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Email a friendLong-Term Laxative Addiction
Newspaper Columns, Pharmacy Q&A May 7, 2008
Q. No one knows I have this problem. I have been using the laxative bisacodyl every day for twenty years and have steadily increased the dosage.I've stopped taking it for a few days at a time. Not surprisingly, nothing moves.
Are there any studies on this? Might I have done permanent damage to myself?
Is it better to cut back slowly or stop altogether and just see what happens?
I know it's not healthy for waste to back up in my body, so I'm worried about stopping AND I'm worried about continuing.
A. You clearly have developed a laxative habit. Bisacodyl is considered a “stimulant” laxative, which means it triggers intestinal contractions. This can lead to loss of crucial minerals such as magnesium and potassium. Cramping and diarrhea are other possible side effects, along with a “lazy” colon that will not function properly without laxatives.
A gradual phase-off under medical supervision may allow your body to reestablish a more natural rhythm. We are sending you our Guides to Constipation and Digestive Disorders for information on non-drug approaches such as dynamite pumpkin muffins and “Special Constipation Remedy” with bran, applesauce and prune juice.
Tags: Bisacodyl, Constipation, Diarrhea, Laxatives, Magnesium, Potassium
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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
© 2008 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Reader Comments
I suffered from constipation since I was a kid. After completing a cleansing using Dr. Richard Schulze's products (www.herbdoc.com) I called and asked them if I could continue using formula #1 and they said yes take it as long as you need it.
One herbal capsule every night with dinner gave me very normal BMs within an hour of rising every morning. I took it for a little over two years and then my bowels became loose so I stopped it.
My BMs have remained normal for many years since then. I think the herbal remedy healed my GI system.
Posted by: FBL | May 11, 2008 12:19 AM