Hi. I too feel that the starting to take Lexapro about 3 months ago has really helped me. It was the delicious icing on the cake b/c I felt that I was already on the road to stability with Heather's diet/acacia/hypno, etc.. Then I started the Lexapro b/c I could not keep my anxiety at bay and I was still having a few attacks. Since then, I am having problems with gas and bloating but no d, and I hear you...awesome to not have those cramps/painful spasms with bms and REPEATEDLY like I used to . Thank goodness I have not been keeled over on the couch except for a few bad gas episodes but I am so much more confident going out. I too worry about getting used to the drug. I told my doc originally that I was apprehensive to start it b/c if it worked I'd want to stay on it forever. What does your doc say about staying on Elavil forever? I imagine that's what you would like to do, right?
I also think though that being on this site and being aware of our diets, stress, etc. helps along with the meds...kind of like the combo of meds and cognitive therapy. This board is my cognitive therapy! So glad to hear that you're feeling well and finding joy in your life. I hope others can find success like we have. (By the way, I have gained weight too but I didn't want to!)
-------------------- Originally IBS-D for a million years!
Then IBS-A, Now a transformed slightly C