How toxic is L-Lysine taken daily?

[sweetpoison]

I have Herpes, my breakout is only one area at the top of buttocks.  I have been taking Zovira 400mg daily (1 per day as suppresive measure) for at least 10 years.  I have had very few breakouts with it and none in the last couple of years.  I am looking to stop taking this since I have read much info about its long term possible side effects...... that it could effect liver levels, kidney, and possible hair loss (which I have).  I have heard a great deal about the use of L-Lysine in the natural treatment to suppress herpes and was wondering if this taken daily could build up and cause any serious side effects or does the body just flush what it does not need?  I have been searching on the internet and all I can find is that is has been shown to be helpful but nothing about the possible side effects.  Please help, I am attempting to get off all meds that are not necessary, I am almost 53 yrs. old and figure the body does not need prescription drugs that could cause other harm to organs.
Please advise me!!!

Vicki

[fullmergavin]

Hi, Vicki. I'm sorry to hear about your trouble.

I'm not a medical doc or professional, Vicki, but if you are interested in amino acid therapy, one of the better books you can find out there on this topic, in my opinion, anyway, is called the "Healing Nutrients Within" (Braverman). The latest copy was published only three years ago, so the information is fairly up to date.

The reason I like this book, Vicki, is because it was written by an actual MD, so I always feel safer with that being the case.  

I'm a big fan of nutritional therapy, but there are plenty of dangers and precautions that come with taking anything out of the norm, you know, not to mention the threat that one can develop different dependancies to several vitamins and herbs.

Amino acid therapy tends to be even more complex. Braverman does an excellent job in his text explaining how these nutrients not only work together but what they do on their own, etc. The reading is a little more difficult to get through than most other texts designed for us regular folk~, but you can do it, and there's an entire chapter devoted to Lysine and Herpes, too, so you might find some help with it.

When it comes to Lysine's role in treating Herpes, the complicated issue seems to focus around why those with Herpes tend to be a little bit lower in Lysine (Based on the studies alledging that connection between Lysine and Herpes 1, which I'm guessing would be the type that you have. I've never heard of the STD Herpes 2 infecting the buttocks region before).

Braverman and others alledge that Lysine is the body's major "Stress fighter." So in the case of of a viral infection like Herpes, what's the real problem, you know-Does the Herpes infection deplete the body's reservoirs of Lysine in some manor that is not understood as of yet, thereby causing additional physical and emotional stress? Or might it be that high levels of stress itself depletes the body of Lysine, thereby allowing for a viral infection like Herpes to take form. There are more mysteries in medicine that I think we'll never truly understand, as humans anyway.

There are a number of different theories and concerns relating to amino acid supplementation, certainly any of those that might call for taking individual amino acids. They've flooded the market today, we know that much, so there are plenty of people taking them. Whether or not it's helping or hurting people, I have no idea.

I have spoken with three different experts about this issue.

One doesn't see much of a problem with them, so long as the L form is used and the dose of any given amino being taken does not exceed 500 mg's daily (Braverman has treated people with massive quantities of different aminos-I would definitely hold off on that one if I were you unless an actual medical doctor approves such therapy-that's uncharted territory. I've got more about this down below).

The 2nd gentleman I spoke with said that they're nonsense, plain and simple. Protein is protein, taking individual aminos is a joke. That was the core of his opinion, anyway.

The third gentleman told me that a person should "Never, ever take amino acids in supplement form." It was a fairly stern warning. Therefore, I've held off on taking any of them for my own medical condition.

Back in the 60's, there was a scientist that was convinced that medical illnesses could be cured by "Amino loading." He felt that certain people required several more grams per day of certain, individual amino acids. The theory burned out as the years went by, though it wasn't necessarily ever given its fair due either when it comes to applicable research.

Good luck with everything, Vicki. Take care.

