[gerria]

I am taking Paxil for panic disorder, but it doesn't seem to help at all with the IBS. Several months ago I added klonapin, a tranquilizer, thinking it would help with the IBS, but it didn't help. A long time ago I was on amytriptylene, and it did seem to help some, but the side effects were pretty annoying. Has anyone come across a really good antidepressant that helps IBS? I guess there's been some studies done on the connection between anxiety and depression and IBS, but no-one really knows for sure which came first. I really think the IBS causes the depression and anxiety, not the other way around.I do remember, however, a time about thirty years ago, before I had bad IBS, when I did suffer from depression. My mom,though, has had IBS for years, not as bad as mine, but she never has suffered from depression. Anyway, I am really at my wits end trying to figure out how I should treat this......with antidepressants, food allergy testing, seeing a GI doctor, or what????Then of course there's prayer, and that sure can't hurt. I just don't know what to do.Please help if you can. (I've also had my thyroid tested and I have autoimmune thyroiditis, but not enough to require thyroid medication. The doctor did let me try it for awhile, though, and it made my panic disorder worse).Gerria

 

[John]

Gerria,I'm not sure whether you have IBS C or D. I'm a D for over 14 years and I've been on Effexor XR 75mg daily since 6/99. It has worked wonders in controlling my IBS D symptoms. It's not perfect but my life has greatly improved since that time. The first 13 years were tough! Guy has been pushing Remeron. Another antidep he claims has helped him a great deal. Zoloft is another one to consider. There are others out there to consider. Ask your doctor! He or she may know what's best for you. Sometimes you have to go through trial and error to find out what works best for you. I was lucky! The Effexor worked the first time. It takes about 8 weeks for it to control the IBS symptoms. Perhaps you need to give the Paxil a little more time. Best of health and Good luck to you!

------------------John[This message has been edited by John754 (edited 10-02-2000).]

 

[wanderingstar]

Hi gerria. An antidepressant which doesn't increase the amount of serotonin in the gut is probably a best bet. Remeron (brand name is mirtazapine) is a new class of antidepressant which is good for IBS D. It works a bit like Lotronex I believe. A few of us on this board are on it - Guy is one of them. You could do a search on Remeron to find more info. It is a new class of antidepressant. I have found weight gain to be a big problem, but I don't think the others have.susan

 

[Guest]

To my experience, the psycho function will usually lead the somatic. In actuality, I think they tend to feed off of each other.You may have anxiety or a propensity for it which predisposes you to IBS. Once you realize the physical manifestations, it creates more anxiety, and in many cases situational depression or dysthymia. So, the cycle is set in motion and takes many turns over the course of time....for better and for worse. I am one who firmly believes that IBS has it's roots in the realm of emotion.

 

[gerria]

I'm the one who started this topic. I have IBS C type, with fibromyalgia, headaches, etc. I've been on the Paxil for a couple of years so I know I don't need to give it more time. I will make an appointment with my psychiatrist to ask him about Effexor and Remeron. I'm also going to eliminate dairy products from my diet, which may be part of the problem. My sister is lactose intolerant but I never have been before. Our bodies do change, however. Going through menopause hasn't helped, either. Thanks for your input and I welcome any more suggestions.Gerria

 

[Guest]

As 4WillieC was saying, I also belive that you can easily get caught up in that vicious circle. I used to do it myself (still do at times). I'd think "what if I get sick while I'm out". Next thing you know my stomach would start hurting, and if i didn't do something to distract myself mentally, I would end up actually being sick.My IBS improved tremendously (from episodes almost daily, down to one every 5 to 7 days) after I began the anti-depressant Wellbutrin.I just feel much more calm inside. I still have times (like this week) where I get sick every day for 3 or 4 days straight.Sometimes it's hard to break that cycle.

 

[Guest]

Thank you unruly....exactly..its due to a pattern of habitual thinking, both conscious and unconscious. For whatever reason (thats what you need to find out) we really "think ourselves" into illness. My father always told me that we are what we think about all day....what are we all thinking about all day?