Can taking a course of antidepressants help with really bad ibs

[Kirklandpark]

[Ibsr]

Have you tried the FODMAP diet or any other elimination diet?

[Hidden]

Hi there! I would say yes they would, I was on Amitriptyline last year for my migraines I am an IBS sufferer as well and while they did nothing to help control the migraines all the time I was taking them I never had an IBS flare up at all, I only came off them because I was put on them for migraines not IBS and I need to get them under control just as much as the IBS. Speak to your doctor about going on a low dose for a while and see what happens but be warned weaning off Amitriptyline is not fun if you do it too fast. I found 20mg was enough to control my symptoms. Good luck

[jackson82]

I tried everything under the sun but have recently gone onto Amitriptyline and it's been excellent. 10mg wasn't quite enough but 20mg seems to be doing the trick.

[Boogie]

Hi, I tried Amitriptyline 10mg then 20mg but it totally spaced me out, making me very very sleepy/groggy & like I had a bad hangover all day. If this happens to you try Sertraline. I have not noticed any major improvement in my symptoms (IBS-D with Insomnia) but some people have commented I'm brighter. Good Luck.

[Ibsr]

Would you mind if I ask why use antidepressants? Have you all tried diet elimination? Curious to know.

I am glad refused anti depressants because they have their own 'side effects'. Plus now that I have found FODMAPS it has eliminated all those horrid symptoms.

Hope you don't mind me asking....I know everyone is different so would be cool to get your perspective. Thanks

[PatV]

No, but my neurologist had me take xanax for the pain (I have IBS-C and PD). It did not work and in fact made me depressed. Now I only use it if I have a really bad attack (like last night) and wake up in the middle of the night.

[scubaange]

Taking antidepressants isn't actually for the antidepressant affect. In low doses antidepressants are a muscle relaxant and so relieve much of the cramping you get from IBS. They are found to work in a lot of IBS patients so it may be worth a go, just be careful of the spaced out feeling you may get too!

[whiteladder42]

Unfortunately they didn't work for me-I was on 100mg and it disturbed my sleep patterns and didn't help the pain. Now I just take 60mg Zomorph and then Oramorph as needed but fed up of collapsing and my husband having to dial 999! Had every test under the sun except a stool sample tested-I would say to to try it but be aware of the many side effects and keep getting tested to exclude other conditions as well. Good luck

[hope60]

Doctor gave me Amitripyline 10 mg .Did try them for 3 days but could not sleep, also found I felt a bit high.

[sanna2]

Reading all the posts makes me realise how so many people suffer with IBS, it amazes me that with all the advances in medicines there is not a lot the medical profession can do to treat or cure it! My GP has told me that he dose not know what to advise me to do next to help. I am at present trying FODMAP and Gluton free foods, I have also been to see a Hypnotherapist, but the last two days the pain is so bad that I am at breaking point. Please to find this site because we can share our misery.

[Hidden in reply to sanna2]

I can really understand how you feel like all the other sufferers .I have had it daily for over 10yrs,I've just began the Fodmap diet with a dietician ,so can't comment on that yet .But what I will tell you is antibiotics really upset IBS .Good luck just keep trying different things ,and this site is really useful