RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07361796

The Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of Venlafaxine for Prevention of Postherpetic Neuralgia in Patients With Acute Herpes Zoster

The Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of Oral Medications (Venlafaxine) for Prevention of Postherpetic Neuralgia in Acute Herpes Zoster

Sponsor

Beijing Tiantan Hospital

Enrollment

832 participants

Start Date

Dec 15, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Postherpetic Neuralgia Pain Herpes Zoster

Summary

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of herpes zoster (HZ) and represents a major clinical challenge due to its chronicity and impact on quality of life. Current treatments for acute HZ pain have limited efficacy in preventing PHN, highlighting the need for effective preventive strategies targeting early pathophysiological mechanisms. Venlafaxine as a plausible and clinically relevant candidate for early intervention to prevent the transition from acute HZ pain to PHN.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying a drug called Conventional therapy and a drug called Venlafaxine combined conventional therapy for people with herpes zoster, pain, and other related conditions. The study is currently recruiting participants at 1 location. People eligible for this study include aged 18 Years and older.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.

Interventions

DRUGVenlafaxine combined conventional therapy

Venlafaxine will be initiated at 75 mg once daily and titrated based on pain response and tolerability before 90 days after rash onset. All participants will receive standardized analgesic management following the World Health Organization pain ladder. In addition, the group will contain conventional treatment for HZ, including NSAIDs, opioids, antiviral drugs and so on. After 90 days from rash onset, treatment will be standardized across both groups. Participants who develop persistent pain consistent with PHN will receive guideline-based management, including gabapentinoids, tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and topical agents such as lidocaine or capsaicin, as clinically indicated.

DRUGConventional therapy

The control group will receive conventional therapy alone before 90 days after rash onset. After 90 days from rash onset, treatment will be standardized across both groups. Participants who develop persistent pain consistent with PHN will receive guideline-based management, including gabapentinoids, tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and topical agents such as lidocaine or capsaicin, as clinically indicated.