Hi there. I've been diagnosed for about three years, and I have tried both the prescriiption medications, neither of which worked very well for me. I did have pretty good luck with Lysine, except that it made me feel quite nauseated. What has been most effective for me is taking olive leaf extract capsules, available at most health food stores. They greatly reduce my outbreak time and severity. You can take one or two a day as a preventive measure as well. Good luck!