Hi,
Has anyone had any experience with any over the counter medications for IBS? or do any exist? I have tried raw bran, watching my diet etc,etc, but nothing seems to help. Does paxil cause diarreah? Somedays I do not want to go far from my house in case my IBS acts up. When I am anxious -forget it- I lose all control. I would be greatful for any help! Thanks all!
Lora

Lora,

I don't have IBS but do have colitis. Go to the library and check out the colitis books. The symptoms for both conditions are similar and the lifestyle changes are as good for IBS as colitis.

Good wishes to you!
dale

Hi Dale,
Thanks for your reply. I will go to the library and check out some information.
Lora

Hi Lora! I have found that Imodium has been a great short-term diarreah solution. I prefer Imodium Advanced, as it is chewable and works much more quickly.
CharlestonSC32M

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P.S. I usually hang out in the "General Comments / Inquiries Concerning ATTACKING ANXIETY & DEPRESSION", "Lesson 1 Anxiety & Depression: Symptoms, Causes and Common Fears", and "Suggest a Forum" forums. If you are inclined to email me, please let me know in the "General Comments/Inquiries Concerning ATTACKING ANXIETY & DEPRESSION" forum. Once done, I will temporarily enable my email visibility.

Hi Lora,

When I was first diagnosed with IBS, my doctor told me to eat lots of fiber and take Metamucil or Citrucel. It turned out that that was the worst thing for me! My system can't handle fiber well at all.

My IBS got much better when I started taking Librax, which is an anti-spasmodic. It is prescription medicine, not over-the-counter, but it has done wonders for me!

I also found out that I am lactose intolerant. I read that many people who have IBS are also lactose intolerant, and vice-versa. I started feeling better after cutting down on dairy, and taking Lactaid.

On Friday night, I got an IBS attack while I was at a Sunday School social held at our teacher's house. It was that time of the month, which was probably an additional trigger on top of anxiety about not being in a "safe" place. Before I went, that was "the worst possible thing I could imagine." But it happened, and I lived through it and it was no big deal. No one even knew - I just excused myself to the restroom and no one noticed. And I used my coping skills, didn't have a panic attack, and stayed the whole night and enjoyed myself.

I'm glad I finally have a place where I can write "embarrassing" stuff like this. I don't feel comfortable telling anyone else (except my sister because she has IBS, too.) But I know someone out there knows exactly what I'm going through and can relate.

My experience Friday night showed me that I CAN get through this and my coping skills ARE working. We just need to hang in there!

Hi CharlestonSC32M
Thanks for your advice! My doctor has recommended Imodium Advanced and it seems to work quite well for me too. I always carry it with me 'just in case'. Thanks again.
Lora

Hi renee1234,
My heart went out to you when I read about your experience on Friday night. I can relate so much! I am so happy that the coping skills helped you get through that episode easier! I also tried the raw bran etc, etc and it didn't help me all that much either. My doctor suggested Immodium (over the counter med) and its seems to help quite well. I have been feeling alot better since going through the program and the IBS is not quite as bad as it used to be. You are right...it is great to be able to talk about this horrible problem with those who understand. I hope all is well with you! Thanks for your advice and kind words. God Bless You.
Lora

quote:

Originally posted by Lora:
Hi CharlestonSC32M
Thanks for your advice! My doctor has recommended Imodium Advanced and it seems to work quite well for me too. I always carry it with me 'just in case'. Thanks again.
Lora

Hi Lora! You are very welcome for the advice. I'm really glad that it is working well for you. BTW, I carry some with me too! LOL.