Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a common dermatological disorder, manifested as scaly nodules which appear mainly on the extensor surfaces of the limbs. PN may appear secondarily to skin scratching in chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, uremia, hypothyroidism etc. Nevertheless, in many cases no underlying physical disease is present. According to the literature, in fifty percent of the patients there is co-morbidity with depression, anxiety or somatoform disorders.

We hypothesize that a group of these patients may benefit from antidepressant therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• prurigo nodularis
• age: 18-70 years
• agreed to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

• younger than 18 or older than 70
• pregnant or lactating women
• chronic diseases: cancer, neurological disorders, diseases that are known to be associated with pruritus such as liver cirrhosis, uremia, etc.
• sensitivity to cipralotam
• psychosis, bi-polar disorder, substance addiction, use of antidepressant in the previous year
• use of systemic therapies to prurigo nodularis such as thalidomide, cyclosporine