Treatment with antiviral pills (Valtrex, Famvir, or generic acyclovir) results in reduced pain and faster healing in individuals with shingles.

Valaciclovir (Valtrex) is a newer antiviral that is similar to acyclovir (Zovirax) for treating shingles symptoms, but appears to be superior for shortening the shingles duration and for preventing postherpetic neuralgia (pain that lasts after the rash is gone).

Acyclovir is taken 5 times a day for 7 to 10 days, while valaciclovir (Valtrex) is taken 3 times a day for 7 days.

Valaciclovir (Valtrex) is much less expensive than another newer antiviral called famciclovir (Famvir), although they are similar in effectiveness.

Treatment with antiviral pills (Famvir, Valtrex, or generic acyclovir) results in reduced pain and faster healing in patients with shingles.

Famciclovir (Famvir) is a newer antiviral that is similar to acyclovir (Zovirax) for treating shingles symptoms, but appears to be superior for shortening the shingles duration and for preventing postherpetic neuralgia (pain that lasts after the rash is gone).

Acyclovir is taken 5 times a day for 7 to 10 days, while famciclovir (Famvir) is taken 3 times a day for 7 days.

Famciclovir (Famvir) is much more expensive than another newer antiviral called valaciclovir (Valtrex), although they are similar in effectiveness.

Experts consider the application of cool compresses and soaks (particularly those that dry out the rash) to be modestly effective for symptoms relief of shingles.

Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, Elavil, nortriptyline, Aventyl, Pamelor, desipramine, Pertofrane, Norpramin, more) are the most commonly prescribed treatment for patients with postherpetic neuralgia (pain that lasts after shingles heal). They are sometimes prescribed along with other medications such as a phenothiazine (perphenazine, Trilafon, fluphenazine, Permitil, thioridazine, Mellaril, more).

Tricyclic antidepressants provide pain relief within 1 to 2 weeks for many patients.

There is some evidence to suggest that the tricyclic antidepressant, nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), and desipramine (Pertofrane, Norpramin) may cause fewer side effects than amitriptyline (Elavil).

Tricyclic antidepressants have also been prescribed along with anti-seizure medications (carbamazapine, Tegretol, phenytoin, Dilantin). Studies have specifically evaluated combining the anti-seizure medication, carbamazapine (Tegretol), with different tricyclic antidepressants including nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor) or clomipramine (Anafranil), and found conflicting results.

Studies suggest that Gabapentin (Neurontin), a medication that has recently been approved for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (pain that lasts after shingles heals), may be as effective as tricyclic antidepressants and may cause fewer side effects.

Side effects include: sleepiness, dizziness, trouble with balance, leg swelling, and susceptibility to infection.

Treatment with antiviral pills results in faster healing of shingles and decreases the chance of developing postherpetic neuralgia (pain that lasts after shingles heals).

Valaciclovir (Valtrex) is a newer antiviral that is as effective as acyclovir (Zovirax) for treating shingles symptoms, but appears to be superior for shortening the duration of shingle and for preventing postherpetic neuralgia.

Acyclovir is taken 5 times a day for 7 to 10 days, while valaciclovir (Valtrex) is taken 3 times a day for 7 days.

Valaciclovir (Valtrex) is much less expensive than another newer antiviral called famciclovir (Famvir) although they are similar in effectiveness.

Early treatment (within the first 24 to 72 hours of the first sign of a rash) with antiviral medications (acyclovir, Zovirax, famciclovir, Famvir, valaciclovir, Valtrex) reduces pain caused by shingles, decreases the time it takes for shingles to heal, and may decrease the chance of developing postherpetic neuralgia (pain that lasts after shingles heals).

Although early treatment with antivirals is thought to be preferable, experts recommend treatment with antiviral medications after 72 hours as well if the rash is not yet completely crusted, especially for patients older than age 50.

Treatment with antiviral pills results in reduced pain and faster healing in patients with shingles.

Acyclovir (Zovirax) was, until recently, the most frequently prescribed antiviral. It is well-tolerated and causes few side effects.

Early treatment (within 24 to 48 hours of first experiencing symptoms) seems to be most effective.

Valaciclovir (Valtrex) and famciclovir (Famvir) are newer antivirals that are similar to acyclovir (Zovirax) for treating shingles symptoms, but appear to be superior for shortening the shingles duration and for preventing postherpetic neuralgia.

Acyclovir is taken 5 times a day for 7 to 10 days, while valaciclovir (Valtrex) and famciclovir (Famvir) are taken 3 times a day for 7 days.

Acyclovir (Zovirax), given intravenously, is the drug of choice for serious herpes zoster infections.

Treatment with antiviral pills results in faster healing of shingles and decreases the chance of developing postherpetic neuralgia (pain that lasts after shingles heals).

Famciclovir (Famvir) is a newer antiviral that is as effective as acyclovir (Zovirax) for treating shingles symptoms, but appears to be superior for shortening the duration of shingles and for preventing postherpetic neuralgia.

Acyclovir is taken 5 times a day for 7 to 10 days, while famciclovir (Famvir) is taken 3 times a day for 7 days.

Famciclovir (Famvir) is much more expensive than another newer antiviral called valaciclovir (Valtrex), although they are similar in effectiveness.

Capsaicin (Zostrix) is a cream that is applied to the skin. It relieves pain in approximately 25%, and improves pain in 80% of patients with postherpetic neuralgia.

A disadvantage of this medication is that it may irritate the skin in some patients and cause a burning sensation. Applying a topical "numbing" medicine to the skin before using the capsaicin may help.

