Lexapro & IBS - good combination????
#283269 - 09/20/06 03:43 PM
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Langgang
Reged: 06/25/06
Posts: 44
Loc: Sedalia, MO
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My doctor just gave me samples of Lexapro and said it "might irritate your IBS and give you diarrhea". Has anyone had any experience with this?
-------------------- Robin
IBS-A
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I took Lexapro for about 9 months along with my IBS-D. The doctor said that some medicines for depression/anxiety can cause the IBS to either get better or worse, depending on the person. Research shows that for some reason some SSRIs help the gut. I original was prescribed Paxil which within hours gave me major cramps and by morning I had D all day really bad. Then I called and the doc switched me to Lexapro and I was fine on it (low dose...I think 5 mg?)I went on it for the anxiety over the IBS, some mild depression and some panic attacks. I have been off of it now for about 4 months and I can't really say whether the IBS has gotten worse or better...I think the same. There's so many variables (stress,etc.) so it's so hard to say with this stupid disease!! Anyhow, I would give it a try and try to keep your diet intact so you know whether any problems are related to the Lexapro. Good luck
-------------------- Originally IBS-D for a million years!
Then IBS-A, Now a transformed slightly C
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Yes and no
#283288 - 09/20/06 05:40 PM
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atomic rose
Reged: 06/01/04
Posts: 7013
Loc: Maine (IBS-A stable since July '05!)
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For the first 3 days, it gave me horrible D. However, that completely went away afterwards, and if anything, it's HELPED my IBS immeasurably. I've been on it for 2 years now, and I'll give it up when they pry it out of my cold, dead hands. ![](/messageboards/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)
All antidepressants have initial side effects, as your body is getting used to them. These can last anywhere from a few days to a couple months, and can be as mild as a little drowsiness, or as bad as D episodes. They're temporary. The benefits of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications (I'm not sure which you were given Lexapro for), for those who need them, are WELL worth the inconvenience in the beginning.
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the only trouble the lexapro gave me was mild nausea for the forst 2 weeks, thats a bout it, for me ssri's have always helped my stomach by helping with stress and anxiety and just thinking about it way less, i am very happy on the lexapro and am finally able to function and start to gain some weight because i am no longer so obsessed with my tummy. goo dluck.
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Thanks for all the replies about Lexapro & IBS. I just started my first dose this morning (5 mg) and stay on that for 4 days, then up it to 10 mg. Dr. also gave me Mirtazapine (1/4 tablet) to help me sleep. I'm not supposed to try that until Friday night to see how my body reacts to it. And only to take it when I need it, not on a regular basis. Stress & anxiety are the main reasons my Dr. prescribed the Lexapro. My father-in-law just moved in 2 weeks ago, along with already having 3 teenagers (2 with driving permits) who are involved in various activities. Then I teach at 2 elementary schools and the schedule is confusing, if not nervewracking! I was just feeling overwhelmed with everything and it's making my IBS alot worse. I was pretty stable all summer (diagnosed in April) and had been doing pretty good, but in the last 2 weeks, things have constantly gotten worse and I feel like I did in April when I got so sick. I'm trying not to let that happen, but it feels like its out of control. I took a sick day today (my planning day - no classes), in hopes that I'll feel better tomorrow when I have students again.
Thanks for your responses. It makes me feel alot better knowing there are others out there who are going through the same stuff I am. Thanks for listening!
-------------------- Robin
IBS-A
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The doctor put me on lexapro 10 mgs for depression and anxiety and it caused, after a week, the IBS to worsen like it hasn't in years. How painful it is when I eat! Now I'm having to nurse my intestines back to health with probiotics and enzymes. It will take a while as I seldom heal quickly from these sort of episodes.
-------------------- God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will we not fear.
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I am so sorry to learn of this David!
These doctors just DON'T give a damn WHAT they throw at us!
I would report that so-called doctor to the hospital, clinic and medical licensing people PRONTO!!
-------------------- Originally diagnosed with IBS-C in Spring, 2008. During spring to fall of 2008, had at least 10 acupuncture treatments and Chinese herbs. IBS went into remission. IBS returned in late July 2013 after taking 2 oral contrasts for a CT scan for cancer follow up. Had more acupuncture with different practitioner in summer 2014, but received little benefit.
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http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drugreview-63990-Lexapro+oral.aspx?drugid=63990&drugname=Lexapro+oral&sortby=3
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