- Researchers say that amitriptyline, an antidepressant, might help improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with predominant diarrhea.
- The Food and Drug Administration has issued a black box warning on an increased risk of suicidal ideation in teens and young adults when using amitriptyline.
- Lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications, exercise, and therapy, are typically considered first-line treatments for IBS.
Amitriptyline, a drug sometimes prescribed for depression, may help improve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, according to a study presented at the 2023 annual meeting of United European Gastroenterology.
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In their study, researchers from the Universities of Leeds, Southampton, and Bristol used information from general practitioners with input from people with IBS.
The physicians based the doses given to their patients on the severity of their symptoms.
Researchers reported that the study participants taking amitriptyline were more likely to report an overall improvement in symptoms as those who were taking a placebo.
The researchers recommend that doctors suggest their patients with IBS use amitriptyline to manage the symptoms of their condition. Taking a low dose of amitriptyline may help if symptoms do not improve with first-line treatment and constipation is not a predominant issue.
Lifestyle changes are typically considered first-line treatments for IBS.
These include dietary changes, such as increasing fiber consumption, as well as regular exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Medications are also sometimes prescribed. These include:
The researchers noted that previous small trials of low-dose tricyclic antidepressants for IBS showed a possible benefit in individuals seen in hospital clinics who had more difficult-to-treat symptoms.
The current study is the first…
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