The FDA had received 70 reports of harmful side effects from the drug, of which it said 44 required hospitalization. The major side effect of alosetron is constipation, which can be treated through laxatives. People may have specific intolerances to foods that make symptoms feel worse. If so, it is prudent to exclude those foods. In general, it is advisable to eat a diet that is higher in fiber.
Fiber absorbs the fluid and makes stools more formed if the problem is diarrhea.
In people who are constipated, fiber makes the stool softer and easier to pass. It is also important to drink enough fluids. Further, it is better to follow a lower fat diet because higher fat foods may cause more cramping. While stress, anxiety or depression do not cause IBS, they can aggravate it in people who have the tendency to have irritated bowels. Therefore in treatment, typically both the issues of the bowel and, if relevant, issues of a more psychological nature are addressed.