Central and Peripheral Neuromodulators in Functional Dyspepsia and Gastroparesis: A Symptom-Based Clinical Review

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), while gastroparesis (GP) is a motility disorder with overlapping upper gastrointestinal symptoms, including epigastric pain, postprandial fullness, early satiation, nausea, and vomiting, although their relative prevalence differs between conditions. First-line therapies, such as proton pump inhibitors and Helicobacter pylori eradication, often provide limited relief, prompting interest in alternative, mechanism-based treatments.

To review the literature on the use of predominantly central and predominantly peripheral neuromodulators in FD and GP and to develop a symptom-directed therapeutic framework.

We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature, synthesizing data from randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and clinical guidelines. Pharmacological profiles, pathophysiological targets, and safety considerations were evaluated.

Predominantly central neuromodulators, particularly tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) and mirtazapine, are effective in reducing visceral hypersensitivity and are most appropriate for epigastric pain syndrome (EPS). Predominantly peripheral neuromodulators-including prokinetic agents such as metoclopramide, domperidone, levosulpiride, cinitapride, prucalopride, and itopride-are beneficial in postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) and GP, especially for nausea and early satiation. Treatment selection should be individualized according to the predominant symptom profile, considering drug receptor specificity, safety, psychiatric comorbidities, and cardiovascular risk.

Neuromodulators provide a rational, mechanism-based treatment option for FD and GP, and a symptom-oriented approach may optimize patient outcomes; although high-quality, subtype-specific trials are needed to strengthen the evidence base.