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What are antispasmadics?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/12/2012 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
What are antispasmadics? How do they differ from the maintenance drugs or prednisone? Are the prescription or are they over the counter? Any recommendations of what ones work? I think I see quincy and others refer to them and I think I understnad them but realize I don't think I fully do. Would like a better understanding as my GI has never discussed this atleast in that specific type of context.
Posted 9/12/2012 7:31 PM (GMT 0)
They differ greatly. I take Hyoscyamine (antispasm) and it's prescription (cheap though). I use it to slow down my gut slightly and it also seems to increase the effects of Lopermide Hcl (immodium). If I feel my gut churning I take one and it seems to resolve it. I find it kind of a miracle drug in that respect. It will not really reduce your bathroom visits or help you to remission like maintenance drugs or prednisone.

Prednisone is a steroid anti inflammatory drug. It reduces the inflammation which is one of the core causes of all your other symptoms. It's often used to speed up remission from a really bad flare. Nobody likes it.

Maintenance drugs like Remicade, 6MP, Asacol, etc. are to help maintain remission and reduce the length of any future flares.
Posted 9/12/2012 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
My doctor prescribed an antispasmodic for me when, aside from the "usual" urgency etc., I was also getting serious abdominal cramps. They helped me first by relieving the pain caused by the cramps, but they also had a slight (not enormous) effect on the urgency & frequency of bowel movements.

The drug he prescribed is: HYOSCYAMINE 0.125MG -- which dissolves under the tongue.
Posted 9/12/2012 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
I swallow mine, can't stand the taste or texture of those little tablets. My doctor also prescribed it for cramps, when I was telling him I was having actual skeletel muscle cramps :-\ In any case I quickly discovered it's power in relieving my guts churning, and sometimes just that uncomfortable have to go but not really feelings. I love the stuff.
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