Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Support Group

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common intestinal disorder that is characterized by bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cramping, and constipation. Typically no abnormalities appear during standard medical testing, and so irritable bowel syndrome is identified by the symptoms. Although irritable bowel syndrome can cause serious discomfort, the intestines are not harmed.

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Gastrointestinal System
/ Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Support Group

lexapro

worldofblah4
worldofblah4
I have heard that low doses of anti-depressants help with the pain from IBS. I just started lexapro today for my depression and HOPE that it may help with the IBS too!
ROZIA
ROZIA
Lexapro causes constipation, I wouldn't take it

http://www.drugs.com/sfx/lexapro-side-effects.html
angeleyes92
angeleyes92
my daughter is on a low dose anti-histamine. that has helped a lot. we just got through our first November without her coming home from school once. This is the first time in four years we have been able to do that. I'm usually in the ER with her in November
deleted_user
deleted_user
For many people an antidepressant can be helpful for IBS pain but you just have to try different ones to see if they are what works for you. I've tried many but haven't found one to help with the pain. Some have had side effects that were intolerable and others just didn't help. I know I took Lexapro at one time but I don't remember why I didn't continue it. SSRIs are supposed to be better for people with constipation but you never know how a medication is going to affect you, for good or bad, unless you try it.
Good luck. I hope the Lexapro gives you relief from the depression and the IBS pain.
deleted_user
deleted_user
angeleyes92- how does the antihistamine help you daughter? I've never heard of using this for IBS. I'd be interested to know more.
angeleyes92
angeleyes92
the periactin that she is on has one of those extra benefits of stopping cramping. Since her dose was raised she hardly ever has cramps. I can't give her cold medicine without talking to the pharmacist but that's better than having to pick her up a few times a month from school.

some meds are like that. they are designed to treat one thing but an added benefit is it treats another problem. I'm on a blood pressure medicine not for blood pressure but for facial hair growth.
worldofblah4
worldofblah4
Today is day 5 of the lexapro and it hasn't helped my depression but may be helping my cramps...I will update you. Thanks guys!