Has anyone else had difficulty...er..."excreting" while on adderall? After I had a UTI last year it got a little more difficult to pee, but when I went on adderall it started getting harder...now it's very difficult sometimes, and I feel like there's still some left in the tank as it were. Same thing with pooping.

Anybody, anybody...?

Sometimes feel there's some still left in the tank, but very rarely, and never felt a problem with numero dos :p. A listed common/semi-common side effect is "painful or difficult urination."

The feeling is more similar to feeling like im still holding my pee in, when peeing. Like a very long ahhhhhhhhh relief, but not pain or anything. Kinda funny though, the amount of relief that is. :D

Well, I'm not sure I have an answer for you.

If you were a guy, I'd recommend you get your prostate checked and have a rectal exam for either hemorrhoids or polyps.

Since you are not a guy... the prostate is a non-issue.
But... since you have had a UTI before, I would look there first.
As for the bowel/rectum issue... same as I might suggest for a guy.
I am assuming you have an idea of what constipation would be/feel like, although people come in to the E.R. with impacted bowels because they were constipated and never thought to come in for it... or just didn't realize for some odd reason, that their bowel habits were not the same as normal.

I just don't see where Adderall would have anything to do with these two issues... and they are definitely separate issues here from what I know of the human body... and I'm not being facetious here. eta: I understand some side effects of these meds can cause issues with urination and both constipation and diarrhea, but I'm not sure this is her problem... maybe... but it could be other things too?

Your urinary system and your bowels are not related other than due to the fact that you excrete body waste from them.

If there is some connection with Adderall, I'd like to know... seriously... I'd be interested.

The only other thing I can think of besides more horrendous things, is diet.
How's your intake of acidic/alkaline foods?
How's your intake of roughage (man alive, I couldn't remember how to spell that word!)?

I see a lot of pee at work and a fair number of UTI's in women ranging from full-blown UTI's to questionable but probable.
We don't see UTI's in men very often, especially young males with normal functioning urinary systems.

If it's not too personal, let me know later what you find out.
Hope you do find something out though... and get everything working right again.

I just don't see where Adderall would have anything to do with these two issues... and they are definitely separate issues here from what I know of the human body... and I'm not being facetious here.


Since amphetamine is a stimulant, it puts our body in fight or flight, and slows down digestion in the GI tract, thus in effect slowing down the making of poo poo pies :D. Also there was something about the relation to difficulty or pain urinating relating to some pressure on a muscle down there, which also causes ejaculation problems due to the effect caused. Sorry I can't remember exactly what it was, but know it's related.

From what I've read, amphetamines can cause either constipation or diarrhea.

I have also heard something similar in regards to urination... difficulty or excessive.

I never experienced any of this while on Adderall myself, luckily.

But going by what she posted, I'm really wondering if it could a combination of the things you mention and the things I mentioned.

The 'feeling' she describes sounds like what some women have said before they discovered they had a UTI.
It's not always a burning sensation at the outset.

And, if Kettish is having regular bowel movements, then I would look more towards that 'not getting everything out' as being hemorrhoids.
This is a common feeling for folks with hemorrhoids... that sensation that there's still more in there and you have to push more or harder to 'get it all out'.

I do admit my experience with Adderall is not long and thorough though.

Also.. in men... the prostate can be a finicky thing!
If some guys are drinking abnormal amounts of water because of the fear their meds are drying them out, they might benefit more from backing off the water and drinking more juices like cranberry juice and such.
I was told to lay off the orange juice once because of my prostatitis but drink other juices instead.

Hopefully I'm not embarrassing you more Kettish... sorry... :o

Kettish - Is it possible you still have bacteria from the UTI that was treated? I say that because you mention having more difficulty urinating in the aftermath of the UTI, which shouldn't be so if the bacteria was killed. Some people have recurring UTIs but in between, they're symptom free.

My 24 yr. old daughter had a UTI last year and was prescribed bactrim. She stayed on it as recommended but for weeks after, the symptoms were still flirting and it eventually became full-blown. She learned that it never really went away, and the doctor gave her a different antibiotic (Cipro?). She had an allergic reaction, hives, vomiting, fever. I nagged her to stop taking antibiotics (she'd had strep twice the past year and used them) because I feared she'd become immune and, if stricken with a serious infection, would not respond to treatment. We read up on alternative treatments and I don't remember how long it took but with a few additions in her diet, the UTI eventually took leave. This is what she added: cranberry juice (pure)--lots, water--lots, acidophillus, and magnesium. She has had another UTI since but it wasn't till months later so at least she had respite for a time.

I think you should see your doctor and find out for sure. You shouldn't have to live with that kind of discomfort. :(

Difficulty urinating was the reason my doc suggested that I switch from Adderall to Ritalin. Frankly, I did not like what Adderall did to my "equipment" in general. And, having read through other men's experiences on this site I know I was not alone. As a 48 year old male, having my prostate checked is routine now (fun, fun) and that was not the cause. I do not have this problem on Ritalin at all.

