A Double-Blind Study of Trimipramine in the Treatment of Active Duodenal Ulceration

Abstract

Thirty-six patients with endoscopically proven active duodenal ulcers entered a randomized double-blind trial. Five patients were excluded or lost to follow-up. Fifteen patients received 50 mg trimipramine at night and 16 patients received placebo. Endoscopy at 4 weeks showed ulcer healing in 11 patients (73%) receiving trimipramine and in 6 patients (38%) receiving placebo. Three patients were withdrawn at this stage, and the remainder were followed up for a further 4 weeks while receiving antacids only for symptomatic relief. At final endoscopy after 8 weeks, no further healing had occurred in the trimipramine group, whereas one further patient in the placebo group showed ulcer healing. The frequency and severity of night pain and waking were reduced and antacid consumption was lower in the trimipramine group, but initial drowsiness was greater. Trimipramine appears to be of some value in the treatment of duodenal ulceration.

Key words:

• Antidepressants, tricyclic
• duodenal ulcers
• endoscopy
• trimipramine (Surmontil®)