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Can Miralax Cause Dependency?

Posted on Tue, 15 Dec 2015

Question: Hi,

Since this past August I have had a problem with sluggish bowels. I have been to a gastro and i am currently in process of having a colonoscopy & endoscopy.
My gastro thinks I have IBS-C.
Anyways the situation is that I am successful using the Miralax and granules, but i dont really empty. Although I have a daily movement it may be very little.

Last night I took a vegetable laxative and I emptied completely & my puffy belly went completely flat and I actually was 1 kilo lighter. I felt great afterwards.

I have read that ongoing frequest use of stimulant laxatives causes dependency. I obviously do not want that to happen. But i love the feeling of not being bloated and feeling empty.

Anyways in your opinion how often/frequent can I use the stimulant laxative without damaging bowels and creating dependancy?

I have read various things on internet and they differ in opinion.
Please advise?

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Amit Jain (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You should use miralax on sos basis

Detailed Answer:
Hello! Thanks for putting your query in HCM. I am a Gastroenterologist (DM). I will suggest you following which I found very useful in my patients with constipation without any side effects:
1.Take high fiber diet and add psyllium fibers at night may start with 3 teaspoon with a glass of water at night time. Among these psyllium fibres one comes by name of Fabolites which dissolves completely in water with very good taste too so easy to take. You may escalate its dose according to the response.
2. Take lots of liquid in your diet especially after waking up.
2.Take triphala powder one teaspoon with warm water or for better result mix it with honey and take it at time of sleep at night and one teaspoon in early morning empty stomach
3.Avoid foods that contain maida.
4. Take meals at least 2 hours before going to bed.
5. Take lots of fruits and vegetables daily especially pappaya
6. Add condiments like jeera, haldi and ajwain in your diet as these all help in digestion
7.Cap herbolax by Himalaya an ayurvedic preparation. Start with dose thrice in a day can be increased up to 6 capsules per day
8. You may use laxative containing polyethyleneglycol on sos basis like miralax
9. there is a capsule lubipristone (Lubowel) 25 microgram bd which is to be taken twice in a day thats also for 6 months only.
I hope I have answered your query and this will help you. If you have any further query I will be happy to answer that too. Remain in touch and get-well soon.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Amit Jain (1 hour later)

Thank you for reply,

I am scheduled for a colonoscopy on Friday. I am 43 normal size/weight and relatively healthy female. Yet I am scared to have the colonoscopy.

I don't like the thought of being put under. BecauseI have had ongoing constipation for a few months now, and I didnt have it beofre hand, my Gastro thinks I should have the colonoscopy. My husband tells me its unessessary as I have no rectal bleeding & my bloodwork & stool sample were normal.

I also don't want to have unnessesary procedures though I cannot figure out if this is actually nessesary for me at this stage?
My symptoms are ongoing constipation (frequency & dry stools) ongoing with loss of urge

can you tell me your opinion??

PS. What does SOS basis mean??

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Amit Jain (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Presently there is no need for colonoscopy

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back

I don't think presently you require colonoscopy as there is no alarming feature

You should follow above mentioned advise and lets see the response

SOS means as and when required

Remain in touch and get well soon

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad