IBS-D is irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. The most common symptoms of IBS-D include:
- Sudden urges to have bowel movements
- Gas
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Frequent stools
- Loose stools
- Nausea
- The feeling of being unable to completely empty your bowels
There are medications that can treat many of the symptoms of IBS-D, although there is no known cure for IBS, so, these medications are mostly to help you deal with the symptoms of IBS.
There are also some non-medication ways of helping to relieve IBS symptoms. These include things like adding more fiber to your diet, drinking lots of water, eating smaller meals, eating more low fat and high carbohydrate foods, and avoiding sugary drinks such as pop.
Many symptoms will recur, as IBS is a chronic, or long-term disease. However, the following are a list of medications that can help to manage the symptoms of IBS.
Antispasmodic Medications
Antispasmodic medications help to slow the movements of the digestive tract and can help to reduce the chance of bowel spasms.
Antispasmodic medications will have side effects, which include:
- Palpitations
- Difficulty urinating
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
Some antispasmodic medications include hyoscyamine (Levsin, Levbid, NuLev) and dicyclomine (Bemote, Bentyl, Di-Spaz).
Antidiarrheal Medications
Antidiarrheal medications are often used when diarrhea is the major symptom of IBS, i.e. when it is IBS-D. Antidiarrheal drugs should not be taken on a long-term basis unless you consult with a healthcare professional and are advised to remain on the medication.
The side effects of antidiarrheal medications include:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
Some antidiarrheal medications include loperamide (Imodium), diphenoxylate/atropine (Lomotil), and kaolin/pectin (Kaopectate).
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can be a very effective way of dealing with the symptoms of IBS when prescribed in low doses.
Antidepressants can have side effects that include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Palpitations
- Rash
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Weight gain
Antidepressants common in helping relieve IBS symptoms include (), (), desipramine (Norpramin), and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
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