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Signs of Depression With Valtrex and What to Do
from eMedTV.comValtrex and Depression: What to Look For
Depression is extremely common in society today. In fact, in any given one-year period, 9.5 percent of the population (about 18.8 million American adults) suffers from depression. Therefore, knowing the symptoms of depression can be helpful.Possible symptoms may include:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
- Decreased energy, fatigue, and being "slowed down"
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
- Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight loss; overeating and weight gain
- Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
- Restlessness and irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.
Keep in mind that there are other conditions that can share similar symptoms with depression.
Valtrex and Depression: A Summary
For people taking Valtrex, depression is a possible side effect. Therefore, it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of depression if you are taking this medication. If you have any of these symptoms, or if something "just does not seem right," you should talk to your healthcare provider. He or she can properly diagnose and treat the problem.Also, if you have a history of depression and are prescribed Valtrex, talk to your doctor. Together, you can decide whether taking Valtrex makes sense in your particular situation.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD