Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication that’s commonly used to treat infections caused by the herpes simplex virus. It’s sold under the brand name Valtrex and available as a generic drug. While valacyclovir is generally considered safe, some side effects like dizziness or drowsiness may occur, which raises the question: can you drive while taking valacyclovir?
What is valacyclovir?
Valacyclovir belongs to a class of medications called antivirals. It works by stopping the spread and growth of viruses like herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
Valacyclovir is converted by the body into acyclovir, the active drug that fights viral infection. By inhibiting viral DNA polymerase, acyclovir prevents replication of viral DNA, halting spread of the virus.
Valacyclovir is prescribed to treat conditions caused by the herpes simplex virus including:
- Cold sores (HSV-1)
- Genital herpes (HSV-2)
- Shingles (VZV)
- Chickenpox (VZV)
It’s available as an oral tablet, typically taken every 12 or 24 hours depending on condition being treated. Valacyclovir works best when started at the earliest signs of infection.
Side effects of valacyclovir
Valacyclovir is generally well tolerated, but some people may experience side effects when taking it. Common side effects can include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Rash
Less common side effects include:
- Hives
- Itching
- Fever
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Kidney problems
Can you drive while taking valacyclovir?
There are no absolute contraindications that prohibit driving while taking valacyclovir. However, people should use caution when driving or operating heavy machinery if they experience side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, or seizures while taking valacyclovir.
The drug label does warn that patients should be advised to use caution when driving or performing other risky tasks until they know how valacyclovir affects them. Drowsiness and dizziness appear to be the most relevant side effects that could potentially impair driving ability.
In clinical trials, dizziness was reported in about 4% of patients taking valacyclovir compared to around 3% of people on placebo. Drowsiness occurred in less than 2% of people on valacyclovir and placebo.
While the risk seems low, it’s impossible to predict who will experience these side effects. It’s best to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for the first couple of doses until you know how you react to valacyclovir.
If you do feel dizzy, drowsy or confused while taking valacyclovir, refrain from driving and alert your doctor. They may adjust the dosage or switch medications if the side effects are problematic.
Tips for driving safely while using valacyclovir
Here are some tips to drive safely if you’ve been prescribed valacyclovir:
- Take your first dose at home to gauge side effects.
- Avoid driving for the first few days if possible.
- Ask someone else to drive you until you know how the drug affects you.
- Don’t drive if you feel dizzy, drowsy or confused.
- Avoid driving at night when side effects may be amplified.
- Talk to your doctor if side effects persist or affect your ability to drive safely.
- Never drink alcohol while taking valacyclovir.
What patients report about driving on valacyclovir
Based on patient reports, experiences driving while using valacyclovir are mixed but most people do not report significant impairment. Here’s what some patients say about driving on valacyclovir:
People who drove without problems
- “I was totally fine to drive, didn’t experience any side effects that affected my driving.”
- “Drove daily while taking Valtrex and never had issues with drowsiness or dizziness.”
- “Maybe slightly fatigued but no dizziness/brain fog while driving.”
- “I felt okay to drive just avoided longer trips in case I felt unwell.”
People who chose not to drive or were impaired
- “Felt too dizzy and nauseous the first couple days, didn’t want to risk driving.”
- ” Experienced bad headaches and vision changes so I asked my husband to drive me around.”
- “Drove to work one day and had to pull over from dizziness. Now I get rides until side effects clear up.”
- “Valtrex made me really drowsy so driving wasn’t a good idea.”
Alternative medications for herpes infections
If you experience side effects from valacyclovir that make driving unsafe, talk to your doctor about alternative herpes medications including:
- Acyclovir – available as capsules, tablets, or intravenous formulation. May cause similar side effects as valacyclovir.
- Famciclovir – available as tablets to treat herpes shingles and chickenpox. May cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness.
- Valacyclovir hydrochloride – an alternative version that treats herpes labialis. Side effects include headache, nausea, abdominal pain.
- Penciclovir – available as topical cream. Mild application site reaction possible.
Your doctor can help determine if one of these alternatives may be safer for you in terms of driving impairment. Topical medications like penciclovir result in minimal systemic absorption and may be an option if you’re concerned about driving safely.
The bottom line
Valacyclovir may cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness or confusion in some patients. While the risk seems low, it’s best to use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how you react to the medication. Refrain from driving if you experience any impairing side effects. Talk to your doctor about alternative herpes medications if needed.
| Side Effect | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Headache | Common |
| Nausea | Common |
| Vomiting | Common |
| Dizziness | Common |
| Drowsiness | Less common |
| Confusion | Rare |
| Seizures | Rare |
Key Points
- Valacyclovir may cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion in some patients.
- It’s best to use caution when driving until you know how the medication affects you.
- Avoid driving if you experience any impairing side effects.
- Talk to your doctor about alternative medications if side effects persist.
- Most people do not experience significant driving impairment while taking valacyclovir.