I recently saw a post that said I might "get worse before I got better" when I start the 3000mg dosage of Valtrex. Can anyone further elaborate on this? I've only been taking this dosage for 6 days. Today I cannot "shake" the nystagmus, nausea and my tennitus is extremely loud. It's been going on for about 4 hours now, even as I struggle to write this post. I am so very hopeful that this treatment plan will work for me, but I need to better understand what to expect. The physiological part of this nightmare is bad enough, but the psychological struggle has it's moments as well.
Understand that any antiherpetic treatment, whether with prescription drugs (acyclovir, valacylovir, etc.) or over the counter lysine, will take some time to be effective. None of these quickly suppress herpes virus activity. Just the opposite. When the virus is being attacked by these molecules, it responds with increased activity; hence, increased symptoms. But take heart. When this happens (as it appears in your case) the virus will eventualy wear itself out and become suppressed. It can take several weeks up to (rarely) several months. Persist. (And keep us posted on your progress.) --John of Ohio
I would say this is a good sign if the virus is fighting back. That shows it might be viral related and this could be your answer. I would stick with the max dose for at least 3 months or until symptoms subside. Some folks here have taken up to 6 months. What brand are you taking? Name brand Valtrex? Fingers crossed!
"The physiological part of this nightmare is bad enough, but the psychological struggle has it's moments as well." Ain’t that the truth! Unfortunately there is no miracle cure with instant results. According to Dr Gacek the Valtrex trial should yield some improvement within 3 weeks. Good luck.
I use NorthStar Manufacturing. I don't recall many members experiencing relief so quickly. That would be Valcyclovir. 1000mg 3X a day.