Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
Antiviral
- Bipolar cognition (only works if has herpes simplex HSV+)
Features
Dosing
1,000 mg/d. Start 500mg 1 qd x7days then 2 qd.
Management
Improves cognition in bipolar and possibly schizophrenia if herpes (HSV) positive, regardless of presence of genital lesions because the inflammation is in the brain.
EMR Text
Cognition in HSV
Valacyclovir use based on a randomized controlled trial where it improved cognition in bipolar disorder with HSV+ status (Aiken C, Psychiatric Times. 1/19/2017).
Valacyclovir side effects reviewed with patient.