Meds for IBS-C
#59402 - 04/08/04 07:01 PM
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tarabara04
Reged: 04/06/04
Posts: 442
Loc: Bay Area, California, USA
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Hi everyone,
Just wondering what luck those of you with IBS-A but mainly C have had with diff. presecription meds for IBS. I have been trying just the diet/exercise/relaxation and will continue but I want to know about success/side effects of meds before my next dr's appt. I read the part about meds in Heather's book but wanted to know some personal experience! Thanks much! Have a good night! 
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If you live life to love, you'll love to live life.
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Well I tried Miralax and it made my other symptoms much worse. Even cut it in half and didn't work out. But I haven't really seen much negative about Miralax, so I think most people think it works great. I'm curious to see what other responces this thread will get, cause I'd like to try something else.
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IBS-C
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I haven't tried meds yet other than laxatives and stool softeners like Senokot and Colace. All these meds did was help me have a BM while I was taking them. Once I stopped taking the meds - I got my symptoms back. Like you I'm trying to do the diet and exercise thing to hopefully control my ibs-a. I'm also taking Acacia which seems to have helped much more than the Metamucil I used to take!
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Tarabara,
Hi! Ok, I have IBS-C (really bad), and my doctor prescribed this pill called Bentyl (the generic name that I take is called dicyclomine, which is cheaper).
It is WONDERFULL!!!!!! Trust me! I had so much pain, and still do until I take my pill. Basically, it is an anti-spasmodic pill that stops the spasms in your colon. It makes my stomache feel a MILLION times better!! I would recommend taking it on an empty stomache because it works so much faster that way.
I think you should do a search on yahoo.com or google.com and just type Bentyl or dicyclomine in....you can find out more specifics there...
I HIGHLY recommend this medicine to anyone with IBS-C (people will D say it works well, too).
All I know is that it helps my pain and helps me get the "urge" to go the bathroom. For me, it is the ONLY thing I found that works!
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Hi Melissa!
I checked out this drug on the internet but haven't felt like I needed to get it yet because (cross your fingers!) the diet seems to be working really well for me - things just seemed to kick in in the past few days - not sure why but I'm happy about it!
I was actually just reading the article you posted the link to about IBS - good article! Thanks! 
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Hello,
The thing with meds, from my personal experience with ibs, is that they last only a few hours. At first I had IBS-C and the doc prescribed paxil and bentyl. I took 1/2 tablet then I went to 1 tablet a day or when needed. Bentyl does not work for me all the time. My side effects are bloating, nausea, and drowsiness. Paxil helps but it lasts not too long. I relied on metamucil, exercise, and a healthy diet and that helped. Research medication online and then talk to your doctor about its side effects as well as long-term use. Ask if there is anything else you can do besides medicine. I used paxil and bentyl for 3 years, and now that my symptoms are worse my doctor (who is just a general doctor and not a specialist) wants me to try stronger meds. I'd rather see a GI specialist who knows more about this disorder. The general doctor just sat there and prescribed the same meds that weren't working. Find a doctor you really feel comfortable with, and who understands what you are going through and who is looking out for your best interest. That is important.
*lilybear
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I began my IBS journey as IBS-D, but since last Fall have had IBS-C. Zelnorm is the new drug of choice, and initially gave me results. However, the results were short-lived, the medicinal side-effects were not good, so I did not renew the prescription. Now, thanks to Heather and the Acacia Fiber and Peppermint Tabs, I am a normal human-being again, and drug free! Symptoms are under control, and the more I read and learn from this site, the better educated and better managed my IBS-C becomes! Try the Acacia and Peppermint before you try meds! It sure can't hurt! Hope you are soon feeling better!
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God is Faithful!
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The antispasms drugs, like bentyl and levsin did not work at all for me. I take miralax everyday. Its the only thing that produces a BM on a regular basis for me. Zelnorm stopd working after about a week or so. Miralax can cause gas and bloating in the first few weeks but that goes away for most people. however, it is something that you body does become dependant on, so you may have to take it forever  I found that to be acceptable in my situation as I had exhausted all other options. Let me know if you want more info on it, however I will be off the boards until Monday. Happy Easter!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Thanks everyone! I'm definitely going to do some more research about bentyl and all the other medicines you mentioned so that I'll be more educated at next Dr's appt. I am hoping that my lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, relaxation...) will do the trick, but just in case it's best to be informed! Thank you so much because you gave me a great idea of what the meds are like! You know I love you all Happy two days 'til Easter!
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If you live life to love, you'll love to live life.
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Michele,
You take Miralax and I take Bentyl...ok, I think they are probably similar type drugs, right?
Here is my question: I, too, and going to try and get pregnant in the next couple of months, and I was wondering if you are still taking the Miralax or have you stopped? Has your doctor said it's ok to keep taking it?
That is my main concern is that I will probably have to stop taking Bentyl when I'm trying to get pregnant...
Any comments??
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Oh and I should say I take 2 Magnesium pills and 2 Colace all together, and that works "ok". The only problem is that it tends to work good at first, but then it wears off and I have to keep going off it and going back on. 
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IBS-C
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I thought Bentyl was only for those with D. I have a friend that has taken it for years---for D. It works for C too?
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check this page Meds for IBS
- H
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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!
