I’ve noticed many people have a positive experience with valacyclovir, so I wanted to share my own story for anyone who might be going through something similar. I began the medication right after my initial positive test, even before the Western Blot confirmation, because I’m in a long-term relationship with someone who isn’t infected. That was two months back. Initially, I dealt with headaches, stomach pain, and a general sense of being unwell for a few hours after taking a pill. I tried eating first and staying hydrated, which helped slightly. However, over time, I started having these bouts that felt like severe panic attacks. Since I already deal with PTSD and anxiety, I figured the stress of the diagnosis was just making things worse. These episodes would happen suddenly, lasting anywhere from minutes to hours. I felt shaky, disoriented, and restless, with my heart racing so fast I worried I was having a cardiac event or a stroke. It was like a panic attack but with a strange, unsettling confusion. After a particularly rough week with little sleep or water, I spent two days in a constant state of panic. My usual coping mechanisms—therapy and spiritual practices—didn’t work. I felt a deep sense of dread and kept checking myself for stroke symptoms. I eventually found research showing valacyclovir can cause CNS side effects, though usually in older patients or those with kidney issues. Even though I’m healthy and in my 30s, I realized the medication was the culprit. I stopped immediately, and three days later, I’m finally feeling like myself again. Plus, I had my very first outbreak while on the drug, so it didn’t even help with the HSV2. I’m glad it works for others, but you aren’t alone if it makes you feel worse.
This is vital information because catching it early is key. Usually, the symptoms fade once you stop the medication, though it might take longer if you’ve been on it for a while. It’s uncommon, but it definitely happens. I’m glad you’re doing better now. 
It’s curious that your only outbreak happened while you were taking the antivirals. Why did you get tested originally? Were you taking the pills mainly to protect your partner rather than to manage symptoms?
Antiviral drugs are quite potent and don’t agree with everyone. While we wait for better solutions like vaccines, there really needs to be more focus on improving current treatments and prevention.
I’ve stopped taking it too. I rarely get outbreaks now, and when I did use it, it never seemed to help—it just gave me terrible stomach cramps and diarrhea.
This is why some medical professionals suggest avoiding antivirals unless you’re treating an active flare-up. There’s no real reason to take daily meds for herpes; it’s just a skin rash, not a life-threatening condition.
I just started this on Monday and my stomach is killing me today. It feels like food poisoning. I contacted my doctor about the side effects to see if I should continue, but after reading your post, I’m done with it. I had some issues the first couple of days but told myself it was just anxiety. Now I can tell I’m heading down the same path as you, so I’ll just use acyclovir when I actually have an outbreak. I’m also anemic and have noticed some shortness of breath since starting it.
I am going through the exact same thing right now, especially that ‘eerie confusion.’ I felt something similar years ago during a bad spell of OCD and anxiety. I also keep forgetting what I’m doing or where I am.