[anon619]

I am not sure what "experts" fullergavin has spoken to (note, no areas of "expertise" were mentioned, but I'd bet a day's pay that they are employed by pharmaceutical companies) but if you Google "lysine" and "herpes" you will find references to many studies where the severity and duration of herpes 1 and 2 outbreaks have been diminished by 1000 mg of l-lysine 3x per day.  The only mention of side effects is at doses of over 30 mg a day (10 times the therapeutic does) or something like that.  I also have the type of herpes that appear on the buttocks/backside and l-lysine helps A LOT!  Basically, I never get an outbreak while I am taking it, and then I think I am cures, so I stop and . . . another outbreak.  I think you should ask your doctor about the toxicity of l-lysine, at that dose, because ti may help you get off of Zovira.  But, your doctor may not believe in alternatives to drugs (which I can never understand, because drugs have so many side-effects, you would think they would want to try something less poisonous) so you may just have to experiment, BTU I have been taking l-lysine on and off for about 20 years and I am fine, except for the herpes when I go off the l-lysine.  Anyway, here is a link to an article that describes one of the studies.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herpes_simplex_virus.  Good luck.

[surprized]

Have you noticed any other side effects besides hair loss?  How long after taking it before you had hair loss?  Are you saying that even with suppressive therapy you still had outbreaks?  I have not been feeling well since I started the medication and hoped that after a few months it would get better.  Also have an awful taste in my mouth.  Please tell me it will not always be like this.

[Shariq408]

L-Lysine is an essential amino acid, which means your body cannot manufacture it. It must be obtained through the diet or by supplementation. Lysine is one of the most well known amino acids and is an essential component of all proteins.

<a href="http://www.herbmark.com/l-lysine/l-lysine.html" style="text-decoration:none; color:#000000">L-Lysine</a> is an essential amino acid that is necessary for the building blocks of all proteins. Lysine has been suggested to inhibit virus infections and is recommended for herpes simplex, canker and cold sores, proper nitrogen balance, enzymes, collagen and tissue repair, after surgery and sports injuries.

[pandoraxsage]

Individuals with herpes 2 can have outbreaks on the buttocks region.

[WarrenFoster]

Hey Vicki,

My ordeal with Herpes type 1 began about 6 years ago. I have no idea how I got it, but I suspect it has something to do with a tanning bed burn at the top of my buttocks. The first outbreak was about 2 weeks after the burn healed, and I have suffered with it since. It is concentrated around at the base of my spine and travels slightly down each buttock, creating a triangular shaped area and has not spread beyond that (Keeping my fingers crossed). The first doctor I saw about it diagnosed it as a pilonidal cyst and wanted t\me to have surgery to have it removed! Thank God I had a follow up with a dermatologist. She prescribed Valtrex,  which is very expensive and did not help me at all. A physician I recently saw prescribed Famciclovir, which is much less expensive and works much better. Knowing that I would have to take this for the rest of my life, I was worried that it would be dangerous with long term used and searched for something other than medication. On the Web, I discovered L-Lysine. I have been taking it for about 2 months and have not had an outbreak. I do not know if it is dangerous or not, but I take 1000 mg 1 time a day. I have not had any noticeable side effects, but like you I am concerened. Please continue this discussion and keep updates coming. Everyone reading this is in it together forever and need to stay informed and supportive of each other.

All the best,

Warren

[Michele7425]

I began taking 1000mg of L-lysine supplements 4 days ago. I began to notice I was nauseous at various times of the day. I am on a lot of medications for Parinson's disease. Is anyone aware of drug interactions with L-lysine? Today I broke out in a cold sweat with nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, dizziness and heachache. I am still nauseous and this happened several hours ago. Thanks for any advise. Michele

[sapphires]

Yes, herpes can appear on the buttocks.  Anywhere around the anorectal or genital region, I've had it there.  It can even go up into the groin area.   However, my episodes are not usually breakouts, but flu-like symptoms after extreme stress, or too much sun exposure.  I also used to get the symptoms after using tanning beds years ago, but never really connected everything until later on.  The same as if you had the flu; feverish, tired, generalized, debilitating malaise without actually being "sick".  

That being said, I used to take lysine as well, I believe it was 1000 mg a day, along with 1000 mg of vitamin C.  I do have a Valtrex prescription for backup, but rarely have to use it.  I haven't used anything (needed to) for a long time,  knock on wood.

I've had sun exposure recenty and am not feeling well, so I decided to update my knowledge; research the amount of lysine I needed to take, etc, and found this site.  

