NCT06968624

Ketamine for Postherpetic Neuralgia With Depression

"Efficacy and Safety of Single Low-Dose Intravenous Ketamine for Postherpetic Neuralgia With Depression: A Randomized Controlled Study

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: Phase 4
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Huazhong University of Science and Technology · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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

• Depression Disorders
• Herpetic Neuralgia

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Intravenous Ketamine Infusions	The patients received a single intravenous infusion of esketamine (0.2 mg/kg), which was added to 50 ml of normal saline and administered via a micro-infusion pump over 40 minutes.
DRUG	Intravenous normal saline	The patients received a single intravenous infusion of 50 ml normal saline via a micro-infusion pump over 40 minutes
DRUG	Oral Duloxetine 60mg	Patients received 60 mg/day of oral duloxetine as maintenance therapy for depression.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-06-15
• Primary completion: 2026-04-01
• Completion: 2026-06-01
• First posted: 2025-05-13
• Last updated: 2025-06-03