Despite much progress in the treatment of other types of IBS, limited treatments are available for IBS-C. In a recent RCT, 182 IBS-C patients were randomized to receive either Fluoxetine or Duloxetine Hydrochloride along with Dicyclomine for 2 months.

Study findings revealed –

SSRI antidepressants are known to provide relief from IBS symptoms. Duloxetine Hydrochloride, a SSNRI is found to be more effective in managing IBS-C than SSRIs.

IBS: Irritable bowel syndrome, IBS-C: Constipation predominant IBS, RCT: randomized controlled trial, SSRI: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors,
SSNRIs: selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.