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lil red chevy Senior Member  Posts: 172 |
posted 03-06-2003 12:11 PM
  
Hello again, I was wondering if anyone is using an antidepresant to help with IBS 'D'? I have heard that for some people when the IBS is stress related that it can help. I also have a low sex drive and I have heard that they can also help with that too. I guess I am wondering that if by going on antidepressants can I kill two birds with one stone so to speak? I do also suffer from mild depression from time to time but not sure enough so that I need meds. I also worry about gaining weight on this med as well? Any other ideas?Please help! lil red chevy IP: Logged |
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Katie G Senior Veteran  Posts: 755 |
posted 03-06-2003 12:53 PM
Hi chevy. I've heard some people have had good luck with low doses of antidepressants to control "D". I've been on 25 mg of Elavil for 15+ years due to fibromyalgia pain and difficulty sleeping. I also have IBS-D (20+ years) and the Elavil has not affected it in any way. I've had to go to other methods to control it. Did Elavil improve my sex drive? - no to that too. Maybe someone out there can give you a better spin on antidepressants, but I've only gotten some pain relief and better sleep from Elavil. Maybe another type of antidepressant since Elavil is considered a tricyclic. Good luck, IP: Logged |
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Sarah68 Senior Veteran Posts: 1507 |
posted 03-06-2003 02:02 PM
Have you tried the natural alternatives first? It may be worth doing this, as getting into the heavy antidepressants may not be good. As the name suggests, they are anti, take time to build up in your system and work by totally numbing you, so that you do not feel things at all. These are the Prozac type drugs and can make you feel totally detached from all your emotions and not feel a thing. This is not good, as you really need to deal with your feeling rather than suppressing them. Try St John's Wart first. This has been shown to be very successful in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Also, I would suggest that you try and find a Naturopathic Doc to go and see. Homeopathy is very good for depression and IBS and possibly acupuncture. I would recommend homeopathy however, as this will work on a very deep mental and emotional level as well as the physical level. Good luck. IP: Logged |
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lil red chevy Senior Member Posts: 172 |
posted 03-06-2003 08:33 PM
Sarah, How much do I take? What exactly will it do for me? I have been concidering trying wellbutrin sr. Just a thought still but I have been hraing good things. I will look into a little bit more first. Thanks! lil red chevy IP: Logged |
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Drea Senior Member Posts: 164 |
posted 03-06-2003 09:15 PM
Hey, lil red chevy! How's it going? Just wanted to give you the heads up, if you are on any other medication you should check for interactions with St John's Wort. IP: Logged |
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lil red chevy Senior Member Posts: 172 |
posted 03-06-2003 10:02 PM
Drea, I have missed chatting with you girl. I hope all is well. I read about the high colesterol thing. Hope you get that figured out. I am not on any meds at the present time. What is SADelite? or similar products? Dont really think that the sex drive thing is due to the season too much. I use to think that my hubby and I were rabbits...proved myself wrong tho. I could sail straight through til summer before wanting sex again. Makes me feel very bad for hubby though. He is my true soul mate and I do love him with all my heart. Not really sure where to turn. Have also heard of wellbutrin working for IBS too. What do ya think? lil red chevy IP: Logged |
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kat721 Newbie Posts: 0 |
posted 03-06-2003 10:32 PM
Hi Lil'red, Goodness, there is a lot of thought on the virtue or evil of the ever popular tricyclic anti depressaant and the SSRI class of med. A lot of information floating around out there and a lot more misinformation too. First, you need to get self educated on anything and everything you decide to try for treatment. You're going to find that everyone has an opinion and only from your own investigation will you find if that opinion is one that harmonizes with your needs or not. Taking supplimental herbs can be a dangerous endeavor if you don't know enough about herbs and dose and very real drug interactions, not to mention a lot of valid side effects herbs do have. the biggest problem with the whole herbal explosion is that too many people don't know enough about the plant substances they are trying to substitute for medicine. So play it safe and research your herbals before making a choice for an alternative. The SSRI and Tricyclic class of medication have been proven effective for IBS and IBD. You might want to do a search engine look on the use of these meds for IBS and IBD there's a lot of information available. Additionally, the same meds are also used for pain with significant results in the area of neurological pain. So it's important to investigate all possibilities and make a personal informed choice when looking for ones best comfort in a medical situation. Ones best choice will be which ever substance is effective. If an herb works for you, then great. If an SSRI works for you or a tricyclic antidepressant then that's great too. In the world of IBS or any other chronic condition of discomfort it's all about what brings us to a place of betterment. Personally, I like my SSRI and my Tricyclic antidepressant combination just fine. That, with some other things, sure does save my gut. And saving the gut is the optimum for me since I've already experienced colon shut down and emergency surgery and I have come to the conclusion that such experiences in life are no fun at all. So for me, yes indeed, yep, I take all those terrible bad meds. And my days are better for it. kat IP: Logged |
