Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Antidepressants to Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Overview

In gastroenterology, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating relieved by defecation and alteration of bowel habits. Diarrhea or constipation may predominate, or they may alternate (classified as IBS-D, IBS-C or IBS-A, respectively). IBS may begin after an infection (post-infectious, IBS-PI) or a stressful life event. Other functional or pain disorders and certain psychological conditions are more common in those with IBS.

Treatment for IBS can include dietary adjustments, medication and psychological interventions. Patient education and a good doctor-patient relationship are also important.

Several conditions may present as IBS including celiac disease, mild infections, several inflammatory bowel diseases, functional chronic constipation and chronic functional abdominal pain. In IBS, routine clinical tests yield no abnormalities, though the bowels may be more sensitive to certain stimuli, such as balloon insufflation testing. The exact cause of IBS is unknown. The most common theory is that IBS is a disorder of the interaction between the brain and the gut, although there may also be abnormalities in the gut flora or the immune system.

The most common treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome is changes in lifestyle, including nutrition. But these are not all. Many doctors apply also natural remedies as well as a number of medications. Mainly they use antidepressants to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome though it is not always the best solution for IBS sufferers.

Doctors often treat irritable bowel syndrome with the help of 3 kinds of drugs:

1. Antispasmodic drugs - they are usually first given to a patient in order to prevent colon spasms, possible pain and reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Because such spasms in the colon not only cause inconvenience for the sufferer from IBS, but also perturbs the digestive tract so that this can lead to other health issues.

2. Mild muscle relaxants - This second type of medication is usually prescribed to soothe muscles while treating irritable bowel syndrome. These drugs are more important especially if both antispasmodics and antidepressants are prescribed to an IBS patient. Muscle relaxants relieve constipation problems appearing as a result of dehydration caused by antispasmodics and antidepressants.

3. Antidepressants - these drugs is also popular to treat irritable bowel syndrome. The main function of antidepressants is to help the sufferer relax and relieve the existing symptoms.

In general, antidepressants are applied to treat depression and anxiety. But for people who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), doctors apply lower doses than those usually used in the treatment of depression. In this way, the patient is usually able to get rid of spasms and pains in the intestine and stomach, as well as bloating. In such doses, antidepressants even can be used to treat chronic abdominal pain disturbing you in your daily lifestyle.

The mostly used antidepressants to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome are the following:

1. Elavil

2. Wellbutrin

3. Celexa

4. Norpramin

5. Adapin, Sinequan

6. Prozac

7. Tofranil

8. Paxil

9. Zoloft

10. Desyrel

11. Effexor

However, antidepressants have not thoroughly been studied enough and one cannot ensure that this one is more effective and safer than that one. But in general the 2 of them such as Prozac and Zoloft have most studied and are considered to be the safest to apply while pregnancy. ATTENTION: Anyhow, it does not mean that they are risk-free. Any antidepressant can have the certain side effect. Especially be careful when you are pregnant. Do not take any drug without talking to a doctor and considering his/her recommendations, as during pregnancy antidepressants are prescribed only if it is necessary, because there is no 100% guarantee that they will not harm you or your baby.

Besides, some of these drugs can even worsen existing constipation or diarrhea. They should be taken for limited time.

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Autor: Ryan English

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Added: November 18, 2008
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/