Visceral hypersensitivity syndrome is one proposed cause of IBS. That's when the signal between your bowels and brain is TOO LOUD! That leads to excess pain and other IBS symptoms. IBS: Treatment with Antidepressants. Antidepressants are commonly used to treat IBS. They are especially effective in treating people with IBS who have discomfort that seems out of ordinary after a normal looking or slightly distended abdomen. They include medications used to treat overactive bladder, Parkinson's disease, diarrhea, vomiting, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), muscle spasms, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other conditions which involve involuntary muscle movement. Diagnosis. There's no test to definitively diagnose IBS. Your doctor is likely to start with a complete medical history, physical exam and tests to rule out other conditions. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder. IBS is not the same as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a more serious condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract and can result in severe complications. IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME OVERVIEW. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition of the digestive system. Its primary symptoms are abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits (eg, constipation and/or diarrhea). Learn about amitriptyline ((Elavil, Endep) an antidepressant drug used to treat depression. Drug interactions and side effects are also included in the information. Nortriptyline, part of the class of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants, is often used as a preventative to fight chronic pain. Obviously, as an antidepressant, it’s commonly used to treat symptoms of depression. Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, is a GI disorder with symptoms and signs of constipation, abdominal cramping and pain, bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort. IBS treatment and management includes medications, diet that includes low FODMAP foods, and lifestyle changes. Get relief from irritable bowel syndrome with these research-backed IBS treatments.