Valtrex Medication

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Description of Articles in Valtrex Medication

Valtrex, as this eMedTV page explains, is an antiviral medication used to treat conditions related to the herpes virus, especially shingles, cold sores, and genital herpes. Side effects, available strengths, and dosing guidelines are also discussed.

Some of the most commonly reported Valtrex side effects include headaches, nausea, and abdominal pain. This eMedTV Web page also takes an in-depth look at some of the more serious side effects, such as seizures, hallucinations, and hives.

Weight gain does not appear to be a common or rare side effect of Valtrex. This portion of the eMedTV library explores the link between Valtrex and weight gain, and offers things to do if you notice weight gain, such as eating a heart-healthy diet.

As this eMedTV page explains, Valtrex sexual side effects were not reported during extensive clinical studies. However, suggestions on what to do if you develop sexual side effects while taking this medication are provided.

There are several side effects of Valtrex; hair loss, however, has only been reported rarely. This eMedTV resource explains how it may be difficult to determine if hair loss is a side effect of Valtrex since it is so common in the general population.

For people taking Valtrex, depression is a possible, but uncommon, side effect. This page of the eMedTV archives explores the link between the two and also describes some of the symptoms of depression, such as feelings of hopelessness and pessimism.

Valtrex is prescribed for the treatment of shingles, cold sores, and genital herpes. This eMedTV page also explains how Valtrex uses extend to preventing recurrent genital herpes outbreaks and decreasing the spread of herpes among sexual partners.

This eMedTV Web page explains that the recommended Valtrex dosage when treating cold sores is 2000 mg; to treat shingles, it is 1000 mg. This page also covers Valtrex dosing for genital herpes and offers general guidelines for taking the medication.

This eMedTV article explores potential Valtrex drug interactions with other drugs, such as cimetidine, probenecid, and tenofovir. This page also covers how these interactions can increase your risk of side effects if you have poor kidney function.

This eMedTV resource takes an in-depth look at several Valtrex precautions and warnings, such as taking the medication if you have poor kidney function or potential drug interactions. This article also describes who should not take Valtrex.

As this eMedTV segment explains, using Valtrex for shingles can stop blisters from forming sooner than if the drug was not taken. This page also explains that the recommended dose for shingles is 1000 mg, three times a day, for seven days.

This eMedTV article explains why it is generally safe to take Valtrex during pregnancy and also explains how the FDA classifies the drug. Valtrex may be given to a pregnant woman if the benefits to her outweigh the risks to the unborn child.

This portion of the eMedTV library describes common symptoms of a Valtrex overdose, such as speech problems, seizures, and drowsiness. This page also covers possible treatment options, such as dialysis, and factors that affect overdose effects.

As this eMedTV segment explains, Valtrex is protected by a patent that prevents any generic version of the drug from being manufactured. The earliest date that a generic Valtrex could become available is 2009; the reasons for this are also explained.