A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of oral acyclovir in postherpetic neuralgia.

Abstract

Twenty-one patients with postherpetic neuralgia of two- to 84-months duration participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of oral acyclovir. Pain perception was assessed with the Melzack Pain Questionnaire at baseline and at two-to six-week intervals during the ensuing six months. Clinically significant pain reduction occurred in eight patients: four received acyclovir, and four received a placebo. Several treatment strategies have been advocated for relief of postherpetic neuralgia. Results of the present study demonstrate the need for a double-blind, placebo-controlled paradigm to substantiate the efficacy of new clinical approaches. The same caveat applies to the more common syndromes encountered in psychiatric practice.

• Authors: O S Surman, T Flynn, R T Schooley, L Baer, S Parker, M S Hirsch, L G Davis
• Journal: Psychosomatics (Psychosomatics) Vol. 31 Issue 3 Pg. 287-92 ( 1990) ISSN: 0033-3182 [Print] England
• PMID: 2201992 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Acyclovir

Topics

• Acyclovir (administration & dosage)
• Administration, Oral
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Herpes Zoster (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neuralgia (drug therapy)
• Pain Measurement