Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing

Paxilalmostkilledme · 07-02-2007, 11:04 PM

Does anyone have loose bowel movements? I have had these, 3 or 4 bowel movements a day....does this stop after you quit paxil? thanks!

Iksfreundin · 07-02-2007, 11:22 PM

Since you don't give us the dose you were on, and it looks like you tapered very quickly (started in late 2006, finished in late 2006) I'd imagine the med is still doing some work on your gut.

I personally had that problem very, very badly when I first started my taper last May. For a long term solution, I take acidophilus with bifida daily. I used to just take acidophilus, but I found it with bifida about two months ago and started using that instead. A few members here really really enjoy and rely on a daily helping of Activia (a yogurt available in most food stores), which regulates intestinal function (I believe). For the short term solution, take Immodium after these loose bowel functions.

Also, you might want to see your doctor if none of these help. There may be another problem that should be investigated if these solutions don't help. Acidophilus made a world of difference for me.

Delynbetter · 07-02-2007, 11:26 PM

The neurotransmitters that Paxil screws with are located in the gut, so yes, Paxil and other AD's give many problems to the intestines. If you're taking magnesium or any other supplements, try lowering the dosage of those. It could be a bug or it could just be one of the withdrawal phases that will eventually pass.

Johnnny off Paxil · 07-03-2007, 12:21 AM

I've slowly introduced yogurt into my diet..its gradually getting better. Also 1 ounce of Aloe Vera juice first thing in the morning.

Regards, Johnny

Connie2 · 07-03-2007, 06:46 AM

I'm 3 months off and I can't stray far from a loo in the mornings! But it's preferable to the years of constipation I had when I was on the stuff!

Just re-introduced Magnesium and even though I am starting on a low dose I'm expecting the situation to get a little worse before it gets better!

Connie x

BlueEyes · 07-03-2007, 01:18 PM

I have had a TON of problems with diarrhea in the past few months, and totally attribute it to the weaning of Prozac in my system.

That being said, I recently started taking a 1/2 tablet of calcium twice a day to kind of counteract the magnesium (which supposedly can cause loose bowels) and it's been working wonderfully.

Also, as been said above, I will not leave my house without Immodium in my pocketbook. It has been a lifesaver in MANY situations!

T

LCrawford67 · 07-03-2007, 01:42 PM

T, I'm glad to read things are getting better for you!

BlueEyes · 07-03-2007, 01:46 PM

Laurie, thank you for remembering me and my "diarrhea" plight!

I never thought I'd be so happy to see myself take a normal "dump" like I did this morning!

T

Amaya's Nana · 07-03-2007, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueEyes

I never thought I'd be so happy to see myself take a normal "dump" like I did this morning!

T

Okay, now THAT was funny!! Name: icon_rofl.gif
Views: 151
Size: 9.6 KB

Oh, the pleasures of weaning an SSRI.............NOT!

nicemom · 07-03-2007, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueEyes

I never thought I'd be so happy to see myself take a normal "dump" like I did this morning!

hehehe. I had it when I first quite for a couple of months and it is back and worse where I am at right now. Its been well over 2 months now, but like someone said, its better than how I was constapated while on paxil. I will be glad when things are back to normal!

Paxilalmostkilledme · 07-03-2007, 09:26 PM

Thanks everyone...whenever I take Immodium it always helps, but who wants to keep taking that stuff??

nicemom · 07-03-2007, 09:31 PM

It seems to help when I eat cheese late in the evening and also eating a bowl of oatmeal with lunch.

ewak · 12-17-2007, 09:13 PM

are you guys still experiencing this?
i am at my breaking point with this- my bowels have been all screwed up ever since i tapered down on the paxil and definately think its stress related- i have the most problems with it while at work. i had 6 loose bm's at work the other day and i hate the idea of being stuck on laxatives forever...i feel like i cant eat anything anymore except for oatmeal etc. i cut caffiene and milk out of my diet...what else can i do?

nicemom · 12-17-2007, 09:35 PM

Mine finally stopped. Are you taking manesium? That can cause that.

