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Anxiety Medication Issues -- Digestive Problems?

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Posted 4/6/2009 6:17 PM (GMT 0)
Greetings! I am new to these forums and would be grateful for any encouragement and advice you can give!

I was diagnosed with GAD/Depression (usually just GAD, but when it's bad for long enough the depression kicks in) in 2002, and started taking Effexor XR at that time. Then in summer of 2008 I developed liver poisoning (toxic hepatitis) due to an antibiotic and had to go off all my medications. My GI, though rather sure it was the antibiotic, would prefer I not return to the Effexor XR so my psychiatrist and I are searching for a new medication.

In the past month I have tried Lexapro, Cymbalta, and now am on Paroxetine HCL (Paxil CR). Each of these medications has caused terrible abdominal cramps, bloating, and severe diarrhea. I was on the Lexapro a week, the Cymbalta 3 days, and I was going to try to give the Paxil a week but today is day four and I can barely function I'm in the bathroom so much and the pain is terrible.

Has anyone else had these problems? I'm thinking of risking a return to Effexor XR just to find something that works!
Posted 4/6/2009 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
Zoloft & Lexaro give me diarrhea. I want to try Wellbutrin when I'm done nursing, it doesn't appear to have diarrhea as a side effect like the SSRI's.
Posted 4/6/2009 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome!

I'm sorry to hear that you aren't having any success yet in finding a med that won't worsen your side effects. I've not had the difficulties you're describing, but I'm sure other members will be along soon with their experiences and advice.

That's wonderful that your doctor is working so hard on your behalf, trying to help you find a suitable alternative. Having a good relationship with your doctor can make even the worst times a little more bearable.

Again, welcome, and do keep posting.

percycat
Posted 4/6/2009 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
When you are not on any medications do you still have the digestive problems? The reason I ask is sometimes antibiotics can cause what they call a c-diff infection that causes alot of digestive problems. i.e. Diarrhea etc. I wish I could be of more help, hope the docs can get you figured out.

Hugs
Gail *Nanners*
Posted 4/6/2009 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
I don't have any experience with any of the medications you mentioned. I just wanted you to know that I'm here along with everyone else and thinking about you! Remind yourself that the right medication will be found and you'll be feeling much better soon. Stay hydrated!
Posted 4/6/2009 11:00 PM (GMT 0)
TheBigA

Welcome to HealingWell and I am so glad to meet you.  You will love the comfort and support you will receive here.

How about one of the older meds, the trycyclic antidepressants?  Just a thought.  Do you take medication for you stomach.  I have GERD so I use a PPI already and I have some break through stomach problems but usually do well on meds.

Also how long have you been off AD's?  Do you need them or would you be ok with treatment for the Anxiety alone?  Buspar is an old drug and is for anxiety with very few side effects.

Just tossing out some thoughts.

Again a warm welcome and stick with us.

Peace,

Kitt

Posted 4/7/2009 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
BigA, I see in your signature that you have ulcerative colitis. I think it's probably very likely that it is the disease causing your symptoms and not the anxiety medicine specifically...

It's possible that the anxiety medicine could be irritating you... In which case... perhaps it'd be best if you ate a small snack (whatever you feel like eating) before you take your anxiety medicines. It might help settle your tummy a bit...
Posted 4/7/2009 2:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone for the support.

My doctor and I have decided that if the digestive side effects are getting this bad, we're going to scratch the Paxil and try something else yet again. I have an appointment next week where we'll discuss our options.

I too was concerned that this was all just the UC causing problems, but I've just had a colonoscopy and small bowel and all is well with my innards. The trips to the bathroom have also just occurred when I've been taking the Lexapro, Cymbalta, or Paxil. When I'm off them I just have a bit of cramping and more IBS-like symptoms.

I spoke with my GI yesterday, and he's fairly certain that this is the IBS causing problems, as it often does when I have another medical issue going on (it was bad a couple of years ago when my thyroid was acting up). I've got a new RX for Bentyl to try to calm things down digestive-wise until we can get a handle on the anxiety.

Hopefully I'll have better news to report in the days ahead!

Thanks again!
Posted 4/7/2009 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
Your doctor sounds like he's very helpful... That's a good thing... :)... Hope things get figured out and taken care of soon...
Posted 4/10/2009 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
I'm taking Lexapro. I've read that one of the side effects is diarrhea. Thankfully, I don't get this side effect from Lexapro, which is a good thing, because I have Colitis.
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