Anti-anxiety meds for urgency??

One of my last remaining problems is anxiety related urgency. Every time I get in a car, a checkout line at the store, morning meetings, walks not near a bathroom, etc., I experience really annoying urgency. I've been reading about Lexipro being effective for people with IBS.

Is anyone currently on this drug to help UC and can you get your GI to prescribe it instead of going to the primary doctor?

I asked my GP to prescribe me elavil for my anxiety related pooping. I had done some research and learned elavil has had some success for anxiety induced ibs symptoms. My GP agreed and also mentioned that it has a "dirty" side effect of constipating people so is often prescribed for ibs (dirty side effect meaning using the drug off label for its side effects). I've been on it over a year now. I can't say it's "cured" the issue but I'm sure it's helped "take the edge off" I'm only on 25mg, so, could likely ask to increase to see if it helps more but haven't bothered. I also saw a psychologist for the issues in conjunction with the meds and learned calming techniques to help me in these lack of bathroom anxiety related issues. Both helped me.

Hey Indy,

I'm on Lexapro and it has helped me. I started Entyvio at the exact same time so it's hard to say which one is doiong the work, but I feel like it's both. I went from about 10-12 trips a day to 5ish. My GP initially gave me Ativan, which works immediately. It's not as strong as Xanax, but the same type drug. After refilling it a few times, he felt like more of a maintenance drug (Lexapro) was worth trying. So, I take Lexapro daily and Ativan as needed. Usually just a half of one here and there.
I would talk to your GP about it instead of GI. They are usually reluctant to prescribe benzos (Ativan, Xanax, etc...), but they should know the kind of anxiety that goes hand in hand with this disease, and should be willing to write you a script.
Good luck.

Take magnesium citrate! I like SOlgar brand

Indycat, last fall I was dx with neuropathy in my feet. My pain management doc started me on neurontin and effexor. My previously soft serve urgent BMs became formed...the most formed since high school. She's still tweaking my meds and now I'm on cymbalta but my stool is still formed (almost too much) with no urgency and I'm positive it's from the anti-depressant. My new GI doc confirmed that it's used in IBD patients. I say give it a try.

Indycat23 said...
Jacket-do you take the Lexipro for just bowel related reasons?

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Well, I wasn't on it before UC if that's what you mean. My GI believes that I'm dealing with IBS as well as UC. This disease has definitely caused a lot of anxiety in my life (as I'm sure is has with everyone else). I think it has helped with my anxiety, which in turn has helped my UC (or IBS) whatever the hell they want to call it - it's all the same to me.

Post Edited (jacket fan) : 5/18/2015 9:14:51 AM (GMT-6)

Thanks Jacket & Journey-How hard was it to get your GP to agree to prescribe Lexipro?

I do need to try to stick with mesalamine enemas for a long period of time. I have a rather large stockpile of them at home but absolutely hate administering them. I do use canasa on a nightly basis though.