Meds Not Helping My IBS+D

By benzoba

1 min read

I have been dealing with IBS+D for 2 1/2 years. I was first given CREON and I took 2 pills before each meal. That didn't help so my gastroenterologist suggested to add 1 pill in between meals.

A year later Viberzi was added and I took 1 pill in the morning and 1 at night. Well, the benefits were short lived. I still get diarrhea within an hour of eating. I have cut out spices, fried foods and soda. Any treatment out there that really works.....please post.

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tmholland Contributor
<inline-mention user-id="2339661" username="benzoba"/> , Unfortunately, there is no one plan or diet that will help everyone. To the contrary, IBS is really particular to all of our different physiologies and mental/emotional health. It took me three years to get a combination of meds, diet, exercise and therapy that finally worked...for a time. Most people find themselves needing to make adjustments. It's frustrating and challenging, but with a little patience I know you will find the path is that works for you. There is so much information here on the site. Talk to your doctor and try different things. Hopefully you will find some relief soon. Please keep us in the loop with your progress and know that we are always here for support. I hope you are having a good day. -Todd, <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net' target='_blank'>IrritableBowelSyndrome.net</a> Team
tonmat54 Member
I have wondered about creon. My husband takes it for chronic pancreatitis, but heard it may help a certain condition related to IBS. Can’t remember the name. I was given samples of the Viberzi, but never took it, because I didn’t like the side effects listed. I’m interested also. I have IBS-d. Thank you!
1. Amy Dodd Pilkington Contributor
 Hi, <inline-mention user-id="2309095" username="tonmat54"/> ! Thanks for your reply! If you decide to try CREON, please update and let me know if it helps. I am always interested in hearing about what works for others. Hope you are doing well! -Amy, <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net' target='_blank'>IrritableBowelSyndrome.net</a> Team
2. tonmat54 Member
 Well, I would have to make the trip from Key West to Ft Lauderdale to see if anything helps. I told my friend you have to get off freeway now. Around Miami in driving rain. She found somewhere in the nick of time. Thanks everyone! I know what works for some doesn’t for others. It seems that was stress triggered, but other times I don’t. I’m going through allergy testing for skin issues so wonder if it’s not all related.
judyvan Member
Have had diarrhea for almost 50 years. None of the Viberzi-like drugs have worked for me. Immodium does and I can get by with 1 a day, more when travelling.Been taking it since 2000. The best thing is to be prepared and not worry about it. Continue to live your life. Of course that includes wearing diapers but it is better than not having a life. I've been on many long airplane rides, bus tours, boat rides. We take a porta potty in the minivan. This of course means ruling out any serious conditions; but you are seeing a gastro. Recently using Glipizide for diabetes has literally turned my diarrhea from possibly 3 to 5 times a week to once a month or less. Not saying it would work for you, but somehow taking care of the amount of sugar in my stool has worked for me. I am serious about 50 years. I am 74 years old.
1. Amy Dodd Pilkington Contributor
 <inline-mention user-id="2308172" username="judyvan"/> , Thank you for sharing these suggestions! I am so glad you have found some relief. While what works for some may not work for others, it is always good to have ideas to mention to the doctor. Again, thanks for sharing. Wishing you many symptom-free days! -Amy, <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net' target='_blank'>IrritableBowelSyndrome.net</a> Team
corgimom Member
I have suffered with IBS since I was at least 3. Over the years, I have found that sometimes I know what triggers a flareup, sometimes I don't. One thing I know is that when I get VERY upset and anxious, a flareup isn't far behind. The emotional-upset flareups can last for days. I have found that taking .5 mg of Ativan stops the anxiety, and better yet, stops the flareup. Ativan is addictive, so I take it very sparingly- maybe once every 3 months- but it has helped tremendously.
1. Amy Dodd Pilkington Contributor
 <inline-mention user-id="2305768" username="corgimom"/> , It certainly is frustrating trying to figure out what triggers a flare, isn't it? Stress tends to be a factor for me as well. I am glad you have found some relief with Ativan, and I am hoping you enjoy plenty of symptom-free days in the future! -Amy, <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net' target='_blank'>IrritableBowelSyndrome.net</a> Team
2. tonmat54 Member
 I might try that on my trips. If I ever get to go again.
307faith Member
Sorry to hear.... when I go out I take a pill called Diphen/Atrop 2.5mg (the generic of Lomotil). It's a prescription that my internist gave me..(twice daily as needed - it says on the label) It gives me peace of mind when I'm out. Also, I stopped eating any food containing Gluten and it seems my flareups are much further apart. All the best.
1. Kelly Dabel, RD Community Admin
 Thank you for sharing your experience 307Faith. Glad to hear you have found something that is helping you feel better. Best, Kelly, <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net' target='_blank'>Irritablebowelsyndrome.net</a> Team Member
Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
Hi <inline-mention user-id="2339661" username="benzoba"/> , Have you tried any diet change? For me this helped tremendously. No diary, sugar or grains. Having no grains includes no gluten. I've also found it is important to limit fiber when the diarrhea is bad. Also lowering anxiety/stress is a big one. How have you been feeling lately? I hope you have had some relief since you posted this. Big hugs to you, Elizabeth (team member)