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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Health Center

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Related Topics

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Health Center

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Antianxiety Medicines for Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Topic Overview

Antianxiety agents (benzodiazepines) are used to treat anxiety and panic disorder. For some people, these medicines may be appropriate for occasional, short-term use to help relieve anxiety that is making the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) worse. These medicines may not be as useful for long-term use, because they may interact with other drugs and they may be habit-forming.

Here are some examples of antianxiety medicines. Your doctor may give you one that is not in this list.

Recommended Related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Who Is at Risk for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

It is not clear what causes irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, but certain factors seem to make some people more vulnerable than others. Risk factors for IBS include: Sex. About 80% of IBS sufferers are women, reports the American College of Gastroenterology. Researchers aren't sure why this is so, but they suspect that changing hormones in the female menstrual cycle may have something to do with it. Age. IBS can affect people of all ages, but it is more likely to occur in people...

Read the Who Is at Risk for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? article > >

Buspirone (BuSpar) is not a benzodiazepine but it is sometimes used to treat anxiety and IBS.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning on clonazepam (Klonopin) and the risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts. The FDA does not recommend that people stop using this medicine. Instead, people who take clonazepam should be watched closely for warning signs of suicide. People who take clonazepam and who are worried about this side effect should talk to a doctor.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 17, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.