Your Choices in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Medications
Irritable bowel syndrome can be quite distressing because of the pain that is caused by bloating and cramping as well as the presence of diarrhea or constipation. While it is not a permanently damaging condition, it can be disabling for some and can even curtail social and work obligations. Irritable bowel syndrome medications are often needed as the condition becomes more serious and affects the way you live your life.
About 20% of the population has irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and some people suffer through it without realizing they even have it. Women more often than not develop IBS and it can start as early as age 30 in about half the people who have it. Age 30 is way too young to be dealing with this distressing problem so irritable bowel syndrome medications should be prescribed to keep the condition in check.
Over the Counter Options
Your doctor will prescribe a course of treatment based on your unique symptoms of IBS and you may start on irritable bowel syndrome medications that are over the counter remedies first. If your symptoms include constipation, your doctor may suggest you take laxatives to help loosen your stools. For diarrhea symptoms, you may have to search for over the counter anti-diarrhea irritable bowel syndrome medications like Imodium.
Fiber supplements may also be encouraged to help bulk up your bowel movements in the event you do have consistent diarrhea. Even when you are taking these over the counter irritable bowel syndrome medications, you should following the instructions for taking them over the instructions on the product packaging.
Prescribed Options
When you have IBS, your colon sometimes will have spasms which contribute to the pain of the condition and causes great distress overall. Therefore, one of the irritable bowel syndrome medications your doctor may prescribe are anti-spasmodics to control these involuntary spasms that cause the pain.
Anti-depressants may also alleviate some symptoms of IBS as well as mild muscle relaxants which target the intestines and bladder. Of course, this irritable bowel syndrome medications must be taken as prescribed under the doctor's care because they can be habit-forming. Other medications like a drug called Lotronex can be prescribed, but only in last resort limited quantities and only to women who have not had successful IBS treatment.
Perhaps one of the most important irritable bowel syndrome medications is not really a drug at all - it is the reduction of stress. Leading a stressful life can definitely exacerbate the effects of IBS and proper relaxation techniques and deep breathing exercises just might be the best among any irritable bowel syndrome medications today.
