title: [Drug therapy of so-called postherpetic neuralgia, the only valid alternative. Clinical experience in 43 treated cases].
abstract: The efficacy of tricyclic antidepressants in association with neuroleptics having been demonstrated in patients suffering from so-called tardive post-herpetic neuralgia, 43 patients were given this treatment either alone or in association with transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS). Of the 33 patients given drug treatment alone, 25 found relief from pain in 3-18 months, 5 produced a partial result and in 3 the treatment failed. The results obtained suggest that this is the most effective treatment as long as it is continuous and given for at least 3-6 months. The use of TENS produced no benefit.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bianchetti
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007099:Imipramine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D011395:Promazine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D000639:Amitriptyline; D011395:Promazine; D007099:Imipramine
vernacular_title: La terapia farmacologica della cosiddetta nevralgia post-erpetica unica valida alternativa. Esperienza clinica di 43 casi trattati.