I know this is a dumb ?, but what is the main difference between these 2? I asked my pcp and she thought they were the same and the main difference was the cost, but there has to be more than that? Hate to be the dumb blonde that i am, but i am curious.
it's not a dumb question at all. Dr Gacek now prefers valacyclvoir aka valtrex because it is said to cross the blood brain barrier quicker than acyclovir and it also stays in the body longer. valacyclovir eventually metabolizes into acyclovir.
I'm asking my OTO to switch from acyclovir to valcyclovir when I have my appointment in May. The acyclovir has stopped working for me except for making the duration of attacks less than they were before. I want remission back.
Famvir is dr derebery's antiviral of choice. Acyclovir requires more frequent doses than valtrex of famvir.
shouldn't be nroper it should pick up where the other left off I would think and possibly do a better job switching to Valtrex or famvir.
Thank-you June, that's exactly what I was thinking. I wish I didn't have to wait til May to see the Dr.
Almost 3 years. I've been episodic since August. It's almost like PTSD. I had a few really traumatic events within a month and Boom, I'm symptomatic again. I'm hoping changing Antivirals will do the trick. I'm not sure if anyone else had Antivirals stop working after so long. I was on a maintenance dosage everyday too. We even doubled the dosage from 2400 mg. to 4800 mg. I'm the unlucky one, I guess.
For me, antivirls alone were dramatic but not the complete solution. I dont think they 'quit working'. I think the virus was the main assault on the immune system that caused hydrops but not the only assault on the immune system. For me, the allergy shots also took pressure off the immune system and finished the job for me (knock on wood). See what else you can do to take stress off your immune system and see if you are inadvertantly putting some extra stress on with some habit such as caffeine. Good luck, do not give up. I think you are just a step away from improvement.
Thank you June I have started an allergy med as my allergies are seasonal. I haven't have a big episode in a few days. Just some 10-15 minute spins but a;ways with palpitations that aren't panic attacks. I know the difference, believe me. Cut out caffeine long ago. Never was one for soda but the coffee was hard. Especially when you're smelling it all day. I'll ask my dr. If there's anything else I could be doing about the immune system. I've always appreciated your help.
Antivirals almost never stop working. Have you changed brands? I would try brand name Valtrex before calling it quits.
neoprene Thank you so much for this thread. It's a great help for me. No brand changes here. I'm going to ask for Valcyclovir. I think I read it's the same as Valtrex, only cheaper. But if she says Valtrex, Valtrex it will be. Thank you so much for your support.
Check the manufacturer too. For me /av is the only drug that it did make a difference when they switched manufacturers.
Edit. Above I meant mroper not neoprene, my apologies. Ok everyone, What are the best manufacturers for each of the above Antivirals? What dosages do you have experience with per antiviral/manufacturer? This is a great thread about Antivirals. When people are considering using antiviral treatments, this information is important. ANd THATS what makes this place so amazing!
Hi June, I have been on 3,000 mg of Valacyclovir for close to 3 months. It has helped a bit but I am not getting the relief that so many have had. I agree that other things may be attacking my immune system. I have been thinking about allergy shots. I do have seasonal allergies and my meniere's symptoms definitely increase during that time. What type of allergies do you have? I tried allergy shots in the early 2000's but after about 9 months, I had an anaphylatic reaction. Scared me to death. I am considering the sublingual allergy drops now although I am so very nervous about having another reaction. The sublingual drops since taken orally supposedly flow through the system slower as opposed to a shot. Did Dr. Dereberry ever suggest those to you? How long have you been on the shots? Did you notice relief fairly quickly or did it take awhile? Thanks so much for your thoughts! I appreciate it!
I can only add that the Antivirals take awhile to kick in and it's not always effective fully for different periods of time for each of us. That's one of the problems, there's no set standard. Someone very wise once said to me, "3 steps forward and one step back."