Actively Recruiting
The Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of Desvenlafaxine in Patients With Herpes Zoster
Led by Beijing Tiantan Hospital · Updated on 2026-01-23
750
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
106 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Herpes zoster (HZ) is characterized by a painful dermatomal rash and significantly affects quality of life, with acute pain increasing the risk of postherpetic neuralgia. Although early antiviral therapy limits viral replication, its analgesic effect is insufficient, and many patients experience inadequate relief despite stepwise use of non-opioids and opioids. Recent attention has focused on the potential role of antidepressants, which have central antinociceptive property and may offer analgesic benefits by modulating central nervous system pain pathways through increased serotonin and norepinephrine availability. Therefore, investigators hypothesize that desvenlafaxine may effectively reduce the severity of HZ pain without significantly increasing adverse events.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
The Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of Desvenlafaxine in Patients With Herpes Zoster
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 years or older
- Onset of herpes zoster rash less than 90 days before screening
- Moderate to severe herpes zoster pain with an average score of 4 or higher on the Numeric Rating Scale
- Liver enzyme levels (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) less than twice the upper limit of normal
- Estimated glomerular filtration rate of 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 or higher
- Ability to understand and comply with study requirements and willing to sign informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Previous use of desvenlafaxine
- Evidence of widespread (disseminated) herpes zoster infection or eye involvement
- Known allergy or intolerance to desvenlafaxine or its ingredients
- History of systemic immune diseases, organ transplant, or cancer
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Presence of other acute or chronic pain conditions besides herpes zoster
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, Beijing 100070
Beijing, China
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
F
Fang Luo
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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