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.

[carefully]

i had complete uncontrollable diarrhea in my car. why my car doesn't smell is beyond me. i am just recovering from pneumonia and the antibiotic induces diarrhea was out of control, had to use puppy pads and go w/o lower clothing
as it is i have lots of icky soiled clothes. i use too much toilet paper, am afraid of stopping up the toilet, so piles are thrown in the trash. i bring extra clothing
when i am in the restroom trying to clean myself i have to take off my blouse because i cannot contain the poop. have been on zoloft 16 years and its just getting worse. chewable immodium, prep h wipes always with me.am looking at adult diapers but they look, feel and sound like baby diapers. i wake up with anal incontinence, not a lot but i wipe in my sleep and wake up with soiled and stinky hands. i am weaning myself off zoloft--
will try to manage depression w/exercise, sunlight and zanax.i want to feel clean again.

[baszia]

So glad to have found this site. I have been having diarrhea attacks for four weeks since upping my dosage of sertraline. Twenty times a day is not unusual. Obviously does not do wonders for social life.  It seems from what posters have experienced that this chronic severe diarrhea results in long-term gut problems. Has anyone found a way of healing their gut naturally rather than taking more, counter-balancing drugs which cause other side effects? Thanks for any advice.

[readyforbetter10]

Thanks Chris! this is very enlightening

[readyforbetter10]

I am a 34 year old female. I have suffered with microscopic colitis for 2 years and have been on Bupropion SR(wellbutrin) for 10 years.  I have diarrhea episodes 3-5 times morning and night, and anytime I eat.  Therefore, I am exhausted, stressed, and under my comfortable weight.  
Doctors don't have anything to say about the colitis.  Pepto Bismal was my gatrologist's recommendation after my colonoscopy. I don't have insurance. The gastrologist's office visit was $100, they did the procedure for $300, and when I got the lab bill I was able to have them discount it by 1/3 of the price.
Recently, I decided to try some new vitamins with B-12 and ginsing. My anxiety was crippling, so I have successfully stopped taking the wellbutin. I'm hoping to heal my stomach by adding sauerkraut and Greek yogurt to my diet.  My diarrhea is slowing down, and I am feeling more myself for the first time in years. Trying to understand the connection of colitis and anti-depressant.  Still smoking cigarettes. The anxiety from Wellbutrin seemed to make me want one more. Good luck to us all!

[pixie1223]

Yes, demand these tests, and then make sure you have a bazillion bucks to pay for them all, because that's what it's gonna cost you. i don't have that kind of money and am one of the trillion americans that cannot afford to pay $650 per month for medical insurance, because i don't make that much money to begin with. Yes...if you have insurance..go for it. i wish i had that option.

[heatherpaulwaters]

I have had opposite issues.  After discontinuing antidepressants (prozac) after many years of use, I began experiencing diarrhea, am only, but causing me to run to the bathroom 4 - 5 times over a period of 2 - 3 hours each morning.  I could not make the 15 minute drive to my office without a stop in a gas station bathroom and when none could be found it meant a return home to change clothes!  I since began taking antidepressants again due to the death of my parents, and the diarrhea has continued.  I hate taking any medications but had hoped that at least my diarrhea would end with the antidepressants (my sister takes zoloft and becomes constipated with use).  I have decided to go off the antidepressants again and try acupuncture and other natural means.  I do have an appointment coming up with a new GI but an tempted to cancel because they DO NOT LISTEN!  I don't know how to stress to them what a disability this is...perhaps I should make my appointment for early am - then they would get the picture......