how long is course of valocyclovir for chronic fatigue

Dr. Lerner’s Valcyte Protocol for ME/CFS – Dr. Lerner recommends “valganciclovir (Valcyte) one 450-mg capsule daily for three days, followed by two 450-mg capsules in the morning daily. Liver function tests are studied very carefully. If there is any abnormality, one alters the dosage.

Full Answer

Does valacyclovir improve left ventricular function in chronic fatigue syndrome?

“A six-month trial of valacyclovir in the Epstein-Barr virus subset of chronic fatigue syndrome: improvement in left ventricular function.” “A small randomized placebo controlled trial of the use of antiviral therapy for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.”

How long does it take for valacyclovir to work?

For recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes, valacyclovir works best if it is used within 24 hours after the symptoms begin to appear. If you are taking valacyclovir for the treatment of chickenpox, it is best to start taking valacyclovir as soon as possible after the first sign of the chickenpox rash appears, usually within one day.

How much valacyclovir can you take in a day?

Treatment regimes Valacyclovir was prescribed at a dose rate of 1 gram every six hours (i.e. 4 grams per day). For overweight patients the dose was 1.5 grams every six hours and for small patients correspondingly less.

How effective is valacyclovir for EBV CFS?

Therefore, EBV is causally involved in 81% of cases of CFS. Further, EBV CFS is effectively treated with long-term valacyclovir. Coinfection HCMV and HHV-6 CFS requires valganciclovir with valacyclovir."

Does valacyclovir help with fatigue?

All patients were treated subsequently with valacyclovir, with 93% having a positive response. At the end of treatment, scores on fatigue self-assessment scales improved significantly (P < . 001). Vigor subscale scores also improved significantly (P < .

Does Valtrex help CFS?

Lerner and colleagues7,8 showed that treatment with the antiviral valacyclovir reduced symptoms of CFS/ME, as well as antibody titers and cardiac symptoms.

Can you take valacyclovir long term?

Valacyclovir is prescribed regularly for long-term (months to years) prophylaxis (suppression) of herpes simplex virus (HSV) mucocutaneous outbreaks, conditions that are not considered life threatening. Thus, an excellent therapeutic index is essential.

How long do you take Valtrex with EBV?

Based on the half-life of EBV in patients treated with valacyclovir and assuming that valacyclovir acts similarly on B cells in tissues as it does in the blood, we estimate that it would take 6 years of 500 mg of valacyclovir once each day to eradicate 99% of EBV from the B-cell compartment and 11.3 years to eliminate ...

What viruses cause extreme fatigue?

Fatigue can be a symptom of infections ranging from the flu to HIV....Infections that may cause fatigue include:Flu.Mononucleosis.COVID-19.Cytomegalovirus.Hepatitis.HIV.Pneumonia.

What viruses cause chronic fatigue syndrome?

Because some people develop chronic fatigue syndrome after having a viral infection, researchers question whether some viruses might trigger the disorder. Suspicious viruses include the Epstein-Barr virus, human herpes virus 6. No conclusive link has yet been found.

How long can you take daily valacyclovir?

To treat a recurrent outbreak, the FDA recommends using 500 mg of valacyclovir twice daily for 3 days starting at the first sign or symptom of lesions—preferably within 24 hours of onset. The CDC recommendation is identical but adds in the choice of using valacyclovir 1 g (1000 mg) one time a day for 5 days.

How many days can you take valacyclovir?

Valacyclovir comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 8 hours (three times a day) for 7 days to treat shingles. To treat genital herpes it is usually taken twice a day for 5 days.

Can you take acyclovir for the rest of your life?

Nevertheless, we conclude that the use of oral acyclovir for more than 12 months provides substantial additional prevention against recurrence of ocular HSV. Our data suggest that long-term oral acyclovir use remains effective in decreasing the number of recurrences beyond 12 months.

How do you get rid of EBV forever?

