Treating IBS-C w/SSRI's

Posted , 4 users are following.

I have been struggling with ibs-c for about 4 years now. Lately, it is much more bloating and slow digestion than constipation. It is very painful and uncomfortable all the time. I have tried everything for help (prescription laxatives, colonoscopy, ultrasound, sibo test, diet, etc). I have been trying to avoid taking antidepressants, and I think it's just because I am in denial that I may actually need them. But after trying everything else, this feels like my last real chance at getting some relief.

I'm feeling anxious that it may not help. I have read some reviews and don't feel very confident. I was wondering if anyone could tell me their experience with SSRI's for treating IBS, specifically constipation. How long did it take to start seeing improvements? Did you have side effects and did they go away eventually? What dosage best helped alleviate your symptoms? Did it help your mood at all too? Thoughts on zoloft to treat ibs-c? Any feedback is appreciated!

I was prescribed 25 mg of sertraline (zoloft), have been taking for a week. Haven't noticed anything quite yet. Upping my dose to 50 mg tomorrow.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi

    Try Chia Seeds, soak 1 tablespoon of Chia seeds in a glass of water, soak for about an hour, stir well a few times, add some juice for taste stir well and drink, when Chia Seeds are soaked they absorb a lot of water and become glutinous, they are packed with soluble fibre and are a prebiotic which feeds probiotic bacteria in the Gut, you can up the amount to 2 tablespoons soaked in water, drink plenty of fluids.

  • Posted

    Hi yonnbbf4e, I have just recently been prescribed sertraline 50mg for my IBS symptoms although I am going for more tests as the pain has been immense for almost 6-7 weeks now. These are for anxiety as the pain got me so down and depressed. I suppose the tablets were given to ease the anxiety in my stomach. Over two weeks on them but still having these symptoms. Just to add I had a lot of side effects in first week of taking. Gwaning, bloating, belching around abdomen and behind both rib cages is the pain I get which comes and goes. Sometimes lasting for hours. The annoying thing is there is no pattern. I can be so relaxed and still have pain. I have gone dairy and gluten free which has hardened up my stools and one BM in the morning as opposed to when I had loose and would go 2-4 times a day. I will try anything to rid me off this and going to preserver with these meds.
  • Posted

    Hi yonnbbf, I have also IBS-c and prescribed SSRI 50mg...which is minimum dose...25mg won't work much...I feel better after taking SSRIs...It will take minimum 1 and half months to show its effect and maximum of 2-3 months to reach its highest efficacy level...As serotonin is the same chemical in brain and gut, It will definitely help...

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