You mentioned laxatives? Did you mean imodium?
Eat lots of cheese

Songbird · 12-17-2007, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ewak

i had 6 loose bm's at work the other day and i hate the idea of being stuck on laxatives forever?

I'm confused, what do you mean 'stuck on laxatives', are you taking laxatives?

Bigboatman · 12-18-2007, 12:07 AM

If what your dealing with is anything like what I've lived with for the last 15 years it will pass in a few days. Ever since I started Paxil I have had stomach troubles off and on always resulting in diarrea or pain. Imodium used to be my best friend, but what I learned was to only eat certain foods to stay regular. Since starting withdrawel, my digestive troubles have become more frequent but they are not constant. I havent been able to drink milk or anything with caffeine since starting paxil, no spicy foods, no ice cream, not much cheese, have to stay away from salads. The best thing thats worked for me is to just let whatever it is get out of your system and start with basic foods you know you can eat.

elisa · 12-18-2007, 11:06 AM

I know what you're talking about. Have this ongoing problem with it since off Effexor. Have been taking benefibre for the last month or so and it's helping on most days.

Paxilalmostkilledme · 12-18-2007, 02:37 PM

I will have to try Benefibre...luckily the frequency of my BMs have gone down to once per day - but still a little loose for my liking!

Songbird · 12-18-2007, 03:17 PM

I've been taking aloe vera juice daily, it has helped a lot to calm down my intestinal troubles.

csnyder002 · 12-18-2007, 08:50 PM

LOL...what a topic! I thought I was the only one that was having those "types" of problems. At least I know now that it could be caused from the Paxil. And I'm getting a smile out of reading these posts! May be all be able to have normal dumps! Cheers.

Dawn B. · 12-18-2007, 11:44 PM

Most people don't realize that you have a ton of serotonin in your gut, so of course paxil changes are going to effect your BM's. I have had a few episodes myself during w/d.

ewak · 12-26-2007, 05:47 PM

sorry- i dont know why i said laxatives- i meant immodium. took very small doses of it and now im constipated (along with the bloating, gas, and burping that i have had for the past month). saw a specialist today and i was in and out of the exam room in 5 min after he told me my symptoms sound like ibs and prescribed me dicyclomine....any comments about this drug? not sure what to think about the possible side effects.

Songbird · 01-02-2008, 09:14 PM

I don't know anything about it but I would be wary of using a drug, without first trying the more natural options.

Paxilalmostkilledme · 01-02-2008, 10:05 PM

Dare I say my bowel movements are back to a pre-paxil level of 1.2 per day...
In the end I can't pinpoint what exactly what fixed it, but I did take magnesium and started eating smaller portions which has effected the transit time of my BMs, or it could just be the fact that I am off Paxil for a year.

Paxilalmostkilledme · 01-02-2008, 10:06 PM

Dawn, do you know if serotonin is in the stomach or the intestines? I wonder, is it in the cells or the lining?

07-02-2007, 11:04 PM	#1
Paxilalmostkilledme Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Montreal, QC Vancouver, BC Posts: 625	Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing Does anyone have loose bowel movements? I have had these, 3 or 4 bowel movements a day....does this stop after you quit paxil? thanks! __________________ Paxil - 2000-2006 40mgs, weight gain of 50 pounds tapered for one month as I had to get off due to behavior issues. late Dec 2006....last paxil 3 months of major w/d. supplements: b-complex, mags, fish oil "Your Mileage WILL Vary" should be stamped across every drug dispensed. Your doc shouldn't poo-poo your reaction. You live inside your body. You know what's happening in there.

