My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Digestive Disorders Health Center

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Health Center

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Related Topics

Email a Friend

Print Article

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Health Center

Tools & Resources

Font Size

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

WebMD 5: Gastrointestinal Disorders

Do you have bloating? Heartburn? Stomach pain? Jonathan Schreiber, MD, gastroenterologist at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore and clinical assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, sheds light on gastrointestinal disorders.

Read the WebMD 5: Gastrointestinal Disorders 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.