SSRI drugs and chronic severe diarrhea

[Llyn]

I took high doses of SSRI's for roughly 5 years.  Chronic severe diarrhea began with the first one (Zoloft/sertraline) and has continued.  It became a little less severe when I was switched to Effexor/venlafaxine, which caused a host of other problems.  I have now been off these drugs and back on my original antidepressant, Wellbutrin, for roughly two years and nine months.  The chronic severe diarrhea has never gone away, although the fecal incontinence is not as severe as it was while I was on the Zoloft/sertraline-- then, it was during the day and at night; now it happens primarily at night.  My body is desperately and constantly trying to flush my system.  I am concerned that long term use of SSRI drugs may permanently damage SSRI receptors throughout the body.   Is anyone else out there experiencing this in conjunction with long term use of high doses of SSRI drugs?  Following long term high doses of SSRI drugs?   Thanks in advance for any information that you can provide.

[Tina409]

Hi, I was on Celexa for almost 14 years...and I should have had counseling that first year and weaned off pills but I didn't really know that's how it's done. We all need to address what's really bothering us and get off these pills quick if possible by making positive lifestyle changes. These pills probably do more harm than good and don't make that big of a difference I found.  I had a horrible time getting off of Celexa and had anxiety attacks like never before.  Started to feel more normal if that's possible after the pills have messed with my body and brain, but I still had too much anxiety.  Also, I was getting bad ringing in the ears from the Celexa besides gaining 20-30 lbs. while on it, so if I wasn't depressed before I sure am now!  Well, I decided to try Zoloft and took one pill, then I couldn't sleep soundly last night, and then today I had diarrhea all day long.  Actually I didn't mind loosing the extra 3 lbs. but I don't want diarrhea to last a lifetime either, so I won't take anymore after reading all these posts.  I ordered some herbal supplements people have said work for anxiety.  I'm sure my depression stems partially from going into menopause, having had poor relationships, my job change, finances, weight gain from bad eating habits, and too much stress in my environment.  It's not just a "lack of serotonin in the brain" as they want you to think - pills don't take away problems without giving you new ones I've learned.  Good luck to everyone in finding something natural which works better and practice gratitude for the good you do have in your life.

[nursegirl6572]

If you've been going non stop for hours, you need to let your doctor know.

[Haymed]

Took my first ever Zoloft pill about 4 hours ago and I have been on the toilet for the last 2 hours. My stomach is all cramped up and I'm worried I'm going to crap myself of I go to sleep.

[nursegirl6572]

You would be better off starting your own new thread as this one is very old.  You'll get more replies.

Has anything changed?  Have you increased your dose of the Zoloft recently?  I find it odd that your diarrhea just started.  If you weren't having those symptoms on the Zoloft until now, I would doubt that the Zoloft is the cause.

One thing to check is if the pharmacy has changed the brand they've been giving you.  I know people have reported new symptoms (like diarrhea) when they were switched to a different brand.  If that hasn't changed, I'd look for other causes before assuming it's the Zoloft and making any changes right away.

Good luck to you!

[PooPam]

Holy crap! I've been taking Zoloft since September (3.5 months) and the last week and a half has been a diarrhea nightmare. Thankfully I've been home on leave from work since I have only seconds to make it to the bathroom. Immodium is not helping at all. It's worse than having the flu! Tonight I'd almost had an accident in my car; by the grace of God I was able to park the car and run through a Starbucks to their bathroom and just made it. I expect to have an interview next week and I don't think an offer will be forthcoming if I $#!t myself during it. I can't live like this, I'd rather be depressed. Will begin weaning myself down from 200mg starting tomorrow and get some magnesium and B6 as well. And to think people call these "happy pills!"

[bails1]

I am a 17 year old boy, I was diagnosed with possible IBS about 2 years ago, ever since then i have been put through tests and seen about 20 doctors, none have given me any good advice or given me a straight answer on what is actually wrong with me, i now take loperamide as i found it is the only tablet which stops my diarrhea but for the last year i have been feeling really depressed which has made my stomach really bad, I went to the doctors about it and they prescribed the anti depressant Lustral which after 2 hours of taking my first tablet has given me really bad diarrhea and the only time i've had it this bad is when i had to take laxatives before a colonoscopy, i would just like to know if anyone could give me any advice or ways to stop my diarrhea from being so bad, i am going to stop taking the lustral tomorrow but today has been torture already, i should also add that taking loperamide is not helping the diarrhea at all, any help will be appreciated