Atypical antipsychotic quetiapine in the management of severe refractory functional gastrointestinal disorders

Management of severe refractory functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) is difficult. Quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic, may benefit patients by mitigating associated anxiety and sleep disturbances, augmenting the effect of antidepressants, and providing an independent analgesic effect. Outpatient records from a university-based FGID clinic were reviewed, and 21 patients with refractory symptoms who received quetiapine were identified and interviewed. Outcomes included global relief of symptoms, treatment efficacy questionnaire, and change in gastrointestinal (GI) and psychological symptoms. Eleven of 21 patients continued therapy at the time of interview. Six of 11 demonstrated global relief of symptoms, and 9 were satisfied with treatment. The remaining 10 of 21 discontinued therapy because of somnolence and lack of GI benefits. Quetiapine in low doses appeared beneficial in more than half of the adults with severe FGIDs who stayed on treatment. This response in otherwise refractory patients suggests quetiapine might augment the effectiveness of antidepressants in severe FGIDs.