The use of sympathomimetic amines for the treatment of severe constipation refractory to conventional therapy--case report.

Sympathetic nervous system hypofunction has been found to be associated with motility disorders of the bowel, including gastroparesis, pseudointestinal obstruction, and esophageal motility disorders. These disorders respond to sympathomimetic amine therapy. The purpose of this study was to see if this therapy could be effective in treating pathological constipation. Dextroamphetamine sulfate 15 mg extended release capsules was prescribed to an 18-year-old young woman who had severe constipation with a bowel movement every two to three weeks and sometimes every five to six weeks who did not respond to standard therapy and where no definite etiology was determined. Two hours after her first dosage of the sympathomimetic amine, she had a bowel movement and has had regular bowel movements ever since. Sympathomimetic amine therapy seems to help severe constipation refractory to standard therapy.