Aciclovir 800mg (for shingles)

Hello,

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced side effects whilst taking this medication?

I’m on day five, 5 tablets a day, and I’m generally feeling so much worse than I was. I had some drowsiness from the first day I was taking them, but now I’m just so so exhausted, feeling weak and spaced out, my skin and lips are super dry, stomach cramps, no appetite, and I’m honestly just miserable.

The shingles rash is finally looking like it’s starting to “dry out” and scab over (sorry I know it’s gross!) but I’m still itchy and getting pain and aching in the whole area. I’ve got two days (10 pills) left and I don’t feel like the rash will spread any further so I’m inclined to stop taking the tablets. Of course I can’t get through to my doctor and am expecting a call back “by the end of the day” which could mean I’ll have to take another 3 pills before I speak to her. Just not sure what to do 😒