07-02-2007, 11:22 PM	#2
Iksfreundin "Dancing Queen" Join Date: May 2006 Location: USA Posts: 3,572	Re: Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing Since you don't give us the dose you were on, and it looks like you tapered very quickly (started in late 2006, finished in late 2006) I'd imagine the med is still doing some work on your gut. I personally had that problem very, very badly when I first started my taper last May. For a long term solution, I take acidophilus with bifida daily. I used to just take acidophilus, but I found it with bifida about two months ago and started using that instead. A few members here really really enjoy and rely on a daily helping of Activia (a yogurt available in most food stores), which regulates intestinal function (I believe). For the short term solution, take Immodium after these loose bowel functions. Also, you might want to see your doctor if none of these help. There may be another problem that should be investigated if these solutions don't help. Acidophilus made a world of difference for me. __________________ 95' - started paxil, 20 mgs; up to 30. two ct's, then 60 mgs for years. 40 mgs in '02, poop-out in '05 start taper= 5/8/06 at 20 = 6/17/06 at 15 = 8/8/06 at 10 = 10/15/06 at 5 = 12/14/06 Paxil free as of 3/8/08 (drops were done gradually - not from 20 to 15 and so on) Smoke-free as of 2/27/08 Still doing well, no smoking yet and I haven't been hospitalized - 10/2/09 "You, however, smear me with lies; you are worthless physicians, all of you!" Job 13:4, KJV Bible

07-02-2007, 11:26 PM	#3
Delynbetter Join Date: May 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 10,518	Re: Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing The neurotransmitters that Paxil screws with are located in the gut, so yes, Paxil and other AD's give many problems to the intestines. If you're taking magnesium or any other supplements, try lowering the dosage of those. It could be a bug or it could just be one of the withdrawal phases that will eventually pass. __________________ Diagnosed anxiety/panic disorder without agoraphobia 1989. Talk/music therapy. Major anxiety and mild depression in 2004 from situational stressors. Began Paxil CR 25mg, 10/04. Quit cold-turkey 5/5/05 as demanded by doctor. Found paxilprogress 5/17/05. Began Paxil CR 12.5mg 5/17/05. Weaned 4 1/2 months. During taper - anx/panic/depression, manic episodes, agoraphobia, suicidal ideation, many other physical symptoms. Paxil-free 10/2/05.

07-03-2007, 12:21 AM	#4
Johnnny off Paxil Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Persona Non Grata... I am No Expert on Nothing Posts: 2,894	Re: Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing I've slowly introduced yogurt into my diet..its gradually getting better. Also 1 ounce of Aloe Vera juice first thing in the morning. Regards, Johnny

07-03-2007, 06:46 AM	#5
Connie2 Join Date: May 2007 Location: UK Posts: 106	Re: Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing I'm 3 months off and I can't stray far from a loo in the mornings! But it's preferable to the years of constipation I had when I was on the stuff! Just re-introduced Magnesium and even though I am starting on a low dose I'm expecting the situation to get a little worse before it gets better! Connie x __________________ Started Seroxat '96 for depression/anxiety Eventually sorted life out and started to withdraw. Off May 05. Crashed and burned 2 weeks later!Gradually went back up to 10mg. Tried again Sept 05 by quartering tablets. Anxiety returned. Back to 10mg . Nov 2005 got liquid,tried again. Last dose 30 March 2007 W/D symptoms started 2 weeks later & continuing!

07-03-2007, 01:18 PM	#6
BlueEyes Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Northern New Jersey Posts: 715	Re: Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing I have had a TON of problems with diarrhea in the past few months, and totally attribute it to the weaning of Prozac in my system. That being said, I recently started taking a 1/2 tablet of calcium twice a day to kind of counteract the magnesium (which supposedly can cause loose bowels) and it's been working wonderfully. Also, as been said above, I will not leave my house without Immodium in my pocketbook. It has been a lifesaver in MANY situations! T __________________ On Prozac/Trazodone since 1991 Tried unsuccessfully to come off it "the doctor's way" 3 separate time. Weaned myself off Trazodone 2006 Started off at 25 mg of Prozac in 2006 Slow my own slow wean of 1 mg every 4-6 weeks From 2008 - Dec 21, 2008 - 3.5 mg Jan 27, 2009 - 3 mg; Feb 23, 2009 - 2.5 mg March 25, 2009 - 2 mg; April 21, 2009 - 1.5 mg June 6, 2009 - 1 mg; July 14, 2009 - 0.5 mg LAST DAY OF PROZAC - August 13, 2009!!!!

