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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by super on June 6, 2001, at 23:24:04
please tell me i'm not alone with this. when i started wellbutrin, i had really bad gas, which a month later turned into a constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. i've had this problem for a year and a half now. wellbutrin otherwise has been a lifesaver but i'm getting so fed up with the constipation that i want to stop the wellbutrin. i used to be okay with fiber supplements, but recently i've had to take stool softeners also. i've tried to cut down on the wellbutrin, but always start feeling depressed after a week or so. i eat totally healthy (though i overeat) and i exercise.
Posted by SalArmy4me on June 7, 2001, at 0:34:43
In reply to constipation/irritable bowel--side effect?, posted by super on June 6, 2001, at 23:24:04
http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Antidepressants-for-irrita.html
Posted by Phil on June 7, 2001, at 7:10:38
In reply to constipation/irritable bowel--side effect?, posted by super on June 6, 2001, at 23:24:04
http://www.drweil.com/database/display/0,1412,33,00.html
Another idea.
Posted by blackjack on June 8, 2001, at 3:25:10
In reply to constipation/irritable bowel--side effect?, posted by super on June 6, 2001, at 23:24:04
After several decades of being treated for bipolar disorder, my mom is of the opinion that when ever they discover a drug which causes constipation, they immediately test it to see if it works as an antidepressant...
Posted by super on June 8, 2001, at 8:49:09
In reply to Re: constipation/irritable bowel--side effect?, posted by blackjack on June 8, 2001, at 3:25:10
ha ha, blackjack, that's funny:)
Seriously, though, isn't there anyone on this list who has IBS-C, or is it an anomaly (or coincedence) that Wellbutrin has this effect on me?
Thanks,
super
> After several decades of being treated for bipolar disorder, my mom is of the opinion that when ever they discover a drug which causes constipation, they immediately test it to see if it works as an antidepressant...
Posted by tina on June 8, 2001, at 9:42:52
In reply to Re: constipation/irritable bowel--side effect?, posted by super on June 8, 2001, at 8:49:09
I notice that every respose you have had has been less than helpful. I too have IBS although mine is D predominant. Since being on elavil, the D has disappeared and C has been very difficult to handle.
My theory is that all and I mean ALL antidepressants cause dryness in the mucous membranes. I'm not sure how they accomplish this (you can ask Cam for a play by play) but they all do it. I think this is why I've had C so often these days. it isn't funny.
Just make sure you are drinking one hell of a lot of water. Even if you think you've had enough, have some more. I don't hink fibre supps are the answer either as they also absorb the water in the intestines.
Try glycerine caps or maybe aloe vera juice, both of which you can get at your local health food store. I've also had good results with slippery elm(no I'm not making a joke-it really is called that)
Just remember, lots of liquid Super. Reg exercise is great too but remember, you lose fluid while exercising too.
Drink.....tons.
good luck
Tina
> ha ha, blackjack, that's funny:)
>
> Seriously, though, isn't there anyone on this list who has IBS-C, or is it an anomaly (or coincedence) that Wellbutrin has this effect on me?
>
> Thanks,
> super
> > After several decades of being treated for bipolar disorder, my mom is of the opinion that when ever they discover a drug which causes constipation, they immediately test it to see if it works as an antidepressant...
Posted by Sunny on June 8, 2001, at 12:08:18
In reply to Re: constipation/irritable bowel--side effect?Supe, posted by tina on June 8, 2001, at 9:42:52
Super,
I had a very bad reaction to Wellbutrin. When taking it I had horrible gas, terrible gastirc cramps, sharp, shooting pains in my sides & stomach that often had me seeing stars! It was awful. And, I've had ibs for many years. I went off WB after only two weeks. I simply couldn't bear the side effects.
I currently use colace to manage my ibs (along with LOTS of veggies in my diet & lots of H2O).Good luck & let me know if you find something that works.
PS: I've also heard that getting a daily dose of EFAs is very good.
Sunny
> I notice that every respose you have had has been less than helpful. I too have IBS although mine is D predominant. Since being on elavil, the D has disappeared and C has been very difficult to handle.
> My theory is that all and I mean ALL antidepressants cause dryness in the mucous membranes. I'm not sure how they accomplish this (you can ask Cam for a play by play) but they all do it. I think this is why I've had C so often these days. it isn't funny.
> Just make sure you are drinking one hell of a lot of water. Even if you think you've had enough, have some more. I don't hink fibre supps are the answer either as they also absorb the water in the intestines.
> Try glycerine caps or maybe aloe vera juice, both of which you can get at your local health food store. I've also had good results with slippery elm(no I'm not making a joke-it really is called that)
> Just remember, lots of liquid Super. Reg exercise is great too but remember, you lose fluid while exercising too.
> Drink.....tons.
> good luck
> Tina
> > ha ha, blackjack, that's funny:)
> >
> > Seriously, though, isn't there anyone on this list who has IBS-C, or is it an anomaly (or coincedence) that Wellbutrin has this effect on me?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > super
> > > After several decades of being treated for bipolar disorder, my mom is of the opinion that when ever they discover a drug which causes constipation, they immediately test it to see if it works as an antidepressant...
Posted by Phil on June 8, 2001, at 19:13:45
In reply to Re: constipation/irritable bowel--side effect?Supe, posted by tina on June 8, 2001, at 9:42:52
> I notice that every respose you have had has been less than helpful.
_______________________???????? really?
Posted by JennyR on June 8, 2001, at 21:02:10
In reply to constipation/irritable bowel--side effect?, posted by super on June 6, 2001, at 23:24:04
I can tell you what you want to hear on this - I too have the constipation problem on Wellbutrin. Yes, it's a pain in the ass (bad joke) but it's better than the depression and it's better than a lot of the side effects of other drugs, like weight gain, sex problems, etc. I agree with whoever said it above that drinking a lot is important. I know I am often on the dehydrated side. This is something you can tell from the color of your urine (why not include all bathroom functions here...) Seriously, the way to tell if you're too dehydrated is your urine should be clear or pale. If it is noticeably yellow, particularly bright yellow or brackish, you are dehydrated. I use that to gauge my fluid intake.
I have a history of ulcerative colitis, the opposite of constipation, so maybe I should be glad for the Wellbutrin side effect, although my colitis is otherwise well under control.
Posted by Phil on June 9, 2001, at 6:43:18
In reply to constipation/irritable bowel--side effect?, posted by super on June 6, 2001, at 23:24:04
I take 200 mg Amitriptyline and when my pdoc added 100 mg Wellbutrin, I was in anti-cholinergic hell. She added 5 mg Aricept, a cholinergic drug, to help offset the side effects. It seems to have helped but I know that not everyone wants to add more drugs to the mix.
I also drink 1 to 1.5 gallons of water a day.
I take Senokot everyday, no choice.
When I was on Amitrip. years ago, I took Senokot and after stopping Amitrip. did not need the laxative and had no problems.
Hope this makes sense..kinda early here.Phil
Posted by Phil on June 9, 2001, at 7:06:50
In reply to Re: constipation/irritable bowel--side effect?Tina, posted by Phil on June 8, 2001, at 19:13:45
I didn't see Super's 2nd post.
Phil
Posted by cathya on June 15, 2001, at 10:34:24
In reply to Re: constipation/irritable bowel-sorry Tina, posted by Phil on June 9, 2001, at 7:06:50
does serzone and ambien cause ibs /c also?
This is the end of the thread.
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