Capsaicin should not be applied to a shingles rash. It is only recommended for treating postherpetic neuralgia (pain that lasts after shingles heals).

Treatment with antiviral pills results in faster shingles healing and decreases the chance of developing postherpetic neuralgia (pain that lasts after shingles heals).

Acyclovir (Zovirax), previously the most commonly prescribed antiviral, is well-tolerated and causes few side effects.

Valaciclovir (Valtrex) and famciclovir (Famvir) are newer antivirals that are as effective as acyclovir (Zovirax) for shingles symptoms, but appear to be superior for preventing postherpetic neuralgia (pain that lasts after shingles heals).

Acyclovir is taken 5 times a day for 7 to 10 days, while valaciclovir (Valtrex) and famciclovir (Famvir) are taken 3 times a day for 7 days. Early treatment (within 24 to 48 hours of first experiencing symptoms) seems to be most effective.

Acyclovir (Zovirax), given intravenously, is the drug of choice for serious herpes zoster infections.

Anyone who has had chicken pox is at risk for developing shingles. It is estimated that 1 million or more cases occur each year in the United States. Shingles can occur in people of all ages, but most commonly in those over 60 years of age, and this risk increases as people get older. When shingles develop, a rash or blisters appear on the skin, generally on one side of the body. This is a sign that the virus, that has been dormant (asleep) in the nerve cells, has reactivated and traveled on a path from the nerves to the skin. Because the nerves along the path become inflamed, shingles can also be painful. Pain that lasts for months after the rash has healed is called post herpetic neuralgia or PHN. For some people, this pain can be severe and chronic.

For more information about this new vaccine, the FDA webite has useful information and can be found at http://www.fda.gov/CbER/products/zosmer052506qa.htm

Levodopa and carbidopa are usually used to treat Parkinson's disease. Some experts report good results for treating the symptoms of shingles and for promoting more rapid recovering in elderly patients with shingles.

There is insufficient data about whether treatment with levodopa or carbidopa reduces the chance of developing postherpetic neuralgia.

Some experts recommend the use of a bandage (that may also act as a splint) to protect the affected area and to restrict its movement and decrease pain.

Some experts believe that "numbing medications" (anesthetics) that are applied to the skin may decrease the pain of postherpetic neuralgia (pain that lasts after shingles heals).

Studies data are not available to confirm whether or not numbing medications work, but some experts believe that it is helpful.

These medications may not be recommend for use on the face.

TENS is a treatment which is often used for chronic pain. With TENS, a small electrical stimulation is applied to an area of skin through a patch that sits on the skin. TENS is often recommended for patients whose postherpetic neuralgia is not sufficiently controlled by other treatments alone.

Pain medications/narcotics may be necessary to control pain during shingles. Long-term use of narcotics is not recommended. In some cases, however, narcotics may be the only available choice if all other options fail. If these medications are necessary, they should be used with great care and, preferably, under direction of a pain center.

Pain clinics, which are typically located at major medical centers, specialize in "difficult to treat" pain problems. Experts recommend referral to a pain clinic for all patients, whenever possible, if postherpetic neuralgia fails to improve sufficiently despite appropriate use of the usual treatments, especially if narcotic medications are prescribed.

Foscarnet is sometimes recommended to treat shingles that are "resistant" (insensitive) to antiviral medications (acyclovir, Zovirax, famciclovir, Famvir, valaciclovir, Valtrex).

Foscarnet is used to treat resistant herpes zoster infections (shingles) in patients who are positive for HIV, or who have AIDS.

Some experts recommend steroid pills for patients with severe facial swelling due to shingles to decrease swelling and pain.

Steroid pills are usually prescribed for 3 to 4 weeks.

Steroids may be directly injected into the shingles rash to decrease pain. Injections are typically performed on a daily basis.

Steroids may be directly injected into the area of discomfort to decrease pain. This treatment is typically performed on a daily basis.

There is some data to suggest that topical acyclovir (acyclovir that is applied to the skin) may promote faster healing of shingles for patients who have immune (infection fighting) system problems.

Netivudine is another antiviral medication like acyclovir that has been used to treat shingles. In a recent, large study, however, acyclovir was significantly more effective than netivudine for controlling pain.

Although somewhat effective for shingles treatment, interferon alfa is not usually recommended because of frequently occurring, significant side effects.

Steroid pills were commonly used in the past to treat shingles. They are no longer routinely recommended since the newer antiviral drugs are more effective.

Studies have evaluated the combination of steroids and antiviral drugs and have found that combining the drugs did not improve long-term results or decrease the chance of developing postherpetic neuralgia.

Narcotics are not generally recommended for postherpetic neuralgia. Treatment for this condition often last an extended period of time, and the use of narcotics for a long time has led to problems with drug dependence and addiction in many patients.

In occasional, severe situations, these medications may be necessary, but should be used with great care and, preferably, under direction of a pain center.

There is evidence to suggest that emetine and dehydroemetine may decrease shingles symptoms. Because they can cause serious heart problems, these medications are not routinely used for shingles treatment.

There is some evidence to suggest that a short course (4 to 10 days) of chlorprothixene (Taractan) may be effective for relieving the pain of postherpetic neuralgia. Data is limited and further investigation is necessary.

Chlorprothixene (Taractan) should be prescribed in low doses since the higher doses often cause side effects.

Several types of procedures have been attempted for severe symptoms that don't improve with other treatments.

Cryotherapy is a procedure in which painful areas are "frozen".

Some surgical procedures involve interrupting the nerves that provide sensation to the skin. Most have yielded disappointing results.