Alzheimer's drug may stop chronic pain after breast surgery

NCT ID NCT01536314

Completed Prevention Sponsor: University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 05, 2026 · Last updated Aug 06, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether memantine, a drug used for Alzheimer's disease, can prevent the chronic nerve pain that sometimes develops after breast cancer surgery. Half of the participants receive memantine for four weeks, starting two weeks before their operation, while the other half receive a placebo. The study measures pain intensity three months after surgery to see if the drug makes a difference.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: memantine (Ebixa), a drug typically used for Alzheimer's disease, given as a pill for 4 weeks
What this could lead to: If effective, this could offer a simple way to prevent chronic nerve pain after breast cancer surgery, improving quality of life for many.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial, and the drug may not reduce pain. Memantine can cause side effects like dizziness, headache, or confusion.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast cancer neuralgia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

NEUROPATHIC PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

CHU Clermont-Ferrand

Clermont-Ferrand, 63003, France

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