Need Advice: Bentyl vs. No Bentyl
#48013 - 03/04/04 02:59 PM
|
|
|
|
|
mickz
Reged: 09/07/03
Posts: 151
Loc: Jacksonville, FL
|
|
|
I am IBS-C. I have been taking Bentyl 4 times a day to help control spasms (Bentyl is an anti-spasmodic). My Gastroenterologist said I should stop taking it because it can cause constipation. If I stop it, how due I control the spasms? I'm prone to a lot of spasms!
--------------------
IBS-C, pain predominant
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi - constipation is a possible side effect of all the prescription anti-spasmodics. But, if you're not having this side effect, then there's no need to stop the drug if it's helping you. You could try taking a lower dose - these drugs work when taken just as needed, so you don't have to take them several times a day or even every day.
You might also try enteric coated peppermint oil capsules instead. I've found them more effective than Donnatol (the anti-spasmodic I used to use - worked better for me than Bentyl or Levsin), to such an extent that I don't even bother refilling my prescription any more. And there is no risk of constipation from peppermint. What I really like is that there is also no dry eyes or mouth or sleepiness, which were the side effects from the prescription anti-spasmodics that I hated the most.
Check here for Peppermint Caps info
- H
--------------------
Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Heather....
#48023 - 03/04/04 03:23 PM
|
|
|
|
|
mickz
Reged: 09/07/03
Posts: 151
Loc: Jacksonville, FL
|
|
|
I thought that I should take Bentyl daily, on a regular bais. Are you saying that I should only take it if I have a spasm or pain?
--------------------
IBS-C, pain predominant
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Years ago I tried Bentyl and Donnatal. Same problem. One of them, think it was Bentyl that I took daily left me so drowsy and after taking it a few mos I became "severely" and I mean "severely" depressed so watch out. I stopped taking them and the depression went away immediately.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi - yep, you can take it just as needed. It's not a drug that you have to take daily no matter what (like an anti-depressant). It works when you take it, for several hours at a time, and that's that. So you can take it just when you have spasms, or as a preventative measure when you anticipate problems (when traveling, eating at a restaurant, feeling stressed out, etc.) The Peppermint Caps work the same way - take every day or just as needed.
- Heather
--------------------
Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Quote:
I thought that I should take Bentyl daily, on a regular bais. Are you saying that I should only take it if I have a spasm or pain?
Yep, that's what Heather means. It's not something that has to be built up in your system, it just works each time you take it. I started off taking it 3-4 times a day too, but slowly weaned myself off it. Now I only take it before I go out to dinner or when I'm feeling iffy, which usually ends up being about once a month! Then again it was never that effective for me either, so it wasn't any great loss. 
--------------------
"Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Heather, you said, " . . . enteric coated peppermint oil capsules . . . I've found them more effective than Donnatol (the anti-spasmodic I used to use . . . to such an extent that I don't even bother refilling my prescription any more." Is that right?!? The peppermint caps work BETTER THAN DONNATAL? WOW! Donnatal is my "emergency med" that I turn to when my cramps are at their worst! But peppermint caps work BETTER?
I'm amazed. Next cramp, I'm trying the caps, Girlfriend!
BTW, could the caps cause heartburn or indigestion? I recall something about this being discussed before, but I'm not sure it was the caps that was blamed. I stopped taking the caps just recently because I had developed indigestion -- which went away when I quit the stuff. Any advice?
Thanks,
Bev
--------------------
<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi Bev, Yes I think there is some discussion on people having problelms with the caps even though hey are not supposed to dissolve in your stomach. I have noticed occasionaly I will burp up a minty burp and can sometimes taste a mint flavor in my mouth after taking the caps. But I've never had any heartburn or pain so I continue to take them. Maybe the acid in our stomach can eat away at the enteric coating even though it's not supposed to? Hmmm I'm just guessing here 
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Bev, I'm not sure why, but it seems like the caps cause problems for people who are already prone to acid reflux. I never realized that I was, but the caps definitely gave me heartburn. But I guess for most people that isn't a problem!
--------------------
"Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Thanks, Kree
#48116 - 03/04/04 09:52 PM
|
|
|
|
Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
|
|
|
Guess I'm one of them also. Rats. 
--------------------
<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
years ago I trued a brand (dont remember the name) and I took one and then I had D the nexted day I had horrible burning when I pooped a cold burning feeling...like when you eat an altoid...they are really strong in the mouth...well thats what it felt like coming out...I didnt like it, so Ive never used them again...I would love to use them but now im afraid this uncomfortable feeling will happen.
--------------------
Gretchen
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I have taken probably 20 pepermint caps over the last 6 weeks or so and only twice did I have any problems. I am prone to acid reflux anyway. One two occasions after taking the peppermint caps I would kinda burp up peppermint and had a strong peppermint taste in my mouth for a few hours. My GUESS is that once in a while, for whatever reason they explode before getting where they are supposed to!
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
--------------------
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
After reading on this post about the positive effects of enteric peppermint, I ordered some of the product and began taking it 3 times a day, 30-45 minutes prior to eating. Miraculous!! No more urgency, cramps, etc. I am amazed. I also started the acacia this week and feel better than I have in 10 years. I can't thank all of you enough and especially thank Heather for her positive direction!!!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Yaaay, Joner!
#48482 - 03/06/04 03:15 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
|
|
|
Good for you! Feelin' better than you have in TEN YEARS?! That's MARVELOUS!!
Great news indeed. You have a happy tummy! YAAY!
--------------------
<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thanks Bevrs,
I was getting to the point wher I hated to go anywhere, and if I did, I had to scope out the bathrooms. If traveling, I always drove so that there would be no one else (in charge) of stopping for restroom breaks. I'm not totally out of the woods, but certainly feeling better. Next week I have to travel by plane across the country; I expect to have my first pleasant trip in a while if my good fortune continues!! Have a great one!!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
--------------------
Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I ordered a brand by the name of Pepogest and have had great luck with them. My spouse occasionally tells me that my breath smells like peppermint. Could be worse!!
Seriously, I have never had any heartburn, indigestion, or any other problem with this brand. I found them on the internet. Good luck
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Posts
