When and How to Take Valacyclovir
General considerations for when and how to take valacyclovir include the following:
- Valacyclovir comes in caplet form. Depending on the type of infection, the medication is usually taken one, two, or three times a day
- Valacyclovir works best if started at the very first signs of an outbreak. It may not work if taken too late.
- Valacyclovir can be taken with or without food.
- Valacyclovir should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For valacyclovir to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Valacyclovir will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of valacyclovir that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- The medical condition you are being treated for
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may currently be taking.
As with any medication, do not adjust your valacyclovir dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Valacyclovir
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with valacyclovir. However, not everyone who takes valacyclovir will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug quite well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects of valacyclovir include:
- Headache
- Nausea (upset stomach)
- Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
- Painful menstrual periods
- Depression (see Valtrex and Depression)
- Vomiting
- Joint pain
- Dizziness
- Increased liver enzymes.
You can also read about other possible side effects by clicking:
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