Patients who experience diarrhea as one of their irritable bowel syndrome symptoms most often use Imodium or Lomotil to alleviate this symptom. These medications assist in water absorption and slow down the transport of waste through the intestines, which can reduce the need for frequent evacuation and can assist in stool consistency. Imodium is a common anti-diarrheal that is often used daily as a preventive medication and is generally considered safe to use in this manner. Patients who choose to take Lomotil should adhere to their prescribed dosage very strictly and should be aware that this anti-diarrheal medication can be addictive and overdosing can prove fatal.

Patients who experience constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome should avoid laxative use, as this can lead to colon damage and dependency on laxatives. While there have been attempts to provide prescription medications to address this symptom, these attempts have largely failed to produce a safe medication without serious possible side effects; therefore, it is generally recommended that IBS patients who experience constipation use a combination of exercise, adequate water intake and an over-the-counter soluble fiber supplement such as metamucil or psyllium husks to relieve this symptom. Taking probiotics can also assist in helping regularity as they restore the “good” bacteria in the gut which can often deplete with medications, stress and poor diet.

Anti-spasmodic and low-dose antidepressant medications are often prescribed to irritable bowel syndrome patients to address the common IBS symptom of abdominal pain or cramping. The most common anti-spasmodic medication for IBS includes Bentyl, Pro-Banthine, Levbid, Levsin, NuLev and Donnatol. These medications can be prescribed for everyday use as a preventive therapy, or can be used as needed for abdominal spasms, and patients can choose between medications that are taken orally, or that dissolve under the tongue. Other medications for IBS include low-dose antidepressants that affect serotonin reuptake. These can also alleviate pain and painful spasms associated with irritable bowel syndrome by raising your pain threshold, while also influencing contractions due to the serotonin levels found in the nerves located in the gut. These drugs can be used to either increase or decrease spasms; therefore, they can be effective for patients who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, or with constipation.

Finding the right combination of medications, as well as dietary and lifestyle changes, that best suit your needs and will most effectively assist you in managing irritable bowel syndrome is a long-term process that can often require extensive trial and error. Some patients are able to find the combination that works for them in a very short time; however, if this is not the case in your situation, do not give up. It may take some time to find what works best for you and your particular IBS symptoms, but the relief you will feel when your IBS is properly managed will be well worth the time and effort spent determining the best treatment plan for you.

Related Articles:

1. IBS Symptoms
2. Common Diarrhea Treatments
3. Spastic Colon
4. Constipation Medication
5. Getting a Hemorrhoidectomy