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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Using Actilax Every Night For Bowel Movement. IS Long Term Use Of These Laxatives Problem?

i have been taking 30 mls actilax every night and 2 senokot tablets to be sure that i have a bowel movement the next day. i have been doing this for about 2 years. i did this following an operation for haemorrhoids (Which was extremely painful and took 5 months for me to be pain free) because i didn't want to push too hard and have haemorroids forming again. when i don't take senokot i find that i have no bowel movement and absolutely no urge to have one. i can leave it for 2 -3days and still i have no urge. i am now afraid that i have developed a problem and that my large bowel does not work properly on its own. when i take 2 tablets at night i have a bowel movement the next day. I take actilax to keep the motions soft. is long term use of these laxatives very bad and what are my alternatives
Thu, 13 Jun 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Thanks for the post,
The first problem you might be facing due to the long term use of laxatives is dependency which I am afraid you are already having. The next thing will be side effects if there are none now, they will definitely show up with time. Diarrhea is common amongst laxatives and if diarrhea, then dehydration might be the next issue. Gastroparesis might be a problem you will face if you continue laxatives.
Defecating naturally is the best way to proceed and it would have been wise if you tried change of diet by consuming meals that have much fluid content, eat a lot of fibres and fruits, avoid food that is too dry and try to drink as much water daily as possible. Even drink water (at least 1 litre in the morning) 30mins before you get a bowel movement.
Stopping your laxatives after 2 years could come with some problems for you.
You will need to seek the opinion of a gastroenterologist.

Hope this helps
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Using Actilax Every Night For Bowel Movement. IS Long Term Use Of These Laxatives Problem?

Hello, Thanks for the post, The first problem you might be facing due to the long term use of laxatives is dependency which I am afraid you are already having. The next thing will be side effects if there are none now, they will definitely show up with time. Diarrhea is common amongst laxatives and if diarrhea, then dehydration might be the next issue. Gastroparesis might be a problem you will face if you continue laxatives. Defecating naturally is the best way to proceed and it would have been wise if you tried change of diet by consuming meals that have much fluid content, eat a lot of fibres and fruits, avoid food that is too dry and try to drink as much water daily as possible. Even drink water (at least 1 litre in the morning) 30mins before you get a bowel movement. Stopping your laxatives after 2 years could come with some problems for you. You will need to seek the opinion of a gastroenterologist. Hope this helps