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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Chronic Constipation After Taking Cymbalta?

Hi, I’m a 30 year old female. I’ve been taking Cymbalta to treat depression for approximately 3 weeks and the past 2 weeks I’ve been experiencing chronic constipation. I don’t seem to have any urge to go to the toilet and I can’t make myself go. I ended up taking a laxative about 6 days ago and that helped, but I’m back to suffering again now. I obviously don’t want to take laxatives too often so I’ve started ensuring that I drink plenty of water, eat plenty of fibre, and avoid dairy. I’m also considering buying some prune juice today and I’ve read that taking magnesium may help? Would you agree that all of these steps would be the best way to try and help my situation? Do you know how long constipation is likely to stick around while I’m on Cymbalta, is it something that usually stops after some weeks?
Mon, 25 May 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Cymbalta is Duloxetine and the drug is a SNRI drug. The drug is known to have some anticholinergic side effects like dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation etc. In most cases these side effects occur for first few weeks of therapy and usually start decreasing after about 4 weeks of start of therapy. If constipation becomes intolerable then laxatives can help. Taking green leafy vegetables, plenty of water also helps in reducing the constipation. Liquid Paraffine containing laxatives can also help in severe constipation. Now coming to your questions-

- Magnesium helps in improving stool flow in constipation.
- Yes these steps will help in reducing constipation. Take high fibre diet and reduce fat content of diet. Take plenty of water.
- The symptoms will reduce in some weeks.

Please visit your psychiatrist if symptoms become severe.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care.

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi
MD Psychiatry
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What Causes Chronic Constipation After Taking Cymbalta?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Cymbalta is Duloxetine and the drug is a SNRI drug. The drug is known to have some anticholinergic side effects like dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation etc. In most cases these side effects occur for first few weeks of therapy and usually start decreasing after about 4 weeks of start of therapy. If constipation becomes intolerable then laxatives can help. Taking green leafy vegetables, plenty of water also helps in reducing the constipation. Liquid Paraffine containing laxatives can also help in severe constipation. Now coming to your questions- - Magnesium helps in improving stool flow in constipation. - Yes these steps will help in reducing constipation. Take high fibre diet and reduce fat content of diet. Take plenty of water. - The symptoms will reduce in some weeks. Please visit your psychiatrist if symptoms become severe. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care. Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi MD Psychiatry