What are the evidence based treatments of postherpetic neuralgia?
There is a strong evidence base for treatment of PHN with tricyclics, pregabalin, and gabapentin. Unlike distal symmetric polyneuropathy, two topical agents have demonstrated benefit in this condition: Lidoderm patches (lidocaine in an adhesive patch), and high-potency (8%) capsaicin, which is applied once by a medical provider and may provide several months’ improvement in PHN pain.
