Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatments: Fighting the Fog & Boosting Energy

A human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) drug is showing promise as a treatment for brain fog and fatigue in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS), according to Stanford University researcher Jose Montoya, M.D.

Dr. Montoya used Valcyte (valgancyclovir) on 12 people with ME/CFS, and 9 of them showed significant improvement, especially when it came to brain fog and cognitive function in general. Some people also reported soaring energy levels, like going from 10% to 90% of normal energy. Dr. Montoya believes Valcyte could be a good treatment option for people with ME/CFS who have high levels of antibodies for HHV-6 and/or the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

Valcyte is usually used for eye infections caused by HHV-6, which are common in people with severely compromised immune systems. Side effects include:

• Increased risk of infection
• Increased risk of bleeding
• Unusual weakness or fatigue
• Dizziness or fainting spells
• Seizures
• Mouth sores
• Confusion

Because cognitive problems are especially difficult to deal with, I'm guessing a lot of people will risk the side effects. Less brain fog and more energy could mean the difference between total disability and the ability to return to work or continue your education. I know during my worst bouts of fibrofog, I can't even retain enough information to follow the plot of a movie, let alone read a book or learn a new skill, and judging by my forum regulars, the cognitive impairment of ME/CFS often seems greater and more persistent.

We've seen several recent developments involving HHV-6 and EBV. Also see:

• Is a Retrovirus in Our DNA Responsible for ME/CFS & MS?
• Protein in Virus Linked to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome