Posted by ben on September 20, 2004, at 14:17:31
Hello
I am taking Effexor ER (300 mg in the morning) for about 15 month with very good success (in combo with lithium) but developped severe constipation. Beside I have severe bloating but never diarrhea. I was examined by a Doc specialized in gastroenterology and he found out that my transit of the bowel is too slow in the hole gastrointestinal tract. Its called a slow transit syndrome. Eating fibre and drinking a lot doesnt help. Even taking daily an isoosmotic laxative drug (in the EU called Movicol from the company Norgine) helped not as Zelnorm (in the EU Zelmac) too. Tried also Zelnorm in combo with the Movicol and other combinations. My blood salts are in good range (potassium, soda, calcium, magnesium) as well as thyroid function etc.
My Doc is to 90 % sure that it comes from Effexor ! I wasnt constipated before (during 12 month with the same dose) I answered to the Doc. He thinks of a long term side effect which is gradually developping ! Does anyone knows about a such phenomena or knows more about the relation to Effexor and constipation ? I have decided to lower the dose slowly to 225 mg/day and perhaps the constipation is fading away (who knows if its depending from the dose ?!).Any suggestions, advices, reflections or thoughts would be great !
ben
poster:ben
thread:393034
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040915/msgs/393034.html