Study the effect of Memantine on Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN) double blind randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction: Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is the causative agent of varicella, or "chickenpox," and herpes zoster, or "shingles." Most cases of acute herpes zoster are self-limited, although the pain can cause significant suffering, particularly in older adults. Symptoms may be severe enough to interfere with sleep, appetite, or sexual function. In addition, a variable percentage of patients may continue to experience pain for months to years after the resolution of the rash, a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN can be quite difficult to treat

Purpose: Study the effect of Memantine on Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN).

Methods: A single-blind randomized clinical trial was performed as a pilot on 16 patients with PHN ranging in age from 18 to 75 years. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the two intervention and control groups according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The duration of the study was 8 weeks. The intervention group received memantine (first week at a dose of 5 mg twice daily and dose 10). Mg twice daily until the end of the study) and the control group received gabapentin (300 mg once daily from the first week to the end of the study.The DN4 questionnaire was used to monitor patients.

Results: Based on the results of the study and intragroup study of the score variable and with P <.005, it was found that the administration of memantine in the intervention group caused a significant difference in the score before and at the end of the study.

Conclusion: Administration of memantine has reduced the severity of subacute nerve pain in patients so, memantine is expected to be a suitable treatment option in preventing and reducing subacute nerve pain in patients.