Seratonin & Irritable-Bowel Syndrome

Irritable-Bowel Syndrome is a common disorder. Yet, many people never seek medical treatment for it, according to the Mayo Clinic. Drugs that affect serotonin levels (mostly antidepressants) may offer some relief for IBS symptoms. There is no single drug to treat all IBS symptoms, so sometimes it may be trial and error. If one drug does not work, consult your doctor about another option.

Serotonin & IBS

• Two of the triggers for Irritable-Bowel Syndrome are stress and anxiety. Increasing serotonin levels in the brain may help control anxiety (especially related to depression) and in turn help relieve IBS symptoms. Consult your doctor on whether a medication that affects serotonin levels would be a good treatment for you. According to HelpForIBS.com, in fact, "Ninety-five percent of all serotonin in the body is found in the gut, not the brain." So the effect of antidepressants is often felt in the gut, too.

About Serotonin

• Serotonin is a neurotransmitter. This means it helps relay messages from one area of the brain to another. According to PsychCentral, serotonin may affect "mood, sexual desire and function, appetite, sleep, memory and learning, temperature regulation and some social behavior." An imbalance in serotonin levels is thought to lead to depression. It may also result in panic attacks, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Numerous antidepressant medications work to increase serotonin levels in the brain. They are known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors).

About IBS

• Irritable-Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects the large intestine. The symptoms can be unpleasant, but IBS does not usually cause permanent damage to the colon. According to the Mayo Clinic, the cause is not known. The condition is often controlled by changing your diet and lifestyle. Reducing stress can also help combat symptoms. Some doctors recommend fiber supplements, anti-diarrheal medications or antibiotics to treat symptoms. Antidepressants are another option, many of which affect serotonin levels.

Symptoms

• According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms can include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. Some people suffering from IBS may miss more work days than those who are healthy. They may cancel plans because they wish to avoid social situations, and their sex life may deteriorate because of the discomfort of IBS. All of these situations can lead to depression.

Warning

• When too much serotonin accumulates in your body, you could develop sorotonin syndrome. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms include shivering, diarrhea, fever and seizures. This illness can be fatal if not treated.