How easy is it to get addicted to laxatives?

[Anonymous]

I have an autoimmune disorder that messes up my insides and makes it very difficult to have regular bowel movements. I have completely revamped my diet, I take 5 stool softeners per day (supposed to be non addictive) etc. The only thing that works is senokot or another laxative, and I *REALLY* try not to rely on them but it has happened more and more. This past week, I did not have a bowel movement for seven full days before I finally broke down and took two senokot.

Am I getting into a never ending cycle where I will increase my dependence on these? I am trying to do the right thing here and am very afraid.

[Anonymous]

I have no idea, but you need to talk to your doctor.

[Anonymous]

Have you tried Miralax? It's supposed to be non habit-forming.

[Anonymous]

Well... no BM for 7 days is bad. I think you did the right thing in taking them. Have you tried enemas?

I agree with the PP, though-- talk to your doctor!

[Anonymous]

Gosh, you must feel horrible not pooping for a week. How amount magnesium, Natural Calm is great.

[Anonymous]

My mother has chronic constipation issues (and MS) for which she daily consumes a few prunes, and at least once a week, a laxative. She also walks almost daily, although she has to be careful not to lose her balance. Since she can't go while traveling, laxatives are de rigueur on vacation. They have never been addictive for her.

However, she does not eat enough fiber in her diet, and could easily forego the need for prunes if she ate more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and went to a yoga class for seniors or something.

[Anonymous]

I don't know how fast it happens, but yes, your system can develop a dependency on senna, the active ingredient in senokot. Speak to your doctor.

[Anonymous]

I hate it when people say this to me, but. . . talk to your doctor. Have her/him run ultrasounds of your bowels and pancreas to make sure there isn't an obstruction or tumor. I don't want to scare you, but this could be a reality. (It was mine.) Stop with senna or anything else until you see your doctor.

Wishing you well.

[Anonymous]

You are reliant (addicted) to laxatives. It is extremely easy to become reliant on them. You need to discuss with your doctor a plan for promoting bowel health without senna (the active ingredient in Sennakot, which is actual addictive. Have you tried glycerine suppositories?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My mother has chronic constipation issues (and MS) for which she daily consumes a few prunes, and at least once a week, a laxative. She also walks almost daily, although she has to be careful not to lose her balance. Since she can't go while traveling, laxatives are de rigueur on vacation. They have never been addictive for her.

However, she does not eat enough fiber in her diet, and could easily forego the need for prunes if she ate more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and went to a yoga class for seniors or something.

?
What do you suppose prunes are?

[Anonymous]

How much are you drinking each day? I can consume fiber till the cows come home, but if I'm not drinking at least 100 ounces of fluids each day all I get for my trouble are rabbit pellets.

[Anonymous]

I had to take senokat-s (with stool softener) before a surgery and then for several weeks after as prescribed by a doctor. I did not develop any addiction. The only times I have taken it since was when traveling if I don't poop for a while and after a C-section (which was OKed by the doctor).

[Anonymous]

If you have a health issue, which you do, then you need to talk to your doctor. Your shit should not be rotting inside of you for 7 days and you shouldn't be taking anything to force it out. You are covering up a health problem. See a doctor.