IBS Symptoms After Antidepressants

[123beansprout123]

Hi,

Bit of a newbie here but just after advice and general common experiences.

So around July 2020 I went to the doctors for low mood and possible depression had no IBS Symptoms at this time, I was prescribed 20mg of Citalpram (SSRI) which i proceeded to take along side CBT. During the time taking the Citalpram had a couple of episodes of diarrhoea but just put it down to the medication as a known symptom . Fast forward August 2022 I stopped taking Citalpram and started having really bad Pain in the rectum plus IBS-D symptoms but not so much the stomach cramps or bloating but mucus leaking from my anus (Have to walk around with tissue :() and have been caught short a few times in public due to the urgency to go.

So went back to the doctors with the pain plus blood and diarrhoea so a sample was taken but came back with mucus in the stall so I had a colonoscopy Jan 2022 and all come back ok but have got Stage 2 Haemorrhoids so the doctors are focusing on that (14 Month Waiting List) rather than addressing other symptoms. I have since found Imodium but really didn't want to start taking it but what a game changer for me, I only take it when i know i am not going to be near a toilet. But what i find is that the pain goes away from my anus and able to have normal movements.

I have cut our Dairy and started taking Psyllium Husks and when i think something is working I just go into repeat mode. I have tried to eliminate certain foods but again just goes into repeat. I find my symptoms are worse in the morning where i can have a normal movement first thing and then it literally all goes south from there.

My mood and depression have improved greatly and i have a good outlook but like many on here i think the symptoms ramp up the anxiety greatly. I think my concern is have the anti depressants caused some long term damage and I am not paying the price as I know SSRIs add Serotonin which again can cause loose movements, or is the IBS a result of not taking the anti-depressants

I think the last 18 Months have been the perfect storm for these symptoms to occur and now paying the price.

Just curious to other peoples experiences and any similarities and what you did to help the situation.

Thanks in advance.

[Lou9]

So sorry to hear everything you have been through. I’m not sure if you are already aware of the website Surviving Antidepressants but if not, I’d advise checking it out and doing a search on there for people who have been left with IBS and other gut issues after taking SSRIs. This is the link:

survivingantidepressants.org

[123beansprout123 in reply to Lou9]

Thanks Lou9 I will take a look.

[123beansprout123]

Just if anyone has read this. I spoke to the doctor this morning and his recommendation was to try and go back on the citlopram at 10mg as a way of sorting the gut issues. Was felt a bit put on the spot but feel a bit funny about going back on them.

[Lou9 in reply to 123beansprout123]

The majority of GPs have absolutely no clue about side effects or withdrawing from SSRIs. The most common answer seems to be to increase the dose or to try another medication. Well that’s certainly been my experience. You know your body best, if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. SSRIs don’t cure gut issues, but they can cause a whole host of problems. Don’t let your GP fob you off.

[elenak in reply to Lou9]

I would give this comment 1000 hearts if I could. NO more SSRIs. It is just coming out - the great travesty these meds have been. If you look at the newer literature - they even say that serotonin is not even linked to depression. In fact - serotonin is an inflammatory inducing chemical - and as Lou9 mentioned - anyone on SSRIs for any length of time will have problems - they usually aren't linked to the meds. Depression might be better - but probably related to time or other things, not the SSRI. In fact, gut problems are one of the big price SSRI users pay. Doctors are clueless - they don't understand pharmacology. They think b/c the gut produces serotonin that more should be good for it. It's not. LOL, I love the way you Brits talk .. "fob you off".. well I think those of us who understand logic know that if something is causing a problem... taking more of it is not the answer.

I highly recommend the raypeatforum.com , and search for serotonin there. I recommend that forum b/c it is not well known or run by drug companies or big systems like this one - i.e people can talk freely. There are a LOT of very educated people there, who do a lot of research. It is my primary go to place. Ray Peat is a physiologist (American) who is brilliant, imo, and understand metabolism and biochemistry better than any physician. He is 85 now and is not very tecchy - but has a website with some articles on it. He has been writing about the dangers of serotonin for decades.

On the forum - you will find help with recovering from serotonin. Many there use a drug called cyproheptatine - which is a first generation anti-histamine, but it blocks serotonin receptors so I've read many there using it for symptoms they feel due to excess serotonin and many claim great results. You should read about it there. That is just one example. Not meant to be used long term, but helps when trying to get back to normal.

The thing is - people and doctors always want to blame food, but from what you tell me, there was only one thing that changed.. the SSRI. You probably ate whatever you wanted before without problems. (or I could be wrong) however, it very well could be that your gut physiology is messed up from the SSRI.. and it may take time to recover. Again, I suggest that forum b/c you can read from people more educated than me and get more ideas. One thing for sure - anyone with gut problems - SSRIs are to be avoided.. no matter now low the dose.

Good luck!

[123beansprout123 in reply to elenak]

Thanks for the reply, I have decided against taking the Citlopram. elenak Yes, it was the only thing that had changed in the addition of the SSRI Citlopram and you are right i was really able to eat what ever i wanted. I had a really good call with an nutritionist that specialises in gut health and she agreed not taking the SSRIs and has recommended some Linsead Teas, Psyllium Husks (which i did stop taking) and also recommended some Amin Acids l-glutamine which have purchased as a supplements. Will see how we go.

[123beansprout123]

Thought I would provide an update. I have posted on survivingADs and the have recommended to go back on the Citlopram but cut the pill and start on an even smaller dose maybe 2.5mg. I think my concern is still there and adding it back in my life. I think the idea will be to reinstate and then taper off slower this time around