Post-herpetic neuralgia is a complication of shingles, which is caused by the chickenpox virus. Post-herpetic neuralgia affects nerve fibers and skin, causing burning pain that lasts long after the rash and blisters of shingles disappear. Complications: Depending on how long postherpetic neuralgia lasts and how painful it is, people with the condition can develop: Depression Fatigue Difficulty sleeping Lack of appetite Difficulty concentrating Treatments: There is no cure currently but medications can be given for relieving symptoms. Also, most of the time, standard painkillers (e.g.
paracetamol) are not effective to deal with pain in post-herpetic neuralgia. Anticonvulsants and antidepressants are found to be effective in managing pain in post-herpetic neuralgia. Medication therapy: Antidepressants: Amitriptyline and duloxetine are the two main antidepressants that can be prescribed to…
