Laxatives abuse

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Replies

  • ogtmama
    ogtmama Posts: 1,403 Member
    ladyreva78 wrote: »
    ladyreva78 wrote: »
    ladyreva78 wrote: »
    Yes, but did the doctor tell you to take that many over that long a time period?

    He gave me month supply but said if no better come back

    So you kept going for years instead of going back? When you ran out, what did you do? Went back to the doctor and he gave you a new 1 month supply?

    In your original post, you said years! not a month. Or did you mean 4 weeks? In which case you still need to go back to your doctor and talk to him. Permanently taking laxatives for constipation just doesn't work. You need to deal with the underlying issue.

    I brought my own laxatives for yrs never went to doctors to get them. 7 days today I've stop taking them but feeling bloated constipated and went to my doctor today for help and he say take laxdio and immediately stop taking what you have been and never take them again, I hope I make sense now

    I just...

    Did the doctor explain his treatment plan to you? Does he even have a long term treatment plan to help you? Because getting over laxative abuse is not as simple as changing laxatives... You need to retrain your bowl to actually work on its own after years of having an external trigger and I wouldn't try to do that without at least the help of a registered dietician who can help you figure out the necessary food/fiber intake.

    Maybe ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist for eating disorders (laxative abuse is often linked with EDs because it's seen as a quick and easy way to eliminate calories - which it doesn't). And before you get upset, I'm not saying you have an ED, I'm saying you might find the specialized knowledge needed to help you there. Usually, treatment for laxative abuse will include a psychologist, a dietician and a doctor.

    So please, either see another doctor or at the very least ask your current one to refer you to a registered dietician. I don't see how simply switching from one laxative (OTC I suspect) to another one (not recommended for use of more than 2 weeks) will solve your problem long term.

    She clearly only told the doctor that she was constipated and bloated, not that she was addicted to laxatives.

    You should go back to the doctor and tell them the truth,that you need help getting over this addiction.
  • kaykaur6703
    kaykaur6703 Posts: 52 Member
    sarahbums wrote: »
    i don't have any advice that hasn't already been offered in this thread- obviously you need competent medical advice and supervision to kick this.

    Just wanted to say you're not alone in this. I've been abusing laxatives for about a year now and am currently trying, with the help of a therapist, to cut back from taking 30-50 a day. It's really hard, not gonna lie.

    Best of luck to you in your recovery!

    Good luck to you aswell, but did u have weigh gain did u change diet? Any info is welcome
  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    edited February 2017
    MeganAM89 wrote: »
    Am I the only person who does't think this is real?

    Because realistically if you were taking 20 laxatives every day for four years, wouldn't you just be hunched over in bed or on the toilet all day? How on earth would you function? And what doctor in their right mind would prescribe MORE laxatives...???

    But if this is real, then listen to the people above. Becoming dependent on laxatives and laxative abuse is not good. Be honest with yourself and your caregiver. Your intestinal tract will thank you.

    I have no idea if this particular post is real or not, but some people who abuse laxatives long term find that they need to take more and more of them to get the same effect. So a dose that would be debilitating and painful to someone else wouldn't be to them. You build up a tolerance, just like you can do with other drugs.

    Edit: "Tolerance" doesn't mean this is healthy. This is still seriously dangerous.
  • JodehFoster
    JodehFoster Posts: 419 Member

    Yes I was clear but I think he didn't have much clue what to say part from about me being constipated, my body is swollen my faces is, ppl comment on my faces say it looks bigger



    are you bulimic as well? facial swelling is common.


  • cerise_noir
    cerise_noir Posts: 5,468 Member
    MeganAM89 wrote: »
    Am I the only person who does't think this is real?

    Because realistically if you were taking 20 laxatives every day for four years, wouldn't you just be hunched over in bed or on the toilet all day? How on earth would you function? And what doctor in their right mind would prescribe MORE laxatives...???

    But if this is real, then listen to the people above. Becoming dependent on laxatives and laxative abuse is not good. Be honest with yourself and your caregiver. Your intestinal tract will thank you.

    Laxative dependency. After a while, 4 doesn't work. Patient takes 6... Then 6 stops working, and so on.


    OP most likely stopped them on her own (that was not the right thing to do), immediately got constipated, then went back to the doctor complaining about being constipated (leaving out the dependency issue) to get more pills.

