Suggest Alternative Medication For Amitiza While Suffering From Constipation

Posted on Mon, 16 Apr 2018

Question: My gastrointestinal system has been increasingly sluggish for several months and now my bowel movements have almost stopped. If I do have one, it's very small, pencil like stools. My family practitioner has prescribed Amitaza, but I am very leary of taking this for 2 reasons....possible trouble breathing and worsening my depression. I also have panic disorder and if I were to experience chest pain and/or trouble breathing, I'm concerned about whether that might be a reaction to the drug....or a panic attack. Is there another medication for constipation that would be less likely to cause these side effects?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Prokinetics

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome

I appreciate your concern

Lubiprostone is a safe medication. Did you experience these adverse effects or are you afraid that these effects would occur.

A safer alternative would be itopride 150 mg once a day or domperidone 10 mg 2 tabs 3 times a day.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

I haven't had the reaction because I haven't taken it yet.....afraid of having trouble breathing. Just the fear of that would likely trigger a panic attack.

Thank you for the information...I'll ask my FP if one of the 2 drugs you mentioned would be a viable alternative.

Is either of these Linzess?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

No, it's not linzess which is linaclotide.

The adverse effects you described is highly unlikely. You are having anxiety associated with the use of medication which needs to be addressed. I would recommend a psychiatrist consultation to ease your apprehension.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar