Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 336981

Shown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Lex and Diarrhea/Stomach problems?

Posted by sideorder on April 16, 2004, at 17:14:24

I know this is kind of a gross subject matter...but, I'm trying to figure out if I have had a stomach virus that's lingering or if my problem is an unpleasant side effect of taking Lex . I've been on Lex for 1 month now and I feel better than I have in years--- my GAD is under control and my depressive moods have not been way as debilitating and usually subside quickly. But, about 12 days ago I got what I thought was a stomach virus/flu and was extremely sick for a week with lower intestinal cramping and severe diarrhea. I eventually went to the doctor last Friday and he told me to let it run its course and to take some fiber tablets to solidify things. Don't feel ill anymore, but still having some gastric problems and some problems with diarrhea---and I never used to get "the runs" or have a crampy/gaseous stomach---I'm a fairly physically healthy guy. I started thinking that MAYBE this is some side effect of the 10mg. of Lex I've been taking...but why would it not start until 2 weeks after taking it.? I hope I'm way off course here and it's not the Lex...cause I would hate to have to get off of it---my life seems halfway bright for the first time in a very very long time. Thought I'd throw this out and see what type of feedback I get...my previous posts replies have been very insightful. Thanks!

 

Re: Lex and Diarrhea/Stomach problems?

Posted by KathrynLex on April 16, 2004, at 17:39:24

In reply to Lex and Diarrhea/Stomach problems?, posted by sideorder on April 16, 2004, at 17:14:24

Hi Sideorder,

For the first 3 weeks that I was on 10 mgs of Lexapro I had a really upset stomach but it never gave me the runs. By week 4 I was feeling much better.

You might have had a stomach virus. If that's the case it sounds like you're on the tail end of it and you'll probably be feeling better in a week or so. I hope that ends up being the case.

K.

 

Re: Lex and Diarrhea/Stomach problems?

Posted by collegeguy on April 16, 2004, at 22:23:24

In reply to Re: Lex and Diarrhea/Stomach problems?, posted by KathrynLex on April 16, 2004, at 17:39:24

Glad to hear the Lexapro is working for your GAD, and sorry about the side effects, they can be quite frustrating, especially when the last.

However, gastrointestinal side effects of SSRIs tend to be temporary (and related to the dosage level you are at) and usually go away with time. If yours do not go away, you should talk to your doctor about perhaps altering your dosage (though 10 mg is a pretty standard Lex. dose) or the possibility of a stomach virus. (You might be interested to know, Lexapro often has a therapeutic effect on the bowel system and is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome in some circumstances).

In your case though, wait and see (though don't hesitate to call your doctor if you feel uncomfortable) for a bit. Zantac 75 (loratadine hcl) is quite effective at treating medication related stomach upset (at least for me and those I've talked to), and things like Tums or even altering your diet slightly (do a google search on diets for IBS/diarrhea issues).

Once thing though, be careful to avoid the antacid/heartburn reducer Tagamet HB (cimetidine hcl), as it can cause blood levels of lexapro (as well as many other antidepressants) to be significantly raised for longer periods of time. While the clinical significance of this is unknown, it is probably best to avoid medicines that so explicitly interact if you can.

Good luck!

 

Re: Lex and Diarrhea/Stomach problems?

Posted by shadows721 on April 16, 2004, at 23:37:48

In reply to Lex and Diarrhea/Stomach problems?, posted by sideorder on April 16, 2004, at 17:14:24

Yes, indeed, I had and still have problems with the tummy from ole Lex. I had diarrhea and severe nausea when I started it. I have been on it for months and every thing I eat causes gas. I have a pooched out tummy from this stuff.

