Relief of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms with Medication

There are several different medications that can be used to help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).  These work in different ways, and you should speak to your doctor first, even if it is an over-the-counter medication you are thinking of trying.  Below is a list of the four most popular medications for IBS.

• Laxatives can be used to treat the symptoms of constipation.  Bulk-forming laxatives are the most likely type of laxative to be effective for you.  This makes the stools softer and more dense, so they can be passed more easily.  You will need to drink plenty of fluids if you are taking this type of medication, or an obstruction may develop in your digestive system.  Ideally, you should start with a low dose and increase it slowly if needed.  You should be producing soft stool once or twice a day.  Don’t take a bulk-forming laxative shortly before you go to bed.

• Anti-motility medications are used to treat the symptoms of diarrhea.  Loperamide is the most commonly used medication for this purpose, which slows down the contractions of the bowel muscles.  This means that food travels more slowly through the digestive system, becoming more solid and harder as it moves along.  There are some side effects of loperamide, which you need to take into consideration – these include bloating, abdominal cramps and drowsiness.

• Antispasmodic medicines can also be used to slow down the muscle contractions that move food through the gastrointestinal tract.  Peppermint oil is one of the most commonly used.  Side effects are rare but occasionally, there may be some resulting heartburn, or irritation of the skin around the anus as a result of using peppermint oil.

• If antispasmodic medications have not worked, then it is possible that your doctor will prescribe tricyclic antidepressants.  Again, these work by causing the digestive tract muscles to relax, slowing the progression through your system.  However, it can take up to three weeks for you to start seeing the improvements, as your body needs to get used to the medication first.  There are some common side effects, which include a dry mouth, blurred vision and drowsiness.  You may also experience some constipation, rather than your usual symptoms of diarrhea.  The most commonly used tricyclic antidepressant is amitriptyline. 

What to do if Over The Counter Medicine Does Not Work

If your IBS symptoms do not improve after one or two months of treatment with medication and dietary changes, then you should consult your local colorectal doctor.  He or she will help teach you methods of controlling your symptoms better, and there are several ways in which this can be done.  It may take awhile to find which is the most effective method for you, so don’t give up.