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hacyclovir. Anything betther?

Posted , 2 users are following.

pitasha
pitasha

I had shingles quite a few times. Always took acyclovire. I was never sure whether it worked or not. As on a couple of occasions didn't take it and didn't experience much difference apart from the blisters were bigger. Last time I took the prescribed dose of 5 times a day for a week. Don't think it worked, snd moreover had a blister or two popping up for the next 2 weeks one after another. The pain/burning sensation was unbearable. Would somebody recommend anything apart from acyclovir, please? I also take l-lysine and have a feeling that ass soon I stop it I ether have shingles or cold sore. Thank you

2 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Merry19451
    Merry19451 pitasha

    Posted

    Hi Pitasha,

    I am so sorry for your suffering. I have had Herpes Zoster Oticus or Shingles in 8 Right ear every three to five weeks for the last 19 years, so I understand and feel your pain and suffering.

    I find that Famvir 500 mg three times per day for one week is far better than Acyclovir or Valtrex in reducing the pain of the Zoster and duration of the illness. Valtrex is an offshoot of Acyclovir, which is the oldest drug.

    You also should start the antivirals as soon as you feel the pain. Do not wait until you see the rash. The pain and duration of the shingles will be much shorter. Also ask for a narcotic ie Oxycodone for the pain. Shingles pain is one of the worst pains, and most good physicians know this. If your doctor won't prescribe you these, it is time to find one who will.

    Best Wishes, and if you have more questions, please contact us.

    I am also an NP stateside.

    Merry Juliana

    • pitasha
      pitasha Merry19451

      Posted

      Thank you, Juliana! Sounds lijeyou are managing your shingles better than I do. I will discuss this with my GP. The problem is also that I don't have pain initially. It all starts with extreme tiredness and then the rash appears. And every time you don't know whether you are worn out or brewing something! Thank you again. Natasha
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 pitasha

      Posted

      Pitasha,

      You actually are having symptoms of a viremia, similar to the influenza. You can have muscle aches and pains, headache, low grade fever, fatigue, chills and sweating, malaise etc. I become ataxic or off balance before the pain, have insomnia, fatigue, etc...it is different for everyone... some episodes are worse than others. If the duration between episodes is long, then the subsequent Zoster flare is much worse, as if my body is storing up venom and making me pay for the time off. The key is finding a physician who cares enough to treat the whole person.

      Again,

      Best Wishes

      Merry Juliana

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