IBS/Anti-depressants

I have posted here about my struggles with trying to get diagnosed with a GI issue. So my doc has ran every test and he believes it is IBS-D (moderate to severe because of how horrible my symptoms are) I have at least 4 to 5 bad days out of the week.

So here is my question my Dr has tried me on a couple of different meds and they seem to take off the edge of an attack but never really relieve me completely.

So he has decided to put me on a anti-depressant ( terrazore) a low dose he said that in many Studies that it has shown to help many people with there IBS. According to my doctor.

Heres the problem dh and I are trying to conceive and he said that I can not take this medication nor anyother medication while prego. So I know that is a decision for me to make on my own. But I just want to know if any one has taken this medication or something similar? Did it help?

Re: IBS/Anti-depressants

that was my next step - the anti-depressants!

i have SEVERE (one of the worst cases any doc has seen, LUCKY ME) IBS-D. When NOT pregnant - i would go after every single meal (and in some cases, which i call 'direct deposit', not even FINISH the meal and have to go)....

I didn't get to the anti-depressant step - because we got pregnant...and to be frank - it's the best thing to EVER happen to me digestively.

You can also ask your doctor about the pill that they give people for travellers' diahhrea (sp?) - that has been shown to mark some improvement for people! I clipped an article and it's in my file with my family doc - once i'm not pregnant to discuss it as a viable option!

eta: ask me ANYTHING about this, i'll help ANY way i can!!!!! - i have been dealing with it since i was 22'ish and i'm now 34 and until about last year - when a thread started on LIW about it - i truly felt soooooooooo alone!

Message edited 4/9/2009 1:12:04 PM.

Re: IBS/Anti-depressants

If a medication is keeping you healthier then you have to weigh the risk vs the reward.

I'm seeing some specialists now for meds for Crohns. Having a flare during pregnancy could be worse than taking meds.

There are meds out there that have a long history, documented studies. Of course no one wants to be on meds while pregnant but when I think if the pain I'm in I can't picture myself pregnant.