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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woogie | @woogie | May 30 11:36am

In reply to @harley22 "My problem is that it literally takes a bomb to make me go. The cramping is..." + (show)

I think I was born constipated. I have to take four stool softeners and four Senecot laxatives to have a bm. I was told to drink Miralax daily. I forget to take it. It does help. I have literally had to hold on the the seat of the toilet and strain until I nearly pass out. Well, what I take now has aleviated that problem. I don't go unless I take what I told you. I have been told by my doctor that my x-rays show I am full of stool. Well, I heard John Wayne had the same problem. I am trying to be funny--if we don't have a sense of humor, what do we have? A lady at my church said once about another lady: "She looks like she was baptized in prune juice". I have no idea what that meant but I laughed. God bless you!

harley22 | @harley22 | May 30 11:44am

Thank you!

brotherchuckles80 | @brotherchuckles80 | May 31 5:03pm

In reply to @harley22 "My problem is that it literally takes a bomb to make me go. The cramping is..." + (show)

Do you have IBS and are you being treated for it? May God guide you in finding relief. Charles aka brotherchuckles80

ripley | @ripley | Jun 1 11:18am

In reply to @vvvalsigkap "It has taken 1.5 years after 2nd back surgery to get bowels regulated. I now take..." + (show)

What form of magnesium do you take?

mymayoremote | @mymayoremote | Jun 2 3:15pm

In reply to @mikaylar "Mineral oil works." + (show)

As an alternative or perhaps in addition...a few tablespoons of olive oil (not the cooking kind) every day may provide ongoing benefits.

mleaf | @mleaf | Jun 5 5:06am

I use senna tablets 1-4 as needed and I eat 3-4 prunes. Eat watermelon and salad. Beans /fiber

mleaf | @mleaf | Jun 5 5:07am

In reply to @mleaf "I use senna tablets 1-4 as needed and I eat 3-4 prunes. Eat watermelon and salad...." + (show)

And at times I take an extra stool softener

heisenberg34 | @heisenberg34 | Jun 5 8:57am

In reply to @woogie "I think I was born constipated. I have to take four stool softeners and four Senecot..." + (show)

I have been blessed with constipation for years ever since I took a bad ski fall. Was on tramadol for years. Got off that. Now I have a pain pump. They told me the hydromorphone would not enter the genral systems of the body. Maybe, maybe not. I just know that I have to take miralax twice a day, and, even, then, I have to use a Fleets glycerin suppository to get things moving.

lchayim | @lchayim | Jun 6 10:12am

Have you tried Linzess? that works for me when nothing else does. Also Relistor is an injection you can give yourself at home to help.