Positives

• One reader said valacyclovir left their mind “much more functional” after two short courses, though sleep and headaches briefly worsened during treatment People's Pharmacy.
  
  
• After 2.5 weeks on 500 mg twice daily, one patient reported early gains in stamina and hoped the drug would “put EBV back in its sleepy spot” Mayo Clinic Connect.
  
  
• One ME/CFS and long-COVID poster said years-long maintenance dosing eased post-exertional malaise enough for them to walk in the park again Science for ME.
  
  

Negatives

• Several chronic-fatigue posters reported no symptom change after months of treatment Patient.info.
  
  
• One forum member quit almost immediately after experiencing severe mood effects, describing themselves as an “enraged lunatic” Health Rising.
  
  
• One patient experienced an energy uptick but developed nasty rashes and stopped at day 40 Mayo Clinic Connect.
  
  
• One Connect poster noted that progress felt “very slow” after nearly two years, with only faint improvement so far Mayo Clinic Connect.
  
  

Hurdles & Side Effects

• An intense two-week “worsening” phase with migraines, nausea, and drowsiness was reported before any benefits appeared Phoenix Rising.
  
  
• The pill burden was described as significant—8×500 mg daily felt “YUCK”—with eventual reduction to 3 g/day Phoenix Rising.
  
  
• Regular liver and kidney labs and monthly doctor visits were seen as essential, adding hassle and cost Phoenix Rising.
  
  
• The community warned of rare but serious risks including Stevens-Johnson syndrome or agranulocytosis, urging caution before self-trialing Science for ME.