Wellbutrin and IBS
Wellbutrin is a type of SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressant that is sometimes used to treat irritable bowel syndrome or IBS but .in much lower doses than what would be required for an antidepressant effect. As an antidepressant it works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain.
Serotonin is a type of neurotransmitter that is also present in large quantities in the gut. It helps to regulate many bodily functions including mood and the digestive system which is perhaps why is has proved helpful for some people with IBS. Indeed, IBS is often described as brain/gut dysfunction in that the interaction between the brain and the gut is somehow disturbed and the digestive system is not functioning as it should. The result is heightened pain sensitivity and changes in bowel movements such as diarrhoea, constipation or both.
Whereas most people are relatively unaware of the muscular contractions and other processes involved during digestion until such time that they feel the urge to pass a bowel movement, IBS sufferers are much more sensitive to these muscular contractions, which can be perceived as intensely painful.
One of the problems with IBS in general is that people experience it in different ways. One may have diarrhoea as their most predominant symptoms and another may have constipation, yet others might alternate between diarrhoea and constipation. Other symptoms include painful cramps, abdominal bloating, flatulence, mucous in the stools and a feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement.
Treatment involves finding something that works for the individual and for many, certain types of antidepressants have proved helpful, including Bupropion, which is the generic name for the brand name Wellbutrin.
Taking Wellbutrin
You should take Wellbutrin exactly as the doctor has prescribed, do not increase or decrease the dose. Like all drugs, Wellbutrin can also produce some unwanted side effects in some people although SSRI drugs are thought to be safer than some of the older types of antidepressants.
Some of the side effects associated with Wellbutrin include dry mouth, headache, nausea, sleeplessness and sweating. You should tell your doctor if you have any side effects at all but if you experience allergic reactions such as skin rashes, hives or swelling or if you have difficulty breathing then you must seek medical help right away.
Again, like all other drugs, there can be some negative interactions with other substances as well as contraindications to taking it so it’s important that your doctor knows your full medical history and is aware of any other medications you might be taking, even herbal or over the counter remedies.
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