recent flareup does not appear to be responding to either anti inflamatorys or gp reassurance. prescribed anti anxiety pills but not sure .

[victor13]

given long term effects of anti depressants reluctant to start but present condition making me ready to try anything.what have other users found the result following this route.prescribed 20mg citalopram

[Ibsr]

What elimination diets have you tried? FODMAPS has worked wonders for a lot of people.

[MarkBrennan]

I was prescribed 10mg Citalopram a few years ago but it was to do with the 'brain/gut' connection and the theory that keeping seratonin in the nerves around the gut should make it work normally. It didn't help me. It sounds like a 20mg dose is more for anxiety though.

One thing to bear in mind is that many doctors prescribe Citalopram which is an older generation drug which can have quite a few negative side-effects (including stomach upsets). The newer version is Escitalopram (branded Cipralex) which apparently has far less side effects but costs them more.

It was a few years ago so I have forgotten exactly what the differences are but might be worth looking into.

[Socialite]

I have found cognitive behavioural therapy to be very helpful alongside medication for Generalised Anxiety Disorder and now follow in a vague sort of way the FODMAP diet (especially bread and hard fruits stay out of my diet). Having IBS symptoms and pain because of being sensitive to most things (see Elaine Aron and "Highly Sensitive People") can lead to secondary worries and anxiety about the symptoms themselves. catching my thoughts that are increasing the level of anxiety has proved very helpful. I still get symptoms but they do not trouble me or increase in the same way as they used to. I am sorry that you are having this trouble, it makes life very tough. my best thoughts are with you.

[PatV in reply to Socialite]

I strayed off FODMAPS thinking I could have whole milk not Lactaid and whole wheat bread instead of Ezekial gluten free , and instant constipation a painful week of taking laxatives with no result. Oops, Finally massage therapy and acknowledging that I was stressed (my 93 year old mom is in hospital in another state and I'm in too much pain to fly) . Relieving stress through Buddhist chanting and keeping my FODMAPS list handy. I will look for the book you mention. Thanks, I believe in CBT too.

[lukas]

Sounds like your GP is working on the same lines as mine - and many others judging from many of the posts on this forum. I had a similar experience of being prescribed same dosage of Citalopram for anxiety. My GP tried to reassure me following examinations but frankly I didn't get much sympathy when I explained my difficulty in accepting those reassurances- basically he made me feel like I was being a bit of a wuss worrying about it and that I should pull myself together, get on with it and stop taking up his time. He's now told me to stay on the citalopram for 6 months to get the anxiety under control which I'm prepared to do - but I'll ask to check out the newer version with fewer side effects. I can fully relate to your concerns though and I'd recommend checking out the other advice given - both dietary and a cognitive therapy approach. That's what I'm going to do to try to crack it. Joining this forum has given me the confidence to take on this condition because I don't feel alone with it any more. Hope it helps you too.

[Hidden in reply to lukas]

Hi Lukas

I developed IBS last year and mentioned to the doctor that I had been feeling a little stressed and anxious which I felt was a contributory factor. He prescribed Citalopram for me which I thought was just to "calm me down" - I certainly was not depressed. I can hardly bear to think about what happened, but after taking only 7 pills I spiralled into a state of acute anxiety, experiencing panic attacks, burning sensations surging through my body, complete loss of appetite (I lost half a stone in weight), tremors, severe digestive problems and out of body experiences. I could not believe what was happening to me and in desperation I went on line to check this drug out. I discovered lots of people like me who had experienced horrible side effects and I urge anyone taking SRI's (of which Citalopram is one) to think carefully about using them. They do not suit everyone, and as IBS sufferers are apparently more susceptible to side effects from drugs they need to be approached with caution. Doctors are too ready to just dish out pills instead of suggesting alternative routes.

This is a marvellous forum and you are most certainly not alone!

Best wishes Sharon

[cathtyler]

haloo! i was on citalopram. it did help with the anxiety, but the stomach problems it aggravated weren't worth it to me. I don't know how widely used this is, but i've been taking 5-HTP for about a month. the things i've noticed are better sleep, slightly less agitated, and no stomach side effects. i think it's possible my body is able to metabolize it. I've got other things in the works to be helping, health psychology and pain management, but, even, i am more seldom finding my body worked up about things without me knowing!

[PatV]

Hi victor13 Don't know about antidepressants, but I can tell you taking xanax for ab pain had a reverse effect. It slowed down the natural and necessary processes of digestion, and it MADE ME DEPRESSED. I was on a pink cloud when I went off it.

[MarkBrennan]

Hi Cathy,

I also tried 5-HTP (Solgar brand) for a while, but didn't notice any change. Maybe I should give them another go. I still have some (hopefully still in date) so will dig them out from my treasure chest of tried & failed tablets - I was also taking sub-lingual B12 (the better Methyl type)

I remember reading that 5-HTP was the precursor to Seratonin.