my OB-GYN cannot understand. Back in the early 80s, Time magazine wrote a long article on it as it was newer and before the AIDS epidemic hit. In it was a line that said, 'this thing has a mind of its own,' and 'you won't kill it, but it won't kill you either!' So true!! Google the article as I found it online a few months ago. And...take care."

• Ple...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 21, 2016

"I got diagnosed with genital herpes in February 2016. I did 500 mg for 7 days when I was expecting an outbreak. But I kept getting them. They switched me to 1 g daily about 6 months ago, and I'm still non-stop getting them. I've had 3 that have been so bad, and they've left scars. I'm in extreme pain and don't know what to do. Why isn't my medication working?"

• Sto...
• January 28, 2017

"I was diagnosed with herpes simplex type 1 in early 2016. Began taking valacyclovir every day once diagnosed. It has completely saved my life and my confidence. It's an easy pill to take, and I haven't had any outbreaks or symptoms since the initial outbreak. If you're suffering, this is the medication to take! Best wishes to all!"

• jc2...
• February 10, 2017

"I have been taking Valtrex as a suppression for 2 years right after my initial HSV2 outbreak, which was the worst pain of my life, urinary retention, had to wear a catheter. I refuse to come off this drug because it scared the living heck out of me. I never want to go through that ever again. Valtrex is my savior drug. My gyno put me on it right after the initial. Cleared me up fast, and I have zero side effects (I literally don't even know I've taken the drug). I asked if I can stay on it, as I am more terrified of getting anything like my initial outbreak. Since I have been on Valtrex, I have not had any outbreaks, but 1 little sore per year will pop up. I even skip days sometimes, but if I do, I have this constant itch. Keeps HSV2 away."

• muc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2016

"I am pregnant and found out I had genital herpes on New Year's Eve from my boyfriend giving me oral sex with a cold sore on his lip. It burned so bad when I went pee. I had painful blisters and bumps and awful itching with a nasty discharge and swelling. OB-GYN gave me Valtrex 1 gm to take twice a day. On day one, the painful swelling I had in my labia went down a lot. By day two, the burning was gone and the big blisters went down until they were super small. The itching also got a lot better. Day three, blisters and bumps scabbed over. It's now day four and all I had left is dried-up tiny scabs over where two of the blisters were and they don't hurt at all. Bumps are gone. Basically, my vagina looks and feels almost normal again."

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

"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."

• Try...
• December 18, 2019

"I think I’ve had it for a while because, for months, I was experiencing terrible clitoral pain, and my gyno tested my blood and the clitoris. Nothing came back, but I would always feel an itchy and burning feeling at night. The beginning of last week, I experienced my first outbreak. I took this whole bottle, qty 14, and I’ve been getting more sores. I have no itchiness, mostly painful, and I’ve been so depressed. I haven’t gone to work and just have been staying in bed. I’ve been on antidepressants for a year now, and I’m scared for my future. I have two people that are close to me who have it, and it’s nice to have someone to talk to about it, but I just want this breakout to end."

• Joh...
• April 25, 2016

"I've been using Valtrex for suppression and have not had an outbreak in 1.5 years using it. It's a lifesaver. Hoping to take it daily for the rest of my life. If anyone has been taking it daily for suppression, please chime in, I wanted to know if it has affected anyone in a bad way. I did read one review where someone was using it daily as a suppression for 14 years, and it worked, and he didn't have an outbreak once, but he ended up getting an allergic reaction and had to stop using it. What a bummer! But yes, Valtrex is a lifesaver."

• Kee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 8, 2017

"I was diagnosed with HSV-1 and HSV-2 around my buttocks about a year and a half ago. Ever since my initial outbreak, I've been taking 500 mg of Valtrex daily. I've never experienced any side effects -- I also take birth control and drink regularly. I've never experienced a full outbreak since the initial one. Sometimes when I go out of town, I'm not great about taking meds, and I'll feel symptoms coming on after a few days of missing it, so I'll take 1 g for a couple of days, and then that makes it go away. I don't *think* I have a severe case -- the initial outbreak was extremely uncomfortable, but immediately after taking meds, the pain went away, followed by the blisters healing. Quick recovery with Valtrex -- I doubt I'll ever go off!"

• And...
• July 29, 2015

"When I first contracted genital herpes (24 years ago), I was devastated. I suffered continuous outbreaks for several months until seeking medical advice. Acyclovir gave me back my life, severely reduced the occurrences and severity to a manageable level. Valtrex came along, and I now take it instead of Acyclovir (no noticeable difference other than having to take fewer tablets). I have tried suppressive and intermittent, and both have worked for me. I tend to take the medicine when I have an occurrence as I don't want the virus to become resistant to it. These drugs are a lifesaver. For what it's worth, I have found that chocolate will trigger an outbreak for me. I've virtually given it up and reckon it's a small price to pay for no symptoms."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 11, 2018

"I was diagnosed with HSV-1 genitally and on the face. Just started on Valtrex, within a short time, blisters started eating up. Mind you, I do get a horrible stinging pain down below, thought it was a UTI, but lab results proved otherwise. I'm struggling with dealing with the news, as HSV-1 down below is unusual to have. Anyone know of any great support groups? I'm in Perth, haven't been able to find any locally."

• ano...
• June 3, 2015

"I was notified last January 2014 that I had HSV2. I went into such a deep depression that I truly wanted to give up. I begged for a second test to confirm it. The doctor refused to test me again and said that she was positive that the test was positive and showed me the papers. I still was in denial for quite some time. The doctor gave me Valtrex 500 milligrams and told me to take one every day. Needless to say, I took it for 30 days and stopped and never had an outbreak until just a few days ago, which confirmed that I was positive. I immediately began taking my medicine. Although it can be very uncomfortable while at work because I do sit down and get in and out of trucks constantly. This medicine has truly kept my outbreak under control."

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

"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."

• Sue...
• September 19, 2020

"I got herpes 2 from a guy who said he was STD-free and even showed me his results. But of course, no herpes results as they don't test for it routinely, it's only accurate when you have an outbreak. I got my tests and all clear. But this guy had herpes, and he did not tell me. Cruel and unusual and malicious thing to do. He knowingly gave me herpes. He knew he had it. He told me afterwards. I have been in constant pain for months. Valtrex seems to work. I may have to take it permanently as I just can't stand the agony anymore. So much pain."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2021

"Did not work, actually seemed to make it worse, if that's even possible. Also, had the worst side effects - made me incredibly tired. Acyclovir works better for me, but I'm still getting multiple outbreaks a month (short-lived) while on suppressive therapy. I can see I'm not the only one. If anyone reads this, I've read about a possible therapeutic vaccine that's actually going to hold human clinical trials in the UK soon. To push for more therapies or vaccine studies, we have to reach out to government officials insisting that there be more effective treatments. Either the virus has become more virulent or the drugs have become less potent...who knows."

• Joa...
• April 12, 2017

"This drug has been 100% effective. I first started taking 500 mg and had just had mild outbreaks, decided to up the dose to 1 mg a day and had no outbreaks since then. Highly recommend taking it for those who experience more than 12 outbreaks a year."