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Irritable bowel syndrome and Amitriptyline

Kate Kestrel

Hi everyone,

has anyone on here been prescribed low dose Amitriptyline for Irritable Bowel Syndrome- and if so - did it help at all?

A family member of mine (who is also autistic) has had long standing issues with digestive problems and a consultant has prescribed this for them. They’ve been taking PPIs for ages but haven’t helped much (in fact I sometimes wonder if they’ve made things worse in the long run). 

If anyone else has tried Amitriptyline for this issue (or for any reason) I’d appreciate any insights into whether or not it’s been helpful to anyone. 

thanks :) 

Parents

  • I mentioned it to my Dad who has IBS(D) and he said he tried it years ago but found it made him too sleepy. He didn't remember if it helped or not, but he didn't want to feel dopey all day. He uses codeine and loperamide for his, and avoids fibre. He found symprove very good, which is a gut bacteria thing, but not like the yoghurts, it is designed to pass through the stomach without being damaged by acid as you have to take it on a very empty stomach. He had been having to avoid lactose and beer but then he could have them. But he has to pay for it.

  • in reply to AuTriker

    Hi Triker - thanks for this reply - it’s really interesting. The side effects of Amitriptyline do look pretty unpleasant. I’m sure my family member would not like losing being alert. I haven’t heard of loperamide - thanks - I’ll have a look at that. Or Symprove - I’ll check that out too. My relative is allergic to dairy which means they can’t have all the yoghurt type products.

    thanks for your help! I really appreciate you taking the time to reply :) 

  • in reply to Kate Kestrel

    Loperamide is the generic name of imodium. IBS is quite debilitating, I hope your family member gets some relief.

  • in reply to Kate Kestrel

    I wonder how hard it is to make? Cabbage is cheap...

  • in reply to AuTriker

    Yes - I’d like to try sauerkraut- I’ve never had it but have been meaning to try it.. I’ve sometimes looked at it in a shop and been close to buying it - but then been tempted into spending the money on something more obviously nice (like a cake!Joy).

    These ‘health foods’ are so often really expensive. We’re on a budget so it’s hard to always give up the unhealthy treat for the more worthy offerings. 

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  • in reply to AuTriker

    Yes - I’d like to try sauerkraut- I’ve never had it but have been meaning to try it.. I’ve sometimes looked at it in a shop and been close to buying it - but then been tempted into spending the money on something more obviously nice (like a cake!Joy).

    These ‘health foods’ are so often really expensive. We’re on a budget so it’s hard to always give up the unhealthy treat for the more worthy offerings. 

Children