Therefore, this study aims to explore the difference in the efficacy and safety of esketamine as an adjuvant therapy and positive control drug-pregabalin in patients with chronic visceral pain comorbid depression.
Randomized, parallel-group study in patients with chronic visceral pain comorbid major depressive disorder comparing three IV esketamine dose groups (0.125, 0.25, 0.50 mg/kg; 2×/week) plus duloxetine versus an active comparator (pregabalin 75 mg tid plus duloxetine).
Primary aim is to evaluate efficacy and safety (analgesic and antidepressant effects) of adjunctive esketamine; treatment lasts 2 weeks with a 2‑week observation follow-up.
Pregabalin capsules administered orally (75 mg three times daily) combined with duloxetine (60–120 mg/day).
Pregabalin 75 mg tid; plus duloxetine 60–120 mg/day (co‑administered).
Intravenous esketamine 0.125 mg/kg plus oral duloxetine (60–120 mg/day); 2×/week for 2 weeks (acute treatment).
Co‑administered duloxetine 60–120 mg/day.
Intravenous esketamine 0.25 mg/kg plus oral duloxetine (60–120 mg/day); 2×/week for 2 weeks (acute treatment).
Co‑administered duloxetine 60–120 mg/day.
Intravenous esketamine 0.50 mg/kg plus oral duloxetine (60–120 mg/day); 2×/week for 2 weeks (acute treatment).
Co‑administered duloxetine 60–120 mg/day.