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dennie Member Posts: 67 |
posted 03-06-2003 10:36 PM
I've had good results with a low dose of Elavil. It does/can cause weight gain though, so beware. It's helped with the urgency/frequency part of my IBS-D. No, it's not for everyone, and some may find help with more 'natural' things. As far as the sex drive...one of the best ways of increasing it is the wise advice of... "If you don't use it, you lose it" The longer you abstain from intimacy, the harder it becomes to regain the desire. Be intimate in little ways, and work yourself back up to the level you're now missing. And it gives your partner the love and attention they need, and makes it easier for them to understand that you still need them too. IP: Logged |
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lil red chevy Senior Member Posts: 172 |
posted 03-07-2003 08:28 PM
Thanks for the info. Kat and Dennie. I do feel like I need to look into things a bit further before I decide what route is best for me. I do show my hubby affection every day. The problem is that he thinks its because Im wanting to have sex. He doesnt understand that sometimes it will lead to sex and sometimes it wont. I am a very touchy feely kinda person I love to hug and kiss and cuddle all the time but that doesnt mean I want sex all the time. I use to have a very high sex drive and it bothers me that it has been lack more and more. Again thanks for the replies! I hope you all enjoy the weekend! lil red chevy IP: Logged |
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Drea Senior Member Posts: 164 |
posted 03-07-2003 09:43 PM
Hi, lil red chevy, I agree with kat721, you must do the research, and of course, if you can treat with food, that is the way to go. Wondering, how long has the lessened drive been? I have an idea, lets test it. IP: Logged |
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sammy4 Senior Member Posts: 88 |
posted 03-08-2003 03:17 PM
Hi every one Just wanted to jump and ask where you get a SADelite.. how much are they? do you need a prescription?.... are they covered by OHIP? and last of all any link to IBS-C ; I was diagnosed with mild depression which was then diagnosed as SAD and I was put on Anti-depressants... PAXIL and while they certainly got me over the hump I was a complete zombie. My husband (boyfriend at the time) was terrified he had never seen me so emotionless and hollow. I was thinking I would love to get a sunlight and self dose a little each day just to keep the serotonin levels up as I recall reading about the link between serotonin levels and bowel function. Any help would be great! thanks sammy [This message has been edited by sammy4 (edited 03-08-2003).] IP: Logged |
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kat721 Newbie Posts: 0 |
posted 03-08-2003 03:32 PM
One more idea here lil'red, How are your hormones doing? When's the last time you had your hormones tested no matter what age you might be. When the sex drive suddenly disappears it's always wise to look with in for the organic reasons and go from there. And hormones are the substance that makes the world go round. And there's no knowing what you really need until the blood tests are done and ones numbers are charted over a period of time. I don't advocate supplimenting with physto hormones unless you get your blood tested to see what's missing or maybe even to excess. Yes, excess anything in the hormone category can be just as bad as depletion. Hormones are some complicated territory. I had a hysterectomy in April and I no longer have ovarys left so it's been a real learning experience with the hormnes this year. Before I became "in need of knowing" I have to honestly say I didn't have a clue until I started to experience these things first hand. kat IP: Logged |
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kat721 Newbie Posts: 0 |
posted 03-08-2003 03:40 PM
Sammy, a lot of people really do well on Paxil but my experience with Paxil was like yours only it had additional unpleasant side effects. I didn't think I could take an SSRI or a tricyclic anti depressant until they were backed down on dose and given to me at the lowest dose made. I still do NOT take Paxil. We really don't get along. but other meds now work fine. kat IP: Logged |
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Drea Senior Member Posts: 164 |
posted 03-08-2003 04:08 PM
