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Shingles Topic Guide

Shingles Shingles: Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Initially, the virus causes chickenpox. The virus remains dormant in the body until the virus is reactivated by a trigger such as stress, fatigue, cancer, radiation treatments, injury, HIV/AIDS, or a weakened immune system. Symptoms include pain in a broad band on one side of the body, fever, chills, headache, itching, and a red, raised rash. Treatment may incorporate pain medication, applying cool compresses, and avoiding skin-to-skin contact with others.
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Doctor's Notes on Shingles Symptoms

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Pain Medications
Pain Medications The effects of pain medication are different for each person. Pain also varies in tolerance as well from person to person. There are several different pain medications such as NSAIDS, acetaminophen, and narcotics. The most commonly prescribed narcotics are Narcotic pain medications can lead to physical addiction. Symptoms of physical addiction to narcotics include
  • flu-like symptoms,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • diarrhea,
  • bone aches,
  • feeling like you are "crawling out of your skin,"
  • goose bumps,
  • chills,
  • tremor, and
  • difficulty sleeping.
These symptoms are all medical concerns and should be treated medically.

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Shingles Topic Guide - Visuals

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Shingles Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins

Medications:

zoster vaccine live Zoster Vaccine Live

Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus (varicella) that causes chickenpox in children. When this virus becomes active again in an adult, it can cause her...learn more »

pregabalin Pregabalin

Pregabalin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures. Pregabalin also aff...learn more »

valacyclovir Valacyclovir

Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus to help the body fight the infection...learn more »

famciclovir Famciclovir

Famciclovir is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including genital herpes, cold sores, and shingles.

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calamine (topical) Calamine (topical)

Calamine is an anti-itch medicine that works by causing a cooling sensation as it evaporates on your skin. Calamine also dries oozing or weeping from minor s...learn more »

acyclovir topical Acyclovir Topical

Acyclovir topical (for the skin) is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat skin symptoms caused by the herpes virus...learn more »

gabapentin Gabapentin

Gabapentin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seizures ...learn more »

oxycodone Oxycodone

Oxycodone is an opioid pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain.

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morphine Morphine

Morphine is an opioid medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. Short-acting morphine is taken as needed for pain.

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amitriptyline Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. Amitriptyline affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression...learn more »

acetaminophen (oral/rectal) Acetaminophen (oral/rectal)

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. There are many brands and forms of acetaminophen available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet...learn more »

naproxen Naproxen

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)...learn more »

ibuprofen Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body...learn more »

acyclovir (injection) Acyclovir (injection)

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Acyclovir will not cure herp...learn more »

acyclovir (oral) Acyclovir (oral)

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus in the body. Acyclovir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the sympto...learn more »