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

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.

Figure 1.

Left axilla showing dermatomal rash secondary to postherpetic neuralgia.