laxative abuse withdrawal

[Orangie]

I have been abusing laxatives for the last 10 years. I quit using laxatives about 3 weeks ago. I am very bloated. What advice or remedies do you suggest to help with reducing the bloating? Is there anything I can take to reduce the bloating? Why is there bloating?


This discussion is related to Laxative Withdrawals.

[ryunkin]

How long were you taking the laxatives?

[Orangie]

Actually I am no longer constipated and having regular bowel movements. Since I quit the laxatives (senna and casgara) 3 weeks ago, I have been taking psyllium husks in capsules which has really help with my constipation and made me regular and able to have a bowel movement every day.

However, I am very bloated. According to information on the web bloating is a side effect of laxative withdrawal. I don't exactly know why and trying to find out. I explained my situation to health food stores and they suggested maybe taking probiotics and even digestive enzymes.

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  What laxatives were you taking?  You are probably bloating because you are constipated.