How is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) treated?
If shingles is caught within the first three days of its outbreak, your healthcare provider may prescribe the antiviral medication acyclovir (Zovirax®), valacyclovir (Valtrex®) or famciclovir (Famvir®). These medications help the rash/blisters heal faster, keep new sores from forming, decrease pain and itching and reduce length of pain after sores have healed. If your shingles outbreak is not caught early, your healthcare providers has many options to manage your postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) symptoms. If your pain is mild, your healthcare provider may recommend: Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®). Creams and patches include lidocaine (Lidoderm®) and capsaicin (Zostrix®). If your pain is more severe, your healthcare may prescribe: Antiseizure drugs gabapentin (Neurontin®, Gralise®) and pregabalin (Lyrica®). Antidepressants, such as escitalopram (Lexapro®), quetiapine (Seroquel®) or amitriptyline. Botulinum toxin (Botox®) injections in the area where you are having pain. There’s no clear-cut superior treatment for PHN. Your provider may need to try more than one medication or prescribe the use of several medications at the same time. You and your provider will discuss options and what makes sense to try for you. Contact your provider if your pain is not lessening after taking your medicine. Take all your medications exactly as prescribed.