Comparing Venlafaxine and Dosulepin for Pain in Somatic Symptom Disorder
Official title: Effect of Venlafaxine Versus Dosulepin on Clinical Outcomes, Neuroinflammation and Cortisol Level in Pain Predominant Somatic Symptom Disorder: A Group-sequential Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar · NCT06803485 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether two medications, Venlafaxine and Dosulepin, can help adults with somatic symptom disorder who experience pain feel better and improve their daily life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 84 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bhubaneswar, Odisha) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 11, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 2026 |
| Study ends | November 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 24, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06803485 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with a primary diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder with pain predominance.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant psychological conditions requiring different treatments or those currently undergoing psychotherapy may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of two medications, Venlafaxine and Dosulepin, in treating patients diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder characterized by pain. The study aims to address the multifaceted nature of the disorder, which includes psychological and physiological components, by evaluating the impact of these treatments on symptoms and overall functioning. Participants will be treatment-naïve or have not received treatment in the last month, ensuring a clear assessment of the medications' effects. The trial will include patients aged 18-65 who meet specific diagnostic criteria and will exclude those with certain psychological or medical conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective treatment options for patients suffering from pain-predominant somatic symptom disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited definitive efficacy in current treatment options for somatic symptom disorder, this approach is novel and aims to explore the effectiveness of these specific medications.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with a primary diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder with pain predominance (DSM-5). * Patients of either sex within the age group of 18-65 years. * Patients with PHQ-15 score of ≥ 5. * All included patients will be treatment-naïve or have not received any treatment in the last 4 weeks. * Patients who have given written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * A diagnosed psychological condition that might require other treatment (e.g., psychosis, suicidality) * Patient undergoing current psychotherapy. * Patients with cognitive impairment. * History of allergy to either of the study drugs (dosulepin or venlafaxine). * Patients with comorbidities like any malignancies, hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, neurological or endocrinal, or respiratory dysfunction. * Substance abuse history of psychoactive agents. * Pregnant and lactating mothers.
Where it's running
-
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Rituparna Maiti, MD
- Email: pharm_rituparna@aiimsbhubaneswar.edu.in
- Phone: 9438884191
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Ecological Momentary Intervention with Music or Reappraisal for Somatic Symptoms in SSD
We’re testing whether listening to music or using cognitive reappraisal in daily life can reduce how strongly somatic symptoms feel and how much they impair daily living for adults with Somatic Symptom Disorder.
-
Brain stimulation (tACS) for adults with stubborn constipation and somatic symptom disorder
We will test whether four weeks of gentle brain stimulation (tACS) can improve bowel movements and symptoms in adults with refractory functional constipation and somatic symptom disorder.
-
Ultra-brief and brief transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral therapy for emotional symptoms
This trial tests whether four-session and eight-session transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral treatments can help adults with mild to moderate depression, anxiety, or related emotional symptoms compared with a relaxation control.
-
Investigating yoga breathing for post-COVID symptoms
This study tests if yoga breathing exercises can help people with post-COVID symptoms and breathing issues feel better.
-
Integrated psychotherapy combining cognitive-behavioral therapy and biofeedback for somatic symptom disorder
This study is testing a new therapy that combines cognitive-behavioral therapy and biofeedback to see if it helps people with somatic symptom disorder feel better.
-
Exploring emotional awareness and attachment styles in young patients with somatic symptoms
This study looks at how emotional awareness and attachment styles affect young people aged 11 to 17 who have physical symptoms like chronic pain and fatigue that don't have clear medical explanations.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.