Study of Esketamine with Pregabalin and Duloxetine to Treat Postherpetic Neuralgia Pain

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects and safety of combining esketamine with pregabalin and duloxetine to relieve pain in patients with postherpetic neuralgia PHN who have persistent pain after healing from herpes zoster. The study aims to find a rapid, effective, and safe treatment option for patients with PHN who have not responded well to pregabalin alone. This is an interventional trial sponsored by Beijing Tiantan Hospital. Participants are divided into two groups. One group receives pregabalin and duloxetine along with a single intravenous infusion of esketamine, starting with a 10 mg injection followed by a maintenance infusion adjusted by tolerance. The other group receives pregabalin and duloxetine alone with a dose escalation of pregabalin from 50-75 mg twice daily to a maximum of 600 mg daily, and duloxetine increased from 30 mg to 60 mg daily over time. The treatment period is one week. During the study, participants daily pain scores are recorded, and other assessments include sleep quality, anxiety and depression levels, overall impression of change, and analgesic consumption at multiple time points up to one month after treatment. Safety is closely monitored through regular evaluations. The total participation duration includes the one-week treatment and follow-up assessments extending to one month.

Esketamine Combined Pregabalin and Duloxetine for Postherpetic Neuralgia