Esketamine with Pregabalin and Duloxetine for Pain Relief in Postherpetic Neuralgia

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects and safety of esketamine when combined with pregabalin and duloxetine in patients suffering from postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). The goal is to determine if this combination can provide rapid and effective pain relief for patients who have not responded to pregabalin alone. Participants will be monitored over a one-week period to assess pain reduction and any potential side effects. The study aims to offer a new treatment option for those with refractory PHN.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Ages more than 18 years;
2. Pain present for more than 3 months after healing of a herpes zoster skin rash;
3. Has an average pain score of at least 4 on a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS, 0= no pain, 10= worst possible pain)；
4. Failed to respond to or tolerate the effective dose of pregabalin monotherapy.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome;
2. Those who receive interventional treatments;
3. A history of systemic immune diseases, organ transplantation, or cancers;
4. A history of severe cardiopulmonary, hepatic or renal dysfunction;
5. A history of schizophrenia, epilepsy, or myasthenia gravis, delirium;
6. Currently using monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs);
7. Having untreated angle-closure glaucoma;
8. Those suffering from increased intracranial pressure；
9. Comorbid hyperthyroidism or phaeochromocytoma;
10. Suspected or confirmed history of drug abuse;
11. Having contraindications to esketamine, pregabaline or duloxetine;
12. Communication difficulties;
13. Women who are preparing for pregnancy, in the pregnancy or lactation period.

Where it's running

• Beijing Tiantan Hospital
  Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Fang Luo, M.D. — Beijing Tiantan Hospital
• Study coordinator: Fang Luo, M.D.
• Email: 13611326978@163.com
• Phone: +86 13611326978

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Erector spinae plane block versus transcutaneous radiofrequency for postherpetic neuralgia

  This project will see if erector spinae plane block or transcutaneous radiofrequency works better to reduce pain in adults with postherpetic neuralgia.

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• Transcutaneous pulsed radiofrequency for postherpetic neuralgia pain

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• Venlafaxine to prevent postherpetic neuralgia after shingles

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• Y-4 for postherpetic neuralgia

  This will test whether Y-4 reduces nerve pain in adults with postherpetic neuralgia compared with pregabalin.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Neurodawn Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. · Nanjing, Jiangsu · NCT07275762

• Ultrasound-guided erector spinae block with betamethasone for truncal postherpetic neuralgia

  This will test whether adding an ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block with betamethasone to standard care reduces pain in adults with truncal postherpetic neuralgia.

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• Evaluating Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Postherpetic Neuralgia

  This study is testing if a new nerve stimulation treatment can help people with postherpetic neuralgia manage their pain better.

  Recruiting Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology · Wuhan, Hubei · NCT06290661

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.