Imodium / Loperamide. Side effects?? - IBS Network

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Imodium / Loperamide. Side effects??

kane57 profile image
16 Replies

Just wondering if those who take imodium regularly experience any side effects? If so, are they manageable?

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kane57 profile image
kane57
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16 Replies
Whoopdedoo profile image
Whoopdedoo

Had IBS-D over 30 years (hospital diagnosed) Imodium has always been my safety. I don't find any long term issues. I used to average one a day so tried taking on a regular basis but found when I really needed it, suddenly it wasn't as effective. I now take Symprove and take a lot less Imodium. Now they seem much more effective when I do. Good luck. 

calista profile image
calista

I take them whenever I have to play golf or travel or even go out for meal...long  meetings etc. I can take up to 4 for golf due to worry of urgent need on course. Using for years.

I try to take days off it when I can.

Only thing is maybe bit of dry mouth or rebound flare when off them a few days. But...I cant live witjout them unless I stay home.

How often/many do you take ?

kane57 profile image
kane57 in reply tocalista

I've been taking imodium daily. Even on days when I don't 'need' it, I take half a tablet, helps to regulate me. Like you, there are certain days (not that often) when I take 3 or 4 tablets but I only take that many if it's absolutely necessary. 

Kpops profile image
Kpops

I take them most days, makes me worry less about going to work, out for meals etc. Never had any side effects and I've been taking them for a few years now. 

Will1234 profile image
Will1234

Hi,

Like calista, I take them when going out somewhere --like playing golf or travelling etc. 

I use them as sparingly as possible because I wondered if they would stop being effective if used too much.   Years ago I used to take Kaolin and Morphine mixture almost daily to make it through work etc. but immodium much better and more convenient. 

I quite often just seem to know I should take them and other times I feel fairly certain I will not need them.   Not sure I could explain why, other than to say sometimes my guts seem settled and other times I know the problem is there or there abouts .  It sort of becomes a question of when an attack will occur.   Does anyone else feel like this ?

Anyway I think they are a great help and the only side effect I have noticed is that instead of running to the loo ,I can get the opposite-constipation.  I then get relief from this using Fybogel and so the merry go round continues.

Will1234

sjanefowler profile image
sjanefowler

I have found something called Heather's Tummy Fiber, it is a prebiotic soluble fiber, it has helped with my IBS-D so much. I have such a sensitive tummy that I started off with 1/4 teaspoon a day for about 2 weeks and then went up to 1/2 teaspoon and then 3/4 tsp and now 1 tsp a day and it has helped so much. I also try to be very careful about what I eat. I just mix the powder with something I am going to eat. I found this on the internet and I feel like it is safe. I think it is at HelpForIBS.com. This stuff has been life changing for me. 

sandybeach12066 profile image
sandybeach12066

I cannot take Imodium it makes me much worse the next day with horrible, bloating and terrible gas pains, and it keeps what ever needs to come out in , not good for me.

Sherri50 profile image
Sherri50

Heathers Tummy Tammers has done wonders for me.

sandybeach12066 profile image
sandybeach12066 in reply toSherri50

what is that?

Michele1930 profile image
Michele1930 in reply toSherri50

Do you have to get it through the doctor if not where do you

Get it from.

Sherri50 profile image
Sherri50 in reply toMichele1930

Imodium can be bought over the counter. Lomotil has to be presciption only.

Have you done your own intolerance tests to see if any food group is causing your symptoms rather than keep taking medication ?

Eternity78 profile image
Eternity78

the only side effect i notice is the sudden urine urgency after one hour of taking it ..it's like i take it to avoid going to the bathroom ..then find my self reluctant to rush again for another purpose !

BettyA profile image
BettyA

Well, I seem to be the odd one who has quite the opposite reaction from many people's experience with it!~! :) It works "so good" for me that if I just take ONE little capsule, it constipates me for up to 3 days. Yup. Odd as this may seem. In spite of this, sometimes when it seems like diarrhea will be unending...I will break down and take a capsule... and then usually regret it a day or two down the line. That may seem to some like it might be a relief...but nuh-uh...nosiree.... because usually the returning bm on the 4th day really makes me feel sick...SO...I try to stick to homeopathics...(have to remember to keep them in stock!)

Jasminj7 profile image
Jasminj7

Hi Kane. I take Imodium regularly for work, shopping, visiting people's houses etc where I know I don't want a bout of IBS-D to start. I have been taking them for two and half years and have no major side effects although if I take a large amount I can sometimes have constipation and feel nauseous as a result. Definitely manageable-Take a low dosage if you can get by and only a high amount when its really needed. That way you wont be constipated all the time :) Hope this helps.

Also Will1234, I also 'know' if its going to be a good or bad day. Sometimes you just have that feeling that that day is going to be trouble and others you will be perfectly normal. Strange

x

kane57 profile image
kane57

Has anyone experienced any weight loss when taking Imodium / Loperamide? Thanks.

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