Ketamine for Postherpetic Neuralgia With Depression

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.