Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/CFS and Anti-Viral treatment

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Expert: - 5/25/2007


Question
Suzan:

    I've read through Dr. Teitelbaums book and found info on a physician named Dr. A. Martin Learner.  He did a study of patients who had EBV in the past and the onset caused CFS.  His study (approved by the FDA) was for the use of Valtrex for 4-6 months @ 1 gram, 4 times a day.  The patients had no side effects, and out of the 25, 19 showed incredible results.  Some saying that almost 90% of the fatigue and symptoms had been eliminated.  I've also talked with a few users on line that have been on Valtrex for CFS (Post mono) and are LOVING it.  

I've just started Valtrex at this dosage from while under a doctors care.  She is going to try me the same way Dr. Learner ran his study.  

Have you or anyone else you're talked to tried this?  What were the results?

Answer
Dear Chris -

I'm also taking Valtrex right now for CFS.  I've been on 500 mg per day for 6 weeks.  I felt a little worse for the first month (a common reaction, due to virus die-off).  I have felt quite good for most of the past two weeks, so I'm hopeful that Valtrex will bring me some improvement.

The dose you mention is very high; you might have problems tolerating it (most people have some GI problems on Valtrex).  Even at 500mg per day, I had to take some breaks during my first month because it upset my stomach so much.  It seems better now.

Here are some resources for more information:

Dr. Lerner's website:
http://www.cfsviraltreatment.com/

My blog, describing my own experiences and providing links for more information:
www.livewithcfs.blogspot.com

The message boards at Immune Support, with lots of people discussing their experiences with anti-viral therapy:
http://www.immunesupport.com/
(click on message boards on register - it's free)

A summary of Dr. Montoya's work with Valcyte, another anti-viral, for CFS:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-01/sumc-ntf010807.php

I think you'll find of plenty of information here and lots of other people to talk to about their own experiences.  Best of luck -

Sue Jackson
www.livewithcfs.blogspot.com

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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Suzan Jackson

Expertise

I have had CFS since March 2002. My 14-year old son and 10-year old son also has CFS. I have a scientific background (chemical engineering) and have read and researched extensively to try to help myself and my sons to improve our symptoms, with some success. I`ve also conferred with some of the top CFS doctors in the U.S. I have a lot of hard-won experience working with school systems to get appropriate support for my sons. This is a very debilitating and isolating illness, and I would be glad to help anyone else who is struggling with CFS themselves or with a family member. You can read about our experiences in learning to live with CFS at my blog: www.livewithcfs.blogspot.com.

Experience

Have had CFS/CFIDS since 2002.
Two young sons have CFS/CFIDS.

Organizations
CFIDS Association of America
Various listserves that provide up-to-date information on CFS research.

Publications
www.livewithcfs.blogspot.com

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