I'm lucky enough to not have breakouts very often, but the flu-like symptoms can be quite disabling as well.  I even went to an infectious disease specialist years ago and discussed this, as my primary care doctor didn't really think much of it, and I was sick so often it was causing problems at work.  He said everything I told him made sense and yes, this was herpes and my symptoms were such as a virus would cause, and we know HSV is a virus.

Anyone wanting to take supplements, I would consult a reliable source first; a homeopathic practitioner or anyone who has studied this extensively.  Don't just go buying random supplements off the shelf without research or advice.   We have a very good natural pharmacy in town who has knowledgeable people.  Don't just to to GNC or such in the mall and ask them.

[calady]

Will Lysine help with shingles? I used it for Meniere's disease as is helps with drying up the water in my ears. However, I did get dry mouth at night? Anyone else have that problem?

[123jkl]

I suffered with HSV-1 all over the place, inside my vagina, my outer labia, clitoris, on my tongue, lips, roof of mouth, between my teeth, and on my inner butt just outside of my anus.  
My lessons learned about what works and what does not work:

1.  Valtrex  is an epic failure and should be taken off the market
2.  hydrogen peroxide VERY painful, but in the spots I repeatedly applied it until the bubbling stopped--which is HARD b/c of the pain, I haven't had a recurrence.  I'm now down to a few spots on my tongue and the roof of my mouth...I think b/c they reinfect each other and b/c I haven't been as diligent with the hydrogen peroxide as I was with the other areas.  It is VERY VERY painful, but effective.  Do your research...the idiot Dr. at the women's clinic told me NOT to use it but recommended the Valtrex.  Valtrex cost me $160 and was ineffective.  I buy the hydrogen peroxide at Wal-Mart for $1.28/bottle.
3.  For lips, use the hydrogen peroxide AND caramex (in the tin and apply it w/ a q-tip)  For whatever reason, this is the combo that made them go into remission.  The caramex turns white for a little while when it mixes with the hydrogen peroxide.  It absorbs into your lips within 20 minutes or so.  Reapply the caramex with out the hydrogen peroxide if you care, but using the hydrogen peroxide more often will help you in the long run.  I know it hurts, but mine disappeared in the areas I was diligent and have only recurred in the areas I have been more lax in.
3.  L-Lysine works wonders.  I take several 500mg throughout the day during an outbreak and it starts healing in a few days (to put it in perspective, prior to using the L-Lysine, I had perpetual outbreaks for 3 months.)

[ginxie]

I've been on L-Lysine for the genital herpes virus for about 10 years now because back in the day there were no reliable prescription drugs available.  My internet research led me to sites that recommend between 500 - 1000 mg daily as a preventative and between 1000 - 8000 mg daily during an outbreak. (I do not remember why the article stated 8000 mg as the upper limit.)

As a rule I take one 500 mg tablet and most days that is enough to prevent an outbreak.  If I have an overly stressful day, either mental or physical, I take a second 500 mg tablet in the evening and those dosages prevent outbreaks 95% of the time.  When I do break out, it is always preceeded by pain in the crease between my thigh and pubic bone which my doctor says is most likely caused by the lymph glands in that area responding to the infection.  (I have noticed that this pain often feels more like a muscle strain or a pinched nerve and can last 2 or 3 days before an outbreak.)  As soon as I feel this pain, I up my dose to 1000 mg in the morning, 1000 mg in the afternoon and another 1000 mg in the evening.  A recent otubreak was caused by my missing my daily 500 mg dose for only one day and was especially virulent, causing 3 separate pre-blister sties.  I upped my 3000 mg outbreak dose to 4000 mg for two days, then dropped it back down to 2000 mg (for two days) as soon as the itching & pain tapered off , then back to my normal 500 mg. By day 5 the pre-blister sores were almost gone and never got to the full breakout stage.  Doses around 4000 mg tend to give me a slight upset stomach but I have no stomach upset with lower doses.

I haven't had any negative side effects from taking L-Lysine and I definitely have had less colds and flus over the last 10 years, even when I interact with infections people.

Here's an excellent article on L-Lysine and herpes:
http://www.advance-health.com/lysineherpes.html

Hope this helps and remember to check in often with your doctor to monitor any negative side effects.

gk

[Suzie4]

I started taking 1000 mg of Lysine two days ago for HSV2, which I've had for 20 years, and have had three bloody noses since I started taking it.  I never get sick, never get bloody noses.  Is this perhaps a side effect of Lysine?

