Do I Have IBS?

[Tallglass]

I have the symptoms of IBS, but I've never been diagnosed. I have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, and I've been reading about amitriptyline as a medicine that will treat both. I'm looking for something that will treat IBS and MDD, as the meds I take for MDD just keep me barely going. There's got to be an antidepressant that works for me. Depression is hell and makes everything worse than it is.

[Maureen1958]

Hi, as nobody else has answered you, I'm afraid you're stuck with me. The short straw 😀. You're best bet would be to talk to you doctor. It seems possible that they could give you amitriptyline for both conditions. Usually the amount you take for IBS is relatively smaller than for depression. Worth a go speaking to your doctor at least. I was given a small dose of amitriptyline some years ago for IBS but it made me more constipated so it may depend on if you have IBS(C) or IBS(D)!

[Tallglass in reply to Maureen1958]

Thank you so much, I will definitely talk to him!

[Mrsprickles]

I also suffer with anxiety and depression and my IBS is more D than C thought it can alternate. It’s worth talking to your dr about antidepressants as a treatment for IBS. I’ve used anti depressants and had counselling as well as practicing mindfulness. Everything helps to a degree. Depression is awful, I know but keep doing a moment at a time. No feeling lasts forever.

[IBSNetwork Partner IBS Network]

Sorry to hear you're struggling. We suggest speaking to your GP or pharmacist.