Valacyclovir (Valtrex) and Alcohol

One of the questions that individuals with herpes often ask is whether they can drink alcohol while following their daily valacyclovir treatment. The answer is yes; but alcohol abuse can impair the immune system making the body susceptible to recurring herpes infection.

Valacyclovir provides medical treatment to individuals with herpes infection. It includes different conditions, such as cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. It is the generic version of Valtrex. This drug is consumed orally with or without food. It is suitable for adults and children.

This drug is not a cure for the infection. However, it is an effective antiviral that speeds up the body’s capacity to heal from outbreaks. It alleviates symptoms of herpes and reduces its impact on the body. Valacyclovir prevents the virus from replicating. Besides treating the infection, it reduces the risk of viral transmission through sexual intercourse.

Alcohol and Valacyclovir

Experts say alcohol is safe to consume despite following your Valacyclovir treatment. Additionally, drug interactions are not possible for alcohol and Valacyclovir. However, other factors are present that make alcohol and Valtrex a dangerous duo, especially if you are excessively consuming alcoholic beverages.

Besides excessive consumption, alcohol and Valacyclovir share some of the side effects. This factor can worsen and impair how the immune system functions. The symptoms include the following:

• Mild to severe headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain in the abdomen
• The common cold
• Dizziness and drowsiness
• Episodes of diarrhea

Alcohol addiction may be complicated to resolve. Not stopping excessive alcohol consumption can only affect treatment, especially with Valacyclovir. Individuals addicted to alcohol must participate in therapies and programs to ensure their future treatments will be effective.

Takeaway

While experts believe that alcohol is safe to drink while on medical therapy, unfortunately, it has negative effects that can cause future treatments to become less effective. Furthermore, the side effects of taking valacyclovir can worsen due to the reactions by alcohol consumption. As a result, the treatment is null, and the infection can complicate.