HomeAnswersPsychiatryconstipation

My son has severe constipation after taking Paxil. Please help.

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have a twelve year old son, weighing 100 lbs. He was admitted to the hospital 12 days back for major depressive disorder (MDD), lack of sleep and having suicidal thoughts. He was prescribed Paxil 20 mg. I am concerned because he is exhibiting periods of low, melancholy moods and periods of extreme out of control highs. He has loud outbursts and feels like he cannot control himself. He previously suffered from chronic constipation since he was very young, to the point of having blockages that would severely expand his intestines. He had been doing great with that for nearly eight months after seeing a doctor but, severe constipation has returned because of Paxil. I would discuss these concerns with his psychiatrist, but we are in the early stages of his aftercare and I am not getting an appointment any sooner than a month from now. I worry that Paxil is not right for him and is making things worse.
Answered by Dr. Awadhesh P Singh Solanki

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Awadhesh P. Singh Solanki is a renowned Psychiatrist with expertise in treating mood disorders, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. He is skilled in psychotherapy, medication management, and holistic mental health care. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Solanki is dedicated to improving emotional well-being and empowering individuals to lead healthier, balanced lives through evidence-based psychiatric treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hi,

Welcome to iclinq.com.

I can understand your concern regarding your son's gastric problem after taking Paxil (Paroxetine), as it is a drug of SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) group which is known to cause constipation in children. I suggest to prevent constipation, after consulting your specialist doctor, you reduce Paxil dose up to a half tablet and gradually increase it up to an effective optimal dose. Give high fiber diet, increase water intake and encourage him for mild to moderate exercise. Do not worry, as these symptoms are temporary and are resolved with time. Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At March 2, 2017
Reviewed At August 16, 2023

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Awadhesh P. Singh Solanki is a renowned Psychiatrist with expertise in treating mood disorders, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. He is skilled in psychotherapy, medication management, and holistic mental health care. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Solanki is dedicated to improving emotional well-being and empowering individuals to lead healthier, balanced lives through evidence-based psychiatric treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

2,876Checks completed today
4.6/5User rating
~2 minAverage completion time
Evidence-basedGuideline aligned
Decision Helper
Constipation After Paroxetine Decision Helper

Is your medication causing constipation?

Five quick, private questions help you understand if your constipation and other symptoms, especially when taking paroxetine, are worth discussing with a doctor.

Private and judgment-free. For guidance only, not a diagnosis. Medications should be taken after consulting a physician. The dosages will be prescribed by the physician. Do not alter, start, or stop medications without consulting a healthcare professional.
Dr. Awadhesh P Singh Solanki
Dr. Awadhesh P Singh Solanki

Psychiatry

Consult this doctor

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Awadhesh P. Singh Solanki is a renowned Psychiatrist with expertise in treating mood disorders, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. He is skilled in psychotherapy, medication management, and holistic mental health care. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Solanki is dedicated to improving emotional well-being and empowering individuals to lead healthier, balanced lives through evidence-based psychiatric treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
Listen to related tracks in our music library

Related Questions

Will my anxiety relapse if I stop SSRI?

Having depression and not getting well with SSRI. Can you suggest any treatment?

I get the feeling of emptying my bowel whenever I go out.Please help.

My son has severe constipation after taking Paxil. Please help.

My wife could notice blood in her stools.Could you please advise us with proper guidance?

Can I combine 7.5 mg of regular Paxil with Paxil CR for about a week or month?

Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

constipationhigh fibre diet

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Psychiatry

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.