Lexapro and cold sores

Anonymous
Anyone here experienced more frequent cold sore outbreaks while on Lexapro? I have been getting them almost weekly (take Valtrex to keep them from coming out but sometimes they catch me by surprise). I am not stressed, I'm getting enough sleep, eating well, yet I still get them so much. The only variable is that I have been on Lexapro for 4 monnths or so. Doctor says it's not related but I can't help but wonder.
Anonymous
My husband has been on Lexapro for 7 years and he's never had a cold sore.
Anonymous
I started the generic Lexapro about a month ago. On average I would say I get 1-2 bad cold sore flares per year. Since starting the generic Lexapro last month, I've had three cold sores. I know that Lexapro works on your nerves and that is also where the cold sore virus hangs out. Could be related. I have both a dermatologist and phychologist appointment in the nest two weeks. I'll ask and see what they say.
Anonymous
Stay on a suppression 1x/daily dose of valtrex
Anonymous
I have...I used to get one every few years, since I've started lexapro I'm getting them several times a year I've noticed. In fact, that's how I found your question, by running a Google search on Lexapro and cold sores
Anonymous
I never made the connection until I saw this! I started Lexapro about a year ago, and since then I've had 4 or 5 outbreaks in that year alone, up from about 1 per year prior to taking it. I'm going to go research this, too...
Anonymous
Take lysene supplement daily
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:My husband has been on Lexapro for 7 years and he's never had a cold sore.


Mine, too. I never knew that this could be a side effect. Sorry for OP and PPs that have had this issue. We've been very, very happy with this medication, so I hope you all can find a resolution.
Anonymous
Are you in the sun a lot, OP? That can bring them out too.

Second the poster who recommended taking Valtrex daily. Keeps colds away too!
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My husband has been on Lexapro for 7 years and he's never had a cold sore.


Mine, too. I never knew that this could be a side effect. Sorry for OP and PPs that have had this issue. We've been very, very happy with this medication, so I hope you all can find a resolution.


Maybe he's just not infected with herpes 1.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My husband has been on Lexapro for 7 years and he's never had a cold sore.


Mine, too. I never knew that this could be a side effect. Sorry for OP and PPs that have had this issue. We've been very, very happy with this medication, so I hope you all can find a resolution.


Maybe he's just not infected with herpes 1.


That's my guess as I am on Lexapro and have never had a cold sore.
Anonymous
It's so frustrating. I am having this problem. Haven't had one in years, but have been on Lexapro for a couple of months. Have been popping Lysine and acyclovir and putting Zovirax cream AND Lysine cream on it, but this thing is persistent.
Anonymous
I’ve had the same experience as many of you! I started Cipralex a little under 3 months ago and have had 3 consecutive BAD coldsores. Every doctor I ask also says it’s not connected but I find that difficult to believe. This started one week after starting the Cipralex medication. I have just gotten over the third one and am doing everything I can to not bring on another one. I would hate to stop Cirpralex as it has been working wonders but I have decreased my dose in half in case there is a connection. I have also started taking daily Reishi supplement which is a mushroom used for building up your immune system-I highly recommend this along with Vitamin C!!
Anonymous
Hiya

I just googled lexapro and cold sores because this has been happening to me too. I know that the lexapro seems to dehydrate me a bit. If I’m dehydrated my lips get dry and then I get a cold sore. I know when I wasn’t taking lexapro that just having dry lips could bring them on.../so my theory is that the dehydrating effect of lexapro makes me more likely to get cold sores. I’m going to work out a way to see if I can remedy this, as I’ve just had two cold sores in a row!! So annoying!!
Jacqui
Anonymous
Yes, I am having the same. Must be something in this for sure.
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