Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

Using An In Vitro Tissue Perfusion System to Detect the Functional Activities of Isolated Intestinal Tubes in Real Time
06:01

Using An In Vitro Tissue Perfusion System to Detect the Functional Activities of Isolated Intestinal Tubes in Real Time

Published on: July 26, 2024

Long-term efficacy of low-dose tricyclic antidepressants for children with functional gastrointestinal disorders

Jonathan E Teitelbaum1, Ruchi Arora

  • 1Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Children's Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, NJ, USA. JTeitelbaum@SBHCS.com

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|August 26, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) effectively treat functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in children. This study found TCAs provided long-term symptom relief for a significant majority of pediatric FGID patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common in children, impacting quality of life.
  • Treatment options for pediatric FGIDs, particularly long-term efficacy, require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) in managing pediatric FGIDs.
  • To assess the duration of treatment response to TCAs in children diagnosed with FGIDs.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients diagnosed with FGIDs based on Rome III criteria.
  • Analysis of treatment response and duration for patients receiving amitriptyline or imipramine.

Main Results:

  • Out of 98 pediatric patients treated with TCAs for FGIDs, 77 (78.6%) showed a positive response.
  • The average duration of symptom response to TCAs was 10.73 months, ranging from 1 to 45 months.

Conclusions:

  • Tricyclic antidepressants demonstrate sustained efficacy in treating functional gastrointestinal disorders in pediatric populations.
  • TCAs represent a viable long-term therapeutic option for managing FGIDs in children.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists01:23

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists

Serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter synthesized by enterochromaffin cells, plays a cardinal role in regulating gastrointestinal (GI) motility. With over 90% of the body's total serotonin in the GI tract, its influence on digestive processes is profound. Serotonin is swiftly released upon various stimuli, such as food boluses or certain drugs, triggering intrinsic sensory neurons in the myenteric plexus and extrinsic vagal and spinal sensory neurons. This leads to the activation of the...
Antidepressant Drugs: Tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs01:28

Antidepressant Drugs: Tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), including Desipramine (Norpramin), Imipramine (Tofranil), Clomipramine (Anafranil), and Amitriptyline (Elavil), inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and also block other receptors. They are used for depression, pain conditions, and insomnia. Common adverse effects include anticholinergic effects, sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and weight gain. They have a narrow therapeutic window and so require plasma-level monitoring. Abrupt discontinuation can...
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS01:17

Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents01:20

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents

Diarrhea is characterized by the occurrence of frequent, watery bowel movements. Various factors can trigger diarrhea, including viral or bacterial infections, foodborne illnesses, side effects from certain medications, and underlying digestive disorders. If not adequately managed, diarrhea can lead to complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies. Severe diarrhea can lead to significant weight loss, malnutrition, and weakened immune function.
Adsorbents...