I have IBS-M and recently saw a GI who recommended Imodium and prescribed Hyoscyamine as needed (Hyoscyamine for pain, Imodium for urgency).
My biggest trigger is eating out. I have a very overactive gastrocolic reflex—almost every time I eat a meal at a restaurant, I hit a point of immediate, painful urgency. It’s exhausting and embarrassing to have to bolt for a public restroom mid-meal.
Lately, I’ve been taking Imodium (the multi-symptom version with simethicone) prophylactically before going out (approximately an hour before going out to eat). It works wonders for the urgency—I don’t feel like I’m going to have an accident anymore. However, the trade-off is intense gas and abdominal pressure. I spend the whole dinner feeling bloated and having to constantly pass gas.
I’ll take the gas over the urgency any day, but it’s still making it hard to actually enjoy being out.
• Has anyone else experienced this "urgency vs. gas" trade-off with Imodium?
• If you take it prophylactically, do you do anything specific to manage the pressure/bloating that follows?
• Is there a different timing or supplement that worked better for you?