Xifaxan and Depression: What Users Say

• Kmi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "Do not take this drug! It made my symptoms of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) ten times worse. Before taking the drug, I had very mild symptoms, just some light feelings of hunger after eating. Now, six days after finishing a two-week course, I’m doubled over in pain, severely constipated, severely depressed, unable to sleep, and in a constant state of emergency. I’m worried that now I have IBS. Please do not take this drug."

• JWn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 6, 2022

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "This medication severely impacted my physical and mental health. I was prescribed for SIBO (though I did not have diarrhea - only persistent, very mild bloating and increased flatulence at the time). Almost immediately after finishing the ten-day course, my GI issues erupted like a volcano. About two weeks after, I had already lost ten pounds, was experiencing pins and needle sensations in my skin, developed what I now recognize as clinical depression (brain fog, inability to concentrate, no appetite, etc.), and about three weeks after, my hair started falling out. Soon after, I started having panic attacks out of nowhere, with no preexisting mental health issues in myself or my immediate family, and SEVERE constipation that sent me to the ER. For a year after, I was lucky to have one bowel movement a week. Read EVERY adverse event/side effect report on this medication. My life has two chapters: before Xifaxan, and after."

• Joe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "Started to take this 2 days ago. I have IBS-C for years but has been getting worse. Bloating, gas, foggy brain, no energy, especially in mornings, mild depression, insomnia from gas pains at night. So far, nothing. FODMAP diet helps along with exercise, probiotics, and occasional Metamucil. Won't rate till done with script."