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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Alesa on August 16, 2004, at 15:37:29
After singing the praises of Effexor, I have one minor complaint. I'm constipated. It's kind of a blessing because before I was on Effexor, I had diarrhea often and had bowel movements two to three times a day, which was annoying and gross. That made sense then because people with anxiety disorders defecate alot.
I eat fruits, vegetables and fibre, but I guess I'll have to start eating prunes now. I drink 10 glasses of water a day too. Any advice on a good harmless laxative that won't mess with the Effexor, or make me have the runs?
Posted by captain on August 16, 2004, at 16:14:53
In reply to Constipation while on Effexor, posted by Alesa on August 16, 2004, at 15:37:29
Hey there- oh the joys of medicine! I would definitely start eating about 5 prunes a day. I suffer from the same problem and while i have a great prescription drug (zelnorm - i only take as needed) I can tell a major difference from eating a handful of prunes a day.
I actually really like them though - if you like dried apricots and dried fruit - then you will have no problem with these!
The metamucil crackers are also a good snack - kind of like graham crackers!
Good luck!
Captain
Posted by Colleen D. on August 16, 2004, at 17:38:07
In reply to Constipation while on Effexor, posted by Alesa on August 16, 2004, at 15:37:29
which is a stool softener. My doc recommended it while I was PG and since I've been on Effexor I've taken two of them every day to keep things moving. Works great and is an OTC med. You might want to start out with one to see how it works. Its also known by the brand name Colace.
Good luck!
Colleen
PPD, GAD and OCD
Posted by spingirl on August 17, 2004, at 8:34:01
In reply to Constipation while on Effexor, posted by Alesa on August 16, 2004, at 15:37:29
Don't take a laxative, because you might cramp. Especially as you've had what sounds a little like IBS, be careful. I took a stool softener (generic drug store kind is fine), and it helped tremendously. It works by drawing more water into the bowel, not by stimulating it, and you are drinking so much water that you should get great results.
Posted by Emme on August 17, 2004, at 9:11:41
In reply to Constipation while on Effexor, posted by Alesa on August 16, 2004, at 15:37:29
Ground flax seed meal. It's possibly more effective than dried fruit. It's pleasant tasting, a little nutty. Add it to cereal or whatever.
> After singing the praises of Effexor, I have one minor complaint. I'm constipated. It's kind of a blessing because before I was on Effexor, I had diarrhea often and had bowel movements two to three times a day, which was annoying and gross. That made sense then because people with anxiety disorders defecate alot.
>
> I eat fruits, vegetables and fibre, but I guess I'll have to start eating prunes now. I drink 10 glasses of water a day too. Any advice on a good harmless laxative that won't mess with the Effexor, or make me have the runs?
This is the end of the thread.
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