The effects of pre-emptive treatment of postherpetic neuralgia with amitriptyline: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

J Pain Symptom Manage. 1997 Jun;13(6):327-31. doi: 10.1016/s0885-3924(97)00077-8.

Abstract

Seventy-two patients older than 60 years of age who received a diagnosis of herpes zoster (HZ) were entered into a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of daily amitriptyline 25 mg. Treatment with either amitriptyline or placebo continued for 90 days after diagnosis. Pain prevalence at 6 months was the primary outcome. Results showed that early treatment with low-dose amitriptyline reduced pain prevalence by more than one-half (p < 0.05; odds ratio, 2.9:1) This finding makes a strong case for the pre-emptive administration of amitriptyline, in combination with an antiviral drug, to elderly patients with acute herpes zoster.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Amitriptyline / administration & dosage
  • Amitriptyline / therapeutic use*
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Herpes Zoster / complications*
  • Herpes Zoster / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuralgia / drug therapy*
  • Neuralgia / epidemiology
  • Neuralgia / etiology
  • Odds Ratio
  • Pain Measurement / drug effects
  • Prevalence
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors
  • Amitriptyline