Anyone Ever Try Long Term Valtrex?

So, at my last appointment with my LLMD I kind of drove the conversation and the next plan of action.

I knew that I had some viral issues (IgG though) such as HHV-6. Surprisingly enough, I've always been negative for EBV.

Prior to the appointment I did a ton of research on chronic fatigue, not because I am giving up on Lyme, but just because I feel that there is something else that is inhibiting my ability to fully heal. Weather it's parasites, leaky gut, yeast, mold/metals or viruses.

I decided it was best to start with what I knew for certain my body is dealing with and that is viruses and poor gut health.

I've been reading a lot of great studies that have shown that Valtrex has improved 92% of patients with chronic fatigue after 5 months of treatment. (See link below)

/www.psychiatryadvisor.com/opinion/the-role-of-antiviral-therapy-in-chronic-fatigue-treatment/article/405424/

I've also read that they have linked specific viruses to CFS like HHV-6 and EBV

So, I decided to give it a shot. I also am on an herbal called DE-P and it's for parasites and viruses. After taking that for 3 days I got the flu. I have no idea if I was experiencing die off or if it was truly just the flu, but it was horrible. My LLMD had me stop and and start valtrex first, then work the other things in.

I guess I just wanted to update all of you and ask if anyone else had tried to take this path. I'm excited to see if it helps. After about a week and half on it I don't feel much difference. Still feel pretty cruddy each day.

Post Edited (NicHostetler) : 9/24/2018 10:55:08 AM (GMT-6)

SoMuchFun said...
I've always wondered whether an antiviral would help remaining symptoms as well. Please keep us updated. There seems to be an ongoing argument whether Lyme & Co knock down the immune system and allow viruses to flourish or visa versa. I noticed that you referred to Mycoplasma and Chlamydia Pneumoniae as viruses, pretty sure they are bacteria.

My fault!! As I was typing that I was wondering whether or not mycoplasma was a virus or a bacteria. I remember my LLMD saying that it was originally considered a virus. I corrected it.

I will definitely keep everyone updated.

I'm working super hard on researching and doing different protocols in hopes that I find something that works for me. And, if it works for me, I would be ecstatic if it worked for others as well.

Hi NicHostetler!-

I am currently taking Valtrex (Valacyclovir). I started it on August 24, 2018. So pretty much a month I have been taking a 1 Gram tablet in the morning and 1 Gram tablet in the evening daily.

I have gotten flu like symptoms also. The first time it happened was August 25, 2018. One day after starting the Valacyclovir. Headache, pressure in head, sweating, chills, muscle aches all over, little bit of a fever, and extremely nauseous to name a few symptoms. I also had a feeling like my heart was being squeezed.

I think that the Valtrex is helping me with my extreme fatigue. I have some days now that I am able to get out of bed and do small tasks around the house.

I also was tested for a couple of virals. My EBV and Herpevirus 6 IGG were both high. I know that IGG is usually past exposure, but who really knows.

If you decide to try Valtrex again, maybe start out with half a dose a slowly increase.

My GP that I see is Lyme friendly. I had an appointment with him recently and mentioned that I started Valacyclovir. He said that he had a patient that was hospitalized with Mono when she was younger. And every time that her immune system gets run down , she gets crippling fatigue and her Mono symptoms back. He put her on an anti viral when this happens and she is able to get better.

Best Wishes!

Hi SoMuchFun!-

The cost of anti virals might depend on the persons health insurance and what pharmacy you use.

For me personally, I am taking the generic of Valtrex, which is called Valacyclovir. A one month supply cost me $200. I was quite upset about this price since my LLMD said it would be around $50.

I went to the website: goodrx.com and was able to print off a reusable coupon. A one month supply now cost me $52.

Anyone can use goodrx.com. You don't have to sign up for anything. Just type in the name of your medication, the dosage, and how many tablets. It may or may not be cheaper than your health insurance. I noticed that some of my medications are cheaper through using my health insurance.

Best Wishes!

Thanks for the info. I've used the herbals, lauricidin, etc in the past but never the Rx's. I'll have to keep that in mind for future.

For those that have done prescription antivirals, did anybody have brain fog before and was helped by the Rx?

Post Edited (SoMuchFun) : 9/24/2018 12:58:29 PM (GMT-6)

OptimisTick said...
Valtrex (and all the other generics) was a game changer for me. It helped take care of all my reactivated viral infections and I'm back to work now. I did have to do 2 rounds of it, each for about 5-6 months. Is it gone for good? I doubt it, but I know my LLND will write me a script if I should need it again. (I used Goodrx as well.)

Can you elaborate how it helped you? What other infections were you dealing with? (Lyme, Babesia, Bartonella etc.) What symptoms did it help?

I have an appointment with my LLMD in two weeks. I have a gut feeling that chronic EBV is playing a huge role in keeping me non-functional. I'm going to advocate for Valtrex when I see my LLMD.