Clinical efficacy of a traditional Japanese (kampo) medicine for burning mouth syndrome. Issue 2 (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sakata, Ken‐ichiro; Yamazaki, Yutaka; Ohga, Noritaka; Sato, Jun; Asaka, Takuya; Yoshikawa, Kazuhito; Nakazawa, Seitaro; Sato, Chiharu; Nakamura, Yusuke; Kitagawa, Yoshimasa
• Is Part Of: Traditional & Kampo Medicine. Volume 3:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 120
• Page End: 122
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: burning mouth syndrome -- kampo medicine -- noradrenaline re‐uptake inhibitor -- serotonin; Medicine, Oriental -- Japan -- Periodicals; Medicine, Chinese -- Japan -- Periodicals; Medicine, East Asian Traditional; Japan; Medicine, Chinese; Medicine, Oriental; Japan; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 615
• DOI: 10.1002/tkm2.1049
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2053-4515

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: At Hokkaido University Hospital, 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.