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Case Reports
. 2020 May 29;33(3):469-470.
doi: 10.1080/08998280.2020.1767461. eCollection 2020 Jul.

Effectiveness of pregabalin as a secondary treatment for neuropathic pain from postherpetic neuralgia

Jonathan Kopel  1 , Gregory L Brower  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Effectiveness of pregabalin as a secondary treatment for neuropathic pain from postherpetic neuralgia

Jonathan Kopel et al. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). .

Abstract

Herpes zoster or shingles causes a severe painful rash that spreads along dermatomes in the face or chest wall, which leads to a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). There is no cure for PHN, but there are many treatments to reduce pain duration and severity. In this case report, we describe a patient treated for PHN using pregabalin (Lyrica) after failure with gabapentin. Despite being listed as a controlled substance by the Food and Drug Administration, pregabalin may be an effective first-line therapy for PHN and other forms of neuropathic and chronic pain.

Keywords: Lyrica; neuropathic pain management; postherpetic neuralgia; pregabalin.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Left axilla showing dermatomal rash secondary to postherpetic neuralgia.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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