Is Dicyclomine Used for Anxiety? Plus 5 More Dicyclomine FAQs

If you live with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a prescription medication called dicyclomine can help reduce muscle spasms and cramping in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. But how does it work? And is dicyclomine used for anxiety or other conditions not related to IBS? Keep reading to find the answer to these and other commonly asked questions about dicyclomine.

1. Is dicyclomine used for anxiety?

Dicyclomine isn’t an FDA-approved anxiety treatment. Dicyclomine is approved only for pain and muscle spasms caused by IBS. It’s often referred to as an antispasmodic treatment, and it’s typically taken as needed for symptom flare-ups. But since it helps reduce pain and cramping, dicyclomine may indirectly help with anxiety symptoms related to IBS.

Anxiety and IBS often go hand in hand. Dicyclomine can have an indirect effect on anxiety, but it’s not the best way to manage your anxiety symptoms. Therapy, regular exercise, and antidepressant medications are better options to consider. Also, treating your anxiety may even help improve your IBS symptoms. So don’t hesitate to talk to a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing anxiety that affects your day-to-day life.

Good to know: Dicyclomine may cause or worsen anxiety for some people. In clinical studies, nervousness, agitation, and trouble sleeping were all reported as dicyclomine side effects. If you notice new or worsening anxiety after starting dicyclomine, let your prescriber know. They may want to lower your dosage or try a different IBS medication.

 2. How does dicyclomine work?

Dicyclomine belongs to a group of medications called anticholinergics. It works by blocking the actions of a chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) that helps contract your muscles and move food through your gut. Blocking it helps relax the muscles in your gut. In turn, this helps relieve muscle spasms and pain.

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But blocking acetylcholine can also cause significant side effects. This is a main reason why dicyclomine isn’t considered a first-choice medication for IBS. The benefits of taking it don’t always outweigh the risks.

3. How long does it take dicyclomine to work?

Dicyclomine starts working quickly — it reaches peak levels in your bloodstream within 60 to 90 minutes of taking it. But its effects don’t last long. So you may need to take dicyclomine up to 4 times a day if your symptoms continue.

If your symptoms don’t improve after 2 weeks of dicyclomine, it’s best to stop taking it. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t rely on medication alone to manage IBS. Talk to your healthcare team about foods to eat and avoid and other lifestyle changes that can help improve your symptoms.

4. Does dicyclomine affect your weight?

Dicyclomine generally doesn’t cause weight changes. Neither weight gain nor weight loss were reported in clinical studies. But dicyclomine can cause constipation and bloating for some people. This could make you feel as if you’ve gained weight. But it’s usually a temporary issue.

Dicyclomine can also cause nausea for some people. If it prevents you from eating normally, this could lead to weight loss, although it’s unlikely to be a significant amount.

Let your healthcare team know about any weight changes that occur while taking dicyclomine. Significant weight loss can be a sign of a more serious issue, such as irritable bowel disease, that requires further treatment.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Dicyclomine side effects: Review common and rare side effects that can happen while taking dicyclomine and what to do if they occur.

• Dicyclomine interactions: Learn which medications can interact with dicyclomine so you can avoid unwanted issues.

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) flare-ups: Learn the common causes of increased IBS symptoms and how to prevent flare-ups.

5. How long does dicyclomine stay in your system?

As mentioned, dicyclomine doesn’t last long in your body. It takes only about 6 hours for your body to clear one dose. This is why you need to take it 4 times a day for continued symptom relief. The upside of this is that if you experience bothersome side effects from dicyclomine, they’ll likely go away quickly as the medication wears off.

If you’re having trouble remembering to take dicyclomine throughout the day, or the dosing schedule isn’t convenient for you, talk to your prescriber. A longer-lasting treatment option may be a better fit for you.

 6. Who shouldn’t take dicyclomine?

Dicyclomine can cause or worsen constipation, so it isn’t typically recommended if that’s your main IBS symptom. Dicyclomine also isn’t recommended for adults age 65 and older because the side effects are riskier for this age group.

Dicyclomine can worsen certain health conditions, including:

• Glaucoma

• Myasthenia gravis

• Ulcerative colitis

• Certain heart conditions

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)

• Urinary retention (trouble peeing)

• Reflux esophagitis (irritation of the esophagus caused by gastrointestinal reflux disease)

It’s best to avoid dicyclomine if you’re living with one of these conditions. You also shouldn’t take it if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have liver or kidney problems, check with your prescriber before taking dicyclomine.

Dicyclomine isn’t approved for children, and it may be dangerous for infants. Be sure to store dicyclomine in a child-safe container that’s out of reach of children who live in or visit your home.

How to save on dicyclomine

Dicyclomine is available only as a generic medication. GoodRx can help you save over 65% off the average retail price. Dicyclomine’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $17.28 for a 30-day supply with a free GoodRx coupon.

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Written by:

Emilie White, PharmD

Emilie White is a clinical pharmacist with over a decade of hospital pharmacy experience. Her professional areas of interest include critical care as well as infectious and autoimmune diseases.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Ferras Bashqoy, PharmD, BCCCP, BCPPS

Ferras Bashqoy, PharmD, BCCCP, BCPPS, is a clinical pharmacotherapy specialist in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital in New York City. His favorite part of the job is working with preterm newborns because they are strong and mighty despite their size.

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