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Is Long Term Use Of Laxatives Advisable?

Posted on Sun, 6 Sep 2015

Question: Hello, I have been (successfully) on anti-depressants for many years however it has caused me to have constipation. I have a BM maybe twice a week on my own. Fiber and prunes "sometimes" help, sometimes no. I feel the bulk in my body but no urge to go. Only laxatives seem to help. Is it really dangerous to take them on a regular basis? How often is it safe to take one? thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need more information

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
I would like to have some more information before I can give my opinion.

1. How long you have been taking laxatives?
2. What laxatives are you taking?

Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (2 hours later)

Hello, I do not take them very often. Maybe once or twice a month. But I'd like to take them more often so my question is , is it safe to do so? How much is safe , how often is safe?

I use Dulcolax

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Long term Bisacodyl not safe

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Dulcolax contains bisacodyl.
Taking it once in a while does not cause any serious side effects and is safe.
But long term use can cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, fullness and inability to defecate completely without using laxatives, electrolyte disturbances.

You can take fiber supplements or osmotic laxatives like lactulose which are safe.

Regards,
Dr.R.K.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj