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Clinical efficacy of a traditional J apanese (kampo) medicine for burning mouth syndrome
Author(s) -
Sakata Kenichiro,
Yamazaki Yutaka,
Ohga Noritaka,
Sato Jun,
Asaka Takuya,
Yoshikawa Kazuhito,
Nakazawa Seitaro,
Sato Chiharu,
Nakamura Yusuke,
Kitagawa Yoshimasa
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
traditional and kampo medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2053-4515
DOI - 10.1002/tkm2.1049
Subject(s) - kampo , medicine , visual analogue scale , serotonin syndrome , serotonin , alternative medicine , anesthesia , serotonergic , receptor , pathology
Aim At H okkaido U niversity H ospital, selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors ( SSRI ) or serotonin and norepinephrine re‐uptake inhibitors ( SNRI ) are the first‐line medications for burning mouth syndrome ( BMS ). Occasionally, when standard SSRI / SNRI are deemed inappropriate because of certain side‐effects, treatment incompatibility, age concerns, or doctor discretion, a kampo medicine called rikkosan can be used. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of rikkosan for BMS . Methods This retrospective study included 48 patients (four men, 44 women; mean age, 70 years) who were diagnosed with BMS in the present department between 2006 and 2014. Only patients who received rikkosan (7.5 g/day) for >4 weeks were included. Patients who were taking other medicines for BMS were excluded. Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale. Results Improvement was seen in 54% of patients (26/48). Conclusion Rikkosan is an effective alternative treatment for BMS .