Have you tried adding psyllium fiber? It might get your stool back to a reasonable consistency. Why not have both good physical and mental health?

Side effects can sometimes be transitory, or can diminish over time, so you may need to tinker for a while. Whatever else you do, stay hydrated.

@Idifmb posted:

. My dr put me on a very low does of sertraline and it's messing with my jpouch. I'm having watery bowl movements which is definitely not my normal BUT, mentally I'm doing amazing.

How about marijuana gummies? Why take prescription meds before something natural that does the trick just as well and also calms down the bowel. 2 gummies has the same effect on me as 2 Imodium. Marijuana for me calms and slows the bowels.

@Scott F posted:

Have you tried adding psyllium fiber? It might get your stool back to a reasonable consistency. Why not have both good physical and mental health?

Side effects can sometimes be transitory, or can diminish over time, so you may need to tinker for a while. Whatever else you do, stay hydrated.

Scott,

Thanks for your response. I started Metamucil shortly after starting the sertraline. It's helped during the day but not much at night. Also, even with the fiber, I'm still not at my normal during the day.

I agree, I should be able to have both, mental and physical health good, but I know from past experience that if my physical health isn't good, my mental health declines drastically so I do prioritize my physical health over anything else 😕

I'm definitely open to trying new things though, to see what works best!

Thanks.

@CTBarrister posted:

How about marijuana gummies? Why take prescription meds before something natural that does the trick just as well and also calms down the bowel. 2 gummies has the same effect on me as 2 Imodium. Marijuana for me calms and slows the bowels.

I definitely didn't consider this. I've tried cbd oil in the past for anxiety but unfortunately it didn't help. I would actually prefer natural over rx drugs and all their potential side effects which only adds to my anxiety.

I've never had issues with my jpouch until taking the anti meds. Have you used gummies for anxiety or just for calming down your bowls?

Either way, I'll be looking into it, thank you for your suggestion.

@Idifmb posted:

Have you used gummies for anxiety or just for calming down your bowls?

Actually, neither.  I use the gummies to treat insomnia, which is of a chronic nature.  What I have observed is that the gummies (1) relax me, (2) help me sleep, and (3) shut down my BMs during the night and work in a fashion similar to imodium.

I haven't looked up the side effects of the med you are on but I know some antidepressants (even in the same category, say ssri's) can cause increased motility while others the opposite. So, you can work with your doc to find the right one if you feel the prescription option is best for you. Have you had your B12 and other B levels checked?

I have used quetiapine for years both pre and post pouch.  I have managed to drastically reduce my dose but can't quite do without it...yet.  You have made me wonder if I came off it all together would I have more control over my pouch at night?  I can't do that just yet as I rely on the quetiapine to function on a daily basis but it is food for thought.

I was on Klonipine (clonazepam) for several years for anxiety.  I didn't notice any changes with my Jpouch.  It's in a different class than SSRI's. I have also taken several other depression meds with no effect... Currently on Lamotrigine, Trintellix, and Trazodone and all seems to be working just fine.  Hope you are able to find something that works for you 😊