An Antidepressant for Noncardiac Chest Pain?

Symptoms improved significantly more with venlafaxine than with placebo.

The distinct pathophysiology of functional, noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) has been closely linked with esophageal hypersensitivity. This disorder does not have serious long-term health implications, but it can consume substantial healthcare resources. Esophageal hypersensitivity is hypothesized to arise from heightened peripheral sensitization of esophageal afferent neurons, which amplify the response to physiological or pathological stimuli to the esophageal mucosa. In addition, central sensitization might modulate the afferent neural activity and further enhance the perception of noxious stimuli. Management of functional NCCP has usually focused on treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which often occurs concomitantly. Some tria…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors