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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Stimulant Laxatives Be Used Long Term?

I am on methadone (opoid pharmacotherapy) and experience chronic constipation. I have tried lactulose, glycerin suppositories, and microlax but I am still not regular enough and look sickly and pallid, and experience intense fatigue and brain fog after the 5th day of not doing a number 2. I eat 1-2 meals consisting wholly of fresh fruit per day, plus I do 45 minutes of vigorous Ashtanga yoga an average of 6 days per week, with lots of walking as part of my lifestyle. What should I do? Also, I know that aloin is an effective laxative. Is it safe to use every day over the long term? What about senna? I have heard that any stimulant laxative is not safe to use daily ove the long term. Is that correct?
posted on Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Twitter Thu, 22 Mar 2018 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 26 Mar 2018 Last reviewed on
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,

Any stimulant laxative is not recommended for long term usage due to many reasons, major of which is dependency, unresponsiveness.

In our clinic, along with dietary measures, bulk forming agents as psyllium husk are recommended.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel
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Can Stimulant Laxatives Be Used Long Term?

Hello, Any stimulant laxative is not recommended for long term usage due to many reasons, major of which is dependency, unresponsiveness. In our clinic, along with dietary measures, bulk forming agents as psyllium husk are recommended. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel