People’s Pharmacy : Drugs Can Help Heal Recurring Cold Sores

Question: Cold sores are driving me crazy. I get them frequently in the summer, whenever I spend any time in the sun. If I am under stress, a cold sore is sure to follow.

They are painful and ugly. Is there any supplement or medicine that would help?

Answer: Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are caused by a herpes virus. Some people are especially susceptible to recurring outbreaks. Although no medicines can cure herpes simplex, there are a number of agents that can speed healing and reduce recurrences.

Prescription antiviral drugs such as Zovirax (acyclovir) and Denavir (penciclovir) are effective against cold sores. Although other anti-herpes medicines such as Famvir and Valtrex are not specifically approved for cold sores, you may want to discuss them with your physician.

Many people have told us that avoiding foods high in arginine (nuts, seeds, meats and oatmeal, for example) and taking the amino acid lysine help ward off fever blisters. Wearing a hat and applying a high-SPF lip balm when you are in the sun may also be helpful preventive measures.

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Q: What can you tell me about the new sleeping pill called Sonata? I have been struggling with insomnia for years. In that time, doctors have prescribed Halcion, Valium, Restoril and Ambien. Some made me groggy in the morning. Others messed up my memory or made me anxious. What side effects does Sonata have?

A: Sonata (zaleplon) has just been approved by the FDA and should become available within several weeks. It is being promoted as a quick-onset sleeping pill that wears off fast as well. This should mean morning grogginess is uncommon.

Sometimes insomniacs take sleep medicine every night for fear they may have trouble falling asleep.

With Sonata, they can wait and see if they have a problem before taking the pill. The effects are supposed to disappear within four or five hours. Side effects may include headache, dizziness and drowsiness.

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Q: What do you think about getting medications by mail? We can get a good discount from our insurance if we buy by mail, but we are a little uneasy about our prescriptions being in non-air-conditioned vehicles for so many days.

A: We share your concern. Delivery trucks and mailboxes often become very hot in the sun. Some drugs are susceptible to rapid deterioration when exposed to high heat and humidity. Check with the pharmacist before ordering to find out if your medication can tolerate extreme conditions.

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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Send questions to them at People’s Pharmacy, care of King Features Syndicate, 235 E. 45th St., New York, NY 10017, or e-mail them via their Web site: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com.