Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | I think this is pretty bad advice...

there's no reason for Bentyl to put you into remission. No drug can do that - you have to pretty much take preventive steps to manage IBS everyday, because nothing is going to permanently, physically change the nervous system of your gut. Bentyl is only effective for 4-6 hours, then it wears off completely. If it stabilizes you, you will be more likely to remain stable...but a trigger (from diet, stress, the weather, whatever) could then set you right back off again.

And prescribing Zelnorm to counter-act the Bentyl is a horrible idea. First of all, this is a drug you have to take every single day, not just as needed. Second of all, it should NEVER, EVER be prescribed to someone who is prone to diarrhea. Good Lord, the FDA just issued a new warning about this whole issue, and your doc should be aware of it.

Personally, I'd steer totally clear of the Zelnorm, and I'd see if I can taper off the Bentyl till I'm just taking them as needed, and keeping myself stable with diet, a soluble fiber supplement, and things like the peppermint caps and/or herbal teas. Much safer, and much more likely to work, without causing you side effects that require other drugs to counter-act.

- 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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