That said, a UTI should be ruled out as a possible cause. My wife is on no meds at all and has a history of getting UTIs. Cranberry juice works wonders for her as a preventative measure.

Oh wow you guys! *face goes red* Yeah, let's see, let's take this in stride and answer some questions...

I've had hemorrhoids before and they're almost always painful or you get that little bit of blood on the tissue, so I don't think that's it, but I could be wrong. :confused: And it isn't like I'm NOT pooping; it's just really difficult. It does feel like there's more that I'd like to get out, but the harder I try the less it happens.

With the peeing, it's been happening for about a year and a half... :o I know I should've asked the doctor about it sooner, but there was much more serious stuff on my mind at the time, like not killing myself and the fact that I could barely walk because my back and legs were in so much pain. Lol. I took cranberry for a good while after that and seemed alright-it didn't get worse, and after a while of getting better it just sort of plateaued. I know it isn't like it's supposed to be though.

Diet is definitely something I'm eyeballing pretty hard right now in relation to several things: these symptoms, major headaches I get towards the end of the day, etc. The hard part is getting the gumption to cook something decent, and not falling back onto comfort food (which in my family is potatoes and pasta, not exactly conducive to a healthy diet!). I'll be waltzing over to the farmer's market tomorrow to get myself some more "roughage" as it were. ;) That's vegetables and such, yeah? Corn? Lol. I'll find it on Google.

I've got to see the doctor tomorrow anyway about randomly about passing out anyway so I'll see if I can talk to her about that then, too. Once again this is taking a backburner as I thought I was having a heart attack and that's a little more frightening than "Oh noes I can't pooooop..." *cue scary music*

Thanks for the suggestions so far, they give me something to start with and to discuss with my doctor. Night!

Ketts, consider adding cranberry to your diet- I take a supplement. That should help with the urinary issue and also help keep your bladder "clean". Exercise to strengthen the muscles around the bladder will also help.

As far as the other is concerned, try Colace (stool softener) and see if that takes care of the problem. A fiber based laxative will also help but will take longer. I take a dietary fiber capsule daily to avoid this.

Apple juice may also do the trick but remember that it will acidify your stomach. Try it at night, warmed. Comforting and shouldn't interfere with your morning med.

Thanks Tigger-I have the supplements already lol I just forgot and stopped taking them! :P When you've got multivitamin, cranberry, iron, pain meds, adhd meds, birth control, and allergy medication to take every day...it gets old. X3 I'll have to dig out my old lady grandma pill organizer again, ha ha!

Off to get some fiber stuff. :P And groceries.

Kettish, I understand your irks of embarassment, but by no means is your question silly. You are ammongst friends and adults here. I as well noticed many of the same maladies you have mentioned when I started Adderall. If I may make things a little more embarassing, I will admit that, as a male, it didn't take long for me to be extra careful when I urinate. I'm circumcised, but while taking adderall my pee-pee draws inwards to where I somtimes have an overt foreskin. If I don't take extra steps to make sure the pathway is clear, I will shower a stream in all directions other than the direction of the intended target. I noticed urination issues being worse upon my first 6 months and improving somewhat overtime. I can also relate to your "number 2" issues. If you do a search on it, you will find that many complain of similar issues while on Adderall. Each person has their own preffered method for treating this, often with various laxitives. For me, I have had great success using Slenda with Fiber. It's been QUITE effective to say the least, and two packets daily is the most I need. Finally, I agree with many of the others, who suggest that you may also have some prostate issues. For this, you should obviously consult with your doctor.

fredonian, thanks for being so kind. :) Don't be embarassed about foreskin issues, lol, my husband is uncut as well. That being said, I'm female and thus have no prostrate. *chortles* Thanks for helping though and I'm definitely going to go get me some prune jui-I mean, dietary supplements with fiber! 8D

Just a thought, Miss Writer, I experience similar things when I have to sit (and write) alot and/or my sleep/wake schedule gets messed up. Ya know like how you should be going to bed but the stuff your unconscious mind is working on decides it wants out now? I do alot of desk stuff standing up.

Thanks Tigger-I have the supplements already lol I just forgot and stopped taking them! :P When you've got multivitamin, cranberry, iron, pain meds, adhd meds, birth control, and allergy medication to take every day...it gets old. X3 I'll have to dig out my old lady grandma pill organizer again, ha ha!

Off to get some fiber stuff. :P And groceries.

Ketts- I have- count them- THREE pill organizers and they be the big oversized ones too! I use them EVERY day and have them marked for time of day. I sat at lunch today and took my dailies- the biggest bunch. It can take a full half hour to swallow all the stuff I take.

Whatever it takes to remember what you need to in order to support your body and your needs is worth it.

Who ever thinks that ADHD is easy should only get a clue!

