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Irritable Bowel Syndrome Medications |
 So you’ve eliminated spicy food and broccoli from your diet, but find yourself cramped up nonetheless? You’re at a restaurant and accidentally eat the wrong thing. Or you’ve learned meditation techniques to calm your reaction to stress, but you’re barely making that mortgage payment and it’s effecting your nerves. Unfortunately, there is no single miracle pill or surgical procedure that banishes IBS forever. Still, you need a remedy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. While nothing can treat the syndrome, there are irritable bowel medications and products that can treat the symptoms. Consult your doctor to get advice on what is best for your specific needs. It is important to consult your doctor even when using over-the-counter Irritable Bowel Syndrome remedies, as each individual’s needs vary considerably. The biggest variance: some people experience constipation, others have diarrhea, and some people alternate between the two. - For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with constipation, fiber supplements can initiate bowel movements. It is generally a good idea to consume 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day through food. But when that isn’t enough, or you are having trouble eating enough, taking a capsule or powder supplement may be a good idea.
*** When beginning use of a fiber supplement, be sure to add it to your regimen slowly and drink plenty of water. Otherwise, it could exacerbate symptoms.
There are many types of soluble fiber to choose from. The most common type is psyllium, but there is also calcium polycarbophil, methylcellulose, and guar gum. Each person will respond differently to various fibers, so if one doesn’t work, try another type. Some leading brands include Metamucil (psyllium), Equalactin (calcium polycarbophil), and Benefiber (guar gum).
When mixed with water, these fibers form a thick liquid that moves food through the intestines.
There are two types of antidiarrheal remedies: loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate. Loperamide slows down the speed of fluids moving through your bowels. Bismuth subsalicylate decreases the flow of fluids in the bowel, and because it works as a mild antibiotic it can bind toxins like bacteria.
Some leading brands of antidiarrheal remedies include: Imodium and Maalox (loperamide) and Kaopectate and Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate).
- Peppermint oil has traditionally been used to reduce spasms in the intestine. Studies generally support its use for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, although more research is needed. Peppermint oil comes in capsules. Consult your doctor or dietitian for more information.
Prescription Medication for IBS - Antispasmodic medications can suppress muscle contraction in the stomach and intestine, in effect controlling spasms. Some common brands include: Bemote and Bentyl (dicyclomine) and Levsin, Levbid (hyoscyamine). But they have side effects and should not be added to your regimen without careful consideration and your doctor’s full support.
- In small doses, antidepressants – which affect the serotonin level in the brain – can actually ease the symptoms of Irritable Bowel. They can lesson spasms and relieve cramping and bloating. Some common brands include: Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride), Prozac (fluoxetine hydrochloride), and Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride).
Always follow directions when trying over the counter remedies and prescription medications. Also, keep a journal of your symptoms so that you know what is working, what is not, and what combinations are beneficial. Maybe there are certain times of day when your symptoms are worse, and that could be a good time to take your fiber supplement. Under the watchful eye of your doctor or dietitian, experiment. Make the treatments work for you. You know your body best.
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So you’ve eliminated spicy food and broccoli from your diet, but find yourself cramped up nonetheless? You’re at a restaurant and accidentally eat the wrong thing. Or you’ve learned meditation techniques to calm your reaction to stress, but you’re barely making that mortgage payment and it’s effecting your nerves.
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