Hi, Sammy4, I just researched the sadelite, spelled that way, & found a wide variety of prices, and I can't remember how much I paid, but certainly not 350 which was the high end of what I found. I've been using mine for 2 or 3 years now, just in the dark seasons. I cannot post what I found, it would be considered commercial according to the guidelines. You would have to check with you ohip to see if it is covered, and of course, it would probably have to be prescribed. What I did, was to rent it first from a health product store (not a drug store, altho you probably can find them there as well, but a store that addresses special needs) that way I was able to see if it would make a difference for me before I bought. Good luck! IP: Logged |
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Drea Senior Member Posts: 164 |
posted 03-09-2003 08:23 PM
Hi, lil red chevy, How did you get along, were you able to research the antidepression meds? I cannot tell you whether or not you need them, I don't know how bad your depression is... Wondering, did this just start after you started the metamucil wafers? or in October? Wondering when it began. I think you should pop in & see your physician, perhaps ask for counselling, do you suppose that would help? IP: Logged |
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lil red chevy Senior Member Posts: 172 |
posted 03-10-2003 10:25 AM
Im not realy sure when the sex drive lessened for me. It was quite sometime ago. I bet my hubby knows better than I do. :smile: (I know that it was before metamucil.) I have wondered about hormones being out of whack so maybe I will get that checked out a.s.a.p too. My periods have been changing and I have painful breasts just before my cycle. Could be hormones for sure. The weather has made it tough to get to the doctor at all really. As soon as it clears up a little I will go. I don't think that the depression is season related. I will keep that in mind though. I seem to get depressed most during painful times of the year. Like March is a bad month for me cause its the month that my dad was killed in a terrible accident. Things like that trigger my depression. I will get to the doctor soon....seems to be the best bet! Thanks for listening! lil red chevy IP: Logged |
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Sarah68 Senior Veteran Posts: 1507 |
posted 03-10-2003 02:21 PM
Hey, I have to say that your depression sounds very grief related and I would urge you not to take antidepressants, these will just suppress rather than allowing you to deal with this. I would urge you to try homeopathic treatment. It is very good for grief and depression issues and works at a very deep level and allows you to deal with things naturally and when you are ready to. IP: Logged |
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lil red chevy Senior Member Posts: 172 |
posted 03-10-2003 10:22 PM
Sarah, What would you suggest? I get depressed at other times too. Do you think that the stress and depression could be causing my IBS 'D'? Thanks! lil red chevy IP: Logged |
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Drea Senior Member Posts: 164 |
posted 03-10-2003 10:45 PM
Well done, Sarah, I think you may have something, I wonder if grief counselling may help too, do you have access to that kind of counselling, lil red chevy? I was reading the Reader's Digest for March, it says depression is fairly common with ibs-d, just so you know you are not alone.. The d is not under control? Are the wafers helping with that? Are you eating the yogourt? Wonder if it would help to hold back on the yogourt til you get things settled? I am sorry things are not going well for you. Get better! IP: Logged |
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lil red chevy Senior Member Posts: 172 |
posted 03-11-2003 10:37 AM
I think that the wafers are definitly helping. I have been doing pretty good with the IBS "D" too. I still find that I am eating some trigger foods. Like yesterday was a killer. BUT I think I narrowed it down to a certain salad dressing so I hope that today is better. I have also started taking ginsing (sp?) and I have been taking the calcium for the past two days as well. In fact every morning I eat one wafer, I take one ginsing, I take one calcium, I take one vitamin for stress, I take one daily vitamin amd two vitamin c. I then eat anther wafer with my lunch and take another ginsing. Then I eat one last wafer with my supper or before bed. So far this seems to be working quite well except for my set back yesterday. I have also been eating yogourt. I find that I cant have it everyday yet. I usually eat one or two in a week to at least get some benefits. I would love any suggestions on the natural herbs and things from anyone who actually takes them and is having success. Thanks for listening! Sometimes thats the best medicine of all! lil red chevy IP: Logged |
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Drea Senior Member Posts: 164 |
posted 03-11-2003 04:00 PM
That sounds good, lil red chevy, I'm glad things are going better.  Take care. IP: Logged |
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lil red chevy Senior Member Posts: 172 |
posted 03-11-2003 08:26 PM
Thanks Drea, Been a long haul and Im sure its not over yet, but makes one have hope when things seem to be working finally. Best of luck! Keep in touch Drea! lil red chevy IP: Logged |
