Dicyclomine is gaining popularity as an alternative medicine for the treatment of anxiety. It is mainly used to treat gastrointestinal issues.
Before going further, first understand more about dicyclomine.
About Dicyclomine
Dicyclomine is a medicine mainly used to treat gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome-IBS.
- Dicyclomine is an antispasmodic medication.
- It helps to relieve stomach and intestinal cramps and pain.
- It works by relaxing the stomach and intestine muscles by slowing the natural movement of gut muscles.
- It is available in tablet and oral solution form.
- It is sold under the brand names Bentyl and Dicyclocot.
- Dicyclomine is generally recommended to be taken before meals.
- Generally, 3 to 4 doses are recommended per day.
- Common side effects are dizziness, dry mouth, and blurred vision.
- Side effects are temporary and go with the time and if they persist, consult your healthcare professional.
- Nowadays, dicyclomine is also used in the treatment of anxiety disorder.
Dicyclomine and Anxiety
Anxiety is a mental disorder that causes physical symptoms like shortness of breath, increased heart rate, excessive nervousness, etc. These symptoms are caused by the disturbance or imbalance in certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
Dicyclomine contains some compounds that may have anxiolytic effects on our bodies. This means compounds present in this medicine may help reduce anxiety and its symptoms.
Some studies also confirmed its role in reducing anxiety symptoms and overall well-being. A study on a group of people shows positive results in treating anxiety with dicyclomine.
Moreover, there are specific medicines available in the market for treating anxiety, but some people do not show promising results from those medications, and show some unwanted side effects.
An increase in anxiety patients in the last few decades has raised the demand for alternative medicines for treating anxiety. Dicyclomine has proved to be one of those alternative medications for anxiety treatment.
How Dicyclomine Works for Anxiety
Dicyclomine has a compound that regulates certain transmitters in the brain like GABA.
GABA is a neurotransmitter that stops the activity of neurons related to pain in the nervous system and enhances the mood of the individual. It also increases the calming effect in the body which helps in reducing anxiety.
Dicyclomine’s ability to regulate the neurotransmitter, providing a calming effect and enhancing mood, positions it as an ideal medication for treating anxiety disorders.
Moreover, its main properties to ease out stomach muscles also have an indirect effect on reducing anxiety symptoms.
Some people may show irregular bowel movements as a symptom of anxiety. Dicyclomine treats irregular bowel movement by slowing down the stomach and intestine muscles. And, our gut and brain have a direct connection. The health of the gut also regulates the health of the brain.
It not only treats irregular bowel movements, a symptom of anxiety but also maintains the good health of the gut which ultimately increases mental health.
Dicyclomine Use in Anxiety (Benefits)
- It interferes with neurotransmitter in our brain that regulates the mood
- It provides a calming effect in the body that helps to fight anxiety
- It also treats the irregular bowel movement which is a symptom of anxiety
- It relaxes the muscles that ease
- The physical symptoms of anxiety like trembling and fatigue
- It regulates the stress response of the body helpful in treating anxiety
- It may also regulate other neurotransmitters like serotonin, which is found in conventional anxiety medications and responsible for reducing anxiety symptoms
How much time Dicyclomine Takes to be Fully Effective for Anxiety
It will take around four weeks to be fully effective. But, one can feel its benefits within a couple of days after starting medication.
Some Side Effects of Dicyclomine
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Blurred Vision
Alcohol with Dicyclomine
Taking alcohol with dicyclomine is not recommended as it will increase drowsiness in the person.
Natural Alternatives for Dicyclomine to Treat Anxiety
1. Anxiety-Calming Foods
One can add certain foods that help in increasing calmness to reduce anxiety symptoms. These foods contain nutrients like magnesium, vitamin D, L-theanine, and tryptophan.
These nutrients regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin which helps in fighting anxiety. Following is the list of such anxiety-calming foods:
- Banana
- Eggs
- Fish like salmon and Tuna
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Nuts
- Chamomile Tea
2. Supplements
Supplements are the nutrient powerhouse that we get from the above foods. They provide a load of nutrients for the particular requirement of the body in a shorter duration.
Here is the list of some supplements:
- Magnesium
- Vitamin D
- Omega 3
- Zinc
- L-Theanine
3. Exercise
Exercise is the most natural way to reduce anxiety and its symptoms. It triggers the serotonin production in the body, regulates the mood and increases the calmness in the body. This calmness and good mood reduce the effects of anxiety on the body.
Any kind of vigorous exercise can help in regulating serotonin in the body. One can choose cardio or strength training according to one’s resources available and preference. One can also combine cardio with strength training to get the best results.
An exercise time of 45 -60 minutes is enough for good results. More than this timeline, the body starts producing cortisol which reverses the positive results and increases anxiety. So, one should not exercise more than 45 to 60 minutes to get positive results for reducing anxiety.
Conclusion
Dicyclomine could be a good alternative to treat anxiety disorder. Its properties regulate certain neurotransmitters that promote mood enhancement and calmness to reduce anxiety symptoms. Also, its muscle-relaxing properties.