Drug-drug interactions result when two or more drugs react with each other. Such drugs can be from a combination of prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, or illicit drugs. Drugs with a narrow therapeutic range (little difference between therapeutic and lethal dose) are more likely to face incidents of serious drug interactions.
The effectiveness of drugs may be reduced in situations where the action of one drug diminishes the action of the other. In addition, the side effects of medications are intensified when drugs with the same effect are taken together.
What is Valtrex?
Valtrex is a brand of valacyclovir an antiviral medication and is the first-choice treatment for herpes virus infections including cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. It can also be used to treat chickenpox in children.
Valtrex slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus to help the body fight the infection, but will not cure herpes and will not prevent you from spreading the virus to other people. However, this medicine can lessen the symptoms of an infection.
Valtrex works best if taken at the first sign of an outbreak. In clinical trials, people taking Valtrex reported a loss of pain after an average of 3 days and healed lesions after an average of 4 days.
What is cannabis?
Cannabis sativa, also known as hemp, is a species of the Cannabinaceae family of plants. Cannabis contains the chemical compound THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol), which is believed to be responsible for most of the characteristic psychoactive effects of cannabis that leads to the “high” that is experienced when cannabis is consumed. However, not all components of cannabis are psychoactive.
The dried leaves and flowers (buds) of the cannabis plant are known as marijuana, which can be smoked (through a pipe or bong, hand-rolled into a joint, or consumed in an edible (for example, cookies, brownies, gummies).
The resinous secretions of the plant are known as hashish, which can be smoked or eaten. Compounds that have a structure similar to THC are known as cannabinoids.
Can you take Valtrex and cannabis together?
No, avoid taking Valtrex and cannabis together because THC can affect the way Valtrex works and increase the risk of unpleasant side effects. Among the list of drug interaction symptoms that have been reported by people who take Valtrex and cannabis include abdominal pain, arthritis, and exacerbated bacterial infections.
Research indicates test cannabis does not have strong anti-viral activity. Instead, cannabinoids may provide benefits in fighting secondary infection through their reported anti-bacterial properties and easing aches and pains associated with flu-like symptoms.
The anti-inflammatory activity of cannabinoids may compromise host inflammatory responses to acute viral infections but may be beneficial in persistent infections.
Are you contagious while taking Valtrex?
Yes, you can still be contagious while taking Valtrex. Valtrex can reduce the risk of transmission to your partner if you have genital herpes. However, it does not eliminate the risk of spreading the virus. Sexual contact is not recommended if you have active lesions, because this is when you are most contagious to your partner. Even when you do not have active lesions or an outbreak, safe sex practices, such as condoms, are recommended because you can still spread the virus to your partner.
Can Valtrex and cannabis cure herpes?
No, there is currently no cure for herpes. Valtrex and other antiviral medications can only treat the symptoms associated with herpes infections and shorten outbreaks.
Do Valtrex and cannabis make you gain weight?
Weight changes are not commonly reported with the use of Valtrex. Studies indicate that while cannabis alters the functions of neurobiological circuits controlling appetite, its effect on weight gain is complex since several factors appear to be involved. Findings have linked long-term cannabis use to weight gain, although its effects may differ by gender.