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kat721 Newbie Posts: 0 |
posted 03-12-2003 12:04 AM
Posted>> My periods have been changing and I have painful breasts just before my cycle. Could be hormones for sure.<<< Sounds like you've got part of the formula right with your ideas about diet and suppliments. IP: Logged |
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lil red chevy Senior Member Posts: 172 |
posted 03-12-2003 11:05 AM
Kat, Thanks for your post. Yes the pain of having IBS and trying to sort it all out is enough to make anyone stressed out. I hope to keep going on the right track. I have been feeling better all in all. I have also noticed a small difference in my sex drive, not positive why but I am guessing that it is because I have been feeling better in general. I have also started working out a little. I hope that my sex drive continues to grow. I realize it might never be the same as a few years back but I will take what I can get. Wish you the best! lil red chevy IP: Logged |
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farscape66 Senior Member Posts: 241 |
posted 03-12-2003 02:19 PM
I tried Prozac but it had unpleasnt side effects. Stomach problems, sleep all day, etc. Then I happened apon the all natural SAM-E and it helped quiet a bit. But not as powerful as the prosac was. IP: Logged |
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Drea Senior Member Posts: 164 |
posted 03-12-2003 08:03 PM
Hi, lil red chevy, Wow, sounds like you have a handle on things, that's great... I kind of think that it will just keep getting better, at least that is my hope for you. I found out too, that yoplait, if it says active bacteria contains l-acidophilous, too. & it has blackberry! Pretty cool. Probably take turns. Now, if you can do this naturally, that's best, but, if you decide to try Wellbutrin, I want you to ask the doc for lots of info on it. Make sure your decision is informed, ok? Keep us informed, please. IP: Logged |
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Sarah68 Senior Veteran Posts: 1507 |
posted 03-14-2003 04:47 AM
Hi, I would suggest the remedy IGNATIA in a 6 or 30x potency. This is one of the grief remedies. I don't know how long ago this accident happened? If in March time you respond to it again as an acute grief, then Ignatia is certainly a remedy to try and it might just give you that little stimulus that you need. You should be able to get it from a heathfood store and you let the tablet dissolve under your tongue. I would suggest taking three tablets a day for two days. Stop and then see what happens. Homeopathic remedies will carry on working for quite sometime after you have taken them. Hope this helps and good luck? IP: Logged |
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rach923 Senior Member Posts: 239 |
posted 05-17-2003 08:12 PM
i'm am on an antidepressant right now, which i find helps more than i originally thought with my nausea...i seem to have inherited all of my gastrointestinal problems from my grandfather, and he died of physical complications from severe depression...i'm on zoloft 50mg a day, and i thought it wasn't doing anything, so i tried to step down (i did it very slowly, trust me) however, after about four weeks being off it, i suddenly developed some significant anxiety and depression, after going back on it since then, i have felt relief...so i guess the good thing is that i CAN help with GI function, but eve at low doses your brain can become dependent on it.. however, i do not want to go off of it anytime soon, and i don't mind being on and antidepressant, b/c of my g-pa's problems, and the fact that when i was very physically ill two years ago i became depressed, so i figure if its being synthetically supplied, atleast i know its there, and i don't have to worry about being unstable without it... rach IP: Logged |
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B-J Newbie Posts: 2 |
posted 09-16-2003 12:18 AM
quote: IP: Logged |
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B-J Newbie Posts: 2 |
posted 09-16-2003 12:29 AM
Hi Kat 721 -appreciated your remarks. Interested in your comment regarding using a combo of SSRI & Tricyclic. -would like to know, if possible, what they were & the dosage involved -also, any suggestions regarding this & IBS-C thanks, B-J IP: Logged |
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Sarah68 Senior Veteran Posts: 1507 |
posted 09-16-2003 04:08 AM
Just to let you know, I was not talking about herbal remedies with my suggestion. I was actually talking about and suggesting HOMEOPATHIC remedies. There is a big difference between herbal and homeopathic remedies and many people get confused over this. What I was suggesting which is homeopathic carries no drug interactions act all so you do not need to worry. Herbal meds do, so you don't have to worry, where homeopathic meds do not. They work on a whole other level. I just wanted to make this clear and point this out as there does seem to be some confusion around. Good luck IP: Logged |
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nightangel00 Member Posts: 26 |
posted 09-20-2003 02:38 PM
