Just thought I’d share this as after many years of suffering from ibs and Barrett’s oesophagus I have, with the help on my dr, found something that has helped me so much I’m beyond happiness. I started taking a low dose of amitriptylene in August of last year. My Dr suggested this as I’m a migraine sufferer too and she has had good results with it. I take a low dose (20mg) every evening around 8.30pm.
It’s helped beyond all expectations with my ibs. I have had one flare up since last summer and that was after a course of antibiotics. I know we are all different and what works for me may not work for you, but I thought I would share this. I never thought I would be able to escape the misery of ibs, it certainly has given me a life that I didn’t think was possible for me. It’s helped my headaches quite well too.
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My gastroenterologist has recommended I go on low dose antidepressants for my anxiety induced symptoms. I’ve always said no to them as I’m so nervous of side effects. Would you mind if I ask a couple of questions? How has it helped your symptoms? Did you get any unwanted side effects, weight gain, upset tum, dizziness, unreal feelings etc? How long before you saw improvements? And what dose are you on? Sorry lots of questions?! 🤪
I no longer have intense tummy and chest pain after eating. I can eat very small amounts of things that I’ve had to avoid for years such as broccoli, rice, grains & seeds. I don’t push it so I literally have tiny amounts of those things. I no longer have explosive bathroom episodes, my bowel habits have become more predictable. I no longer suffer from nasty & painful trapped wind which was a major problem for me. My tummy (although not flat) is flatter and my clothes are uncomfortable. I just feel generally better in myself than I have done for years. I find I have the energy and inclination to exercise, I always felt exhausted and too bloated before.
When I first started taking amitriptylene (for migraine prevention) it would make me a bit sleepy so I take it in the evening a couple of hours before bed. One side effect can be a nasty taste in mouth in waking. I’ve had that a couple of times. As far as dizziness, unreal feelings I can honestly say I haven’t. I’ve heard that this can happen but I think that is on much higher dosage. As I feel more energetic I don’t feel like I am gaining weight & my size 12 clothes still fit me fine.
As I say, it has worked for me so far. I think a “ cure for all” is probably unrealistic but I did want to share my experience just in case it helped one more person. I’m usually very reluctant to take meds but I felt at the end of my tether with frequent migraines and almost constant ibs.
Hi, so good to hear a success story. In fact Amitryptline is the drug of choice, not only for IBS, but all pain conditions, but at a much lower dose than would be given for depression. Professor Peter Whorwell, world leading expert on IBS, says that TCA's like amitryptline are the best for IBS. The only trouble I've found is that it gives me a very dry mouth and constipation, but perhaps those side effects wear off after a while. I'm on both Sertraline and Mirtazapine at doses for depression which has come on through months of the latest IBS flareup. Hope you continue to feel so much better 😊
Hi all discussing anxiety. I have tried a few antidepressants, in the past, but as I have IBS-C they made the problem worse, I should have continued with them really. Yesterday I received Professors Peter Whorwell's book ( after reading about him in a post on here 😃 ) and after a quick look is very good, he understands how difficult it is to lead a normal life with this "syndrome ". I am in the middle of packing as moving to a new home, but my next step I think is CBT and hypnotherapy, I have found a therapist near me.
Amtryptaline not so good for IBSC .Have Read this makes constipation worse .So a different group of Antidepressants should be used.Anyone know what this group is ?Seem to remember it included tramadol .Read all this on a post on here,I thought ,but now cannot find the post !
Found the post .Amtryptiline is in a group called tricyclic anti depressants .These can slow the intestinal tract .So IBsD ,ok .
For Ibs c a group called selective serotonin reputake inhibitors (SSRI ‘s) May be better .I am not a medic but might be worth raising this with your GP if you are considering anti depressants for IBS pain management
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I’m new here! Is it just me or is random days of severe fatigue and tiredness related to IBS? 
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