small white balls in stool

[cl1972]

I've just found this site and what a joy to know I'm not the only person who seems to be suffering from this weird and irritating condition.  I first noticed these balls (about the size of small pin head to the larger coloured pin heads) around six years ago!!  I had recently had my son and had started to take Venlafaxine again after a break during pregnancy.  I saw my doctor who said it was probably nothing to worry about, in fact I don't think he really believed me.  This prompted me to collect some samples to show him the next week.  I easily filled a little urine specimen vial with about 50 of these little balls (which considering each motion was laden throughout with them, was an extremely easy task!!) and deposited a fresh stool in a sample vial also.  My doctor duely sent them off for analysis and I waited patiently for the results.  When I went to collect the verdict, it was that my stool contained no parasites and the little balls were considered to be undigested food!!  This made me so angry as I eat nothing that resembles these things so how could they be food??  Each time I wipe myself, I can feel them scrape against my skin, it is an embarassing and uncomfortable condition.  It would appear that I have a few things in common with those of you that suffer also; a touch of IBS, food intolerances, changable stools, medication, bloating and cramps.  This has to be more than what I've been told, I've recently found out about Giardiasis and it looks promising but for the length of time I've suffered... Please, please, please, if anyone out there has found out further information on this subject, please post it for me to read!! x


This discussion is related to Small white specs in stool.....

[Boneslulu]

I started taking venlafaxine for 2 weeks now and have noticed small white balls in my poop also. It has been driving me crazy, trying to figure out where they came from. They are hard- but can be smashed. From all these posts- I am leaving it at its because of the venlafaxine. Doctors are making me broke!! Specialist- $50.00 a visit- not to mention the test. And this is with BCBS insurance. I feel like a  hypochondriac and now my son of 25 yrs. old is turning into one also. ugggg- Is there no end and except through death?

[Shonazie]

Ive had the same problem for years. I found this info from the manufacturer of Venlafaxine
http://www.mydr.com.au/medicines/cmis/efexor-xr-modified-release-capsules

[Bobbydibble]

Here is the website:
http://www.news-medical.net/drugs/Efexor-XR.aspx

[Bobbydibble]

Found an Australian web site about warnings and side efx of Effexor er:

Do not be concerned if you see small white granules or balls in your stools after taking Efexor-XR.
Inside Efexor-XR capsules are spheroids or small white balls that contain the venlafaxine active ingredient. These spheroids are released from the capsule into your gastrointestinal tract. As the spheroids travel the length of your gastrointestinal tract, venlafaxine is slowly released. The spheroid 'shell' remains undissolved and is eliminated in your stools. Therefore, even though, you may see spheroids in your stools, your dose of venlafaxine has been absorbed.

Pretty sure this is what those of you taking venlafaxine are experiencing.

[Tcheck]

I also have been taking Venlafaxine for years and Effexor years before that.  I started noticing the little white balls in my stool years ago.  I even asked my internist about them and he did some testing with no results.  I'm so relieved to know this is probably the medicine - not some parasite.  I've been searching on-line about this for years and finally came upon this page.  Thanks for sharing.

[bluepeacemom]

I have been taking the Effexor extended release for 14 years and have had these small white balls in my stool for 7 years.  If they are a result of taking this medication then why did I not have them for the first 7 years.  Does anyone know?

[carolinefyffe]

Good question, that I would like an answer to. I don't believe that the med. is released and that is a empty shell, do you?