07-03-2007, 01:42 PM	#7
LCrawford67 Moderator "Everybody poops" Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 26,493	Re: Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing T, I'm glad to read things are getting better for you! __________________ aka LC aka Laurie C. Paxil, 20 mg since 1997, for IBS Two unsuccessful attempts to quit. Started tapering 11/27/06 PAXIL FREE 12/29/07 If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. ~Meister Eckhart Thanksgiving, man. Not a good day to be my pants. ~Kevin James

07-03-2007, 01:46 PM	#8
BlueEyes Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Northern New Jersey Posts: 715	Re: Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing Laurie, thank you for remembering me and my "diarrhea" plight! I never thought I'd be so happy to see myself take a normal "dump" like I did this morning! T __________________ On Prozac/Trazodone since 1991 Tried unsuccessfully to come off it "the doctor's way" 3 separate time. Weaned myself off Trazodone 2006 Started off at 25 mg of Prozac in 2006 Slow my own slow wean of 1 mg every 4-6 weeks From 2008 - Dec 21, 2008 - 3.5 mg Jan 27, 2009 - 3 mg; Feb 23, 2009 - 2.5 mg March 25, 2009 - 2 mg; April 21, 2009 - 1.5 mg June 6, 2009 - 1 mg; July 14, 2009 - 0.5 mg LAST DAY OF PROZAC - August 13, 2009!!!!

07-03-2007, 09:26 PM	#11
Paxilalmostkilledme Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Montreal, QC Vancouver, BC Posts: 625	Re: Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing Thanks everyone...whenever I take Immodium it always helps, but who wants to keep taking that stuff?? __________________ Paxil - 2000-2006 40mgs, weight gain of 50 pounds tapered for one month as I had to get off due to behavior issues. late Dec 2006....last paxil 3 months of major w/d. supplements: b-complex, mags, fish oil "Your Mileage WILL Vary" should be stamped across every drug dispensed. Your doc shouldn't poo-poo your reaction. You live inside your body. You know what's happening in there.

07-03-2007, 09:31 PM	#12
nicemom Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 3,183	Re: Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing It seems to help when I eat cheese late in the evening and also eating a bowl of oatmeal with lunch. __________________ Diane On Paxil for 5+ years Weaned from 40mg to 15 over a 1 1/2 year period. From 15mg-0 May/June 06 (before finding PP) Protracted w/d from c/t. First 10 mths up and down but tolerable. Akathesia hit at 11 months. Many months of terrible mental and physical torture. 3/09 started Prozac but too stimulating. Currently on 15mg Lexapro and feeling so much better. Not all who waunder are lost.

12-17-2007, 09:13 PM	#13
ewak Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 13	Re: Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing are you guys still experiencing this? i am at my breaking point with this- my bowels have been all screwed up ever since i tapered down on the paxil and definately think its stress related- i have the most problems with it while at work. i had 6 loose bm's at work the other day and i hate the idea of being stuck on laxatives forever...i feel like i cant eat anything anymore except for oatmeal etc. i cut caffiene and milk out of my diet...what else can i do?

12-17-2007, 09:35 PM	#14
nicemom Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 3,183	Re: Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing Mine finally stopped. Are you taking manesium? That can cause that. You mentioned laxatives? Did you mean imodium? Eat lots of cheese __________________ Diane On Paxil for 5+ years Weaned from 40mg to 15 over a 1 1/2 year period. From 15mg-0 May/June 06 (before finding PP) Protracted w/d from c/t. First 10 mths up and down but tolerable. Akathesia hit at 11 months. Many months of terrible mental and physical torture. 3/09 started Prozac but too stimulating. Currently on 15mg Lexapro and feeling so much better. Not all who waunder are lost.

