Brain-Targeting drug desipramine tested for IBS pain relief
NCT ID NCT00880594
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at whether desipramine, a medication that affects brain regions involved in pain processing, could help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Researchers planned to use brain scans to see how the drug changes pain signals in the brain. Only 18 people were enrolled, and the study was stopped early, so the findings are very limited.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Desipramine (a tricyclic antidepressant)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could point toward a treatment that reduces abdominal pain in IBS by altering how the brain processes pain signals.
What could go wrong
This was a very small, early study that was terminated before completion, so results are limited and may not apply to the broader IBS population.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Washington University School of Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States