Does trazodone help with IBS? (+9 indications)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
This article will discuss whether trazodone helps with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). We will also explore the common indications for trazodone, as well as its role in the management of IBS.
Does trazodone help with IBS?
No, trazodone doesn’t help with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, it can assist in the alleviation of pain and sleep disturbances that may occur in some individuals with IBS.
Trazodone is an antidepressant medication and should not be used when the patient has only IBS without concurrent mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety.
It works by inhibiting the reuptake of a neurotransmitter, serotonin, in the brain, as well as antagonizing its effects on specific receptors known as 5-HT2A, and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. The therapeutic benefits are attributed to these antagonizing effects (1).
If you are considering trazodone for IBS, consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable medications and treatment plan for you.
What does trazodone help with?
While trazodone is not a medication of choice for the management of gastrointestinal disorders it can help with various other health conditions. These conditions may include the following (1):
- depression
- anxiety
- panic disorders
- post-traumatic stress disorders
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
- insomnia
- fibromyalgia
- eating disorders
- chronic pain
- neuropathy
However, it is important to note that while trazodone can be used in the management of various health conditions, including mental disorders, it should not be used without the consultation of a healthcare provider.
What does research suggest?
The use of antidepressant medications, trazodone included, is generally not part of the conventional approach to managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) based on research findings. Nevertheless, certain studies propose that patients might undergo unusual gastrointestinal symptoms following the administration of this medication, potentially heightening IBS symptoms for some individuals (2).
According to research, trazodone has been reported to cause gastrointestinal side effects in 15 to 25% of patients within a period of 3 months of use. Commonly reported gastrointestinal side effects include nausea, stomach upset, and diarrhea (3).
Which medications can be used for IBS?
Certain medications can be provided for the symptomatic relief of symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- Antispasmodic medications for the management of pain and stomach cramps associated with IBS, such as Bentyl and Levsin.
- Additionally, IBS can manifest with diarrhea or constipation. Depending on the specific symptom, appropriate medications can be provided.
- Laxatives such as Miralax or Amitiza can be given to patients experiencing constipation, while loperamide (Imodium) can be prescribed to reduce watery stools.
- Medications like Zelnorm and Lotronex can also be used in certain cases for managing the symptoms associated with IBS when an individual does not respond to conventional therapy.
What are the management tips for IBS?
Healthcare providers may recommend the following management tips for IBS:
| Lifestyle modifications | Making lifestyle changes, such as incorporating regular exercise and ensuring adequate sleep, can play a crucial role in regulating bowel movements and alleviating stress that might worsen the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. |
| Healthy diet: | Maintaining a balanced and healthy diet is crucial. Incorporation of probiotics and taking plenty of fluids, especially water is also important for maintaining healthy bowel function. |
| Avoiding triggers | Recognize and address sources of IBS, including stress, specific foods, medications that may induce IBS symptoms, and the use of alcohol and caffeine. Consider reducing or eliminating these triggers from your diet. |
In my opinion, trazodone is not a medication of choice for IBS and its associated symptoms. There are plenty of other medications that are frequently employed in managing IBS. The use of trazodone should be limited to its FDA-approved indications, as this medication may cause serious side effects in susceptible patients (4).
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Shin JJ, Saadabadi A. Trazodone. [Updated 2022 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470560/
2.-
Cuomo A, Ballerini A, Bruni AC, Decina P, Di Sciascio G, Fiorentini A, Scaglione F, Vampini C, Fagiolini A. Clinical guidance for the use of trazodone in major depressive disorder and concomitant conditions: pharmacology and clinical practice. Riv Psichiatr. 2019 Jul-Aug;54(4):137-149. doi: 10.1708/3202.31796. PMID: 31379379. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31379379/
3.-
Kelly K, Posternak M, Alpert JE. Toward achieving optimal response: understanding and managing antidepressant side effects. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2008;10(4):409-18. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2008.10.4/kkelly. PMID: 19170398; PMCID: PMC3181894. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181894/
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