Could a seizure drug soothe IBS belly pain?
NCT ID NCT02973542
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether ethosuximide, a drug used for epilepsy, can reduce belly pain in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 162 adults with IBS took either the drug or a placebo. The goal was to see if the drug could lower pain and improve quality of life.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
ethosuximide
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome.
What could go wrong
This is a phase 2 trial, so results are still early. The drug may not prove effective or may cause side effects.
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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CHU Clermont-Ferrand
Clermont-Ferrand, 63003, France