Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Opinions needed on anti-depressants (m)

When I had my first serious bout of IBS D I was also having panic attacks and severe anxiety, and the two were very connected (I would have a panic attack at the thought that I was about to have D and was stuck on a bus/ at work/ etc, and the panic attack would then give me a D attack. It became a chicken and egg scenario). I went on imipramine and stayed on it for about ten years and it helped significantly. I would still get an occasional D attack - maybe every month or two just for one day- but I was also smoking and drinking coffee all day, so I'm sure that aggrivated it immenesly. I am currently pregnant & can't take imipramine and am back in the same situation I was ten years ago unfortunately- however everyone reacts differently to each different anti-depressent, so my suggestion is that if you are having anxiety with your D, try to find a psychiatrist who may also be an internist, or one who specializes in anxiety, and make sure this person knows about your IBS D since some meds can aggrivate it. Good luck.

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