Methadone in Post-Herpetic Neuralgia Pain

Methadone in Post-Herpetic Neuralgia Pain

Neuropathic pain is a common condition and affecting 40 to 70% of the general population. Post-herpetic neuralgia is a condition almost complex and requires a multi modal treatment. Aim: This is a pilot proof-of-principle study designed to evaluate the use of low-dose methadone in post-herpetic neuralgia patients who remained refractory after first and second line treatment for post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) and had indication for the association of an opioid agent to their current drug regimen.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with chronic (>6 months) symptomatic PHN
• with visual analogical scale >40/100mm
• use of first and second line drugs (tricyclic antidepressants, venlafaxine and gabapentinoids)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Don't full the criteria above