What Causes Constipation And Passing Of Excessive Gas After Starting New Medication?

Posted on Tue, 17 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 17 Mar 2015 Answered on

Tue, 7 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Started a new medication two weeks ago and I haven't been able to poop since. I'm not bloated, my stomach is not sore and I am still passing gas. I have tried many things such as laxatives, eating more fiber, heat on the belly, drinking a lot of water etc and nothing seems to be working.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need more info

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Gastric discomfort and difficulty in passage of stools is a known side effect of many drugs. Please get back to me with the name of the drug so that can help you out with either an alternative drug or other forms of treatment

Please get back to me , I am awaiting your reply

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (15 minutes later)

I am now on effexor as well as zoplicone

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Effexor

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back

It looks like you have side effects of Effexor which is known to cause constipation, if it is not improving inspite of lifestyle modification ( which you are already doing ) then I recommend you to switch over to either fluoxetine or citalopram after discussing with your doctor, this is the only solution.

I hope I was of help , please get back to if you have any doubts

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj