Constipation problems - Bowel Disorders Message Board

ellie_boo · 05-04-2006, 04:30 PM

I've been having really bad problems with constipation since I was started on venlafaxine (antidepressant) in January. I have to continue with this drug for at least the next 6 months, probably more like a year.

Anyway, I've tried all the natural things, increased my fibre intake, increased my fluid intake, and I do exercise regularly, but none of them have helped. For a while I was using a stimulant laxative, but then someone told me I shouldn't use them regularly because the bowel becomes dependent on them. So I tried without, and ended up VERY bloated with bad abdominal pains. I had to resort to glycerin suppositories to relieve it.

Anyway, I just wondered, how safe is it to use glycerin suppositories regularly, say every other day? Will my bowel become dependent on these as well if I use them regularly? I'm having no success with any other methods to relieve my constipation. If anyone has any good ideas, please share them - I've tried prune juice, bran, everything!

gomer4 · 05-04-2006, 07:07 PM

I know you said you tried increasing your fiber.
Did you try drinking a fiber type drink every day? The best type is psyllium. This needs to be taken with plenty of water.
Also, drinking alot of water every day helps. I quote......."Fluid expands and softens the fiber your're eating, allowing it to form bulk in the colon. That bulking action in turn triggers the urge to move your bowels. Ordinarily you need to drink about a gallon of fluid a day--the more, the better." So..................
I personally think that using a suppository everyday or so can't be a good thing, but I don't know. Keep up the fiber and drink water!
Good luck........I know this problem isn't easy to deal with.
Lori

MommaBee · 05-04-2006, 07:18 PM

My mother used to give me Karol Syrup or mineral oil. The syrup is very sweet and sugar can help soften your stools. The mineral oil worked too. Only a tablespoon. Doesn't taste bad. Just an older method.

lulu123 · 05-04-2006, 11:33 PM

Beans. Eat Beans. Really.

Of course I still incorporate other forms of fiber, fruit, and lots of water, but I found out recently that beans has does the job.