12-18-2007, 12:07 AM	#16
Bigboatman Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 7	Re: Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing If what your dealing with is anything like what I've lived with for the last 15 years it will pass in a few days. Ever since I started Paxil I have had stomach troubles off and on always resulting in diarrea or pain. Imodium used to be my best friend, but what I learned was to only eat certain foods to stay regular. Since starting withdrawel, my digestive troubles have become more frequent but they are not constant. I havent been able to drink milk or anything with caffeine since starting paxil, no spicy foods, no ice cream, not much cheese, have to stay away from salads. The best thing thats worked for me is to just let whatever it is get out of your system and start with basic foods you know you can eat. __________________ Started Paxil in '92 @ 20 mg-increased to 30 mg in '94 (I think)-tried Paxil CR 30 mg in 12/02, side effects were worse than regular Paxil-went down to 20 mg of regular Paxil after a couple weeks-Started withdraw sometime in '05 (Should have kept better track of this), dropped to 10 mg with minimal side effects-down to 5 mg on 11/15/07-whoa, maybe that was to large of a drop-Ive been on the generic equivalent for the last five years or so, dont know if it makes a difference in potency.

12-18-2007, 11:06 AM	#17
elisa Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 11,509	Re: Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing I know what you're talking about. Have this ongoing problem with it since off Effexor. Have been taking benefibre for the last month or so and it's helping on most days. __________________ On A/D's since 1995, switching due to side-effects on 30 different brands of TCA's, SSRI's, SNRI's, Antipsychotics, Benzo's & Imovane. 6 ECT's. Tapering from 225 mg Effexor XR May 17, 2004. (Equiv. to 60 mg Paxil) Last taper Effexor XR Jan 17, 2006 down to ZERO. Currently protracted withdrawal. Sept 2006: 25 mg Doxepin. March 13/09: 10 mg Desipramine

12-18-2007, 02:37 PM	#18
Paxilalmostkilledme Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Montreal, QC Vancouver, BC Posts: 625	Re: Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing I will have to try Benefibre...luckily the frequency of my BMs have gone down to once per day - but still a little loose for my liking! __________________ Paxil - 2000-2006 40mgs, weight gain of 50 pounds tapered for one month as I had to get off due to behavior issues. late Dec 2006....last paxil 3 months of major w/d. supplements: b-complex, mags, fish oil "Your Mileage WILL Vary" should be stamped across every drug dispensed. Your doc shouldn't poo-poo your reaction. You live inside your body. You know what's happening in there.

12-18-2007, 03:17 PM	#19
Songbird Join Date: May 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 7,046	Re: Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing I've been taking aloe vera juice daily, it has helped a lot to calm down my intestinal troubles. __________________ Jul 01-Feb 02 Aropax Feb - Dec 03 Citalopram Jul 04 Aropax Jan 07 - Feb 08 20mg - 5mg Apr 4.5mg 5mg Jun 10mg zopiclone > seroquel Jul 20mg Aug + methionine Oct aropax > loxamine Dec off seroquel 7 Dec 17.5mg 30 Dec 15mg 24 Jan 12.5mg 16 Feb 10mg 10 May 9mg 30 May 8mg 5 July 7.5mg 2 Aug 7.25mg 1 Sep 7mg 9 Oct 6.75mg 8 Nov 6.5mg Appreciation is the antidote to stress - Trust is the antidote to fear

