Constipation from meds

Posted by mshrink66 @mshrink66, Jan 9 8:23am

I have chronic nerve pain from a couple of failed back surgeries. I have been on Lyrica, Cymbalta and most recently Effexor. It seems that when I get to a therapeutic dose, I get severe constipation. I have tried Metamucil with Colace, and Miralax without success. Seems the only thing that works is s stimulating laxative which I know isn’t good to use long term. Since this is such a common side effect of these meds, has anyone had any success getting around this? These meds really help me so I hate to give up on them. Thank you for any advice!

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1kay2 | @1kay2 | Jan 19 3:15pm

In reply to @mymayoremote "A simple tablespoon of olive oil EVERY morning works well along with being a healthy alternative." + (show)

that sounds great!

itchyd | @itchyd | Jan 20 7:36am

In reply to @pagray24 "I've tried so many things that just don't work for me. I second the pear and..." + (show)

So sorry for your troubles. Constipation is a serious problem!

Have you tried OTC suppositories?

Sounds to me like you need to be under a doctor's care at this point.

By the way, how does a mathemetician handle his constipation problem?

He works it out with a pencil.

marilynredder2367 | @marilynredder2367 | Jan 20 8:36am

I would never give up these meds because of constipation. Mayo has a fabulous bunch of information regarding constipation. You really must find a way or a combination of medicine. I found lactulose helpful along with colace. Every now and then add some Metamucil and some prunes for dessert. You only need a prescription for lactulose. The others are over-the-counter.

adlttl123 | @adlttl123 | Jan 21 9:11am

In reply to @itchyd "So sorry for your troubles. Constipation is a serious problem! Have you tried OTC suppositories? Sounds..." + (show)

I’m sorry but I don’t think humor is the order of the day. From someone who has suffered from constipation all her life. Literally! I nearly died as a baby from a milk allergy that caused my constipation at that time. Now I use a combination of one top of the largest bottle of MIRALAX and one cap full of CLEARLAX. And though they are suppose to be the same..in my body they are not. MIRALAX helps my body absorb moisture and the CLEARLAX pushes the stool out. When I discovered this comb along with 6-8 bottles plus other fluids a day I got relief from constipation in my life for the f first time and I got relief from the stress of knowing that I could not have a bowel movement. I sure hope that something that you have heard today helps. Prayers to you!!

itchyd | @itchyd | Jan 21 10:05am

In reply to @adlttl123 "I’m sorry but I don’t think humor is the order of the day. From someone who..." + (show)

Apologies for the tone deaf joke.

I'm backed up a lot, myself. So, I can empathize with just how frustrating it can be.

Again, sorry for offending.

Sending good energy your way.

ItchyD

ruthblaze | @ruthblaze | Jan 21 10:45am

In reply to @itchyd "So sorry for your troubles. Constipation is a serious problem! Have you tried OTC suppositories? Sounds..." + (show)

Use powdered flaxseeds natural and effective

adlttl123 | @adlttl123 | Jan 21 1:24pm

In reply to @itchyd "Apologies for the tone deaf joke. I'm backed up a lot, myself. So, I can empathize..." + (show)

No apologies necessary, I also chose humor a lot. It’s just that I don’t want to offend the person writing in with their problem and it might be their first time to reach out. Without humor I would be bald headed from my pulling out all my hair! Lol!!

irr4et | @irr4et | Jan 21 11:49pm

I have tried everything but have found on ams I am constipated, this recipe works very well: almost hot prune juice, a little lemon juice and one Senocot tablet. And it expels gas that was behind the stool and causing bloating.

celia16 | @celia16 | Jan 22 5:48pm

Perhaps, I should be glad that I have a formula that works, but….it seems unfeasible to do indefinitely. It’s been recommended by my primary and gastroenterologists.

Is it reasonable to drink a glass of Metamucil AND a glass of Miralax every day? And, be not too far from a bathroom, because I’ll likely need to go anywhere from 4-5 times a day. And, to deal with the soft consistency, which isn’t normal. And, to have the air that goes along with it? I wouldn’t call it gas, because it’s not gas. No odor and doesn’t even feel like gas, just air. I never feel bloated or have pain. I’ve been doing this for 16 months and it’s gotten old. It’s cramping my dating plans. Lol

If I mess with the doses, I won’t go. That’s not an option due to my hemorrhoids.

I drink lots of water and take probiotics. I have healthy, whole food diet, olive oil, healthy fats, veggies, daily exercise,…..have tried seeds, nuts, fruits, and all the things people swear by….And, yes, I will go if I take a dose of Milk of Magnesium, but doctors discourage this on a regular basis. I do take 300 mg of Magnesium supplement daily. Seems to make no difference.

Since this began, I’ve had 3 normal BMs over the course of 2 days….like old times. So I know I’m capable.

I’m scheduled for further tests soon. I’m trying to keep the faith.

cessna150 | @cessna150 | May 15 1:58am

In reply to @celia16 "Perhaps, I should be glad that I have a formula that works, but….it seems unfeasible to..." + (show)

Due to terrible pain from radiation for cancer treatment, I've been taking 10 mg of oxycodone for 4 years...and suddenly began suffering with severe...really severe... daily constipation. My dr recomended a new medication and it's working! It's "Movantik". Ask your doctor. Because it's so new, he/she probably won't know about it... but convince him/her to study it. It's available in both 12 and 25 mg doses. I'm still experimenting with which dosage works best for me.

Hope this works for you. Please let me know if/how it works for you.