[jimq40]

I notice that at higher doses that I dry out, mouth, nose and skin. Dry nose would cause nose bleeds I would think.. I do get them also. But I would welcome a nosebleed a day for the rest of my life in trade for the symptoms of herpes. I don't get any other side effects from L-Lysine. And only about one or two nose bleeds a month in the dry season.
I have been taking L-Lysine for 20 years. I started taking it with Cat's Claw in 89 and did for 10 years. I focused on the Cat;s Claw as the real help for all that time and just took a L-Lysine once and a while, and at the 500mg 3xday or less dose. One day I was out of the Cat's Claw and my symptoms were coming on strong so I just took a bunch of the L-Lysine. I took 1000 mg about 6 times in that day and by the next day my symptoms stopped. I since have stopped taking the Cat's Claw and have just been using the L-Lysine, 500mg to 1000mg a day whith no symptoms and increase to 1000mg 3 or more times a day when symptoms start.
I have had a few out breaks in the 10 years that I have been on L-Lysine but all but one was mild and the one that was sever was on my lower back and in Mexico, WITHOUT my L-Lysine, after a long horseback ride.
I have herpes on my back. genital area and my lips. Lips never go to sores only a slight bump and the pain or discomfort and then I load up on the L-Lysine and it goes away.
Prior to using anything for this, except Valtrex, I would have breakouts ONCE A MONTH or more..

[2010_]

I had a bad breakout ,which cause blusters on my buttocks, my legs ,and between my thighs. I went to my doctor and found out I had herpes type 2. My doctor put me on 1 gram of valacyclovir. I went to a specialist that deals with this type of virus. I was told to take a multivitamin,lysine,and flax seed oil.He also seem to suggest that I wouldn't have to take the valacyclovir, but I still do. In the morning before I eat, I take 500 mg tablet of lysine since this sould be taken on a empty stomach,after I eat I take my multivitamin.At lunch I take valacyclovir 1 gram ,and in the eveing I take flax seed oil 1000 mg,I leave time in between each pill so my stomach won't become naseated.I try to take this fatefully. I have not been having breakouts as. I also try to avoid stress as much as possible,use cocoa butter and vitamin e cream,drink plenty of water,and eat more healthier, and pray to the lord for healing in my body. I still feel you have to talk to your doctor and be honest about everything, montior yourself since everyone system works different and sometimes you may not know that something is working until sometime.Also the key is to educate yourself, the internet has alot of good information, you just have to take the time and research,but be careful of the sites that try to sell you a cure when at this time their isn't one, just ways to help you to cope. I hope this helps someone.

[Bufly26]

I have HSV 1.
I was researching side effects for Lysine when I came across this page. Very interesting discussion!! I know I get outbreaks on my lips, but now I know why I have a funky "crusty" issue at the top of my buttocks crack, at the bottom of my spine. I never would have imagined it was an outbreak from my HSV 1.
GREAT NEWS though!! When I break out on my lips, the BEST remedy ever is to go buy a clove of fresh garlic from your produce aisle at the grocery store; break off a piece/section of the garlic; peel back all the "dried" skin until you get to the soft, fresh meat of it; take your fingernail and peel back the skin to reveal the garlic's juices; and rub those juices over your breakout.
Every time I do that, the breakout is gone in about 2 days.
I really hope this helps out a lot of people. It has helped me out a lot!!

[Carolue]

