Posted by bubblegumchewer on July 29, 2002, at 13:02:55
Hi there; I seem to remember that you are a pharmacist. I described my problem in more (unsavory) detail in "let's play pick-a-med," but I'm looking for some clarification from you, if you can help me.
I've been taking nortriptyline for almost a year but I can't stand it anymore because it is just so "constipating." I put that word in quotes because I think the real problem is that, from what I've read, the medication relaxes the muscles or nerves of the gut so well that nothing moves along as it should. I have to admit I am afraid of some catastrophe like "paralytic ileus." I eat and drink well but just don't have to go for up to a week and a half or two weeks, and my doctors don't care about this side effect. From what I understand, the problem is not one that can be fixed with fiber or colace (it makes no difference whether I take those or not) and in fact it may be inadvisable to keep throwing more bulk at a gut that is not moving at all. My stop-gap measure right now is to stop taking the medication once a week just so I can use the bathroom. Ridiculous, huh? I'm looking for some backing from you that I am understanding the problem correctly. I mean, I could try eating nothing but prunes and metamucil but I don't think that's a healthy way to eat and I'm not sure it would "fix" the problem which is obviously caused by the med. Within 12 hours of my missed dose of the med I am completely and utterly normal again, at least bowel-wise.
Am I understanding this correctly? I want your opinion so that next time I see the doc and he starts reciting, "colace, prunes," etc. I can tell him to stick it. I am looking for a replacement medication for anxious depression/ panic attacks. Thanks very much for your input.
poster:bubblegumchewer
thread:114171
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020725/msgs/114171.html