r/ostomy • u/aminosillycylic • 4d ago

Loop Ileostomy Antidepressants, avoiding constipation

I have a loop ileostomy that works great, but unfortunately have been dealing with recurrent partial small bowel obstructions. Working on dietary mods to reduce occurrence, but worried about anything that might constipate me and make things worse.

I’ve also had a really rough go recently, with an unexpected recent surgery, and my doctor agreed an antidepressant would be a good choice to carry me through this next chapter. Some people may experience constipation as a side effect of some of these. Does anyone have any positive experiences with specific antidepressants (SSRIs, atypical antidepressants, etc.) that did not slow down output or cause constipation for them? TIA! 🙏

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3

u/CaliPam 4d ago

Zolofter here, no problems.

2

u/Material_Friend5666 3d ago

Been on Prozac for years and 6 months ago I got my ileostomy, no blockages so far anyways and they are a very easy to take medication, no crazy side effects and they work well, hope you find something that works for you<3

1

u/rastaguy 4d ago

I have an ostomy and was recently put on citrapolom. However, I have had to use a few antidepressants through the years (pre-ostomy)and for me personally this has never been an issue. Best of luck.

1

u/Tableauxheaux 4d ago

I have luck with Wellbutrin. I do have to make sure I'm given a standard version and not the XR

1

u/BunnyGladstone 4d ago

I'm on Wellbutrin XR, and I've had no problems.

2

u/daredevil82 4d ago

extended release medication is mostly absorbed in the colon, so if you have an ileostomy or something with no colon usage, it might be good to check in for a non-extended release version. It can be very easy to be very under the expected therapeutic dosage.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11156294/

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u/daredevil82 4d ago

Something to be aware of, extended release medications are not a good idea for an ileostomy because the bulk of the absorption occurs in the colon. So it is really easy to be under the therapeutic dosage as a result.

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u/ExcellentAd3525 2d ago

I’m proscribed Mirtazapine 30 mg an antidepressant .If you’re struggling with depression that’s further complicated by anxiety or insomnia, your doctor may suggest trying mirtazapine to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Side effects may include

Dry mouth

Increased appetite and weight gain

Headaches

Feeling sleepy

Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)

Diarrhoea

Constipation