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I took Bentyl years ago and didn't care for it but can't remember exactly why. I've tried Bentyl and Donnatal but years ago when I tried them I took them on a daily basis and just felt drowsy and depressed. My question is can bentyl be taken just when needed rather than every day. I have become C again whereas I previously was D and years before that was C  I don't want to take any antispasmodics on a daily basis. The pain is what gets me the most down.
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Re: GeminiMCM
#59820 - 04/09/04 07:53 PM
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Kree
Reged: 10/08/03
Posts: 3748
Loc: Northern NY
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I haven't found any meds that really help with my IBS-C. I took Bentyl when I was A and it helped then, but it actually seemed to constipate me once I became C again so now I only use it during attacks. For me diet, soluble fiber, hypnosis, and yoga have been the most helpful things, although I'm still working on it. I wish I could have better news! Some people have great luck with drugs, though, so they're worth a try!
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"Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
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ask your doctor about Zelnorm it is for IBS and for women. NOT for D---- though
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if God brought you to it. He will bring you through it.
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Hi! Sorry it took so long for me to get back to you, off the boards over the weekend! Actually Bentyl and Miralax are very different drugs. Bentyl is an antispasm drug, its supposed to help your colon stay "relaxed" and not spasm. It doesn't work for me but sounds like it is helping you. Miralax is a laxative. It works by pulling water into your colon. The miralax is safe to take while pregnant, it doesn't cross the placenta. I do not know about the Bentyl.
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Yes, Bentyl works for C people too! Although it didn't work for me. It helps to keep the colon from havimg spasms, the spasms can produce C or D. Levsin is the same kinda thing also.
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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hi! Im IBS-A, and i used to take bentyl and Levsin, both did absolutely NOTHING for me! Now, I take Miralax....but only half the dose thats usually prescribed. If i take a full cap full of muralax, at regular prescription, I get D..however, if I take half a cap full, I get normal bms..however, i only take miralax when Im really really constipated..right now, the IBS diet seems to be normalizing my bms..:)
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Hi Everyone,
I have IBS-C, and I take bentyl too. I find it works great on the spasms that cause bloating, and intestingal g. It's not perfect, but it does help. I can handle trigger foods pretty well with it. I'm on a low does.
How many IBS-C'ers find bentyl helpful besides me?
Cloudygirl 
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I love Bentyl. I have made many posts describing how I take it and how it works for me. I've been telling everyone about it, but no one seems to listen or acknowlege me.
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Hi geminimcm,
You're the first person with IBS-C too, who likes Bentyl. I'm on 10mg, sometimes 20mg. I like that I can eat trigger foods without getting a bad attack. It's great.
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Michele,
I just noticed your message! How are you doing?
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Hey Beaglelover, I'm trying to do ok. Still having a bit of a hard time. Check out the Living Room post I've got going on with Nugget! But I'm trying to think positive and seeing a shrink is helping!
Thanks for asking! 
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Hi Michele. I am new at this. Only have had IBS since last August, I believe from taking an herb that "insulted" my gut. I have not been the same since. I am self-diagnosing, because I can't get into a gastroenterologist until July 16. But I am 98% sure I have IBS due to the symptoms, provided nothing else going on more serious. You're symptoms are a lot like mine from what I've read. Also, my five year old daughter has been on Miralax for about 6 months now. About 1/2 of the adult dose every other day. It works like a dream on her, but am afraid of dependency. She has been constipated since birth (runs in the female side of my family) so I have resolved that she is going to be dependent on something her whole life anyway. May try to gradually switch her to Benefiber or Acacia this summer to see what that might do. Also, have you ever tried the hypnosis tapes? I just received them in the mail today. Although I have not been officially diagnosed, I am contemplating starting them to see if I can help beat this crazy thing I've acquired. Just wondered if you tried them; you are going to a shrink you say? I live in a small town so that is not a viable option for me. It's nice to meet you, if you would respond back to me (or anyone else too!). I will try to find your reply, as I said, I'm new at IBS & message boards!
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Hi, greer!
Just wanted to say welcome! First time I've noticed your name. If you start a new post of your own, we'll all see it and welcome you.
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Laura
Keep it simple!
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Re: RE: Greer
#62659 - 04/19/04 02:10 PM
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michele
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan
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Hi Greer! Nice to met you! Do you also suffer from the C. Are you also taking the miralax?? I was also not thrilled about the idea of having to take a laxative for the rest of my life but I would rather do that than go through life miserble and constipated!
I also take Acacia, in addition to the miralax. I did try to ween myself off the miralax by upping my dose of acacia, but wasn't able to do it, the C got too bad. Do try it for your daughter, though, it may work for her. Start off with a very small dose of the acacia and gradually increase the acacia as you decrease the miralax. I would suggest the acacia everyday even though she only does the miralax every other day. Do it slowly, over a couple of months. Its important not to increase the acacia too fast, otherwise it can cause gas and bloating.
I just started the hypno tapes last Monday!! They are VERY relaxing. Too early to tell if its helping the IBS but they are helping me relax at night! Even the people who say that the tapes didn't "cure" the IBS all say it does help them relax! I would give it a try, what have you got to loose? Could that be something you could do with your daughter? Check out the hypno section of these boards for more info there!
Thats awful you have to wait so long for the dr! I have had ALL the tests and than some and all the drs say I'm perfectly healthy! How FRUSTRATING! Seeing a shrink is helping me alot. Its the first time I have ever tried therapy and I feel pretty positive about the whole thing! Thats too bad thats not an option for you 
Welcome to the boards!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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