Are laxative's safe?

Question

I've recently been taking them daily because i have problems with constipation. Last night when i took them i had horrible stomach cramps. How safe are they?

Answer 1

They are not ideal and should be used as a last resort. Although most modern laxatives are safe to use, you should try increasing the fibre in your diet (see link) eg brown bread, jacket potatoes, all bran etc

Answer 2

Laxatives are safe when used as directed but they should not be used daily without a doctor order. You need to find the cause of your constipation and correct that problem. Be sure to increase your fluid and fiber intake. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Try using a fiber supplement like Metamucil, benefiber, Citrucel or fiber tabs. These need to be used with plenty of water though so be sure to follow the directions. Try drinking prune juice or eating prunes daily for the natural laxative effect. Be sure you get plenty of excercise. If your stools are of a hard consistency take colace aka docusate which can be found in the laxative section of your store. Colace is a stool softener and you can take it 2-3 times per day. You will also want to do some bowel retraining since you are already becoming dependent on the laxatives. After you eat breakfast sit on the toilet for about 5 minutes every morning whether you move your bowels or not. This will help to get you into a normal routine and try to get your bowels retrained. If you still have problems after doing all of this then see your doctor for further help.

Answer 3

They are safe every now and again. The better plan for constipation is to eat a decent high fibre diet. Half the juice of a lemon in warm water is also a good solution.

Don't take them every day, they will damage your intestines eventually. I'd go see my GP if I was constipated a lot - many things from the mundane to the nasty could be the cause.

Answer 4

Taking them daily! You don't say for how long but if you've been taking them to loose weight then no they definitely are not safe. If you have constipation, try a natural alternative, prunes. Packed full of nutrients, and a LOT safer than pills, but you should still eat 3 square meals a day.

Answer 5

You shouldn't have to keep taking laxatives. Your body will get to be dependent on them. Go to your Doctor and tell him the problem. He will prescribe something for you. He may also prescribe Lactulose syrup (ask him). This is a sweet pleasant liquid which is not absorbed by the body but should keep your bowels in healthy working order. In the meantime, cut down on your food intake until you have managed a normal bowel movement.

Answer 6

drink plenty of water straight away to get it out of your system and lie down for a while. hope u get better.

you shouldnt be taking laxatives regularly. it should be a one off kind of requirement. in some ways it is harmful because your body should be able to naturally digest food and remove excreta.

the main cause of constipation is lack of fluids and less fibre in food.
sugggest you drink atleast 8-10 glasses of water everyday drink hot cups of tea in mornings and evenings (after meals) that really helps the system a lot.

fibrous food helps the poo to form and make it easier to go through your intestine. eat 1 or 2 bananas everyday with plenty of water. bran flakes are also good source of fibre.

if you dont go to toilet regularly, it could also be because you dont have routine. our bodies are meant to have a routine. if you try to keep your body in a routine - wake up at a certain time, sleep and eat at fixed times, that could make it easier to go toilet on a fixed time everyday.

try all of above atleast for a month to see if it makes a difference.

also if you get constipated, try natural laxatives such as fig syrup rather than medicines.

if you keep having constipation, you need to see a doctor.

good luck

Answer 7

Have you had a word with your doctor about your problem,as I don't think it's wise to take laxatives too often without medical advice. It sounds to me like you should be on a high fibre diet. Try eating wholemeal bread instead of white, plenty of fruit and try Kellogs Albran,that should make you feel better. Good Luck !!!

Answer 8

Whoa laxatives are very dangerous taken too often, I think you should go see your doctor or at least the nurse practitioner asp, it could be something really simple that's causing constipation, but best to get yourself checked over instead of taking so many laxatives.

Answer 9

I think the vegetable laxatives are the best...they are easier on your system...

They have their purpose and should have limited use.

ALWAYS check with a health care professional before making drastic changes. If you are having any additional symptoms or problems, keep it down and let you MD know.

Overuse can cause problems

Answer 10

My mother takes Laxatives all the time, as long as you follow the instructions on the bottle, and make sure you are not allergic to anything in them then you should be fine.