Could a common antidepressant plus a special diet tame IBS diarrhea?
NCT ID NCT06684470
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-phase study at Mayo Clinic tests whether adding the medication mirtazapine to a low-FODMAP diet improves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) better than diet alone. About 20 adults aged 18-70 will take either mirtazapine or a placebo while following the diet. The goal is to see if the combo reduces abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Mirtazapine (a neuromodulator) and a low-FODMAP diet
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a more effective way to manage IBS with diarrhea by combining diet changes with medication.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small pilot study with only 20 people. Results may not apply to everyone, and mirtazapine can cause side effects like drowsiness and weight gain.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Early phase 1
The earliest testing in people: a first look at safety, in a very small group.
- Participants
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About 20 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Dec 2024
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 70 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must meet all of the inclusion criteria to participate in this study: * Adults (ages 18-70) * Score of \>175 on the IBS-SSS questionnaire * Must meet Rome IV criteria for IBS-D * If subject is of reproductive capability a negative urine pregnancy test must be available prior to entering the study * Ability to understand study procedures and to comply with them for the entire length of the study Exclusion Criteria: * All candidates meeting any of the below exclusion criteria at baseline will be excluded from study participation: * Score of \< 175 on the IBS-SSS * Prior diagnoses of: known celiac disease, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, inflammatory bowel disease, or microscopic colitis * Ongoing significant anxiety or depression * A history of a known side effect to mirtazapine * Prior treatment with a low FODMAP diet or mirtazapine without clinical benefit * Active alcohol or drug abuse * Inability to read or understand the consent form * Any other medical or psychological reason that would prevent active participation in a research study * Pregnant females
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Locations
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Mayo Clinic
RECRUITINGJacksonville, Florida, 32224, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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