Published online Dec 19, 2023. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i12.1037
Peer-review started: September 12, 2023
First decision: September 25, 2023
Revised: October 12, 2023
Accepted: November 16, 2023
Article in press: November 16, 2023
Published online: December 19, 2023
Processing time: 98 Days and 3.8 Hours
The physical and mental suffering of patients with herpes zoster combined with depression is significant. Although traditional Western medicine can alleviate the depressive symptoms in patients to a certain extent, it also causes many adverse reactions. There remains a need to identify drugs with high clinical safety that can effectively improve the depressive symptoms in patients with herpes zoster combined with depression.
To search for safe drugs that can effectively improve the depressive symptoms of patients with herpes zoster combined with depression, and to provide references for the formulation and modification of the treatment plan for herpes zoster combined with depression.
We analyzed the value of Chuanjin Qinggan decoction combined with a serotonin- selective reuptake inhibitor in the treatment of patients with herpes zoster complicated by depression.
We retrospectively analyzed depression status, treatment effect, degree of pain, neurotransmitter levels, sleep quality, and adverse reactions in patients with herpes zoster complicated by depression who received different treatment schemes.
Compared with patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs) alone, patients treated with Chuanjin Qinggan decoction combined with SSRIs showed a greater improvement in depression after treatment, and the incidence of adverse reactions was lower.
The treatment scheme of the Chuanjin Qinggan decoction combined with SSRIs can improve the depressive state of patients with herpes zoster complicated by depression, and improve the effect of treatment for herpes zoster without increasing the risk of adverse reactions.
In the future, the specific mechanism of Chuanjin Qinggan decoction in the treatment of herpes zoster complicated by depression should be clarified through cell or animal experiments, to provide references for further improving the therapeutic effect.