Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Anti-depressants and IBS

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about my IBS symptoms, and I'm bothered by the fact that they were so much better when I was on anti-depressants. Basically about 3 years ago my IBS was really bad, I was only eating bread and rice and like nothing else, and I lost like 30 pounds in a few months with little or no excercise. My stomach was constantly upset, and it got so bad my doc recommended a liquid-only diet (which of course didn't help because I drank so much Cola!).
Anyways, around the same time my Mom died and I was put on a high dose of Paxil to deal with the depression and anxiety I was experiencing. It definately helped with that, but I also noticed that while I was on it my stomach was way better. I would have normal BMs and hardly ever get constipated or have diarrhea. Plus, I was able to eat all the foods I couldn't eat before. I went hog-wild and ate a bunch of choclate, Kraft Dinner (my fave!) and even fried and fatty foods, with little or no problems. Of course I put all the weight back on, but it was so nice to not be in pain.
So, a few months ago I started tapering of the Paxil, partly because of the weight gain and other side effects, and because in terms of depression, I don't need it anymore. As soon as I started reducing my dose my symptoms started coming back. I was on 60mg and am now down to only 5mg and I've been having the worst time with my tummy. I've been following the diet faithfully for two months, taking Acacia etc. and have had virutally no improvement, and am starting to drop the weight again.
My question is, given my history, should I just go back on an anti-depressant. I really didn't like the side-effects but at the same point in time, it was the only time that I can remember that I ever felt normal, and I really think my stomach problems are stemming from going off it.
I'm not really sure what to do, because I don't like taking "mood-altering" drugs, but at the same point in time I don't like feeling so crummy all the time either.
Any advice?
Thanks,
Kelly

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