Citalopram

[juniepoonie]

Hi any one got an opinion on whether citalopram makes ibs worse or better !i have had ibs for nearly 20yrs don't think there's is a test l havnt had! Or anything l havnt tried but obviously lm always looking. Have been on citalopram for years also!

[Job387]

I found that citralopram made my IBS better. No flare ups at all! Now that I'm off it, I've had a bad flare up and cramps. The one benefit of being on cit I guess 🤷

[juniepoonie in reply to Job387]

Well lm more than pleased thst it helped you. It's not what lm on it for l take it for anxiety. I wish it helped my ibs .

[Job387 in reply to juniepoonie]

Bless you, I was also on it for anxiety for just under a year. I think as my anxiety got better, so did my IBS. They came hand in hand. I know there are other anxiety/depression medications which supposedly help IBS (amitriptyline is one i believe). May be worth speaking to your GP about this?

[juniepoonie in reply to Job387]

Thanks l have also read that ! I'm a bit scared to change from citalopram tho incase my anxiety gets worse! That's for your kind reply

[MatthewU]

Citalopram is SSRI, your gut has high levels of serotonin, in fact higher than the brain. It's often found that patients with symptoms of IBS have lower levels of serotonin. Just 10-20mg of Citalopram each day is all you need to resolve the imbalance. IBS is often triggered by anxiety, Citalopram can also resolve this by damping down emotional response. It's a win, win situation!

[juniepoonie in reply to MatthewU]

Thanks Matthew I take 20mg so l know it helps my anxiety!thsts not to say l don't still get anxious. An my tummy still plays up lm constantly looking for ways to improve it

[MatthewU in reply to juniepoonie]

It may be worth looking at taking a probiotic such as Alflorex, eating non processed foods, cutting out dairy, no fizzy drinks or wheat products like bread/cereal