12-18-2007, 08:50 PM	#20
csnyder002 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Carthage, NY Posts: 408	Re: Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing LOL...what a topic! I thought I was the only one that was having those "types" of problems. At least I know now that it could be caused from the Paxil. And I'm getting a smile out of reading these posts! May be all be able to have normal dumps! Cheers. __________________ 30mg-40mg Paxil (6 years) 10/1/07 30mg Paxil, BusPar,Xanax,Lipitor 10/9 Tapering Paxil 22.5mg 10/22 @ 18.75 mg Paxil 11/6 @ 15 mg Paxil. 11/11 Tapering BusPar, Paxil on hold 11/18 Buspar Free 12/01 Paxil to 10 mg 12/5 up to 12.5 mg Paxil 12/15 10 mg Paxil 12/22 5mg Paxil 12/30 Zero 1/4/08 Back to 10mg 1/19 8.75 mg Paxil, Xanax and Lipitor Free 1/27 7.5 mg Paxil 1/8 5mg 1/23 2.5mg 3/2/08 ZERO/Done again

12-18-2007, 11:44 PM	#21
Dawn B. Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ramona, CA. Posts: 1,322	Re: Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing Most people don't realize that you have a ton of serotonin in your gut, so of course paxil changes are going to effect your BM's. I have had a few episodes myself during w/d. __________________ Mt 19:26 'With God, all things are possible' Started Paxil 2000 for post partem anxiety Happily on it until it pooped out 2/07 Started cutting down way too fast 7/07 from 20 mg. to 10 mg. and got very sick. Found PP, went back to 13 mg. Waited and waited and never stablized. Began slow wean, down to 7 mg. over a year. Never felt well. Trashed the paxil at 7 mg. in Aug. '08.

12-26-2007, 05:47 PM	#22
ewak Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 13	Re: Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing sorry- i dont know why i said laxatives- i meant immodium. took very small doses of it and now im constipated (along with the bloating, gas, and burping that i have had for the past month). saw a specialist today and i was in and out of the exam room in 5 min after he told me my symptoms sound like ibs and prescribed me dicyclomine....any comments about this drug? not sure what to think about the possible side effects.

01-02-2008, 09:14 PM	#23
Songbird Join Date: May 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 7,046	Re: Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing I don't know anything about it but I would be wary of using a drug, without first trying the more natural options. __________________ Jul 01-Feb 02 Aropax Feb - Dec 03 Citalopram Jul 04 Aropax Jan 07 - Feb 08 20mg - 5mg Apr 4.5mg 5mg Jun 10mg zopiclone > seroquel Jul 20mg Aug + methionine Oct aropax > loxamine Dec off seroquel 7 Dec 17.5mg 30 Dec 15mg 24 Jan 12.5mg 16 Feb 10mg 10 May 9mg 30 May 8mg 5 July 7.5mg 2 Aug 7.25mg 1 Sep 7mg 9 Oct 6.75mg 8 Nov 6.5mg Appreciation is the antidote to stress - Trust is the antidote to fear

01-02-2008, 10:05 PM	#24
Paxilalmostkilledme Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Montreal, QC Vancouver, BC Posts: 625	Re: Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing Dare I say my bowel movements are back to a pre-paxil level of 1.2 per day... In the end I can't pinpoint what exactly what fixed it, but I did take magnesium and started eating smaller portions which has effected the transit time of my BMs, or it could just be the fact that I am off Paxil for a year. __________________ Paxil - 2000-2006 40mgs, weight gain of 50 pounds tapered for one month as I had to get off due to behavior issues. late Dec 2006....last paxil 3 months of major w/d. supplements: b-complex, mags, fish oil "Your Mileage WILL Vary" should be stamped across every drug dispensed. Your doc shouldn't poo-poo your reaction. You live inside your body. You know what's happening in there.

01-02-2008, 10:06 PM	#25
Paxilalmostkilledme Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Montreal, QC Vancouver, BC Posts: 625	Re: Bowel Movements - I know - very embarassing Dawn, do you know if serotonin is in the stomach or the intestines? I wonder, is it in the cells or the lining? __________________ Paxil - 2000-2006 40mgs, weight gain of 50 pounds tapered for one month as I had to get off due to behavior issues. late Dec 2006....last paxil 3 months of major w/d. supplements: b-complex, mags, fish oil "Your Mileage WILL Vary" should be stamped across every drug dispensed. Your doc shouldn't poo-poo your reaction. You live inside your body. You know what's happening in there.

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