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Did my anxiety cause IBS?

Posted , 6 users are following.

cassidy97
cassidy97

Hi everyone!

I have recently started taking Zoloft (an SSRI) and I have been experiencing abdominal pain and upper abdominal bloating for a few nights. I also have been constipated. Is this just a side effect from the drug or am I developing IBS? Stomach issues also run in my family. Has anyone else had experience with this? Thank you!

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • anne68902
    anne68902 cassidy97

    Posted

    Antidepressants gave a lot of side effects as I have been on them for years. Were you having stomach issues prior to starting Zoloft?
    • cassidy97
      cassidy97 anne68902

      Posted

      Not as many as this but I did have the occasional abdominal pain before starting the meds but never paid attention to the link of what I was eating and when I would bloat
  • anne68902
    anne68902 cassidy97

    Posted

    I understand I had mild symptoms for about a year and then the last couple of months they increased and I was diagnosed with IBS. Upon the advice from many people here I am on the FODMAP diet which is slowly helping.  You can Google it, I added 3 FODMAP's to my cell phone tht have been really helpful.

  • pippa58442
    pippa58442 cassidy97

    Posted

    Both scenarios are possible.  Try coming off your anxiety medication slowly to see if the symptoms go away.  Then you will know whether or not you are having side effects.  I am a very anxious person and developed IBS as a result.  I take nothing for my anxiety and just accept it.  I simply try to avoid stressful situations. 
  • DrinkingYogi
    DrinkingYogi cassidy97

    Posted

    I have had IBS since 2011 when I got the norovirus and I just got off of Zoloft after being on it for about 8 months post pregnancy. I’ll say that in the beginning, it triggered all my IBS issues and sensitivities, leveled out after about a month, and then coming off was a nightmare. I had stomach issues (dirrohea, upset stomach, pain all over) every morning for a good three months. I finally connected the dots that t was probably the Zoloft and IBS mixed together. 

    It’s just starting to get better now. I feel like pills of all kinds are really hard for people with IBS...I really hope you feel better! Let me know if you want any advice with tapering if the IBS outweighs the Zoloft benefits. 

  • taniiee
    taniiee cassidy97

    Posted

    It might just be sideeffects but anxiety and stress can be really big triggers. 
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