A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of oral acyclovir in postherpetic neuralgia.
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.
Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
O S
OS
Surman
T
T
Flynn
R T
RT
Schooley
L
L
Baer
S
S
Parker
M S
MS
Hirsch
L G
LG
Davis
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement
D000212:Acyclovir