EBV never truly goes away. Even if the symptoms subside, the virus will remain inactive inside your body until it is reactivated by a trigger. Some triggers include stress, a weakened immune system, taking immunosuppressants, or hormonal changes such as menopause.

Usual Adult Dose For Herpes Simplex Labialis

2 g orally every 12 hours for a total of 2 dosesHIV-infected adult (guideline dosing):1 g orally twice a day for 5 to 10 daysComments:-Therapy shou...

Usual Adult Dose For Herpes Simplex - Mucocutaneous/Immunocompetent Host

Genital Herpes:FIRST EPISODE: 1 g orally twice a dayDuration of therapy: 10 days (manufacturer): 7 to 10 days (CDC recommendation)RECURRENT EPISODE...

Usual Adult Dose For Herpes Simplex - Suppression

Immunocompetent host: 1 g orally once a dayImmunocompetent host with 9 or fewer recurrences/year: 500 mg orally once a dayHIV-infected adults with...

Usual Adult Dose For Herpes Zoster

Immunocompetent host: 1 g orally every 8 hours for 7 daysHIV-infected adult (guideline dosing):Acute Localized Dermatomal: 1 g orally every 8 hours...

Usual Adult Dose For Herpes Simplex - Mucocutaneous/Immunocompromised Host

Genital Herpes with Concomitant HIV InfectionFIRST EPISODE: 1 g orally twice a day for 7 to 10 days (CDC recommendation)RECURRENT EPISODES: 1 g ora...

Usual Adult Dose For Varicella-Zoster

HIV-Infected Adults (guideline dosing):-Primary Varicella Infection; Uncomplicated Course: 1 g orally 3 times a day for 5 to 7 daysComments:-This d...

Usual Adult Dose For Herpes Zoster - Prophylaxis

HIV-Infected Adults (guideline dosing):-Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: 1 g orally 3 times a day for 5 to 7 days; begin 7 to 10 days after exposureComme...

Usual Pediatric Dose For Herpes Simplex Labialis

12 years or older: 2 g orally every 12 hours for a total of 2 dosesHIV-infected (guideline dosing):Adolescents: 1 g orally twice a day for 5 to 10...

Usual Pediatric Dose For Varicella-Zoster

Immunocompetent host:2 to less than 18 years: 20 mg/kg orally 3 times a day for 5 daysMaximum dosage: 1 g orally 3 times a dayHIV-Infected Adolesce...

Usual Pediatric Dose For Herpes Simplex - Suppression

HIV-infected adolescents: 500 mg orally twice a dayComments:-Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections Among HIV- Inf...

Does Valtrex work for ME?

Valtrex May Work in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Because.. it may inhibit the replication of a virus (Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) shown to be activated in some chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS ) patients.

Is Valtrex an antiviral?

an antiviral drug approved to treat genital herpes infection, herpes zoster (shingles) and herpes labialis (cold sores) infections. Dr. Martin Lerner of Royal Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, is currently investigating its efficacy in chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients with Epstein-Barr virus infections. Valtrex is converted in the body to acyclovir which inhibits viral DNA replication. It is produced by GlaxoSmithKline.

Is Valtrex safe for uropathy?

Dr. Lerner call’s Valtrex “remarkably safe and effective” but notes that “one concern is that valacyclovir is excreted….can cause acyclovir stones and obstructive uropathy. This will not occur if the patient drinks at least six 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Side effects can include nausea, headache, fatigue, diarrhea and others.

Does antiviral therapy help with CFS?

Studies have linked chronic viral infections with CFS, and antiviral therapy has effectively treated CFS in adult patients. In a retrospective case series, 15 adolescents and preteens referred to the author for treatment-resistant depression or mood disorder were evaluated and found to have met the Fukuda diagnostic criteria for CFS.

Does Valacyclovir help with depression?

Valacyclovir treatment of chronic fatigue in adolescents. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) presents with fatigue, low motivation, diminished mood, and reduced activity, all symptoms having extensive diagnostic overlaps with depression.

