irritable bowel syndrome treatment

Before seeking medical irritable bowel syndrome treatment, many people suffer from IBS for a long time. Up to 70 percent of people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome are not receiving medical care for their symptoms.

No cure has been found for irritable bowel syndrome, but many options are available to treat the symptoms. Your doctor will give you the best treatments for your particular symptoms and encourage you to manage stress and make changes to your diet.

irritable bowel syndrome treatment options

Medications are an important part of relieving symptoms. Your doctor may suggest fiber supplements or laxatives for constipation or medicines to decrease diarrhea, such as Lomotil or loperamide (Imodium). An antispasmodic is commonly prescribed, which helps to control colon muscle spasms and reduce abdominal pain.

Antidepressants may relieve some symptoms. However, both antispasmodics and antidepressants can worsen constipation, so some doctors will also prescribe medications that relax muscles in the bladder and intestines, such as Donnapine and Librax. These medications contain a mild sedative, which can be habit forming, so they need to be used under the guidance of a physician.

medication & irritable bowel syndrome treatment

A medication available specifically to treat irritable bowel syndrome is alosetron hydrochloride (Lotronex). Lotronex has been reapproved with significant restrictions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for women with severe irritable bowel syndrome who have not responded to conventional therapy and whose primary symptom is diarrhea. However, even in these patients, Lotronex should be used with great caution because it can have serious side effects such as severe constipation or decreased blood flow to the colon.

Over-The-Counter irritable bowel syndrome treatment

With any medication, even over-the-counter medications such as laxatives and fiber supplements, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions. Some people report a worsening in abdominal bloating and gas from increased fiber intake, and laxatives can be habit forming if they are used too frequently.

Medications affect people differently, and no one medication or combination of medications will work for everyone with irritable bowel syndrome. You will need to work with your doctor to find the best combination of medicine, diet, counseling, and support to control your symptoms.