equinox

The one side effect of the de-pprexor i hadn't counted on was the constipation. Oh my good god.

Normally, meaning my entire life up until this point, i have been one of those irritable bowel types. It's my natural red-headedness. It makes me weak and sensitive to all the rigors of life, particularly all the food in the world that is good and delicious. Especially the wine and the cheese. Being stubborn, and red-headed, i have always eaten what i wanted and felt the burden of my thick headedness in the bathroom every morning. Several times.

But, in the past two weeks all that has changed. I feel a little heavy with it, literally. I feel like the characters in that Spalding Gray story who go to russia and don't realize that all the coffee is decaf and can't figure out why they just can't take a shit in the morning.

But, alas, the drug company promises me that this too shall pass. In the meantime i will keep up with my high fibre, sprouted wheat diet and hope for the best.

Posted by Jess at 09:09 AM Permalink

Comments (6)

Lia

Do you go back to your dr. soon to talk about how you are doing on the Effexor? When I started it again I was taking it at night and had trouble sleeping. Since I have started taking it in the morning I am doing much better. I also haven't had problems with side effects so maybe you are sensitive to this medication and a different one would work better? I really hope you feel better soon so I can feel a smile in your voice.

Posted by Lia | August 30, 2006 09:29 AM

mamatulip

Oh girl, I feel for you. I got into terrible constipation when I was pregnant with both of my kids. Just awful. I'm really sorry you're having to deal with such a nasty side effect.

Posted by mamatulip | August 30, 2006 09:57 AM

Kim

I feel your pain, literally.

After my first c-section I had terrible contipation from all the meds. The pain was worse than that of the surgery itself and the worst part of the whole experience.

If you get desperate, I recommend a sugar-derivative laxative called Lactulose. It changes the chemistry in your bowel and gets things moving. It's available over the counter but I think you have to ask for it from the pharmacist.

Good luck! With everything.

Posted by Kim | August 30, 2006 11:23 AM

Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah

I'm with you.

Sometimes I think constipation is worse for those of us who are used to having chronic diarrhea.

(Taco Bell alwyas works to clear it up.)

Posted by Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah | August 30, 2006 02:06 PM

Renee

Reminds me of pregnancy. I like more of a regular schedule when I can get it, but sometimes I get way too much of it.

Posted by Renee | August 30, 2006 02:21 PM

docwrite

Functional constipation can sometimes be debilitating. Key is to find a physician who is not just a GI but has special interest and expertise in the field of constipation. Assistance from such a health care provider can go a long way towards improving symptoms and quality of life

Posted by docwrite | August 31, 2006 06:27 PM