“Constipation for weeks?”
I have been severely constipated for 3 weeks. I've had some relief with Metamucil or laxative. I take hydrochlorothiazide for hypertension, amitriptyline for headaches, and Xanax for anxiety. I discontinued hydrochlorothiazide and amitriptyline 2 days ago. No relief. Could .5 mg daily Xanax cause constipation?
Male | 67 years old
Complaint duration: 21 days
Medications: hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, amitriptyline 25 mg, Xanax .5 mg, acyclovir 800 mg, odefsey
Conditions: hiv+ since 1983
6 Answers
I can provide some general information that may help you understand your situation. Constipation can have various causes, including medication side effects, dietary factors, and underlying medical conditions. In your case, it's essential to consider the potential factors contributing to your constipation, including your medications.
1. **Xanax (Alprazolam)**: While constipation is not typically a common side effect of Xanax, it can affect some individuals. However, it's less likely to be the primary cause of severe constipation lasting for weeks. If you suspect Xanax might be contributing, discuss this with your healthcare provider, who can assess your medication regimen and make necessary adjustments.
2. **Hydrochlorothiazide**: Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic used to treat hypertension, can cause electrolyte imbalances that might lead to constipation in some cases. However, it's worth noting that discontinuing this medication only two days ago may not have an immediate effect on your constipation.
3. **Amitriptyline**: Amitriptyline is sometimes associated with constipation as a side effect. However, like hydrochlorothiazide, discontinuing it for just a couple of days may not have an immediate impact on your bowel habits.
4. **Diet and Fluid Intake**: It's crucial to evaluate your dietary habits. Lack of fiber and insufficient fluid intake can contribute to constipation. Make sure you are consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and drinking enough water.
5. **Physical Activity**: Physical inactivity can also lead to constipation. Regular exercise can help stimulate bowel movements.
6. **Medical Conditions**: Chronic constipation can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colorectal issues, or neurological disorders. Your healthcare provider can assess you for any potential underlying conditions.
7. **Medication Interactions**: It's important to consider how your various medications might interact with each other and potentially contribute to constipation. Your healthcare provider can review your entire medication regimen and make adjustments if necessary.
Given the severity and duration of your constipation, I strongly recommend reaching out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible for a thorough evaluation. They can help identify the specific cause or contributing factors, adjust your medications if needed, and provide guidance on dietary and lifestyle changes to manage your constipation effectively. Please do not stop or adjust any medications without consulting your healthcare provider, as this can have unintended consequences.
1. **Xanax (Alprazolam)**: While constipation is not typically a common side effect of Xanax, it can affect some individuals. However, it's less likely to be the primary cause of severe constipation lasting for weeks. If you suspect Xanax might be contributing, discuss this with your healthcare provider, who can assess your medication regimen and make necessary adjustments.
2. **Hydrochlorothiazide**: Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic used to treat hypertension, can cause electrolyte imbalances that might lead to constipation in some cases. However, it's worth noting that discontinuing this medication only two days ago may not have an immediate effect on your constipation.
3. **Amitriptyline**: Amitriptyline is sometimes associated with constipation as a side effect. However, like hydrochlorothiazide, discontinuing it for just a couple of days may not have an immediate impact on your bowel habits.
4. **Diet and Fluid Intake**: It's crucial to evaluate your dietary habits. Lack of fiber and insufficient fluid intake can contribute to constipation. Make sure you are consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and drinking enough water.
5. **Physical Activity**: Physical inactivity can also lead to constipation. Regular exercise can help stimulate bowel movements.
6. **Medical Conditions**: Chronic constipation can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colorectal issues, or neurological disorders. Your healthcare provider can assess you for any potential underlying conditions.
7. **Medication Interactions**: It's important to consider how your various medications might interact with each other and potentially contribute to constipation. Your healthcare provider can review your entire medication regimen and make adjustments if necessary.
Given the severity and duration of your constipation, I strongly recommend reaching out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible for a thorough evaluation. They can help identify the specific cause or contributing factors, adjust your medications if needed, and provide guidance on dietary and lifestyle changes to manage your constipation effectively. Please do not stop or adjust any medications without consulting your healthcare provider, as this can have unintended consequences.
Hi, Xanax is not typically associated with constipation as a side effect. The other medications are. Improving will take several more days. Walking is important. Fruit and vegetables intake daily are essential.
I don't think the Xanax would cause constipation, but it is a well known side effect to amitriptyline.
Hello, Looks like it’s a new episode of severe constipation? We call it bowel habit change. Of course, a period of 3 weeks could be short, but on the other hand, it could be a serious sign. So it would be reasonable to investigate it seriously. Discuss with your doctor how. Xanax doesn’t have constipation as a side effect, rather urinary incontinence. Best of luck, don’t leave it indefinitely unfound.
Xanax should not cause constipation have you been assessed for this constipation? If not, you should be. If you have no blockage or mass then I would suggest miralax daily. You should be able to restart your medications once you are having regular bowel movements.
Please get evaluated by a gastroenterologist to rule out a more serious condition other than simple constipation.
