Citalopram Reduces GERD Symptoms in Hypersensitive Esophagus

This selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor showed promise in a small clinical trial of patients who did not respond to acid suppressants.

Treating patients with hypersensitive esophagus and functional heartburn is a significant challenge because acid suppressants are not always effective. However, previous studies suggest that tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) reduce pain in patients with noncardiac chest pain and diffuse esophageal spasm. To evaluate the efficacy of SSRIs for hypersensitive esophagus, investigators randomized 75 patients to receive citalopram (20 mg once daily) or placebo at night for 6 months.

Prior to study enrollment, participants experienced symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease ≥3 times weekly for >6 months despite using twice-daily proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy (which they discontinued 30 days befo…

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