[Treatment-resistant constipation and the need for chronic use of laxatives following lithium administration]

Tijdschr Psychiatr. 2018;60(7):481-484.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

Just a few days after the introduction of lithium therapy to treat a 35-year old man suffering from a bipolar disorder, complaints of constipation arose. The issue persisted despite numerous trials with first and second line laxatives at adequate dose and duration over a period of several weeks. After the singular administration of highly dosed macrogol laxatives with electrolytes, a lower dosage was established as maintenance treatment, yielding promising results. However, the potential interactions as well as the possible fluctuations in serum lithium levels when combining a maintenance treatment of both lithium and laxatives remains to be evaluated.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy
  • Constipation / drug therapy*
  • Constipation / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Laxatives / therapeutic use*
  • Lithium / adverse effects*
  • Lithium / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Polyethylene Glycols / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Laxatives
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Lithium