Could a tiny electric zapper beat pills for IBS pain?

NCT ID NCT05519683

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Michigan Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

constipation disorder irritable bowel syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME WITH CONSTIPATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Michigan
RECRUITING

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States

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