Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 4 Interventional Ages 18 to 65

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.

More Somatic Symptom Disorder trials

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment84 (estimated)
SponsorAll India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bhubaneswar, Odisha)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 11, 2025
Main results expectedAugust 2026
Study endsNovember 2026
Registry record updatedSeptember 24, 2025
Trial IDNCT06803485 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.