Exploring the Role of Amitriptyline in Modulating Gag Reflex Sensitivity
| Author | Mehdi Modiri | en |
| Author | Reyhaneh Shoorgashti | en |
| Author | Farnaz Haji Fattahi | en |
| Author | Simin Lesan | en |
| Orcid | Reyhaneh Shoorgashti [0000-0002-1658-8983] | en |
| Orcid | Simin Lesan [0000-0003-3877-328X] | en |
| Issued Date | 2025-12-31 | en |
| Abstract | Background: The gag reflex serves as an essential protective airway mechanism but can significantly interfere with dental care, affecting up to 44% of patients and leading to treatment avoidance in severe cases. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of the topical application of an amitriptyline solution on reducing the gag reflex intensity, measured by the Gag Trigger Point Index (GTPI). Methods: In this randomized single-blind clinical trial, 48 participants with a GTPI score higher than two were divided into amitriptyline (treatment) and lidocaine (control) groups. In the amitriptyline group, 75 mg of amitriptyline tablets were dissolved in 5 milliliters of distilled water (15 mg/mL) and gargled for one minute by the participants. Then, the GTPI was examined after 10 minutes. In the lidocaine group, four puffs of 10% lidocaine spray were applied to the target areas of the oral mucosa, and the GTPI was measured five minutes later. The taste and smell of both medications were assessed using a self-report questionnaire to measure patient satisfaction. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: In both the lidocaine and amitriptyline groups, GTPI levels demonstrated significant decreases. The lidocaine group showed a change from 4.46 to 2.42 (P < 0.001), and the amitriptyline group showed a change from 4.04 to 1.29 (P < 0.001). The reflex change rate was -2.75 in the amitriptyline group and -2.04 in the lidocaine group. When comparing the groups, no statistically significant differences were observed in the extent of gag reflex reduction or in participants’ perception of taste and smell (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Amitriptyline can be considered a potential alternative to lidocaine spray in gag reflex management, particularly in lidocaine-intolerant patients. Further studies are needed to confirm long-term safety and determine the local versus systemic pharmacological effects. | en |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5812/ijpr-160912 | en |
| URI | https://brieflands.com/journals/ijpr/articles/160912 | en |
| Keyword | Gagging | en |
| Keyword | Amitriptyline | en |
| Keyword | Lidocaine | en |
| Keyword | Local Anesthetics | en |
| Publisher | Brieflands | en |
| Title | Exploring the Role of Amitriptyline in Modulating Gag Reflex Sensitivity | en |
| Type | Research Article | en |
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