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Trying To Quit Smoking. Feeling Week And Constipated. What Should I Do?
Question: Yes, I am trying to quit smoking, for the first time I really think I am ready, I have tried at least 7 other times already. But I get a week in and feel very constipated. I usually am a one a day girl. I have tried miralax, and this does work, but I don't want my body to become dependent on something like this either. Last time I quit, I struggled with constipation for 3 months, until I finally just gave in to smoking again. I have adjusted my health in the form of more liquids, cutting out grains, and increasing fruits and vegetables, none of these things have really helped to regulate me, the only thing that seems to have helped is something like miralax and cigarettes.
Hello, XXXXXXX,
We see this fairly commonly in smokers.
First of all, I want to congratulate you for
making an honest attempt to quit smokong.
I am positive you will be successful.
Miralax, which is polyethylene glycol solution
has been in use for several years and and is
not associated with severe side effects other than
diarrhea.By adjusting the dose up or down, you can
get the stool consistency to normal.
I am glad that you are changing your dietary habits.
Make sure your liquid inyake is adequate.
If you have not tried a stool softener, may be worth
taking 1-2 daily at bed time with full glass of water.
I really wish you the very best.
We see this fairly commonly in smokers.
First of all, I want to congratulate you for
making an honest attempt to quit smokong.
I am positive you will be successful.
Miralax, which is polyethylene glycol solution
has been in use for several years and and is
not associated with severe side effects other than
diarrhea.By adjusting the dose up or down, you can
get the stool consistency to normal.
I am glad that you are changing your dietary habits.
Make sure your liquid inyake is adequate.
If you have not tried a stool softener, may be worth
taking 1-2 daily at bed time with full glass of water.
I really wish you the very best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello, I appreciate this, however, I do not want to be reliant on miralax either. So, even if I use this in the process or as needed of quitting smoking, how long do I use this before discontinuing its use and giving my body the opportunity to take care of itself without the use of outside aids? I am not a heavy medicine user.
Hello, XXXXXXX,
You can safely use this for 2-4 weeks and then
taper off. You should do well.
Continue your dietary measures also.
Good luck.
You can safely use this for 2-4 weeks and then
taper off. You should do well.
Continue your dietary measures also.
Good luck.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
do you have any recommendations for stool softeners or should I just rely on miralax for now? If so, for how long should I be on the same stool softner? Should I, again, follow the same recommendations that you gave me in the prior response?
Thank you again.
Thank you again.
Hello, XXXXXXX,
I would recommend something like Surfak or similar
products that you can find in any drug store.
If this works then you don't need Miralax.
Good luck.
I would recommend something like Surfak or similar
products that you can find in any drug store.
If this works then you don't need Miralax.
Good luck.
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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