Misdiagnosis of Medication Causes of Constipation
| About medication causes: Another misdiagnosis possibility is that a particular medication or substance may be the real cause of the disease. Certain medications, chemicals, toxins or substances may possibly be underlying causes of Constipation. Side effects of medications, or exposure to toxins, chemicals, or other substances may cause a symptom or condition. Hence, they become possible underlying causes of Constipation but are often misdiagnosed or overlooked as a cause. For a general overview of this misdiagnosis issue, see Medication Underlying Cause Misdiagnosis. |
Medication causes list: The list of possible medications or substances mentioned in sources as possibly causing Constipation includes:
- Laxative overuse
- Pain medications - some, especially narcotics
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Antacids - those with aluminum
- Antispasmodics
- Antidepressants
- Iron supplements
- Calcium supplements
- Diuretics
- Anticonvulsants (some) - esp. for epilepsy
- Verapamil
- Beta blockers
- Certain sedatives
- Certain tranquilizers
- Many other drugs cause constipation
Medication causes: Some medicines can lead to constipation. These include some antidepressants, antacids containing aluminum or calcium, antihistamines, diuretics, and antiparkinsonism drugs. 1
Many people think of laxatives as the
cure for constipation. But heavy use of laxatives is usually not
necessary and often can be habit forming. The body begins to rely on
the laxatives to bring on bowel movements and, over time, forgets
how to work on its own. For the same reason, if you use enemas often
you may lose normal bowel function. Another side effect of heavy
laxative use is diarrhea. 1
Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Constipation - Age Page - Health Information: NIA
Last revision:
Nov 10, 2003
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