Easing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and preventing future “attacks” requires a smart strategy, not just one medication. Start with over-the-counter remedies. For immediate relief of diarrhea take loperamide (Immodium). For constipation, use an osmotic laxative (one that contains the active ingredients magnesium citrate, lactulose, or polyethylene glycol—such as Miralax or the prescription drug Lactulose); follow package directions. For gas and bloating, give simethicone (Mylanta, Gas-X) a try. Prescription drugs that help include dicyclomine (Bentyl) and hyoscyamine (Levsin), which ease muscle spasms. Antidepressants can block pain signals from your intestines to your brain.

• Don’t use stimulant laxatives such as Ex-Lax or Dulcolax. They contain ingredients such as senna and cascara that can trigger intense cramps.
• Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules are proven to reduce IBS muscle spasms, soothing abdominal pain and cramps.
• If you get diarrhea when you’re under stress, taking loperamide (Immodium) before a tension-causing event (like a trip or work meeting) can head it off.
• The antibiotic rifaximin (Xifaxan) eased pain, bloating and gas for 37% of IBS sufferers in one study. It kills bacterial overgrowths in your small intestine.
• People with IBS who did a progressive muscle relaxation exercise regularly were five times less likely to have pain and cramping in one study.

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