Laxatives

[Bassem1979]

Hi

I ve not been on here for a few weeks, doctor put me on Amitriptyline which we’re working really good at the start felt 100% back to my normal self then started having a few mild days of stomach pains. As a side effect is constipation I was on and off taking different laxatives, Laxido, senna and Dulcolax however on Friday evening I took a Dulcolax and sturday I went to the toilet 4 times and had the worst stomach pains and now feel like back to square 1.

Pain, wind feeing needing to go to the loo all the time not fully empty.

Why do laxatives make me feel this way ??

I just want my bowel fully empty and not struggle with passing a BM ☹️ Or to pass wind.

When I thought I had a light at end of the tunnel with the medication Amitriptyline and now feel shit again.

Is it better to stay away from the laxatives or carry on ??

[Meleber]

I think it depends on what kind of (functional) bowel problems you have. If constipation predominant with overflow diarrhea (motility problems, my situation, possibly caused by dysautonomia) I would keep using laxatives (multiple times during the day) besides all the other measures like my diet (mind my fat intake, as little as possible for me indigestible / insoluble 'fibres' from fruit vegetables, hard to digest sources of meat, etc.) as long there isn't a 'cure'.

[Chocolate41]

Hi I have had IBS for years now.I suffer from constipation and diarrhoea.I try to avoid laxatives as they are so unpredictable.If I am going out I use glycerin suppositories then I know I have cleared my bowel and won’t be caught out.I have recently seen a gastroenterologist and he said do what works for you.You know best.it works for me.Good luck.

[Bassem1979 in reply to Chocolate41]

Hi

Thanks I might try that I have some in so I will try them.

[I-B-SOS in reply to Chocolate41]

Hi Chocolate41 I tried glycerin suppositories for the first time today, (twice actually - before reading you should only use them once in one day). First time was pretty successful (after no BM for a week). I felt like it made a bit of space for me to breathe, my pain reduced and I stopped feeling nauseous. However, many hours later, on attempt number two (pun unintended, lol), I only passed a small amount (diarrhoea and gas, sorry for the TMI). My tummy is still very swollen, could it be that I’ve actually emptied my bowel, but I’m backed up further up my digestive tract? I need to be patent, I know. I’m just so fed up with my tummy troubles.

[Fernsmum]

How I hate IBS you just don't know one day to the next how your gonna feel , and no straight answers, all trial and error , what a depressing condition to have !!!, but a least we have each other to talk things over with .xx

[Nuttycatlady]

Has your Dr referred you to a dietician about your IBS ? I saw a dietician back in late 2019 and she recommended that I try the Fodmap exclusion diet. This was helpful as I have been able to find some of the foods I am sensitive to, and stop eating them, and reintroduce others which are ok for me. She also recommended other things which have helped. I am not free from IBS problems but they are easier to manage now and I don't get constipated as much.

[Fernsmum in reply to Nuttycatlady]

Hello , no never been referred other than to a gastro... something I can't pronounce let alone spell !!, nice chap he ordered a tummy scan confirmed he agreed its IBS , and that was that .

[Nuttycatlady in reply to Fernsmum]

I would recommend that you try to get referred to a dietician if at all possible. They are experts in what can help when there are problems with the digestive system

[Dolly32]

I have now been taking amitryptaline (10mg) for 6 weeks… for the first month I was the same. Constipation a big side effect. I found a small amount of fig syrup was the most gentle way to move things along, but just to assure you it will go away after about a month. I am toying with going up to 20mg but going to give it a full two months first.

There’s no ‘fix’ and I still have the odd day where my ibs-d is clearly flaring up BUT the symptoms are far less severe and more manageable.

[Lamly in reply to Dolly32]

I have been on most laxatives and they can stop your bowels from working taken regular the best thing to to take stool softeners especially DulcoEase they don’t work straight away but when they kick in they are gentle on your system and are brilliant for regular trips to the loo.but don’t cause diarrhoea. Good luck

[Bassem1979 in reply to Lamly]

Hi How many DulcoEase do u have to take a day ?

I am currently trying Cosmcol twice a day is this a stool softener?

I ve not had a bowel movement for 2 days though this is why I end up resulting to a stronger laxative then am back to square one it’s always a vicious circle ