Inquiries for individuals who saw progress using Valacyclovir (Valtrex) or Aciclovir

Herpes/Cold Sores - Treatment & Management
1

I have observed a growing number of recovery and improvement accounts from people using Valacyclovir (Valtrex) or Aciclovir (Zovirax).

Reviewing these reports, I’ve seen that the specific dosages, the time it took to notice a change, and the total length of treatment vary significantly.

Reports range from daily doses of 250mg (a quarter of the standard labeled dose) up to 3000mg. Some people claim to feel better within 15 minutes, while others take months to see a difference. Some describe short-term use as a potential cure, while others use it long-term, treating it more like a maintenance therapy.

There is also conflicting data on which drug is better for Long COVID specifically, though Valacyclovir is generally thought to have fewer side effects, while Aciclovir is the more budget-friendly option.

For those who have found relief with these medications, I would like to gather some collective data:

  • Which one did you use, Valacyclovir or Aciclovir?

  • What was your specific dosing schedule?

  • How long did it take for you to notice an improvement?

  • Did you experience any side effects?

  • Are you still on the medication? If you stopped, how long were you taking it?

  • Did you combine it with Celecoxib (Celebrex) or other drugs?

Please share any other personal insights or tips you found while on these treatments.

Thanks!

6 Likes
2

I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m monitoring this thread because I’m thinking about asking my doctor for a trial run.

3

I haven’t started it, but I am also planning to discuss this with my GP. I’ve come across some research papers indicating it was beneficial for certain Long COVID study participants.

4

I’m curious if those who saw results had positive antibody tests for things like EBV or other herpes viruses, or if they were taking it strictly for Long COVID symptoms despite testing negative for viral reactivation.

5

It has definitely helped me, though I wouldn’t call it a cure. I’ve been on 500mg of Valacyclovir twice a day and I’m still taking it. No side effects, and it helps manage my fatigue.

6

My partner is currently on Acyclovir, about three days in now. It was originally for a cold sore flare-up, but she’s noticed her Long COVID exhaustion is better when she takes more than the 500mg her doctor advised. Based on anecdotal reports that higher amounts are usually fine, she’s trying 750mg to 1000mg. I’ve heard that shingles treatment uses around 4000mg for a week, but also that high doses can be taxing on the liver or kidneys. She’s very optimistic that this could be a major help if doctors start supporting it.

7

Valacyclovir.
Round 1: 3000mg for one week; felt a difference in 2 days, no side effects, took it alongside regular Advil and Tylenol. Stopped after the week, but symptoms returned 2 days later.

Round 2: 1000mg (500mg twice a day); noticed a change after about 4 days, no side effects, taking it with Celebrex, and I’m still on it.

8

I recently did a trial of Valtrex and saw a huge improvement in just a few days. Along with my usual LC issues, I had persistent sinus congestion that wasn’t an infection. That cleared up in days. I’m on 500mg daily and occasionally swap in 400mg of acyclovir to stretch out my Valtrex supply.

9

I’m taking 500mg of Valacyclovir twice a day and have definitely seen an improvement. I was convinced my LC was viral persistence because the first six months felt just like the acute phase, with a slow decline in respiratory symptoms leading into PEM and shortness of breath. I have fibromyalgia symptoms now, but that seemed to evolve from the initial viral aches. I tried cutting back to 500mg daily for a bit but felt my energy drop, so I went back to twice a day. I’m not sure if this is permanent, but I drink a lot of herbal tea and get regular blood work to make sure my kidneys are okay.

10

Hello, I’m self-treating with 500mg twice a day after a Long COVID diagnosis. I’m not on Celebrex but I’ve heard of the combo trials. Valacyclovir has a longer half-life than acyclovir.

Post-COVID, I had debilitating migraines, nerve pain, and eye pain, plus constant HSV flare-ups. (Also brain fog and heart rate spikes). It seems COVID can trigger herpes reactivation. I started my daily 500mg Valtrex again for suppression and saw my LC symptoms improve. I added a second dose at night and now I can go weeks without symptoms. If I miss a day, the nerve and eye pain return quickly, but they fade a few hours after taking the meds. I’ll double the dose for a few days if needed then go back down.

11

I’ve dealt with cold sores since childhood. I don’t get them constantly (1-4 times yearly), but they are severe when they happen. I’ve tried every remedy—Abreva, Lysine, various oils. I thought red light therapy was the answer for a while, but it failed during my last two outbreaks. I did a late-night telehealth visit and got a Valacyclovir script. I started today with two 2000mg doses, then 1000mg daily for five days. I’m already a day into this outbreak with two sores, so I’m eager to see if antivirals help. I also have a topical acyclovir script on the way.