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Are Frequent Bowel Movements A Side Effect Of De-addiction Medication?

Posted on Tue, 7 Jul 2015

Question: my dad taking medication since last 8 weeks for alcohol deaddiction because i motivated him to do so. he had violent behaviour after drinking. that has stopped now. and his drinking quantity also reduced. but he is still drinking even if not in high quantity. medication currently he taking is

haloperidol 0.25mg reduced from 0.5mg

neocalm 25mg

fluoxetine 20mg

clonazepam at night probably 0.5mg

topamax 25mg.

so one problem he is facing is - he is going to washroom 3-4 times in a day for defecation.
and strange thing is he dont feel it coming at the right time. and till he gets there, a bit of it already out.

and second thing is he feels his throat jammed. not able to speak properly.

please analyse and suggest.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Adjustment in doses is needed

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic

I can understand your concern. A lot of individuals develop severe restlessness in which they show violent, abusive behaviour. Hallucinations, tremors, confusion can develop in about a week. Though he is on right medicines for alcohol deaddiction but as his symptoms are persisting so in my opinion there is need to adjust his doses.

Neocalm and Haloperidol are antipsychotic drugs and can help to control his mood. But as alcohol is a brain depressant so it's withdrawal is resulting in his symptoms, though Clonazepam is replenishing but in my opinion it's doses are not sufficient. Please consult his doctor and discuss about increasing the doses of Clonazepam. Increase in doses and SOS basis use of drug will reduce his symptoms and he would become relaxed.

His behaviour like confusion about bowel habits is also due to withdrawal. Talk to his doctor and check about orientation of your dad. Adjustment on doses will help in improving the symptoms.

Thanks, Hope this helps you, if you have more doubts you can ask again.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (14 minutes later)

I didnt mean that his violent symptoms are persisting. violent behaviour is not present.

the problem is in two points i mentioned.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
These both symptoms are due to persisting withdrawal

Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for asking a follow up

Even his behaviour like confusion about defecation, going to toilet again and again, increased frequency of stools is due to persisting withdrawal symptoms. As I have mentioned get his orientation checked and also get his serum electrolytes (serum sodium, potassium and calcium) checked. Altered levels are responsible for confusion and changed bowel pattern.

The symptoms like slurred speech, feeling like jammed throat etc are also withdrawal symptoms of alcohol.

If you have prescription of Clonazepam then you can give him the tablets on SOS basis and you will see improvement in his symptoms. Also visit his doctor for reevaluation. Though there is nothing to worry but still there is need for evaluation.

Thanks, I hope this helps. Still have more doubts please don't hesitate to ask again.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (5 hours later)

thanks for the reply. you have cleared my doubts.

one last thing - what is this one thing you mentioned dose on SOS basis?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Taken when needed

Detailed Answer:
Hello again, thanks for your appreciation

By SOS basis I meant "medicine to be taken in need" or on PRN "as when needed" basis. Whenever he develop the symptoms give him Clonazepam.

Thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar