See information below on IBS and this treatment. To create a Treatment Checklist, go to the bottom of the screen and enter your information in the four sections: 1) past or present use, 2) frequency and duration, 3) did this treatment work?, and 4) significant side effects. To see the next treatment either click on the treatment list at the bottom of the screen or click ‘Save and Continue to Next Treatment.’ Click ‘Submit (Done)’ to generate a list to print or email, to discuss with your physician.

Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

How it works:
Acts on serotonin levels in nerves within the gastrointestinal tract, spinal cord, and brain to improve abdominal and bowel symptoms.
Which symptoms it helps:
Overall IBS symptoms. They accelerate GI transit and therefore may improve symptoms of constipation as well.
How long it takes to see a benefit:
2-4 weeks.
Who may benefit:
All IBS subgroups but may be particularly useful in IBS-C.
FDA approved:
N/A
Dosage:
The dose varies between SSRIs.
Special considerations or risks:
Serotonin syndrome could happen as the result of drug interactions with monoamine oxidase inhibitor medications. Abrupt discontinuation of SSRIs may precipitate dizziness, gastrointestinal distress, fatigue, chills, and body ache.
Most common side effects:
Insomnia, drowsiness, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction, and weight gain.

Recommendation:
There is currently no recommendation from the ACG to support the use of SSRIs to treat IBS.

Recommendation:
WEAK
Quality of Evidence:
LOW
Level of Evidence:
√-
Past and Present Use Frequency and Duration Did this treatment work? Significant Side Effects
Past Use   Present Use   Yes   No   N/A