Antidepressants have helped me. The doctor gave me remeron and its very good. It wont make you numb or anything. The only thing it does is give you a good pleasant sleep and a hunger that you could eat a truck. Also it makes you constipated (not too much). So this is the perfect drug for those with ibs characterized by diarreah specially those due to stress. Just beware of the gaining weight cause that can happen due to the increased hunger. This is my favorite side effect cause the ibs that have had recently had made me loose about 10 pounds and makes me feel terrible. I do try to stay away of these drugs, just only take them when im very anxious but its true they help. IP: Logged |
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Sarah68 Senior Veteran Posts: 1507 |
posted 09-20-2003 04:59 PM
I would strongly suggest that rather than taking antidepressants, that you go and find a good therapist and talk about the reasons that you are feeling depressed or getting anxious. If you seek professional help, then there is normally a good answer and you can get long term help with your problems. Antidepressants are really not a long term solution to any problem. IP: Logged |
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worrywort Senior Member Posts: 223 |
posted 09-20-2003 09:03 PM
I have had anxiety attacks now for 5 years and ibs for 2 and I have never tried meds but I am tired of feeling this way and I go see a psych this wed and I am going on meds, sometimes they can help and it may not return if you anxiety and stress go away. IP: Logged |
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Sarah68 Senior Veteran Posts: 1507 |
posted 09-21-2003 03:41 AM
worrywort, Rather than going to see a psychiatrist, who will definitely load you up with different meds, why do you not consider going to see a good therapist? They will let you talk about why you feel anxious in the first place and will help you to deal with it. If you actually realise the reasons that you get anxious and get to the bottom of this, then you can find longer term solutions, which will also help your stomach. Unfortunately, going to see a pyschiatrist and getting antidepressants, as I said in my last post is not a long term solution. IP: Logged |
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worrywort Senior Member Posts: 223 |
posted 09-21-2003 08:45 PM
I know why I have anxiety attacks and it is from drug abuse and I had an o.d 5 years ago and I am going on meds, I have seen more doctors and psychologist e.t.c in the last 5 years than most people have in a lifetime. I am only 25 and I am giving meds a chance because nothing else has worked, believe me I have tried everything before resulting to medication, I am not stupid, I don't even take meds when I am sick. thank you for the reply though! have a good one and god bless. the only other thing I haven't tried yet is hypnotism. and I am looking into that now. IP: Logged |
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nvrules Newbie Posts: 4 |
posted 09-22-2003 07:41 AM
well I thought I would put my two cents worth in on this as well. I have been struggling with the antidepression drug issue for 2 years now. I have finally found that wellbutrin is the best for me. I have been on it for about 2 months and it has helped so much. It does not make me into a zombie like effexor and celexa did. I can actually function like a normal human being. It also has not made me gain weight like the others. I am still working on my triggers and how to avoid them. But the pain and the D has really become very manageble. So for me I have finally put my self to rest that this is the best course of action for me. Good Luck it has been a nightmare getting to this point. IP: Logged |
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worrywort Senior Member Posts: 223 |
posted 09-22-2003 12:33 PM
nvrules, that is great!!!! I was on effexor xr and I had a bad reaction to it, I ended up in the e.r, I guess It just wasn't the one for me. That is the only med I tried so far and It sucked and it was only the second day I was taking it and it made me feel horrible. I have heard good things about wellbutrin and I am glad it is helping you! have a great day! IP: Logged |
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mycatsmom Junior Member Posts: 7 |
posted 09-28-2003 01:22 PM
My 2 cents worth: I've been on Effexor XR for 2 yrs & it's helped my anxiety & depression tremendously, which in turn has helped my IBS. The only side effect is that I've lost 22 lbs w/o even trying! I eat like a pig & needless to say I'm very happy with that side effect. But different drugs affect people differently so sometimes you have to experiment to find what works for you. I also find it helps to keep dairy products to a minimum. Oatmeal & plain rice seem to help. One more word of advice that I had to find out the hard way. A lot of sugarless products contain sweeteners like soritol & mannitol that can cause diarrhea. You have to read ingredients labels carefully! I can't even chew sugarless gum anymore. Anyway, do what works for you & best of luck to you. IP: Logged |
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worrywort Senior Member Posts: 223 |
posted 09-28-2003 10:53 PM
how wonderful that it has worked for you!! I hope I can be where you are soon! It is nice to read good stuff like that! take care. IP: Logged |
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