Constipation is a potential side effect of numerous medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure medication, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin.
Medical professionals define constipation as having challenging bowel movements or when you can’t go more than three times a week. Many factors like your diet, exercise, a change in your routine, or certain medications may cause this digestive issue.
If it’s happening to you, you may want to assess your medications and other lifestyle factors. Here are some of the most common drugs that may trigger symptoms of constipation.
Several medications may cause constipation, including but not limited to:
- antacids (especially those with calcium and aluminum)
- antidepressants
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine (Prozac)
- tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline (Elavil)
- diarrhea medications
- loperamide
- attapulgite
- anticonvulsants
- anticholinergic drugs
- diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for allergies
- oxybutynin (Ditropan) for urinary incontinence
- atropine
- trihexyphenidyl
- diphenhydramine
- antiparkinsonian drugs
- levodopa
- antipsychotic drugs
- clozapine
- thioridazine
- chlorpromazine
- antispasmodic drugs
- blood pressure medication
- calcium channel blockers
- calcium supplements
- cholesterol-lowering drugs
- diuretics
- furosemide for heart failure
- iron supplements
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- oral contraceptives
- opioid pain medications
- sympathomimetic drugs
A note on safety
If you feel constipated and think your medication may be to blame, talk with your doctor. Remember that ceasing a prescription medication may be harmful to your health, but getting a doctor’s approval can help ensure your safety.
The goal of most medications is to change how your body is functioning. However, these changes can sometimes lead to unintended side effects. Constipation is one of the most commonly noted side effects of many medications.
The exact reason for this varies depending on the type of medication. For example, opioids can cause constipation because they can slow down the peristaltic movement that keeps food moving through your intestines. Other medications like antidepressants can have a complex effect on your digestive system due to the gut-brain connection.
You don’t always have to stop taking your medication altogether to treat the underlying medication. To find relief, talk with a doctor about your options.
You can also incorporate the following digestive-healthy habits into your day-to-day routine:
- Up your fluid intake to at least 8 glasses a day (unless you have an underlying condition like kidney disease or heart failure).
- Drink a glass of warm tea or another hot beverage about a half-hour before you normally have a bowel movement (i.e., in the morning).
- Add more fiber-rich foods to your diet, like legumes, leafy greens, fruits, and other vegetables. Eating a nutritious, balanced diet can resolve many constipation issues.
- Consider taking a fiber supplement with psyllium seed or methylcellulose. It’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor first to ensure it won’t interfere with your medications or any underlying conditions.
- Get regular exercise, at least 30 minutes a day.
- If you feel stressed, anxious, or tense, try relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing. This may be especially important after a life change like moving, a job change, or even traveling for work.
- Try an OTC constipation treatment like polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX or GlycoLax). However, keep in mind that healthcare professionals do not recommend these medications for long-term use.
Did you know?
Always take fiber supplements or other OTC constipation treatments at least 2 to 3 hours apart from your other medications to lower the risk of potential interference.
Constipation is a potential side effect of many medications, such as antidepressants, blood pressure medication, antihistamines, and anti-inflammatories.
If you suspect your medication may be triggering your constipation, talk with your doctor about your options. Do not stop taking your medications before talking with a medical professional. Many people find constipation relief by increasing fluid intake, adding more fiber to their diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress.