Tricyclics and opioids effective for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia

Both tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and opioids are more effective than placebo for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia.

Although there was a trend toward greater pain relief with opioids, their use was associated with a higher dropout rate. Since response to one medicine did not reliably predict response to the other, either may be tried for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia.

Both tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and opioids are more effective than placebo for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia.

Although there was a trend toward greater pain relief with opioids, their use was associated with a higher dropout rate. Since response to one medicine did not reliably predict response to the other, either may be tried for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia.

Both tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and opioids are more effective than placebo for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia.

Although there was a trend toward greater pain relief with opioids, their use was associated with a higher dropout rate. Since response to one medicine did not reliably predict response to the other, either may be tried for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia.