Impact of topical 5% lidocaine-medicated plasters on sleep and quality of life in patients with postherpetic neuralgia

Aim: To determine the impact of 5% lidocaine-medicated plasters on sleep, quality of life and pain in 265 patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Patients & methods: An 8-week, open-label arm of a double-blind controlled withdrawal study. Results: Patients treated with 5% lidocaine had less trouble falling asleep, used less sleep medication, had fewer awakenings due to pain at night or in the morning and their perception of quality of life was improved. The 15 pain descriptors in the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire were improved from baseline to week 8, with a decrease in the proportion of patients reporting ‘severe’ pain and an increase in the number reporting ‘none/mild’ pain. Conclusion: 5% lidocaine-medicated plasters provide benefits beyond pain relief for patients with postherpetic neuralgia.