So interesting to find out about this Forum. Even more interesting is to realise how many have been helped by taking L-Lysine. I fit partly) into the picture ... taking L-Lysine every morning for the last 3 years. Strangly enough I come to understand that Herpes virus seems always to be related with breakouts around the buttocks and/or genital region. If they appear at the upper body than they break out around the lips. That's where I don't recognise my own problem. I never have been told that I have Herpes, and (apart of the onces that appear on the tongue) I never could prove the once that cause the most pain. And those onces are sitting at the triangle around ear-nose-throat area, invisible for the eye, but always appear at the same time with the tongue sores. One doctor believed it was Neuralgia caused by the tri-geminal nerve.
I feld happy to have an answer for a too long ongoing problem. But that answer did not have a solution. Does anyone know whether Herpes can manifest at any other place in the body, so as mine do at the inside of the throat and ear region? Or could this be Shingles instead? I feel more relieved since I have been on a daily dosis of L-Lysine (1000 mg), but whenever there are stressful times the treatment with L-Lysine does not have effect. Is L-Lysine also a supplemtal treatment for Shingles? And by taking L-Lysine longterm doesn't it deplete the body of other Amino Acids by counter acting and bringing the Amino Acids in an unbalanced state? I would be very thankful for any advice.
Carole
  

[Jenn1263]

You mentioned having flu-like symptoms.       Do you get this before or during an outbreak.    I have the same issues and doctors trying to link it to Gastrointestianal issues, but seems like I also get outbreaks at the same time.    Then taking High doses of Lysine when I feel an outbreak coming on seems to add to the stomach pain, but not every time.

Does anyone else have flu like stomach issues during outbreaks?

[nettie1972]

Hi Vicki -
I have had tremendous success and relief from Herpes through homeopathy  (and have used it for other ailments as well).  You need to see a homeopathist for an initial interview and since homeopathy treats you as an individual (rather than just treating the ailment only) you can also find relief from anything else that might be troubling you.  I still use Lysine and H-Balm if I get an outbreak (but they are very rare and few and far between and weak that it doesn't take much).  I hope this helps...

[nettie1972]

I just wanted to address your flu-like symptoms during herpes outbreaks - it is very common to get chills and flu-like symptoms in the prodromal phase of the outbreak. (because it is a virus)..even though my outbreaks are very mild these days I still have these feelings occasionally - it is usually accompained by the nerve pain and itching I also feel before the outbreak.   I have also had stomach issues from taking too much Lysine...so now I make sure I always take it with food.  As I said to Vicki, homeopathy as truly helped with all of this though.  I rarely have to experience any of this anymore.  

[ShellyBelly001]

I take 500 mg of L Lysine everyday and have never had an outbreak on it. When I run out or if life gets in the way and I stop taking my it, I have an outbreak. Probably both because stress is up during those times as well as not taking the L Lysine. I swear by it. I recommend to NOT take the prescription meds i.e., Zovirax... acyclovir (sp?) etc... unless you need to. Talk with your doctor.

[Jenn1263]

Thanks for the informatin on your symptoms.   It's funny I have learned more on this blog regarding the Lysine, then when researching Herpes.     My husband and I both react differently to outbreaks so nice to know others have the same sypmtoms I have and I'm not going crazy!!

[Jakiev1]

Has anyone heard of people with Rheumatoid Arthritis being helped by Lysine? It has been postulated that RA is an autoimmune response to a viral infection. Seeing as herpes cannot (at this time) be cured but only controlled by using lysine and the infection rate of herpes is over 90% in world population, maybe autoimmune disease is a reaction to repeated low grade viral infection in those predisposed to this condition. This is just a guess, but my brother is in the end stages of sever RA with both knees surgically replaced, and every joint in his body including spine severely degraded and deformed by the relentless progression of this disease. He has tried all conventional treatments and some experimental ones with no effect. We are going to try Lysine but dose and length of treatment is all guess work. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help, John.  

[JasonG1977]

Has anybody had an outbreak of acne from using Lysine tablets?  I had my first outbreak/coldsore in my mouth/lip at the beginning of January.  My gums swelled up and I had a slight fever.  They prescribed acyclovir since this was my first outbreak and it went away.  My nurse told me to start taking Lysine once a day in the morning.

[hellotoyou2]

Lysine is AMAZING!!!! I have only had one bad Herpes outbreak and it was god awful went to my gyno and she perscribed Valtrex it did clear it up but then quit working. Lysine is what i take now when i have the tingle or itch & it stops the outbreak from getting bad. stops it in its tracks,! Cant say how much i take cuz its probly bad but i really load up on them!!! Funny part is I remember that day at the gyno office I asked my Dr "i heard Lysine helps, does it"? and she flat out said "no. that will not work" sad that Dr.'s don't seem to know their butt from their head sometimes.