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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Bowel Incontinence And Diarrhea While On Duloxetine HCL?

My wife has dementia and is takingDuloxetine HCL 30mg for about 2 weeks. She seems to not be drinking enough fluids and has always drank more fluids that most people. She also has started having diarrhea for the last 4 or 5 days to the point she messes up her clothes. She has had problems with constipation for the last several years as a result of taking 50mg of Elavil daily.
Fri, 24 Mar 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi, thanks for your question.

I'm glad to help with your concerns.

Diarrhea is a common side effect of duloxetine, however the bowel incontinence is not attributable to it. This may be related to the dementia. If the diarrhea does not resolve in a few days or gets severe, i would advise you discontinue duloxetine and contact your doctor for investigation of the cause of the diarrhea and an appropriate prescription.

However, these are tips which can help resolve the incontinence and diarrhea.

1. Get bulking agents such as psyllium in a drug store. These drugs help make stools more formed controlling the diarrhea.
2. Restrict fluid intake.
3. Get antidiarrheals such as loperamide.

You might also need to take her to your primary care doctor for rectal retraining exercises should the incontinence persist.

I hope i have been able to help you.

Please get back to me if you have more queries.

Best wishes.
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What Causes Bowel Incontinence And Diarrhea While On Duloxetine HCL?

Hi, thanks for your question. I m glad to help with your concerns. Diarrhea is a common side effect of duloxetine, however the bowel incontinence is not attributable to it. This may be related to the dementia. If the diarrhea does not resolve in a few days or gets severe, i would advise you discontinue duloxetine and contact your doctor for investigation of the cause of the diarrhea and an appropriate prescription. However, these are tips which can help resolve the incontinence and diarrhea. 1. Get bulking agents such as psyllium in a drug store. These drugs help make stools more formed controlling the diarrhea. 2. Restrict fluid intake. 3. Get antidiarrheals such as loperamide. You might also need to take her to your primary care doctor for rectal retraining exercises should the incontinence persist. I hope i have been able to help you. Please get back to me if you have more queries. Best wishes.