Hm, firstdesserts, that's a point. *ponders* My desk isn't at a good angle for me to stand and do stuff, but once I get my laptop back I won't be afraid to take it other places, lol. (I've only got DH's right now and I'm scared stiff I'll drop it!!) (And, is that a baaaaaby I see in your photo? :D)

Tigger-dear holy cow, that sucks! I got the fiber stuff from GNC today and took it, and started taking the cranberry again. LOL at the neon pee...that cracks me up. :D I think I may set up a system where I leave three little dishes at the table, and every night when I make sure there's adderall in my keychain thingy I'll just pop down and set those up for the next day as well. That way when I sit down to eat it's right there and I won't have to fiddle and search for 'em. :P

Oh wow you guys! *face goes red* Yeah, let's see, let's take this in stride and answer some questions...

I've had hemorrhoids before and they're almost always painful or you get that little bit of blood on the tissue, so I don't think that's it, but I could be wrong. :confused: And it isn't like I'm NOT pooping; it's just really difficult. It does feel like there's more that I'd like to get out, but the harder I try the less it happens.


Some advice to avoid hemorrhoids that I would recommend (or even avoiding the red on the wipe) is to not push at all, it may seem temping to speed poo, but it's not worth straining/pushing because that will increase the odds of having a blood vessel burst down around the buttocks :eek:.

As funny as it is, on a college diet (terrible food most of the time) I have found satisfaction with 1-2 servings of metamucil every day, like one mid day and one before bed, has helped ease up "problems" that my occasionally terrible food choices or the meds may bring (i believe). And it only costs 10-15 bucks for about 2-3 months worth.

You NEED fiber for a healthy stool passing, period. I don't care who ya are, you need fiber no matter which way you obtain it- from beans/whole grains/arnold double fiber bread :D, fiber 1 bars, supplement capsules, or powder flavored drinks.

Well, I'm not sure I have an answer for you.

If you were a guy, I'd recommend you get your prostate checked and have a rectal exam for either hemorrhoids or polyps.

Since you are not a guy... the prostate is a non-issue.
But... since you have had a UTI before, I would look there first.
As for the bowel/rectum issue... same as I might suggest for a guy.
I am assuming you have an idea of what constipation would be/feel like, although people come in to the E.R. with impacted bowels because they were constipated and never thought to come in for it... or just didn't realize for some odd reason, that their bowel habits were not the same as normal.

I just don't see where Adderall would have anything to do with these two issues... and they are definitely separate issues here from what I know of the human body... and I'm not being facetious here. eta: I understand some side effects of these meds can cause issues with urination and both constipation and diarrhea, but I'm not sure this is her problem... maybe... but it could be other things too?

Your urinary system and your bowels are not related other than due to the fact that you excrete body waste from them.

If there is some connection with Adderall, I'd like to know... seriously... I'd be interested.

The only other thing I can think of besides more horrendous things, is diet.
How's your intake of acidic/alkaline foods?
How's your intake of roughage (man alive, I couldn't remember how to spell that word!)?

I see a lot of pee at work and a fair number of UTI's in women ranging from full-blown UTI's to questionable but probable.
We don't see UTI's in men very often, especially young males with normal functioning urinary systems.

If it's not too personal, let me know later what you find out.
Hope you do find something out though... and get everything working right again.

Stimulants actually can effect both your bladder and your bowels. They can make your bladder "spasm" so to speak, giving feelings of having to go a lot, still having full tank etc. Same thing with the bowels. Adderall labels specifically say "may cause diarrhea. Not uncommon side effects all at but always a good idea to double check with your doc.

Thanks Only1Jomo-I noticed that but wasn't quite sure how to relieve it!

ecu20-Yep, I took my first "dose" last night (GNC had some phyllium husk (sp?) on sale so I got it) and it's a good, good thing. :D Yep, OK, problem pretty much solved. The cranberry has officially turned my pee neon as well but is also helping, surprisingly-last time I took it, it didn't do too much. Huh. Oh well!

Thanks everyone! For now, problem solved. I've still got to work on my diet and getting more exercise (who doesn't??) but at least until I do the plumbing's all working as it should. LOL!

Thanks Only1Jomo-I noticed that but wasn't quite sure how to relieve it!

ecu20-Yep, I took my first "dose" last night (GNC had some phyllium husk (sp?) on sale so I got it) and it's a good, good thing. :D Yep, OK, problem pretty much solved. The cranberry has officially turned my pee neon as well but is also helping, surprisingly-last time I took it, it didn't do too much. Huh. Oh well!

Thanks everyone! For now, problem solved. I've still got to work on my diet and getting more exercise (who doesn't??) but at least until I do the plumbing's all working as it should. LOL!

The psyllium husk is just as good as the Metamucil, it's the same thing minus the orange flavoring.

It should help regulate you fully back to normal in 12-72 hours ;)