How long does it take for valacyclovir to work?

For recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes, valacyclovir works best if it is used within 24 hours after the symptoms begin to appear. If you are taking valacyclovir for the treatment of chickenpox, it is best to start taking valacyclovir as soon as possible after the first sign of the chickenpox rash appears, usually within one day.

Can you take Valacyclovir with meals?

Valacyclovir may be taken with meals or on an empty stomach. If you are using the oral suspension, use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

How long does genital herpes last?

Genital Herpes and Concomitant HIV Infection in Adolescents#N#FIRST EPISODE: 1 g orally twice a day for 7 to 10 days (guideline recommendation)#N#RECURRENT EPISODES: 500 mg orally twice a day for 3 days OR 1 g orally once a day a day for 5 days (guideline recommendation)#N#-Therapy should be started at the first sign of a genital herpes episode.#N#Comments:#N#-All patients with newly acquired genital herpes should receive antiviral therapy as first episodes can cause a prolonged clinical illness, even among persons with mild clinical manifestations initially.#N#-Therapy for initial episode is most effective when administered within 48 hours of onset of signs and symptoms.#N#-Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections Among HIV- Infected Adults and Adolescents may be consulted for additional guidance.#N#Use: For the treatment of the initial episode and recurrent episodes of genital herpes in HIV-infected adolescents.

How long does it take to take Zoster?

HIV-Infected Adults (guideline dosing): -Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: 1 g orally 3 times a day for 5 to 7 days; begin 7 to 10 days after exposure. Comments:

Does suppressive therapy decrease HSV-2?

Comments: -Suppressive therapy has been shown to decrease the rate of HSV-2 transmission in discordant, heterosexual couples when the source partner has a history of genital HSV-2 infection; in such cases, antiviral suppressive therapy should be part of a strategy to prevent transmission.

How long does Herxheimer last?

A “Herxheimer” response with worsening of symptoms and a worsening score continuing for two to six weeks after treatment began was a good prognostic omen.

What is the EIPS score for CFS?

Lerner monitored treatment using the Energy Index Point Score (EIPS - see table below) with patients visiting every four to six weeks and the score determined by agreement of patient and physician. A score of 0 – 5 is diagnostic of chronic fatigue syndrome, a score of 6 – 10 indicates patients no longer have CFS. This means a small change in the EIPS value is very clinically significant with an effect size of 0.8 being large. A CFS patient is considered to be a responder if the effect size is more than 1, or a non-responder if the effect size is less than 1 after one year of anti-viral therapy.

Can Epstein-Barr be treated with valacyclovir?

Most importantly, he went on to show that the Epstein-Barr virus could be treated effectively with an anti-viral valacyclovir and if there is co-infection with HCMV or HHV-6 then some trials used valganciclovir in addition to the valacyclovir. He reported good responses to treatment.

Can Epstein-Barr cause fatigue?

Chronic Epstein-Barr virus and other human herpes viruses may be a cause of long term symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome. Treatment with anti-virals is effective in restoring sufferers to health.

Can you exercise too early in CFS recovery?

Exercise too early in CFS recovery may worsen CFS and so exercise was prohibited until EIPS 7 was achieved. At EIPS 8, light exercise is cautiously begun. The Valacyclovir dose is then decreased to 1 gram twice a day, continued for 6 to 12 weeks and then stopped.

What Is Valtrex?

Valtrex (valacyclovir) is a medication prescribed to treat certain viral infections, including chicken pox, cold sores, and other conditions caused by herpes viruses .

What is Valtrex Used For?

Valtrex is a tablet that should be swallowed. You can take Valtrex with or without food. It is important to stay hydrated when using Valtrex.

What Are the Side Effects of Valtrex?

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. A medical professional can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a medical professional. You may report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 800-FDA-1088.

Dosage: How Much Valtrex Should I Take?

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Overdose: What Happens If I Take Too Much Valtrex?

