AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on most drugs. Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease.
Organizations Institute of Biology, London.
Publications Author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 5th Edition published in November 2007 by Pearson Education, Australia.
Question I was taking Valium 2mg TID. I found it really slowed my GI tract and left me constipated. I was using it to relax the muscles of my pelvic floor. Would I benefit from a suppository form or should I try Klonapin. I know its a similar drug. Would I expect the same side effects.
Answer Dear Pete
This is an unusual effect of Valium and if you respond like this you are likely to do so with other drugs of the same class such as Klonapin. The use of suppositories would make no difference. I would suggest asking your prescriber for a different type of muscle relaxant such as carisoprodol or baclofen.