Tag: Functional gastrointestinal disorders

According to research published in *The Lancet* in 2023, low-dose amitriptyline has been found to significantly improve symptoms for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This makes the drug a valid second-line treatment for certain digestive issues, despite being primarily known as an antidepressant.

According to a 2023 study published in *The Lancet*, low-dose amitriptyline was shown to be an effective treatment for many symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), but not necessarily for bloating. Therefore, the question of whether **is amitriptyline good for gas and bloating** requires a nuanced answer that addresses its specific function and limitations.

Research shows that over 40% of people worldwide suffer from functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), with about 50% of those patients also experiencing anxiety and depression [1.6.2]. If you're wondering **what antidepressants help with stomach problems**, it's crucial to understand their role as neuromodulators that influence the gut-brain axis [1.3.7, 1.4.1].

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects about 12% of people in the United States, and a significant portion also experiences co-occurring anxiety or depression. For these patients, using an antidepressant like Zoloft to help with IBS symptoms is a potential treatment path that leverages the complex connection between the brain and the gut.

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, antidepressants like tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are strongly recommended for treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This practice explores the fascinating connection between the gut and brain to determine **what antidepressants are good for gut problems**, how they work, and which options might be suitable for different symptoms.

Recent studies, including the 2023 ATLANTIS trial published in *The Lancet*, have shown that low-dose amitriptyline can significantly improve symptoms in patients with moderate to severe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This has brought increased attention to the medication's specific effects on the digestive system, prompting questions about whether **is amitriptyline good for gut health** in a broader sense beyond symptom management. While it is not a probiotic or general gut health supplement, its mechanisms of action on the gut-brain axis make it a valuable treatment for certain functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs).

Affecting around 1 in 20 people worldwide, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common reason for a specialist visit. So, why did my gastroenterologist prescribe amitriptyline, a medication originally for depression, for a gut issue?