laxatives

[blondiepk]

is it dangerous to take laxatives everyday?


This discussion is related to Scared - what is wrong??.

[Keisha_86]

Hi there, has anyone actually had success in getting off laxatives.
If so, can you please advice whats the procedure you took and how long did it take you to have regular natural bowel movements and whether you put on any weight?
Thankyou...

[PrincessKatie]

All OTC medications say to consult a doctor for long term use. The reason is that even things like Tylenol can pose problems after a while. I don't use laxatives very often since my problem is diarrhea, but I do know a bit about them. Just like Morecambre mentioned, when you are loosening your stool, your digestive system isn't having to work in the same way.

I really think that you should be talking to a doctor about your situation for several reasons. The two main reasons are that you are ignoring the underlying issue by treating it yourself and secondly, you might be doing damange to your kidneys or other organs due to the long term use of the medication.

[Morecambe]

I recall a posting on the "ask the doctor" part of this forum back in August 2007 from a patient called "mifegr" with whom I exchanged several postings.  She had taken laxatives for many years and her colon had become almost inactive to the extent that a total colectomy was being considered to solve the problem.

I suggest that you ask your doctor whether this may represent an eventual outcome for you if you take laxatives for many years.  If so, then perhspa dietray modifications such as plenty of fibre (especially bran) in your diet may forestall the eventuial requirement for more drastic surgery.

Good luck
Morecambe

[blondiepk]

It is a otc..Hope it isn't dangerous to take everyday, but that works for me. Haven't seen the dr. yet  Sorry to hear about  all of your medical problems.  Get better soon

[PrincessKatie]

What laxatives? Rx or OTC? What does the doctor say?