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What could cause seventh-level diarrhea while sleeping?

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

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had level 7 watery orange or yellow stools for 16 hours now, and now twice as I am sleeping. I have no control but wake up with it all over me. I have anxiety and depression and take Alazopram and Seroplex. I do not know what to do or if this is normal. I had this a few weeks ago, but only twice during the day.

Please suggest.

Answered by Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

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

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I am sorry you are going through this. It sounds distressing. Watery, orange, or yellow diarrhea lasting 16 hours, with loss of control during sleep, is not normal and could indicate an underlying issue that needs medical attention. The possible causes are:

  1. Gastroenteritis (viral or bacterial infection).

  2. Food poisoning, norovirus, or bacterial infections (like Salmonella and C. difficile) can cause sudden, severe diarrhea.

  3. Fever, nausea, or stomach cramps may also be present.

Medication side effects:

  1. Seroplex (Escitalopram) and Alazopram (likely Alprazolam/Xanax) can cause diarrhea in some people.

  2. A recent dose change or interaction with other medications or supplements could be a factor.

  3. Malabsorption or liver or gallbladder issues.

Orange or yellow stools may indicate fat malabsorption, possibly from:

  1. Gallbladder dysfunction (bile issues).

  2. Liver problems.

  3. Celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or other digestive conditions.

  4. Severe anxiety and gut-brain connection:

  5. Anxiety and depression can worsen gut symptoms, but they should not cause loss of bowel control at night.

When to seek immediate medical help:

  1. If the orange or yellow watery stool is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, fever, blood in stool, significant weight loss, or persistent diarrhea.

  2. If the color change is sudden and unexplained, even without other symptoms.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At April 19, 2025
Reviewed At April 22, 2025

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

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

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Diarrhea While Sleeping?

Five quick questions help you understand potential causes of nocturnal diarrhea and when it's important to talk to a doctor.

This tool provides general information and is not a diagnosis. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice. 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.

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

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

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