Lactulose

[Hoochybaby]

I have suffered badly with constipation due to taking codeine for my rls I have taking both for over a year however shying we to buy a new bottle at a chemist the pharmacist told me I shouldn’t take Lactulose for more than a week! Trying to contact my gp is out of the question I also take 250 mg pregabalin

[SueJohnson]

Try magnesium citrate. It can increase the amount of water in the intestines. Movantil is recommended for opioid constipation. Also get extra fiber, regular exercise and eat two kiwi-fruits a day.

[EYESWIDEOPEN17 in reply to SueJohnson]

Two kiwi fruits everyday? Interesting. I take ALOT of opiates but I also drink a gallon plus of water most days. I also have about a cup of mixed nuts EVERYDAY. I mix it in with my high protein (15g) of yogurt. Some says it has 20g of protein. Same brand just did a 5g higher protein.

[ChrisColumbus]

Just to answer the lactulose question: looking at the warnings on the bottle in our meds cabinet, it does say "you must talk to a doctor if you do not feel better or if you feel worse after 3 days". But I take that to be to work out why you are constipated, which of course you know, as later it says "if you are an elderly patient or a patient in bad general condition and take Lactulose oral solution for *more than a 6 month period* your doctor will regularly check your blood electrolytes"

[ChrisColumbus]

Yes, magnesium citrate could be an answer, but its effectiveness as a laxative varies (as I know from experience).

Naloxegol (Moventig) is prescribed in the UK as it "decreases the constipating effects of opioids without altering their central analgesic effects." (Movantik is a US brand name for naloxegol).

You really should insist on a GP appointment - about either naloxegol or for possible electrolyte testing if you intend to stay on lactulose long term. I know that it can be annoyingly difficult but....

[Mum007]

for natural remedies try prune juice, flaxseed, plenty of water, massaging stomach in a clockwise direction and exercise eg walking.

[Jumpey]

I have been taking laxatives for opioid induced constipation for several years. It's OK under medical supervision. I also take breaks from them. The problem is over time they stop your body recognising the urge to poo. That's why I have holidays.

[Hoochybaby]

thanks everybody who replied to my question regarding Lactulose my problem is that I think I’m addicted to Codeine I’ve been taking 60 to 90mg for well over a year now and when I try to stop or cut down my rls is horrible I seem to be between a rock and a hard place I’ve asked for a doctor appointment but not holding out for much

I’m suffering constipation and rls and very little sleep seem stuck in this awful half life

[DicCarlson]

Triphala - an herbal supplement is great for constipation and many other conditions. "Natural laxatives like triphala tend to be gentler than over-the-counter laxatives, nourish the digestive tract and help produce regular bowel movements. Triphala can help to naturally cleanse the colon."

draxe.com/nutrition/triphala/

[Hoochybaby in reply to DicCarlson]

many thanks

[yhsbirny]

I don't know if it's sold in the UK, but Miralax (polyethylene glycol 3350) is the best laxative on the market . It works differently from other laxatives as it is an osmotic, which means it draws water into the stool. It is non-habit forming and is used in every hospital in America as the laxative of choice. It is odorless and tasteless and dissolves in water immediately. Use as directed on the bottle, although you may need double the dose since opiod-induced constipation is very difficult to treat. Buy some and experiment. Google "cleveland clinic colonoscopy prep" to see how it is used with Gatorade to completely clean you out. Good luck.

[Hoochybaby in reply to yhsbirny]

many thanks

[Shumbah]

Dr Glen Brooks recommends miralax or equivalent it draws water to your bowel you can take it daily without issue. Lactose can effect RLS

I use miralax you likely won’t need it daily

Every night I take 2 magnesium forte

Ensure you get your 2 litres of fluids

Top 3 are essential for me.

you can add MTC oil daily if you like but be careful with MTC start low .

Food wise this is really good Chinese remedy stew pears leave in their juice over night in fridge . Then eat them for a few days .

[EYESWIDEOPEN17 in reply to Shumbah]

I think blackstrap molasses is good for constipation too. My daughter gets constipation from time to time. Not medically induced. Try the blackstrap in your coffee for sweetener instead of sugar.

[FlowersAreBeautiful]

I don't think there is a problem taking lactulose regularly for extended periods of time. It's just that they warn you on the label that you should check with your doc that you don't have something serious, like total intestinal obstruction. But you know what the problem is, and it's not that.