Study links some irritable bowel syndrome medications to increased mortality risk

A large study links some irritable bowel syndrome medications, particularly antidepressants and anti-diarrheal drugs, to increased mortality risk. The research analyzed data from over 669,000 patients, finding a 35% higher mortality risk with antidepressant use and significant risk with prolonged use of loperamide and diphenoxylate. Several common IBS treatments, including antispasmodics and constipation medications, showed no association with increased mortality, suggesting safer alternatives exist.