SOC
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Dr Lerner talked about the difficult stretch with valgancyclovir (Valcyte), but I don't remember anywhere that he talks about difficullties with valacyclovir (Valtrex). Given my memory, though, I could be forgetting 90% of what's he's said over time. Dr Lerner was very clear to me that the common difficult stretch with Valcyte was definitely NOT herxheimer, but it certainly existed and was generally a good sign. If it's an IRIS-like reaction, that would make sense. It would mean your immune system is improving and going after infections.Thanks @SOC i really didn't know that. It may be similar to a herx but not. I heard that people do get worse before they get better on it though.
My doctor told me this: Dr learner found that patients had a “Herxsheimer” response with worsening of symptoms and a worsening score continuing for two to six weeks after treatment began was a good prognostic omen. Increasing energy score and decreasing symptoms were apparent at the fifth to sixth month of continuing Valacyclovir.
I its not really a bad reaction as such I just feel an increase in my normal main symptoms (sore throat, swollen glands, fatigue, general malaise, stomachache) I don't have any differing symptoms. Should I expect that to be a 'worsening of symptoms' as opposed a bad reaction to the drug?
FWIW, your reaction sounds a lot like my difficult stretch with Valcyte (not Valtrex) only mine was much worse -- much worse flu-like symptoms than I had previously, shingles, swollen cheeks like the mumps. UGH! It lasted about 10 weeks (although not at it's worst the whole time), but when it was over I felt a LOT better.
If you are seeing a real ME/CFS specialist who knows about antivirals, you should be able to ask her whether she thinks it's an IRIS-like rxn or a bad rxn to the med and get a decent answer.