Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. You are taking a low dose compared to its use for depression. Frequently doctors will use low dose tricyclic antidepressant to treat symptoms of IBS which sometimes helps but frequently doesn't. In their report on the evidence based management of IBS the American College of Gastroenterologists says "Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are more effective than placebo at relieving global IBS symptoms, and appear to reduce abdominal pain. There are limited data on the safety and tolerability of these agents in patients with IBS (Grade 1B)." A grade 1B means "Strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence".

Some people on the board have reported reasonable results using these drugs while other have found them to be of no benefit.

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STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS

The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS

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