Side effects of non stimulant meds

[mamaliga1]

It may be funny but not to me. I experienced unremitting constipation from stratera. The measures I used to compensate were overwhelming for the benefit I received. Disappointed 😞. I am unable to try stimulant meds due to a cardiac condition. I am back to normal 3 weeks after stopping ADHD meds.

[Jjflash]

Hiya,you could try laxido,it's a sachet that goes into your cold drink,I add it to a cordial drink.I personally choose to take no more than 2 daily.you can take 2 sachets in 1 drink.also,if you can attempt even 5 mins of exercise daily or try to walk more,it should ease your symptoms so that you become more fegular.Good luck

[mamaliga1 in reply to Jjflash]

I had increased my daily fiber intake exponentially and also used psyllium capsules daily. It was quite torturous and always felt uncomfortable. Like I said for me, the detriment that weighs the benefit.

[Jjflash in reply to mamaliga1]

It's not ideal,your body sounds pretty fragile.Are you able to do any exercise or just try to walk more.

[mamaliga1]

As far as exercise goes, I weight train several days a week as well as walk for exercise

[Purpleprincess67]

have you tried inulin powder? I used it when I was needing to take a lot of codeine which made me very constipated. I mixed 3 teaspoons in a drink each day and it worked wonders.

[MaudQ]

Are you working with a psychiatrist? They should have ideas for non-stimulant meds. If they don’t, it might be worth getting a second opinion. Also, dose and timing can help with side effects. Sometimes shifting when you take a drug can make a big difference. Off the top of my head, I know guanfacine is a non stimulant option - but there are others. Good luck!

[mamaliga1 in reply to MaudQ]

based on my research, all of them include constipation as a possible side effect. For clarity, what I noticed is that the sensation of having to eliminate was significantly dulled. That impacts transit time and therefore desiccation of poop, leading to a whole lot unpleasantness. What the psyllium does is bulk up poop so that the sensation is amplified to eliminate. For me it was a helper, not a fixer concept. As I age, the gut nervous system continues to slow down, so I have to consider what I am willing to risk. I thought I would put my thought process out here so that others may benefit.

[Stippler]

Sorry to hear that. You are not alone. I took Strattera years ago and it also constipated me really bad. Nowadays I am trying to not take Adderall and it is tough. Have you tried aloe vera inner leaf? That might help with constipation. Sending healing energy.

[KentuckTD]

It causes constipation for my son, too, but not as bad as yours it sounds like. His Dr. recommended Miralax, and my son was able to take 1/3 of a dose/day to help him. Yes, it says to not take it for more than X number of days, but his Dr. said it was fine to take it long-term. He would take that 1/3 dose probably 5 days/week. Maybe check with your Dr. and ask about Miralax as a solution for the constipation?

[Jiraf]

I also am unable to take the normal stimulant drugs due to high blood pressure, but I am able to take Concerta (now on the generic) which has greatly helped my ADHD. No constipation. Maybe you could discuss with your doctor if that would be an option for you too.

Good luck!

[starsallover]

I understand why you gave that medication up, constipation is the absolute worst. I had problems with that when I started atomoxitine early this year. It got better for me after a couple of weeks, but I totally get it that that couple of weeks could be absolutely miserable. I got by using smaller doeses of MiraLAX. That medication in the doses I can handle wasn't effective enough for me either. I'm still taking it, but added a low-dose of stimulant. I understand that won't work for you, so I'm not suggesting it. Just telling you about my experience. I hope you find something that helps you deal with ADHD.