[Guest]

Has anyone had any positive experiences with medications for IBS C-type? I recently participated in a clinical trial program with a medication Novartis is testing and it changed my life. Unfortunately, the clinical trial ended and I'm back at square one. I've tried impramine and while it calmed my intestines and eliminated the swelling, it affected my thinking capacity. I felt fuzzy and light headed and couldn't do my job. I've been taking Klonopin 3 mg. for the past few years at night and it helps a bit with the spasms. I have not been able to work a full-time job for four years, but am now going through a divorce and have a job interview next week. I need to find something fast. I've heard that several pharmaceutical companies have IBS medicines in the pipeline, e.g. Pfizer has two of them which should be out within a year. Any news on any of these forthcoming drugs would be appreciated. I've made all the dietary, psychotherapy, relaxation, herbal changes that are possible. All of this has been helpful to a point, but the only thing that made my life normal was the clinical trial medicine (which they won't give any information about). Is there anything anyone has tried that has been effective for C-type?Thanks, I'm new to the group. Signed up today.

 

[Guest]

Susie: Citrucel was very effective for me. You might want to give it a try. You can then regulate the amount you take. Has anyone tried any products with "Olestra" in it to combat constipation?Good Luck![This message has been edited by Arnie (edited 05-24-99).]

 

[Guest]

Hi Susie. I have IBS c-type as well. I've been taking Bentyl (Dycyclomine) since 11/96 and have found it very helpful. I do however feel "drugged" to some degree ALL of the time, but I can function most of the time and do accounting type work without a problem. You may want to ask your doctor about it and give it a try. You said that Novartis "changed your life." How so? I'd be very interested in knowing how it affected you. (I can't believe I found a "c-type." It seems everyone else is d. Glad to meet you..........

 

[Guest]

Arnie, Thank you for your reply. What is Citrucel and what is it intended to do? Is it available over the counter or by prescription. With regard to Olestra, I tried it and found it to create terrible bloating and gas. I can't say it helped with constipation. Even normal people tend to get some IBS type symptoms with Olestra. Seamus,I want to avoid the "drugged" feeling at all costs. The thing I liked about the Novartis drug was that it completely eliminated all of my IBS symptoms -- bloating, gas, cramping, AND constipation. In fact, when I received the first dose at the doctor's office, I couldn't leave the bathroom. The nurse said, "Well, I guess YOU didn't get the placebo!" The only side effects I had were blurry vision (which went away after two weeks) and dry mouth. I don't know when or if this product will go on the market or what it will be called. I know other drug companies have products for IBS in the works (probably for D-type, but who knows) that operate via the nerve transmission centers in the intestines. These drugs are able to target the intenstine nerves without causing overall systemic effects, which is why they don't leave people feeling drugged. Prior to taking the medication, I wasn't able to work or make social plans. I was in pain most of the time and never knew when I would need to use the bathroom. When I did I could be there for hours. So I was basically an invalid. With the medication, I was able to do some consulting and have a social life -- a normal life like other people. That's why I say it changed my life. Now it's like Cinderella, I'm home from the ball and the coach has turned into a pumpkin. I have a job interview Thursday, that's why I'm trying desperately to find something to replace the clinical trial drug. I'm out of money and need to hold down a job. It's good for me to meet another C-type, too. By the way, that clinical drug trial was only for C-type, so I guess we can't be too rare.

 

[Guest]

Susie - Citracel is a fiber therapy product - you mix it in water and take it once a day as needed. It's much easier on the system than Metamucil because it does not ferment in the stomach and, therefore, does not produce excess gas. I take one teaspoon in a glass of water at night - this is only the child's dosage but, although I am always fighting constipation, if I take more than that it makes me go too much. Try it - it has no nasty druggy side effects - it's pretty natural.Good luck -- Christine

 

[Guest]

Susie: I concur with Klone. A teaspoon full is adequate for me, but I take it each morning just before I start breakfast. Citrucel is available over the counter in individual packets or in 30 oz or smaller cardboard cartons with an orange top. The cartons are preferable so you can adjust the dose. It was recommended by a gastrointerologist. [This message has been edited by Arnie (edited 05-26-99).]

 

[Patty]

I also am C type with very severe constipation when it sets in. I have used glycerin suppositories when it starts to feel like I'm impacted and I also take acidolphilus on a daily basis, which seems to make my bowels more regular. Strange, but it works for me. I use Bentyl when I have the cramping, but my cramping usually comes when I have diarrhea!

 

[Guest]

My daughter was on desipramine for a while and that seemed to help her more than anything. The Bentyl did nothing. Sometimes Levsin helped, but not lately.

 

[Guest]

Thanks everyone for your replies so far. I will try Citricel. Metamucil hasn't worked for me (too much gas and bloating. I'm open to more suggestions, especially with regard to new prescription drugs that may be coming onto the market soon. I see on the bulletin board that there was a study published on an effective drug for IBS D-types, but it causes constipation, so it's not for us C-types.