Toilet

[Mandypandy1969]

Hi all, I was just wondering if anyone has had trouble going to the toilet for a number 2. This is my 3rd day now and a bit worried about it. The only medication I am on for fibromialgia is 400mg of gabapentin. I have been having trouble for the last few weeks on and off but 3 days in worrying. It has been 2 days a couple of times in the past few weeks.

[Dinkie]

Hi Mandypandy. If I remember rightly constipation is a side effect of gabapentin - have you checked the leaflet inside the medication box. If it is a known side effect it will be listed on the data sheet. Have a word with your GP or pharmacist they should be able to help. In the meantime make sure you drink plenty of water and have a diet high in fibre. Horrid feeling isn't it. Hope you get some relief soon.

[Mandypandy1969 in reply to Dinkie]

ThankYou. X

[Mandypandy1969 in reply to Mandypandy1969]

I have checked the side effects on the leaflet on gabapentin and constipation isn't mentioned. This is not like me not to be regular at all. Haven't been right in the toilet department since after the flu virus when with that, I was pretty loose. Seems very odd. I have taken ex lax today and still nothing. Just thought I would let you know it wasn't on the leaflet as being a side effect of gabapentin. Xx

[M0AL61 Moderator Volunteer]

Yes, I suffer terribly from constipation. I'm also on Gabapentin, plus a load of other meds as well, and it's one of the side affects. My GP prescribes some laxatives for me, which help.

Make sure you drink plenty of water. xx

[Mandypandy1969 in reply to M0AL61]

ThankYou. X

[Ramjets]

As well as ensuring you drink lots of fluids, you could also try increasing the fibre in your diet. For brekkie, Weetabix or Shredded wheat are higher-fibre breakfast cereals and porridge is also a wise choice as oats are a good source of fibre. Other high fibre foods are whole-wheat pasta, bulgur wheat, brown rice, beans, lentils or chickpeas (which you can add to stews, curries and salads). And of course eating plenty of vegetables and fruit should help (best fruits to eat for constipation are apples, grapes, pears and strawberries). As a veggie who eats all of the above on a regular basis I can vouch for the regular effect they have! Also if you can manage it, exercise will also help get things moving. Hope you feel better soon. x

[Mandypandy1969 in reply to Ramjets]

Thanks. I do eat fruit and a lot of salad, jacket potatoes and cereal in the mornings. I have been eating dried prunes to get myself working but haven't done the trick. Yesterday, I had a piece of ex lax chocolate. Still no movement and don't even feel I want to go. Never been like this, always been regular as clockwork after my first 1 or 2 cigarettes in the morning. Getting worried now. X

[Ramjets in reply to Mandypandy1969]

Ah right, then maybe speak to your pharmacist if nothing else is working as they can suggest a suitable laxative. Most laxatives work within 3 days so if no improvement by then, I would recommend you visit your doctor. Good luck and take care. x

[bulpit]

Good morning Mandypandy, miserable condition isn't it. Try eating two ripe Kiwi fruits every morning, just peel them and eat the inside,I have found them most effective, you can ask your Dr to prescribe Movacol. Hope things improve soon, Regards Bulpit

[KateAL]

Hi are you only taking the one med?

[Mandypandy1969 in reply to KateAL]

I also take 150mg venlafaxine a day. 150 lamotrigine twice a day. 400mg three times a day if gabapentin. x

[Fra22-57]

Loads of meds give you constipation. I am like it regular so as a result end up with haemorrhoids then bleed. I eat fruit with breakfast , lunch and tea drink pints of water throughout day and exercise.even take fybrogel but struggle like hell.Seem to been better recently after been on antibiotics.

Any change in bowel movement you should discuss with your GP thou

[Bjosephine]

yes that drug along with many pain meds cause constipation..plenty of fluids etc but your gp can give you a safe gentle laxative that you can take as needed... hope this helps

[KateAL]

As most have said I’d talk to the doctor x

[Al10]

Really understand the fear.i got blocked solid n feared I would have to get medical help. Eek. It was so painful!!!!. I got googling. Couldn't imagine calling for help to poo!!! You might try magnesium citrate. Good for fibro n too much should have you galloping to the bathroom. I use enough to keep me going else I wouldn't. I have overdone my dose n it lasts a couple of hours. Suggest read the label n take that. Then maybe a little more.til things get going. Don't go crazy tho. Read up on net to see what you think. I was impressed that finally I felt I'd cleared my system n any fibro can deal with a couple of hours of grippy tum . N way better than movicol. Hope you get to go soon.

[ruth472]

Hi have been looking on here for tips to get a non existent bowel going. Quite a few people are saying to try mag citrate so as ive tried most other things thought I'd order some. Could you tell me how much you take please and which brand you use? Thanks in advance xx