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What Causes Severe Diarrhea At Night?

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Posted on Wed, 14 Dec 2016
Question: I woke up in the middle of the night and went to the restroom. I had very liquidy diarrhea! It was terrible. Then I felt that my eyes have become too sensitive to the light sand I was seeing everything white. Then I felt so dizzy and couldn't walk and fell off to the bath tub. After 2-3 minutes I felt better and got back to bed. I slept a few hours but I still have diarrhea but I feel a bit drowsy and fatigue.

I am on sertraline 100 mg, I had a very long flight yesterday and I took clonazepam before going on board (as my doctor prescribed). My friends were smoking pot and I just took 3-4 drags. I am not sure if it was the interaction of these drugs or food poisoning or whatever. Could you please help me out? What happened and what should I do?

Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Gastroenteritis

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

This sounds like gastroenteritis from food poisoning or food infection.

Marijuana can compound the effects of a benzodiazepine such as clonazepam (as will alcohol) but I would not expect it to give the symptoms you described unless it was tainted (in which case your friends would likely be sick now too).

The diarrhea is most likely from the infection, and the extreme light headedness and near-fainting symptoms are likely from toxin that the bacteria gives off.

You are probably through the most violent part of the infection, but you may have it to some degree for the next few days.

I recommend rest, keep hydrated with water and if someone can go pick these up for you, coconut water (NOT coconut milk) which has just the right balance of electrolytes, or if they can't get that, then sports rehydration drinks (Gatorade).

Foods that may be tolerated better than others are apple sauce (not raw apples or juice), bananas, rice, and toast. Eat in small amounts, no large amounts, so that your intestinal tract has less provocation.

You should start to feel better soon. Please let me know if I can provide further information.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (26 minutes later)
Thanks for your answer.
I will go find the items you mentioned. Is there any medication I can find over the counter that helps? Can I resume taking my sertraline?

Thank you,
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Ok

Detailed Answer:
You can take Pepto Bismol - the bismuth in it is helpful for treating gastrointestinal infections. Don't be alarmed if it makes your stool look black or grey, the bismuth can do that and it is ok.

There are specific antidiarrheals such as Immodium, but I generally don't recommend these as you don't want to bind your self up too much.

If you get bread for toast, avoid ones that have seeds or are advertised to have a lot of fiber. Just simple wheat bread would be ok. The idea is to not aggravate the bowels right now.

When you are feeling better, you can of course increase your diet to normal.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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What Causes Severe Diarrhea At Night?

Brief Answer: Gastroenteritis Detailed Answer: Hello, This sounds like gastroenteritis from food poisoning or food infection. Marijuana can compound the effects of a benzodiazepine such as clonazepam (as will alcohol) but I would not expect it to give the symptoms you described unless it was tainted (in which case your friends would likely be sick now too). The diarrhea is most likely from the infection, and the extreme light headedness and near-fainting symptoms are likely from toxin that the bacteria gives off. You are probably through the most violent part of the infection, but you may have it to some degree for the next few days. I recommend rest, keep hydrated with water and if someone can go pick these up for you, coconut water (NOT coconut milk) which has just the right balance of electrolytes, or if they can't get that, then sports rehydration drinks (Gatorade). Foods that may be tolerated better than others are apple sauce (not raw apples or juice), bananas, rice, and toast. Eat in small amounts, no large amounts, so that your intestinal tract has less provocation. You should start to feel better soon. Please let me know if I can provide further information.