New research finds antidepressant may ease symptoms of IBS

BEIJING A research article published Aug. 7 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology measured the efficacy of the prescription antidepressant imipramine in the treatment of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Patients diagnosed with IBS who failed treatment with conventional therapy were enrolled to receive a 12-week course of low-dose imipramine.

The results were significant for showing improvement in global symptoms during and after 12 weeks of therapy with the medication. There also was notable improvement in general quality of life as measured by a standardized questionnaire, researchers reported.

The authors believe that imipramine is a potentially effective treatment for IBS symptoms in patients for whom conventional therapy has failed. This trial was designed and implemented at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon between December 2004 and May 2006. Research funding was provided by a private research fund from the Division of Gastroenterology of the American University of Beirut Medical Center. The preliminary abstract of the trial was selected for oral presentation at the American College of Gastroenterology 71st Annual Scientific Meeting (October 20, 2006, Las Vegas, Nev., USA) and was awarded the American College of Gastroenterology /Novartis Motility Abstract Award.