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"Swish & Spit" AVProtocol

Messages
21
Location
Scranton, PA, USA
I posted the message below as a response to another thread, fyi, but here goes:

I could not tolerate the generic Valtrex @ 1 g, 3x/day. I am not generally intolerant to or particularly sensitive to meds as a rule; however, I am not a very large adult (5'6", appx. 114-120 lbs). Recently my EBV Early Antigen level flagged high on an EBV panel blood test my doctor ordered and thus, the EBV has reactivated / is reactivating.

My specialist took me down to 500 mg., 2x/day of Valtrex (Brand name this time) temporarily--for about 2 weeks, until I felt okay to go to 500 mg., 3x/day and then titrate slowly back up to the initial dose. I was given clear instructions to take each dose after a full meal only.
This time, I was also rx'ed Zantac (300 mg), to take before each meal in which I was taking the Valtrex dose afterwards.
I was told the Zantac can help with peptic side effects, but also helps to increase absorption of the Valtrex in the system.
Still, I wasn't doing too well with the Valtrex. So yesterday, my Specialist prescribed a new protocol for me. (Personally, I had not heard of it yet, but it sound promisingand makes sense to me thus far).
I am now rx'ed Acyclovir, 800 mgs., 4x/day. (However, I am beginning with 2x/daytostart with).
I have been given instructions to crush each tablet extremely well & then stir &dissolve it into a few ounces of warm water.
I am not to swallow this mixture, but rather"swish" it around in my mouth for 3 min. & then spit out. I can rinse my mouth out with water, etc. when I'm done, too. If all goeswell, I will I begin doing this 4x/day and for 6 mos. on the full dosage.
I am still to take the Zantac as well.
This method is said to help bypass many of the potential side effects that I may face by just swallowing it.
One of his nurses walked me through the phone had personally via phone yesterday.She followed the same protocol and is functioning at a "normal" level and saideven feels quite peppy often now (whichher demeanor/voice does seem to radiate, haha).
She also gave me some awesome tips & tricks for following the protocol on the go and so forth.
I am feeling optimistic about this so far.
 

minkeygirl

But I Look So Good.
Messages
4,678
Location
Left Coast
I've heard of the swishing but can't rmemember where. U thought it was her used to the drug at low doses so you could build up. But I'm not sure.
 
Messages
21
Location
Scranton, PA, USA
@Little Bluestem, sorry for the delay! I have not checked the forums in a little while.
It's been difficult to stick with the swish & spit regimen, but the nurse did warn me about this. For me it is mainly because it takes a LOT more prep time & work than simply swallowing the pills. At 4x/a day, some days following the protocol correctly can be tiring in & of itself!
However, I am vowing to start anew with it. All in all, I really cannot complain much; I have had NO side effects at any time so far. Also, the generic brand of acyclovir tablet I have been taking remarkably has no taste whatsoever when crushed, mixed with a little H2O, & swished for 3 minutes. I could hardly believe it. My pharmacy has the brand on a monthly re-order for me, thankfully.
I still take Zantac, 300 mg, 2x/day (before meals) because Dr. Dantini believes it helps aid the absorption of the AVs as well as help offset some of the potential side effects.
I really just need to get my rear back in gear, set daily alarms for my doses, and try to prep as much in advance so I can re-start the protocol & stick to it properly for 6 mos!
 

Clerner

Senior Member
Messages
249
Location
Sarasota Florida
I still take Zantac, 300 mg, 2x/day (before meals) because Dr. Dantini believes it helps aid the absorption of the AVs as well as help offset some of the potential side effects.
I see Dantini too. I just switched to famvir from valtrex bc I was getting toout depressed/angry. Famvir is a much smaller pill! With less horrible taste. l am getting extreme bloating after I take it ( maybe bc it's still so new) I will try the zantac and maybe that will help until my body gets use to it.
 

Clerner

Senior Member
Messages
249
Location
Sarasota Florida
@Mackee How are you doing on swish/spit protocol? I can swallow pills so Dr Dantini said I could do this swish with acyclovir. I tried valtrex a while ago and got severely angrey/depressed. Just realized acyclovir is the same as valtrex so I'm really worried. Plus, I gained so much weight on valtrex! Have you gained any weight on acyclovir swish/spit protocol?
 

ebethc

Senior Member
Messages
1,901
@Mackee How are you doing on swish/spit protocol? I can swallow pills so Dr Dantini said I could do this swish with acyclovir. I tried valtrex a while ago and got severely angrey/depressed. Just realized acyclovir is the same as valtrex so I'm really worried. Plus, I gained so much weight on valtrex! Have you gained any weight on acyclovir swish/spit protocol?

