Millions Take These IBS Drugs, But a New Study Finds Serious Risks

A large U.S. study of more than 650,000 people with IBS examined nearly 20 years of health records.

Long-term use of some common IBS treatments — especially antidepressants and opioid-based antidiarrheals such as loperamide and diphenoxylate — was linked to a modest increase in all-cause mortality.

Other IBS medications, including antispasmodics and FDA-approved treatments, were not associated with a higher death risk.

The findings may help clinicians balance long-term IBS treatment choices and underscore the need for safer, personalized care and more safety research.