I was misdiagnosed with IBS after my gall bladder was removed 4 years ago. I did everything to alleviate the IBSd but it was not until I insisted on trying Questran powder (almost yelled at my gastro). Taking the powder controlled the diarrhea. Unfortunately, a small amount of the powder (1/4 teas. every other day), binds me. If I don't take the powder I have all the BAM symptoms; especially d.
Three months ago I was prescribed Cymbalta for anxiety and depression (30 mgs. daily). Both meds have the side effects of constipation. I found that taking both I have a real problem with constipation (I don't like laxatives so drink a lot of prune juice -- helps but too much sugar).
As an experiment, I stopped the powder and now take 1 30 mgs and 1 20 mgs Cymbalta at different times during the day and my stool seems so much more normal without the bloat, d, etc. I've even eaten foods that are on the avoid list for IBS/BAM and still no d. I don't know if I'm doing right by not taking the powder but it doesn't seem right now that I need it because of Cymbalta's constipation side effect.
Has anyone else experienced this -- taking Cymbalta while taking Questran? If so, please tell me about your experience(s). Thanx.
Hi, i too have bam & have been taking questran until a few months ago. i had to stop as i have chronic pain in my hip related to inflamed gluteal muscles which i have steroid injections for a couple of times a year, & because of the time constraints of taking other meds when you take questran, i had to stop the questran or i woudnt be able to take cocodomol for the hip pain. (with questran you have to take any other meds 1hr before or 4hrs after). i am also on amitryptilline for ibs & nerve pain related to trigeminal neuralgia.
the amitryptilline have an anti cholinergic effect which means they slow down the part of the brain that controls digestion (bowels). i had to increase this in november due to a combined ibs/colitis flare for which i also had steroids for for 2.5wks. after coming off the steroids, the ami then does its job of slowing the bowels down in my ibs.
what i am leading upto is i wonder if your cymbalta also has an anti cholinergic effect?? if it does it may be serving you a 2nd purpose of slowing your bowels down. you could look on the medication leaflet in your cymbalta box or wikipedia to see if it says cymbalta has an anti cholinergic effect, which would explain if its having that beneficial effect on your bowels. hope this helps. x