A new pharmacologic treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorder. A double-blind placebo-controlled study with mianserin.
BACKGROUND
The efficacy of unselected monoamine reuptake inhibitors (tricyclic antidepressants) in the treatment of patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGD) has not been convincingly demonstrated. We investigated the efficacy of an antidepressant (mianserin) with a different receptor profile (combined 5-hydroxytryptamine-2 + 3 and alpha-2 antagonist) in FGD.


METHODS
After excluding patients with psychopathology and initial placebo responders from the study, eligible patients (n = 49) were randomized to 7 weeks of double-blind treatment with either mianserin, 120 mg/day, or placebo. Efficacy was assessed by using observer-completed ratings, the Global Improvement Scale, and patient self-ratings, Visual Analog Scale, and Disability Scales.


RESULTS
Patients taking mianserin reported less abdominal pain, symptoms of abdominal distress, and functional disability than those given placebo (p < 0.001). The efficacy was significant across different lengths of illness periods and types of functional disorder. There was no major change 4 weeks after tapering.


CONCLUSIONS
Mianserin may be an effective and well-tolerated pharmacologic short-term treatment for functional gastrointestinal disorders in patients with no clinical evidence of psychopathology.
Tanum
L
L
Dept. of Psychosomatic and Behavioural Medicine, National Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway.
Malt
U F
UF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003109:Colonic Diseases, Functional / Q000188:drug therapy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008803:Mianserin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D008803:Mianserin