• Sanjay Kumar Kanodia and K C Singhal.
• Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy; National Institute of Medical Science & Research, NIMS University, Jaipur-303121, INDIA.
• Ann Neurosci. 2011 Oct 1;18(4):148-50.

BackgroundHerpes zoster is an intractable painful condition. The pain during first thirty days of onset is known as acute herpetic neuralgia. Multiple treatments using NSAIDS, opioids and tricyclic antidepressants are available but the role of pregabalin in acute Herpetic Neuralgia is not assessed in any of Indian studies.PurposeThis study was aimed to determine efficacy and safety of Pregabalin in reducing pain of acute Herpetic Neuralgia.MethodsIn this placebo-controlled 4 week trial including 45 subjects, 23 patients received Pregabalin in the dosage of 150 mg/day in divided doses and 22 patients received placebo within 72 hours of onset of Herpes zoster.ResultsSubjects receiving Pregabalin had a statistically significant reduction (p<0.0001) in visual analogue scale(VAS) score as compared to placebo, indicating the efficacy of Pregabalin in the treatment of acute pain associated with Herpes zoster. Side effects most commonly noted were somnolence and dizziness.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that Pregabalin is effective in relieving pain of acute Herpetic Neuralgia.

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