I posted for the first time a couple of weeks ago and wanted to give an update. I have taken Valtrex generic (Valacloyvir manufacture Ranboxy) for almost 5 weeks now. I will be switching to non-generic Valtrex when I pick up my new prescription in the next day or so. I've kept a detailed journal and just went through this AM to really piece together my progress. Before starting the antiviral, I was having severe vertigo attacks or dizzy attacks every 2-3 days for almost 3 weeks. I started the anti-viral (3X/ day), and then the John of Ohio Regimen the next day (adding on a new supplement every few days). In the two immediate weeks after starting the anti-viral and JOH, I had 2 vertigo attacks (one 1 hour and the other 2 1/2 hours) and 8 dizzy attacks where I couldn't walk or move my head but no spinning or vomiting (lasting from 30 min. a piece up to 2 hours a piece). So definitely increased attacks from the prior 3 weeks. Then, I had 6 days where I had NO attacks of any kind and I actually started to feel rather well that week. Right at the 3 week mark for having started the anti-viral, I went down to 2X/ day as my Dr. had prescribed. I believe it was that same day that I had 2 dizzy attacks in one day, and then the next day had my worst vertigo attack to date lasting about 4 1/2 hours. I did not connect it at the time (probably because I felt so miserable and my brain wasn't working properly), but it took me a couple of days to realize these attacks could have been the result of me reducing to 2X/ day for the anti-viral. So I went back up to 3X / day (ENT prescribed me more). I am now on day 11 from that last awful attack, and have had no dizzy or vertigo attacks! I really think this might be working. I will not say that I have felt great during these 11 days. I have been light-headed, extremely tired and find that I tire very easily, and I often feel like I am on the verge of getting dizzy/ spinning. But I have not, so to me that is a big progress! I have to admit I was a little skeptical since I tested negative for the Herpes virus (even though some of you have posted that you can still have it even if you test negative). I am hoping and praying that my attack free days continue. I am nervous because I am going on a business trip with my husband on Monday in which we will be flying and also attending dinners, etc. My ENT told me to take my Meclizine and Valium before I fly so I'm really hoping the flight goes OK-- the thought of this has made me anxious for weeks. Also, we are going to be in Boston at the end of the month, so I made an appointment to see Dr. Gacek. My ENT here is wonderful, but I think it would be advantageous to see an ENT who has so much experience with Menieres. Finally, I have been reading the recent posts about Lauricidin. I really want to do everything I can to prevent another awful vertigo attack. Should I stick with just the anti-viral for a while, or should I add in the Monolaurin also? Any opinions on that?
Meniere's is a wicked, hard to control disease. But antiherpetics, the elements of my regimen, and monolaurin have few or no side effects, with no adverse reactions. Therefore, the best treatment approach is to throw at this disease everything that has proven to be effective. No sense to limit treatment to just one or two modalities. Add the monolaurin. --John of Ohio
I would stay at the max dose for a few more weeks to ensure viral suppression before reducing to 2x per day. The other stuff may or may not be helping, but probably doesn't hurt to continue. I personally wouldn't add anything until you've researched possible interactions.
great news! The only way to know what is working is to do one thing at a time imo. Be patient and positive. Remember, a lot of healing has to happen and that takes time.
I agree with this. And since anti-virals are the only ones that have scientific evidence from multiple health centers, i'd start with that. The 90% success rate can't be disputed. Plus, it works the fastest, and is the easiest to take.
Thank you for all of your replies. I ended up making it to day 13 without an attack, but unfortunately had an awful attack in the airport right after getting out of the security line. I had stood in the hot line being bombarded by fragrances (huge problem for me) for 45 min. The whole thing was so embarrassing and humiliating. Had to be taken in a wheelchair and then airport transfer car all the way across the airport and then onto the plane where I vomitted. I was actually surprised they let me on the plane. By the time we arrived, I felt better and could at least walk up the ramp before getting a wheelchair. Before attack I took Valium, and at beginning of attack I took Meclizine and Phenegran on arm. I think these did help shorten the attack (entire attack maybe 2 hours). One odd thing is that I took my 2 mg Valium 45 min. before attack-- I would have thought that might have prevented it since I took it way in advance. Is 2 mg maybe not a high enough dosage? I'm wondering if I should take two of them before we return to airport in a couple of days?
I stayed on the 3x day dose for 6 weeks before tapering. I have Ativan that I take at onset of an attack (when the room is spinning), placed under the tongue and it significantly shortens the attack. I have never take prior to "prevent" one - not sure if that is possible. Keep in mind that for some it can take 3-6 months before strong relief. I don't believe that anti virals are an overnight fix. Plus important to minimize any other triggers you may have. (mine are stress and fatigue)