If you take too much Valtrex, it can lead to acute kidney damage. This is a medical emergency that can cause toxicity in your body and the inability to make urine.

Precautions

If you or your child's symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

What Medications Are Similar?

There are several antiviral medications that are similar to Valtrex but do not have identical approved indications. These include: 4

Should We Treat Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) or HHV-6 with Valcyte, Valtrex or Famvir?

Most Chronic Fatigue Syndrome doctors believe that many (but not all) CFS/ME cases are due to the reactivation of Herpes Class viruses such as Epstein-Barr Virus, Human Herpes Virus-6 (HHV-6), Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and/or Herpes Simplex Virus. These viruses lie dormant in our body. Later they can flare up, causing severe illness.

Potential Paths Toward Treatment

There are no Food and Drug Administration Approved CFS treatments. But there are promising paths we are eager to follow:

Treating CFS by Strengthening the Immune System

Among Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients certain parts of the immune system tend to be weak. Strengthening these weak parts might be of benefit. An important test for immune system weakness is called Natural Killer (NK) Cell Function. NK Cell functional testing is a difficult test to do. For selected patients we send out this test.

Treating CFS by Reducing Inflammation

Experts agree that although the CFS immune system is weak in several ways, in other ways it is over-stimulated or inflamed. Fortunately, we have several medicine and natural products that can suppress inflammation.

Treating CFS by Improving Mitochondria and Energy Metabolism

Mitochondria, within our cells, produces the energy that we need. Recent research suggests that among people with chronic fatigue, mitochondrial energy is often reduced. A fairly large number of nutritional supplements have the potential to improve mitochondrial function. But few have been systematically studied for CFS.

Other Potential CFS Treatments

Ten percent or more of people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome also have low blood pressure especially when they stand still for long periods. We call this orthostatic or neurogenic hypotension. Others have rapid heart rate when they stand. We call this POTS for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.

Helpful Websites

These websites scan the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia literature. They identify recent articles on treatment and sometimes interview leading CFS clinicians.

Rated for Herpes- genital Report

I felt irritation on Friday and this past Sunday I went to the ER because I felt like I had been exposed to a std which o had Chlamydia before and that same pin and needle feeling in my vag lips so I went to ER and the nurse did a visual exam and diagnosed me with genital herpes HSV2.

Rated for Cold sores Report

I took this medication yesterday the second day of appearance of the blister and its already almost gone. Im so glad I gave this a try. It did make me feel very under the weather. I dont take the daily. I just did the two in the morning and two at night before bed. I got the prescription without even seeing a doctor on the nurx app.

Rated for Herpes- genital Report

It does not work well at all. I have had an outbreak for almost a year. I have not missed a dose of 1000 twice a day and even increased several times to 3 times a day to help. The insurance won't even cover that amount so eventually you run out and then it gets even worse. We MUST find a new, effective drug or a vaccine.

Rated for Herpes- genital Report

Caught Herpes 15 years ago and it laid dormant until I took a yellow fever (Stamaril) D17 vaccine for an Intl. trip. The YF vaccine caused a rash all over my body and allergic reaction. The weakening of my immunity caused the reactivation of the HSV2 herpes which caused me multiple genital blisters.

Rated for CMV Prophylaxis Report

I have been on Valtrex several times for Herpes B prophylaxis. Each time my reactions to it have gotten worse. The first few days I just feel foggy and tired, but then it turns into dramatic mood swings, and eventually tanks down into a suicidal depression. Most people I know who have been on it don't have this bad of a reaction.

Rated for Cold sores Report

If I wake up with a cold sore & take the 2,000mg x 2 12 hrs apart it either completely goes or only lasts for a few days instead of 2wks. It just depends on how quickly you take Valtrex - not generic brand.

Rated for Herpes- genital Report

I thought I had a reaction to yeast infection medicine but turns out I have HSV2. Never knew, luckily my partner is super supportive. Anywho, took Valtrex after going to my doctor and it cleared up within days however, I have some crazy side effects.