Constipation (cont.)
Medical Author:
Jay W. Marks, MD
Jay W. Marks, MDJay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. In this Article
 What causes constipation?
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Theoretically, constipation can be caused by the slow passage of digesting food through any part of the intestine. More than 95% of the time, however, the slowing occurs in the colon. Medications that cause constipationA frequently over-looked cause of constipation is medications. The most common offending medications include:
In addition to the medications listed above, there are many others that can cause constipation. Simple measures (for example, increasing dietary fiber) for treating the constipation caused by medications are often are effective, and discontinuing the medication is not necessary. If simple measures don't work, it may be possible to substitute a less constipating medication. For example, a nonsteroidal ant-inflammatory drug (for example, ibuprofen) may be substituted for narcotic pain medications. Additionally, one of the newer and less constipating antidepressant medications (for example, fluoxetine [Prozac]) may be substituted for amitriptyline and imipramine. Reviewed by William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR on 9/19/2012 Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Constipation - Effective Treatments
Question: What kinds of treatments have been effective for your constipation?
Constipation - Causes
Question: If known, what is the cause of or reason for your constipation? Have you found a remedy?
Constipation - Home Remedies
Question: Please share home remedies for treating constipation, including diet and exercise.
Constipation - Experience
Question: Has your constipation ever limited you from performing daily activities? Work? Pleasure?
Constipation - Diagnosis
Question: Did you see a doctor for constipation? What tests and exams were included in the evaluation and diagnosis?
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