    OP needs to go to another doctor now before they end up in the emergency room.
  • Ready2Rock206
    Ready2Rock206 Posts: 9,487 Member
    My guess would be that you need a doctor that specializes in this behavior so they are better qualified to treat it.
  • Good lord. Please see a doctor. I don't know if anyone here is qualified to help with this problem.
  • ogtmama
    ogtmama Posts: 1,403 Member
    MeganAM89 wrote: »
    Am I the only person who does't think this is real?

    Because realistically if you were taking 20 laxatives every day for four years, wouldn't you just be hunched over in bed or on the toilet all day? How on earth would you function? And what doctor in their right mind would prescribe MORE laxatives...???

    But if this is real, then listen to the people above. Becoming dependent on laxatives and laxative abuse is not good. Be honest with yourself and your caregiver. Your intestinal tract will thank you.

    I assumed that like most addictions, people would build up a tolerance. I am happy to admit that I don't know for sure though.
  • cerise_noir
    cerise_noir Posts: 5,468 Member
    MeganAM89 wrote: »
    MeganAM89 wrote: »
    Am I the only person who does't think this is real?

    Because realistically if you were taking 20 laxatives every day for four years, wouldn't you just be hunched over in bed or on the toilet all day? How on earth would you function? And what doctor in their right mind would prescribe MORE laxatives...???

    But if this is real, then listen to the people above. Becoming dependent on laxatives and laxative abuse is not good. Be honest with yourself and your caregiver. Your intestinal tract will thank you.

    Laxative dependency. After a while, 4 doesn't work. Patient takes 6... Then 6 stops working, and so on.


    OP most likely stopped them on her own (that was not the right thing to do), immediately got constipated, then went back to the doctor complaining about being constipated (leaving out the dependency issue) to get more pills.

    OP needs to go to another doctor now before they end up in the emergency room.

    Super good point that's definitely true. If I took 20 laxatives I think I'd keel over since I'm not currently dependent on them.

    It's scary stuff. My niece had to do a program with a psych (eating disorder) to cut down and worked with a dietitian as well. It was a long path, but all is well now as she got help.

    OP needs help. NOW.
  • nonkc8baqk6d.jpg


    It never hurts to dig a little deeper on these things. You may gain knowledge that will help you help someone else with a similar problem. Laxative abuse is a real issue.

    https://nationaleatingdisorders.org/laxative-abuse-some-basic-facts
  • kaykaur6703
    kaykaur6703 Posts: 52 Member
    Yes this is real!! But thanks for negative and positive feed back, im not looking for sympathy just help advises to get back on track and keep going on my recovery journey
  • snickerscharlie
    snickerscharlie Posts: 8,578 Member
    Yes this is real!! But thanks for negative and positive feed back, im not looking for sympathy just help advises to get back on track and keep going on my recovery journey

    You need to go back to your doctor and be honest with him about what you've been doing. This is not something to fool around with.

    Have the new laxatives he gave you solved your current constipation? Or are you unable to have a bowel movement?
  • CafeRacer808
    CafeRacer808 Posts: 2,396 Member
    Yes this is real!! But thanks for negative and positive feed back, im not looking for sympathy just help advises to get back on track and keep going on my recovery journey

    The majority of the people who've commented here are trying to help you. That some are doubting your honesty shouldn't dissuade you from listening to the good advice you've gotten upthread. Please see your doctor about this and please be completely honest with him/her about how many laxatives you've been taking and for how long.
  • kaykaur6703
    kaykaur6703 Posts: 52 Member
    Yes this is real!! But thanks for negative and positive feed back, im not looking for sympathy just help advises to get back on track and keep going on my recovery journey

    You need to go back to your doctor and be honest with him about what you've been doing. This is not something to fool around with.

    Have the new laxatives he gave you solved your current constipation? Or are you unable to have a bowel movement?

    I told my GP very clearly what I've been taking how long and how many to be honest he looked lost maybe I need to go back to another gp
  • kaykaur6703
    kaykaur6703 Posts: 52 Member
    Yes this is real!! But thanks for negative and positive feed back, im not looking for sympathy just help advises to get back on track and keep going on my recovery journey

    The majority of the people who've commented here are trying to help you. That some are doubting your honesty shouldn't dissuade you from listening to the good advice you've gotten upthread. Please see your doctor about this and please be completely honest with him/her about how many laxatives you've been taking and for how long.

