'Anti-depression Drug Helps Tummy Ailment'

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2019-03-07 HKT 16:19

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  Professor Justin Wu says more than 60 percent in their study group found relief through the drug. Photo: RTHK

Professor Justin Wu talks to RTHK's Wendy Wong

Researchers at Chinese University have found that a drug used to treat depression can improve the condition of patients suffering from a digestive problem that mainly affects women and is fairly widespread in Hong Kong.

Professor Justin Wu, who led the study, said previous research had found that 11 percent of adults in Hong Kong are affected by functional dyspepsia.

Wu said it causes various forms of disorder like stomach ache, a burning sensation, bloated stomach etc.

In a three-month study, 55 patients suffering from the illness and not responding to usual drugs were given low doses of an anti-depressant named imipramine. More than 60 percent of them reported that their symptoms like abdomen pain were significantly reduced.

Wu told RTHK's Wendy Wong that some patients reported some side-effects, but these were not too problematic.