Effect of Citalopram on Chest Pain in Patients With Functional Chest Pain

Non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) in the absence of musculoskeletal abnormalities, major esophageal motor disorders, gastroesophageal reflux or eosinophilic esophagitis is called functional chest pain (FCP). Most likely multiple factors play a role, such as esophageal hypersensitivity and enhanced perception. Citalopram and other antidepressants are proven to be effective in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome. With this trial the investigators want to assess the effect of citalopram on symptoms of chest pain in patients with functional chest pain.

Chest pain can be divided in cardiac or non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP). To establish the diagnosis NCCP, acute coronary disease has to be ruled out first. NCCP can be caused by functional chest pain (FCP). NCCP in the absence of musculoskeletal abnormalities, major esophageal motor disorders, gastroesophageal reflux or eosinophilic esophagitis is called FCP. The pathophysiology is not fully understood. Most likely multiple factors play a role, such as esophageal hypersensitivity and enhanced perception. Citalopram and other antidepressants are proven to be effective in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome. However, available data regarding low dose antidepressants in functional chest pain is inconclusive. Moreover, all current evidence concerning the effect of low dose antidepressants in patients with functional chest pain is extracted from trials that pooled patients with different functional esophageal disorders. With this trial the investigators want to assess the effect of citalopram on symptoms of chest pain in patients with functional chest pain.