Fixed-dose amitriptyline plus pantoprazole effective in GERD with anxiety

According to a study fixed-dose combination of amitriptyline and pantoprazole is safe and effective for the treatment of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with coexisting anxiety. The research has been published in the Journal of Gastroenterology Research.

Dr.Faruqui AA in a non-randomized, open-labelled, non-comparative, multi-centre study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of fixed dose combination of amitriptyline and pantoprazole in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) associated with anxiety. The researcher i administered a fixed dose combination of amitriptyline 10 mg and pantoprazole 40 mg once a day, for 4 weeks to a total of 99 patients (77 men and 22 women, mean age 44.16 ± 11.53 years). GERD questionnaire, hospital anxiety and depression score (HADS) and SF-8 questionnaire (short-form health survey) were performed at baseline and at the end of study as assessment tools.

It was found that as compared with baseline, there was a significant (P<.0001) reduction in GERD symptoms and anxiety score (P<.0001) after 4 wk. The SF-8 score was significantly reduced (P<.0001) after 4 wk compared with baseline. No adverse events were reported at the end of the study.<p "="">The researchers said that the study’s main limitations were small sample size and short duration.

The author concluded that Amitriptyline and pantoprazole combination was found to be effective and safe for management in GERD patients with coexisting anxiety.“The safety profile and efficacy of patients using amitriptyline and the significant improvement in physical and mental health scores may justify the addition of amitriptyline for the treatment of GERD with coexisting anxiety.” the researchers wrote.

For further reference log on to :

Faruqui AA. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Associated With Anxiety: Efficacy and Safety of Fixed Dose Combination of Amitriptyline and Pantoprazole. Gastroenterology Res. 2017 Oct;10(5):301-304. doi: 10.14740/gr898e. PMID: 29118871