    Yes I'm thanking for all the feedback
  • Hearts_2015
    Hearts_2015 Posts: 12,032 Member
    edited February 2017
    I'm not fully understanding why the legitimacy of this post is even being questioned. Addiction can result from most anything... Many ppl use OTC medicine to self medicate.... I believe the OP is genuinely concerned and looking for help. I figure there could be anyone on the Net or else where on MFP looking for the same info that might never post but pick up something in a thread any of us post help in. :smile:

    Laxative dependency occurs when the colon stops reacting to usual doses of laxatives so that larger and larger amounts of laxatives may be needed to produce bowel movements.


    @kaykaur6703

    Here's a few things I found regarding laxative abuse & withdrawal

    https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/laxative-abuse-some-basic-facts

    Health Consequences of Laxative Abuse:

    Disturbance of electrolyte and mineral balances. Sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus are electrolytes and minerals that are present in very specific amounts necessary for proper functioning of the nerves and muscles, including those of the colon and heart.

    Upsetting this delicate balance can cause improper functioning of these vital organs.

    Severe dehydration may cause tremors, weakness, blurry vision, fainting, kidney damage, and, in extreme cases, death. Dehydration often requires medical treatment.

    Internal organ damage may result, including stretched or “lazy” colon, colon infection, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and, rarely, liver damage. Chronic laxative abuse may contribute to risk of colon cancer.

    Stopping the Laxative Abuse Cycle


    Overcoming laxative abuse requires working with a team of health professionals who have expertise in treating eating disorders, including a general physician, a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor, and a registered dietician. Support from close friends and family is also helpful. Meeting with others to talk over anxieties, concerns and difficulties can greatly aid in getting through tough times in the recovery process.
  • Hearts_2015
    Hearts_2015 Posts: 12,032 Member
    Yes this is real!! But thanks for negative and positive feed back, im not looking for sympathy just help advises to get back on track and keep going on my recovery journey

    You need to go back to your doctor and be honest with him about what you've been doing. This is not something to fool around with.

    Have the new laxatives he gave you solved your current constipation? Or are you unable to have a bowel movement?

    I told my GP very clearly what I've been taking how long and how many to be honest he looked lost maybe I need to go back to another gp
    a more knowledgeable Doctor such as an Internist..

    I agree, that particular Dr. isn't schooled in understanding misuse of laxative or he would not likely of given you yet another laxative. Sounds like he heard you say you're constipated and wrote you a prescription. Though he did hear you say you've been abusing laxatives since you shared He also told you to stop taking them and NEVER take them again.

    Some doctors don't know how to deal with things they've never been taught, to send you to a specialist would have been far more proper. The specialist could then have done tests to see if any damage had been done and decided what to do from there. Possibly sent you to a Dietician as well and to an ED specialist. @kaykaur6703 :smile:
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  • kaykaur6703
    kaykaur6703 Posts: 52 Member
    sarahbums wrote: »
    sarahbums wrote: »
    i don't have any advice that hasn't already been offered in this thread- obviously you need competent medical advice and supervision to kick this.

    Just wanted to say you're not alone in this. I've been abusing laxatives for about a year now and am currently trying, with the help of a therapist, to cut back from taking 30-50 a day. It's really hard, not gonna lie.

    Best of luck to you in your recovery!

    Good luck to you aswell, but did u have weigh gain did u change diet? Any info is welcome

    i've only been trying to cut back for like a week, but I haven't gained anything or changed my diet at all. I do plan to start taking a fiber supplement and a probiotic soon

    We all must be different
  • ogtmama
    ogtmama Posts: 1,403 Member
    Yes this is real!! But thanks for negative and positive feed back, im not looking for sympathy just help advises to get back on track and keep going on my recovery journey

    I apologise for my comment saying that you didn't tell the Dr. The truth. It was before you clarified. You definitely need a new doctor though...even a clinic should be able to refer you to a specialist if need be. Best of luck.
  • Just an idea here, if you are struggling with constipation perhaps add in some high fiber foods and make sure to drink plenty of water. Maybe a high fiber bran cereal, apples, and things like that. Maybe it would help ease your withdrawal.
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