The Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of Venlafaxine for Prevention of Postherpetic Neuralgia in Patients With Acute Herpes Zoster

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of herpes zoster (HZ) and represents a major clinical challenge due to its chronicity and impact on quality of life. Current treatments for acute HZ pain have limited efficacy in preventing PHN, highlighting the need for effective preventive strategies targeting early pathophysiological mechanisms. Venlafaxine as a plausible and clinically relevant candidate for early intervention to prevent the transition from acute HZ pain to PHN.

NCT Number	NCT07361796
Lead Sponsor	Beijing Tiantan Hospital Collaborators: Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Zhongnan Hospital
Conditions	Herpes Zoster, Pain, Postherpetic Neuralgia
Enrollment	832 participants
Start Date	2025-12-15
Primary Completion	2027-09-30 (estimated)
Study Completion	2027-12-31 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-03-27