Can you double your Valtrex dosage for cold sores?

Key takeaways

• It’s generally not recommended to double your Valtrex dosage for cold sores, especially without consulting a doctor, as it can increase your risk of side effects.
• Valtrex works best when taken at the first sign of a cold sore, such as tingling or itching, and most people see improvement within 2 to 3 days.
• Besides Valtrex, antiviral creams, keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding triggers, and not touching the sore can help to clear up cold sores faster.

Overview

Valtrex (valacyclovir) is an antiviral medication used to treat cold sores and genital herpes outbreaks, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Valtrex works by reducing this virus’s ability to replicate, shortening the length and severity of outbreaks. 

Valtrex is a prescription drug that is available as a brand-name or generic tablet. The generic version of Valtrex is called valacyclovir.

If you’re experiencing an outbreak, doctors do not recommend doubling your Valtrex dosage. Instead, you can take some other steps to manage your symptoms.

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What is the Valtrex dosage for cold sores?

The typical dosage of Valtrex for cold sores in adults and children ages 12 years and older is 2 grams (g) twice per day. You can take Valtrex every 12 hours for 1 day. Children under ages 12 years should not take Valtrex for cold sores, as it is not known whether it’s safe and effective for them.

Valtrex works best when started at the first signs of a cold sore, such as tingling or itching around the lips. 

For some people, especially those with frequent outbreaks, a doctor may prescribe a different dosing schedule as a preventive treatment. It is also important to know that people with kidney problems may need a lower dose of Valtrex. If you have kidney problems, your doctor will decide the right dose of Valtrex for you based on your kidney health.

But, the maximum dosage of Valtrex for cold sores should not be more than 4 g per day. Taking more than the recommended dose can increase your risk of side effects or cause an overdose.

If you are experiencing frequent or severe outbreaks of cold sores, consider talking with your doctor about whether an adjusted treatment plan might be right for you.

Is it safe to increase your dosage of Valtrex for cold sores?

It is not safe to double your Valtrex dosage or take more than the recommended dosage for cold sores unless a doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so.

While it may seem that doubling the Valtrex dosage could speed up healing, taking more than the recommended Valtrex dosage for herpes can lead to side effects or cause an overdose. Side effects include:

• headache
• nausea
• abdominal pain

Commonly reported symptoms of Valtrex overdose include:

• tiredness
• dizziness
• nausea
• headache
• lack of energy (lethargy)
• constipation
• diarrhea

More serious symptoms of a Valtrex overdose may include kidney failure, nervous system problems, and blood clots.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one to avoid doubling up and risking side effects. 

If Valtrex doesn’t seem to be working, talk with your doctor. They may adjust your dosage or suggest other treatments.

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How fast does Valtrex work for cold sores?

Most people notice their cold sores starting to heal within 2 to 3 days of taking Valtrex. However, cold sores can take 2 to 6 weeks to heal completely. 

Valtrex works best when you take it at the first signs of a cold sore, especially during the “prodrome” phase. This phase occurs before the sore appears when you first start to feel tingling, itching, or burning.

While Valtrex helps speed up recovery, it does not remove the virus from your body completely, so future outbreaks are still possible.

This is because the herpes virus remains dormant, or inactive, in your nervous system. This means that cold sores may reoccur at certain times, especially when you are feeling stressed or when your immune system is weakened.

However, you can manage outbreaks effectively and shorten their duration with early and consistent treatment.

What can you do to clear up cold sores faster?

In addition to taking Valtrex, you can also try the following to help clear up cold sores faster and reduce discomfort.

• Use antiviral creams or ointments: Applying over-the-counter antiviral creams, like docosanol (Abreva), may help reduce healing time. 
• Keep the affected area clean and dry: Gently clean the cold sore area with soap and water, ensuring that it stays dry to prevent further irritation or infection.
• Avoid triggers: Common cold sore triggers include stress, fatigue, and excessive sun exposure. Using lip balm with SPF may help speed up healing and prevent new blisters.
• Avoid touching the sore: Avoid picking or scratching the cold sore, as this can delay healing and cause the virus to spread to other areas of your body or other people.

If cold sores are frequent or don’t seem to heal with typical treatments, talk with your doctor. They may recommend alternative treatment options.

Summary

Doubling your Valtrex dosage for cold sores without medical supervision is not advisable, as it may increase its side effects. 

The standard adult dose is 2 g every 12 hours. Do not take more than this dosage without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

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