Head-to-Head: which antidepressant eases unexplained pain better?

NCT ID NCT06803485

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares two antidepressants, venlafaxine and dosulepin, in 84 adults with somatic symptom disorder where pain is the main complaint. Participants take one of the drugs for 8 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in pain and other symptoms, as well as levels of stress hormone cortisol and inflammation markers. The goal is to find which drug works better and why.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Venlafaxine and dosulepin
What this could lead to
If this trial succeeds, it could help doctors choose between two antidepressants for managing pain and other symptoms in somatic symptom disorder.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with only 84 participants. The results may not apply to everyone, and both drugs have side effects like nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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

Locations

  • All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)

    RECRUITING

    Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751019, India