Ketamine for Postherpetic Neuralgia With Depression

About This Study

This clinical trial examines the antidepressant efficacy and safety of a single low-dose intravenous esketamine combined with oral duloxetine in patients with postherpetic neuralgia and depression (duration more than 1 month). In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel study, eligible patients were randomized into two groups: one received esketamine plus duloxetine, and the other got placebo plus duloxetine. Both groups underwent standard pain management and neuro modulation therapy. The primary outcome was the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Depression( HADS-D)score at 2 weeks post - infusion, with various secondary outcomes assessed over multiple time points. Data were collected through in-person interviews and telephone follow-ups.

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• •Intravenous Ketamine Infusions
• •Intravenous normal saline
• •Oral Duloxetine 60mg

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with herpetic neuralgia, with a disease course exceeding 1 month, and an HADS-D score ≥8 (15) upon admission.
* Diagnosed with depression based on the DSM-V and ICD-11 criteria.
* Aged between 18 and 65 years old.
* BMI \<30 kg/m².

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to cooperate with questionnaires.
* Allergic to ketamine.
* History of other mental disorders such as anxiety.
* Severe hypertension and serious dysfunctions of heart, lung, liver, or kidney.