What Causes Cramps When I Eat Or Drink?

Posted on Mon, 24 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 24 Mar 2014 Answered on

Mon, 14 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 63 year old male and I now take Verapamil ER 240 mgs for IBS, But I have bad cramping sometimes twice a week. It does not seem to matter what I eat or drink. And when I have a spell its bad, with several trips to the bathroom until it stops, Then it will be ok for 2 or 3 days, then I go through the same thing again. I then started taking Tamsulosin .4 mgs for my prostrate problem, but that made my IBS much worse, so I had to stop taking it, even though I need it. Can you help? I have went to my Dr. but he does not seem to help me.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: Follow the recommendations listed below Detailed Answer: Hi Mr. XXXXXXX Thanks for posting your query on this forum. * Cramps are common in Predominant Constipation type of IBS. Relief from constipation will reduce the cramps. * Tamsulosin is not known to have any adverse effect on IBS. So, you may continue with it for enlarged Prostate. Further, keeping your primary concerns in mind, I hereby recommend the following course of action :- # In addition to Verapamil, take a long-term (3-12 months)regular course of a combination of an anti-depressant (such as, Citalopram) + anti-anxiety drug (such as, Alprazolam or Clonazepam), which will drastically cut down the symptoms of IBS. # 3-4 weeks' course of a Probiotic, such as, Lactobacilli; and, pancreatic digestive enzymes. # For chronic constipation, the safest and equally remedy is to take Psyllium husk TWICE DAILY for an adequate duration, as per your treating doctor’s advice. The dose may be reduced once the bowel movements normalize. # Though, cramps will disappear following correction of constipation, an anti-spasmodic drug, such as, Tab Dicyclomine (20mg) may be taken as and when required. # Other Precautions/measures :- - eat slowly with adequate chewing of food; - high fiber diet and plenty of water intake; - inclusion of stool bulking agents, such as XXXXXXX in diet; - Do not chew gum or take carbonated/aerated drinks; - reduce excess weight; - Regular exercises. I am confident that, with the above medication and precautions, your IBS will remain in remission. Consult your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with me and prescribe suitable treatment as advised. Hope I have addressed your concerns to your complete satisfaction and you find my response helpful and informative. I will be happy to answer further queries, if any. Fond regards and have a nice day, Col (Dr.) Rakesh Karanwal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar