Nonerosive reflux disease is a difficult entity with little or no evidence of acid injury, but persistent symptoms attributed to acid reflux. Many of these patients do not respond to even very potent acid blockers. Well, a study in The American Journal of Gastroenterology found the antidepressant imipramine was no better than a placebo in relieving symptoms of esophageal hypersensitivity in patients with nonerosive reflux disease. However, researchers said the patients who took imipramine were more likely to report improvements in quality of life, compared with those who got a placebo. So, although there may be no real change in underlying symptoms, for those suffering a reduction in quality of life, this might still be an option.

Source: First-Of-Its-Kind Study Investigates Antidepressant as Treatment for Functional Heartburn – MPR