You definitely don't want to get constipated. While you're waiting for guidance from your doctor, there are a few things you can do: 1) drink plenty of water, probably more than you want to, 2) consider Metamucil or some other soluble fiber (although J-pouchers often use it to bulk up liquid stool, it also prevents constipation as long as you drink plenty of water), 3) immediately stop any bowel slowers (Imodium, Lomotil, or other oopioid pain meds).

The Effexor XR is an extended release pill. These are not generally recommended with a J-pouch, since after a colectomy our intestines may be too short for them to have time to work.

Good luck!

I am not taking any lomotil or imodium.  I am worried about taking anything to loosen it because I don't want to have stool leakage.  That has been a major problem.  I am calling my GI doctor's office to see what they say.  I left another message for the nurse at my psychiatrist's office.  Waiting for a call back.

FYI - I too changed antidepressants 5 months ago.  As the Amitriptyline dose was increased the Viibryd dose decreased.  There was almost an immediate effect on my j-pouch function.  I no longer need Lopermide, Imodium, as the consistency of my stool's improved.  I was told by my neurologist and GI that not only was it going to rid me of my migraine headaches but help my depression and GI tract as well. It's nice having doctors that work together like mine do at Mayo's. 

In other words it could very well be your antidepressant change that is causing this. You are going from a SNRI to a SSRI class of antidepressants.  I still take Wellbutrin along with the Amitriptyline and they are 2 different classes of antidepressants.  

ok, I spoke with my gi doctor's nurse and she advised me not to take anything to loosen my stool.  Only water and fiber.  I am going to see my psychiatrist on Tuesday and talk to him about this issue with the lexapro.