Can cymbalta make you constipated?

Are you feeling stuck? Not in the metaphysical sense of course, but physically. Do you feel like your insides have refused to move anything out for days upon end? Does it hurt to even think about going #2? Well friend, if you’re taking medication and experiencing these symptoms, there’s a very good chance that prescription is the culprit.

Enter Cymbalta: a powerful antidepressant known for its desired effects in fighting off depression, anxiety, PTSD or other mental/chronic pain disorders – but also infamous for giving patients one too many instances of constipation.

In this article we’ll take an in-depth dive into why exactly that happens.

What is Cymbalta?

Before diving into the nitty-gritty details of how Cymbalta can cause constipation; let’s first establish what it actually is.

Cymbalta (scientifically labeled duloxetine HCI) is an antidepressant used to treat not only depression but anxiety disorders as well. It was approved by the FDA back in 2004 and has since gone on to be prescribed all around the world at alarming rates!Well… okay maybe not “alarming”, just impressive-ly high… which could be either scary OR admirable, depending on who you ask!

But more importantly than its widespread use; how does it work?

Mechanism Of Action

Cymbalta works mainly by blocking two naturally occuring chemicals inside our brain called Serotonin & Norepinephrine.

These chemicals are directly linked with mood regulation so inhibiting them magically (or scientifically) leads to jolly-happy moods…. most times anyway. Sometimes,the ramifications aren’t always roses and sunshine..

How Does This Later Cause Constipation?

Now here comes the punchline folks:
One side effect from tampering with serotonin & norepinephrine levels is reducing peristalsis. And this basically means the normal digestive process that moves food through your intestines gets stopped up to some degree, leading to – shocker- constipation.

Bummer &ehem.. just leaving it at that doesn’t do justice about how much of a bummer it really is (Trust me).

Let’s take a closer look at why reduced peristalsis leads to fewer trips on the porcelain throne.

The Connection Between Peristalsis and Bowel Movement

The easy(ish) answer here: When there are fewer wave-like muscle contractions in our intestinal walls moving everything along as we eat/drink; what follows? Only less material being moved out over time.

And since nature abhors stagnation all together? Giving those undigested nutrient fragments an extended stay within you can come with side effects that range from general discomfort, bloating e.t.c, but if left unmanaged… worst case could even lead to impaction!

Sounds horrifying enough right ?! But fear not dear reader.. Options also abound !

What Can You Do About This?

Step 1 : Contact Your Doctor

This is probably the most obvious solution: If you’re experiencing constipation while regularly taking Cymbalta, contact your doctor and discuss these symptoms immediately! They’ll more than likely be able to suggest certain tests or tweaks concerning dosage/medications which may help alleviate any backloged excrement in no time.

Increase Fluid Intake

Water intake is pretty much good for EVERYTHING!, especially when trying ward off ‘stuckness’, so consider chugging beverages like water or electrolyte-enhanced options where possible. The increased liquid amount will aid in hydrating your colon thus making stool easier – and{eventually}more regular –going forward.

Incorporate More Fiber Rich Foods Into Your Diet

While fibrous foods aren’t an end-all-be-all panacea to all of life’s health woes, consuming the right ones can assist in reducing constipation. Examples of fiber-rich foods are whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice e.t.c; fruits and berries like Apples or Raspberries and fresh vegetables (eat your greens folks!) such as kale,e.t.c.

More often than not—you’ll come out on top by just making lifestyle changes such as these

Try Over-The-Counter Medications

A more temporary solution that may help alleviate any symptom-related muscle strains would include OTC stool softeners/laxatives. These suspension options basically work by drawing water from other portions of the body into the colon which increases moisture in impacted areas thus facilitating adequate progress when nature calls.

Some prescription medicines might also be utilized .Ask your doctor for recommendations.Before you run to the pharmacy though, certain side effects still apply so ensure to read fine prints on labels beforehand.

Final Thought

While Cymbalta can have positive outcomes for people dealing with chronic pain/mood disorders – particularly depression/anxiety ; it could also lead to a less-than-enjoyable few day(s) missing out on societal ‘poo-sessions’.

The good news here is.. Alot can be done about it!.

Hopefully with our little overview coupled with some easily applicable solutions ,arm yourself well enough against stubborn dysfunction…because being caught stuck—with nowhere TO unstick—definitely puts any person in quite a bind!

So stay informed、stay regular & Happy “Unpoopular” Day!

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