Sir, I am male 52 years old. I was facing ibs- diarrhea problems since last two months. Gas, bloating, abdominal cramps (more when I wake up in morning, poor appetite, anxiety, loose stools (twice in a day, feeling of uneasiness in stomach throughout day. I am a chronic depression patient and used antidepressants for 5 years (fluoxetine and paroxetine) and gradually withdrawn under medical guidance as my depression symptoms reduced. But after withdrawal of medicines I am facing stomach/gut issues. I don't have any other medical condition. My major problem is anxiety, constant cramps and uneasiness in stomach/abdomen and feeling of incomplete bowel emptiness. Kindly advise medication. All my blood reports are normal.

Dr. M Sri Vidhya VenkatesanPsychologist23yrs exp

Ask Free Question

Hi lybrate-user! your have gods name. Radha krishna, try meditation yoga exercise. Lots of fruits, vegetables, drink a glass of luke warm water before intake and after intake of bf, lunch or dinner. Avoid spicy foods. Avoid coffee, tea. Do undergo psychotherapy for anxiety. Build in your self confidence as well. With regards, psy. Msv.  

0 person found this helpful

Dr. Samuel WesleyPsychiatrist6yrs exp

Ask Free Question

Sir, there can be gastro intestinal side effects after stopping ssri medication especially paroxetine. This can be part of ssri discontinuation syndrome. It will require very slow taper or alternate medication. It can also gradually subside with time. If the ssri (fluoxetine, paroxetine) worked for your depression, then it will help you for the anxiety as well. So I would suggest to continue or restart the ssri. Also consider non pharmacological strategies like relaxation techniques, activity scheduling, cbt and lifestyle modification like exercise, diet and sleep hygiene. Kindly consult your psychiatrist for more information. Thank you.  

1 person found this helpful

Dr. S Jagadeeswar SinganamallaGastroenterologist10yrs exp

Ask Free Question

It is common to develop symptoms of ibs among patients of with depression and anxiety patients. There specific set of medicines for ibs with good response. If you have no issues of depression and anxiety now we can start the medicines related ibs. Non pharmacological therapies and diet management definitely plays important role in ibs.  

1 person found this helpful

Dr. Sushil Kumar SompurPsychiatrist19yrs exp

Ask Free Question

I'm sorry to hear about your struggles with ibs-d (irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea) and anxiety, especially following the withdrawal of antidepressants. It's important to approach your situation with a holistic perspective, considering both medical and lifestyle interventions. Please keep in mind that my guidance is general in nature, and it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. Here are some recommendations: consult a gastroenterologist: given your symptoms of ibs-d, consulting a gastroenterologist is important. They can provide a targeted treatment plan and rule out other possible conditions. Dietary modifications: follow a low fodmap diet, which limits foods that are known to exacerbate ibs symptoms. Increase your intake of soluble fiber, which can help with diarrhea by absorbing water and adding bulk to stools. Avoid trigger foods that can worsen diarrhea and cramps, like caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and high-fat foods. Keep a food diary to track what you eat and how it affects your symptoms. Medications for ibs-d: antispasmodics like hyoscine (buscopan) can help reduce abdominal cramps. Loperamide (imodium) can be used for controlling diarrhea. Probiotics might help some people with ibs by improving the balance of bacteria in the gut. Managing anxiety: since anxiety can exacerbate ibs symptoms, addressing your anxiety is important. Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy (cbt) or other forms of counseling. Mindfulness techniques, relaxation exercises, and regular physical activity can also help manage anxiety. Discuss with a healthcare provider if medication for anxiety could be beneficial in your case. Regular exercise: regular, moderate exercise can help reduce stress and improve bowel function. Stay hydrated: ensure you drink enough fluids, especially if you have diarrhea, to prevent dehydration. Monitor and adjust: keep track of your symptoms and how they respond to different treatments and lifestyle changes. This can help in identifying the most effective approach for you. Consider potential medication side effects: sometimes, the withdrawal from certain antidepressants can temporarily worsen ibs symptoms. Discuss with your healthcare provider if this could be a factor in your case. Remember, managing ibs-d often requires a combination of dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, medication, and addressing psychological factors like anxiety. It's important to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan.  

0 person found this helpful