Fig. 2

Changes in symptom scores during 6 weeks of treatment and 4 weeks of withdrawal. The irritable bowel syndrome symptom severity scale (IBS-SSS) (A), gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS) (B), irritable bowel syndrome quality of life questionnaire (IBS-QoLS) (C), and abdominal pain score (D) significantly decreased during 6 weeks of treatment, and these scores remained stable for four weeks after withdrawal. The Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) (E) and spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) (F) improved during the treatment and drug withdrawal periods