 

Re: Lex and Diarrhea/Stomach problems? » sideorder

Posted by Sad Panda on April 17, 2004, at 8:18:09

In reply to Lex and Diarrhea/Stomach problems?, posted by sideorder on April 16, 2004, at 17:14:24

> I know this is kind of a gross subject matter...but, I'm trying to figure out if I have had a stomach virus that's lingering or if my problem is an unpleasant side effect of taking Lex . I've been on Lex for 1 month now and I feel better than I have in years--- my GAD is under control and my depressive moods have not been way as debilitating and usually subside quickly. But, about 12 days ago I got what I thought was a stomach virus/flu and was extremely sick for a week with lower intestinal cramping and severe diarrhea. I eventually went to the doctor last Friday and he told me to let it run its course and to take some fiber tablets to solidify things. Don't feel ill anymore, but still having some gastric problems and some problems with diarrhea---and I never used to get "the runs" or have a crampy/gaseous stomach---I'm a fairly physically healthy guy. I started thinking that MAYBE this is some side effect of the 10mg. of Lex I've been taking...but why would it not start until 2 weeks after taking it.? I hope I'm way off course here and it's not the Lex...cause I would hate to have to get off of it---my life seems halfway bright for the first time in a very very long time. Thought I'd throw this out and see what type of feedback I get...my previous posts replies have been very insightful. Thanks!
>
>

Hi Sideorder,

I have had loose stools & anxiety driven IBS since about puberty. Effexor didn't help this problem for me & it gave me a big bunch of nausea as well. I got Remeron added to help me sleep & it got rid of the SSRI induced nausea & has made my intestines function more like a normal persons. Lately I have not had any anxiety driven diarrhoea either & I think this is either Effexor or the combination of both that has fixed this problem for me.

Cheers,
Panda.


 

Re: Lex and Diarrhea/Stomach problems?

Posted by witzkey on April 17, 2004, at 20:32:17

In reply to Re: Lex and Diarrhea/Stomach problems?, posted by witzkey on April 17, 2004, at 20:30:35

> hey, I have the same problem. these other posters upset me saying you have a stomach virus or the diarrhea will subside. It won't. I've been taking the Lexapro for 4 months, and every day I have severe diarrhea. I've had the problem with other similar meds also. I made a similar post about a week ago. Let me know if you find something that works. My e-mail address is witzkeyman@hotmail.com
> neil

 

Re: Lex and Diarrhea/Stomach problems? » Sad Panda

Posted by kellieann7 on April 18, 2004, at 0:08:39

In reply to Re: Lex and Diarrhea/Stomach problems? » sideorder, posted by Sad Panda on April 17, 2004, at 8:18:09

Panda,
My husband also has IBS that is aggravated by anxiety and stress. He started having panic attacks a year and a half ago, but his main symptom was instant diarrhea (within 1 minute of stress) and RAPID weight loss. It took 9 months and three doctors, but he finally was diagnosed with GAD and IBS, and takes Paxil and some stomach medication that slows his digestion down. He is about 90% better, sometimes he still can't get all the way through a meal without going. Hope the meds continue working for you! :-)

 

Re: Lex and Diarrhea/Stomach problems? » kellieann7

Posted by Sad Panda on April 18, 2004, at 3:01:09

In reply to Re: Lex and Diarrhea/Stomach problems? » Sad Panda, posted by kellieann7 on April 18, 2004, at 0:08:39

> Panda,
> My husband also has IBS that is aggravated by anxiety and stress. He started having panic attacks a year and a half ago, but his main symptom was instant diarrhea (within 1 minute of stress) and RAPID weight loss. It took 9 months and three doctors, but he finally was diagnosed with GAD and IBS, and takes Paxil and some stomach medication that slows his digestion down. He is about 90% better, sometimes he still can't get all the way through a meal without going. Hope the meds continue working for you! :-)
>
>

Thanks! :)

IBS & Stage Fright are a lot more common than people think, people don't tend to talk about their bum problems. I am 36 years old & only just found out this year that my dad & younger brother suffer from the same anxious diarrhoea that I get. I guess I should thank my dad for that gene. :) I have managed to control mine to some degree before taking AD's. When under social stress, ie: 5 minutes before leaving to go for an apointment with a stranger, I get bad pain & a real bad urgency, but I learned that I could hold it & it would subside rather than give in & go for a ride on the procelain bus. I have had social anxiety since I was about 8, but I strugled through in silence & as I got older it has died down. In the last few years I started to get depressed & last year I was having suicide ideations daily, so I went to the doctors & got some AD's & I have been on the mend ever since. Only recently I noticed that my social anxieties were nearly all gone, which I though was a nice side effect to taking AD's :)

I hope your husband continues to continue to be OK, possibly a better AD for him would be one of the TCA's as these have the constipating effect as a side effect.

Cheers,
Panda.



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