Imodium / Loperamide. Side effects??

[kane57]

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

[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]

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 in reply to calista]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Heathers Tummy Tammers has done wonders for me.

[sandybeach12066 in reply to Sherri50]

what is that?

[Michele1930 in reply to Sherri50]

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

Get it from.

[Sherri50 in reply to Michele1930]

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

[Hidden]

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

[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]

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]

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]

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