I read some reviews on L-Lysine , they were very positive , all related to cold sores ( which is herpes) I follow the regime as well and I am not sure whether it is is doing its job or not. ( I also take acyclovir) Perhaps it's too soon yet. But ... what is important about all medication is Primum non nocere ; First, do no harm I am pasting in two reviews mentioned above : "It has been such a life saver...after endless boxes of acyclovir and trips to the doctor I found L-lisine does a better job at keeping outbreaks at bay. The size of the tablets is on the large side but the benefits compensate the discomfort when ingesting the torpedoes. It stops outbreaks from early onset...reduce the duration of the sores and seems to make the immune system more capable of handling the virus. Combined with olive leaf extract is the best therapy so far...of course diet and lifestyle have an impact all over but I noticed I can handle little sleep and more exprssos without turning into cold sore disaster. I also got the l-lysine balm...If there were a bubble bath I would get that too... Note on the dosage...I found this variable and I am on two tables a day for maintenance and 6 to 8 when under siege.. This might not be everybody cup of tea...but still better than acyclovir as it is more cost effective. I rarely write reviews but I feel I owe this to my fellows struck by herpes nuisance And to solgar being the one who win the battle most of the time!!!don't waste money on cheap alternative." And one more: "Not had a coldsore since taking these, and was going through a stage of getting them on an almost monthly basis. I did get a tell-tale tingle at one point so upped to two a day for two days and the tingle amounted to nothing at all. I'm just sad it took me so many years of suffering before I came across them! Tablets are huge mind so not for the faint hearted, but totally worth it. Currently on one daily, might drop to one every other day and see if I can maintain on that." Optimistic!!
I wasn't able to get hold of antivirals but I found that the Llysine did prohibit the virus activity in 2007/8. At the time I pledged to take Llysine for life but didn't need it when the virus killed the hearing in my left ear and could do no more damage. Although I should take it as an insurance against a possible attack on the good ear. I agree with JOH, Llysine can take longer to work initially, but is I believe a good friend to a menieres sufferer where the herpes virus has been the likely cause of the suffering. You could always cut the Llysine pills in half if you have difficulty swallowing them. I'm sure that wouldn't affect their effectiveness
marta, i am on acyclovir and the full joh regimen. I get my lysine from vitacost in capsule form a heck of a lot easier to swallow than some of those big tablets and generally they have a buy one get one sale and I stock up ...doing good too, it is a slow process but i am now having more good days than bad, I will always stay on the joh, hopefully soon can go to the maintenance dosage. My pcp told me she precribes lysine for her patients that have ringing in the ears, i know it wont work for all but definitely worth a try.