Hi @Clerner

are famvir or zovirax (acyclovir) any better re side effects than valtrex? thanks
 

Clerner

Senior Member
Messages
249
Location
Sarasota Florida
are famvir or zovirax (acyclovir) any better re side effects than valtrex? thanks
I think famvir had less side effects than valtrex. I don't seem to have any side effects just swishing with acycolvir for 4 min. But, I can't swish too close to taking my doxy or I will get nauseous.
 
Messages
2
Hi there, I'm about to switch from Valtrex to Acyclovir with the swishing method recommended by Dr Dantini. I have felt horrendous from the Valtrex. I'm wondering how this has gone for you? Are you feeling better?

--Stephannie

I posted the message below as a response to another thread, fyi, but here goes:

I could not tolerate the generic Valtrex @ 1 g, 3x/day. I am not generally intolerant to or particularly sensitive to meds as a rule; however, I am not a very large adult (5'6", appx. 114-120 lbs). Recently my EBV Early Antigen level flagged high on an EBV panel blood test my doctor ordered and thus, the EBV has reactivated / is reactivating.

My specialist took me down to 500 mg., 2x/day of Valtrex (Brand name this time) temporarily--for about 2 weeks, until I felt okay to go to 500 mg., 3x/day and then titrate slowly back up to the initial dose. I was given clear instructions to take each dose after a full meal only.
This time, I was also rx'ed Zantac (300 mg), to take before each meal in which I was taking the Valtrex dose afterwards.
I was told the Zantac can help with peptic side effects, but also helps to increase absorption of the Valtrex in the system.
Still, I wasn't doing too well with the Valtrex. So yesterday, my Specialist prescribed a new protocol for me. (Personally, I had not heard of it yet, but it sound promisingand makes sense to me thus far).
I am now rx'ed Acyclovir, 800 mgs., 4x/day. (However, I am beginning with 2x/daytostart with).
I have been given instructions to crush each tablet extremely well & then stir &dissolve it into a few ounces of warm water.
I am not to swallow this mixture, but rather"swish" it around in my mouth for 3 min. & then spit out. I can rinse my mouth out with water, etc. when I'm done, too. If all goeswell, I will I begin doing this 4x/day and for 6 mos. on the full dosage.
I am still to take the Zantac as well.
This method is said to help bypass many of the potential side effects that I may face by just swallowing it.
One of his nurses walked me through the phone had personally via phone yesterday.She followed the same protocol and is functioning at a "normal" level and saideven feels quite peppy often now (whichher demeanor/voice does seem to radiate, haha).
She also gave me some awesome tips & tricks for following the protocol on the go and so forth.
I am feeling optimistic about this so far.
 

Clerner

Senior Member
Messages
249
Location
Sarasota Florida
Hi there, I'm about to switch from Valtrex to Acyclovir with the swishing method[/QUOTE
It's hard to say if the swish/spit method works. Are we getting enough of the medicine? I did it for 6 mo. and had no side effects from it. (Maybe some fatigue). I still have lots of muscle spasms and some fatigue. What has really helped is low dose naltrexone. It's been a miracle drug for me!
 
Messages
2
Thanks! Are you no longer taking the AV meds? I'm also on LDN, but I can't say I notice an improvement from it. I've been on it for about 2 months. Did you feel improvement right away or did it take awhile?
 

Clerner

Senior Member
Messages
249
Location
Sarasota Florida
Thanks! Are you no longer taking the AV meds?
Not more AV meds. I was on valtrex for 6 months, and famvir b4 the 6 mo. of Valcyclovir. Don't know if it's making a difference, esp. Swish/spit. I might go on it as needed. You should start having more energy and less pain from ldn by now. But, i had 4 viruses and 4 bacterial infections and low NK cells. Ldn was a huge help. Found out 4 weeks ago I was anemic. That hasn't helped my energy! Slowly better now with iron.
 

EddieB

Senior Member
Messages
604
Location
Northern southern California
@Mackee , has the swish and spit protocol helped you?
I'm interested to hear more about your experience because i do not tolerate AV's very well.
I know this is an old post, but did you ever have any success with the swish/spit method? I’m supposed to start valcyclovir, and looking for backup strategies if it doesn’t go well. I do not do well with medications...
 

Hip

Senior Member
Messages
17,824
Swishing and spitting out water is not going to slake your thirst.

So I cannot see how this is going to work with drugs either. You may get a tiny amount of the drug absorbed through your oral mucous membranes while you are swishing; but most of the drug is going to be lost.