Could a tiny electric zapper beat pills for IBS pain?
NCT ID NCT05519683
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compares two treatments for abdominal pain in people with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C): a home-use device that delivers mild electrical stimulation (TEA) and the drug escitalopram (Lexapro). About 160 participants will be randomly assigned to one of these treatments or a sham device. The goal is to see if either treatment reduces pain and improves quality of life over 14 weeks.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Transcutaneous Electrical Acustimulation (TEA) device and escitalopram (Lexapro) drug
What this could lead to
If successful, this could provide a new, non-drug option for managing abdominal pain in IBS-C, or confirm the effectiveness of a common antidepressant for this condition.
What could go wrong
This is a mid-stage trial with only 160 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The TEA device is experimental, and Lexapro may cause side effects like nausea or drowsiness.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of Michigan
RECRUITINGAnn Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••