Up to 70% of patients with irritable bowel syndrome report having a lower quality of life due to the condition. Here, well look at how medication can help! Irritable bowel syndrome is a lifelong condition, but the constipation, diarrhea and pain which accompany IBS can often be eased. Medication which treats IBS symptoms is aimed at preventing the condition from interfering with a patient's daily life. People whose main IBS complaint is abdominal pain and cramping may benefit from a group of medications called anticholinergics, including dicyclomine which is branded as Bentyl, and hyoscyamine, which is sold under various brand names. Other medications that may ease these symptoms include an older form of anti-depressants known as tricyclics. When prescribed to treat IBS pain instead of depression, these medications are usually taken in much lower doses. These options, which are generally taken about a half an hour before meals, may relax the muscles of the stomach and intestines, in turn providing pain relief by preventing abdominal cramping. Amitriptyline, which is sold under the brand name Elavil, and nortriptyline, or Aventyl, are two examples of tricyclic antidepressants. If constipation is the primary symptom of IBS, fiber supplements like Metamucil, and over-the-counter stool softeners, may help to get things moving. If these are not helpful, stronger medications like stimulant laxatives, may be used. Marketed under names like Correctol and X-Lax, laxatives increase muscle contractions that move the stool through the body. Stimulant laxatives should only be used for short periods of time, as the body can start to rely on them to have bowel movements. On the other end of the scale, if diarrhea predominates in an individual, antidiarrheals like Lomotil or Imodium may be taken to ease the symptoms. Lomotil is available by prescription only, and works by slowing the contractions of the intestinal muscles. Meanwhile, Imodium, or loperamide can be purchased over-the-counter. One medication which also curbs diarrhea is called Lotronex. This prescription drug binds to serotonin receptors in the brain. Lotronex was the first medication to target the connection between the intestines and the brain. In 2000, Lotronex was taken off the market when it was found to contribute to ischemic bowel disease, a potentially deadly condition that follows from a low oxygen state due to inadequate blood flow to the bowel. Recently though, the medication was re-approved for use in women only under a tightly regulated prescribing program. While these medications are often effective, in many cases of IBS, the symptoms can be controlled with lifestyle treatments, such as dietary changes and psychological counseling. However, if your condition interferes with your daily activities and lifestyle, please talk to your doctor about medicinal treatments available for irritable bowel syndrome.