Can Lexapro Help Treat IBS Symptoms?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gut condition that causes uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, gas, cramps, and irregular bowel movements. These symptoms can take a toll on your daily life. 

There’s no cure for IBS, and finding the right treatment can be difficult. Most people need a combination of treatments to keep their symptoms under control. This can include diet changes and medications. Experts may use medications that were originally designed to treat other conditions, such as escitalopram (Lexapro), to help treat IBS.

But can Lexapro really ease IBS symptoms? And how does it work? Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering adding Lexapro to your IBS treatment plan. 

Does Lexapro work for irritable bowel syndrome?

Lexapro is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It’s FDA-approved to treat depression and anxiety. But it’s also used off-label to treat other conditions, including IBS.

There’s evidence that Lexapro can help improve IBS symptoms. In one review of 19 studies, people with IBS who took SSRIs (like Lexapro) reported they could go about their daily activities without IBS symptoms getting in the way. Another review found similar results. But in both studies, Lexapro didn’t seem to have any impact on pain.

People with IBS often have a disconnect in their brain-gut connection. Signals between the brain and gut may be too strong or frequent, leading to pain and other symptoms. Experts think that Lexapro and other antidepressants can help IBS symptoms by modifying pain messages that pass between the brain and the gut. This can help the brain-gut connection reach a steady state so people have fewer symptoms over time. 

Experts have noticed that SSRIs also help the gut move more predictably in people with the IBS-constipation (IBS-C) subtype. So, Lexapro may have even more benefits for people with IBS-C. 

How long does it take for Lexapro to help with IBS?

Lexapro doesn’t start working right away for IBS. In one study, people noticed improvements in IBS symptoms after taking Lexapro every day for 3 months. Another study found that some people started seeing results within 6 to 8 weeks. But the authors noted that people were less likely to experience relapses if they continued taking it for 6 to 12 months.

Some experts recommend taking Lexapro for at least a year to treat IBS. This allows you to have symptom relief and gives your body time to re-establish the brain-gut connection. 

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Understanding irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Our guide explains the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for IBS.

• What’s the link between diet and IBS? Learn which foods can trigger IBS symptoms and how diet affects the condition.

• Treating IBS: Discover which medications are most effective for IBS symptoms.

Who can take Lexapro for IBS?

Some studies suggest that Lexapro is more helpful for people with IBS-constipation (IBS-C). But people with other types of IBS may also benefit from Lexapro. 

Lexapro is safe for most people. But it can interact with some medications. You may not be able to take Lexapro if you’re also taking:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) 

• Pimozide

• Tricyclic antidepressants

• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

• Other SSRIs

• St. John’s wort

• Some blood thinners

Your healthcare team can go over your medications to make sure Lexapro is safe for you. Let them know if you’re taking any vitamins or supplements. They can also make sure those don’t interact with Lexapro.

What are the risks of using Lexapro for IBS?

Lexapro may cause side effects like:

• Nausea 

• Headache

• Sexual dysfunction 

• Diarrhea

• Trouble sleeping

• Drowsiness

Talk with your healthcare team if you develop any side effects while taking Lexapro. They may adjust your medication dose so you’re more comfortable. Don’t stop taking your medication without talking to your team first. 

Can other antidepressants help with IBS?

Other types of antidepressants can also be used to treat IBS. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are another class of antidepressants that can help treat IBS. TCAs include medications like amitriptyline and nortriptyline. 

Tricyclic antidepressants are better at reducing abdominal pain from IBS. They can also help regulate how quickly food moves through your gut, which makes them a good option for people with IBS-diarrhea (IBS-D).

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Christine Giordano, MD

Christine Giordano, MD, is board-certified in general internal medicine. She received her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed residency at Thomas Jefferson University.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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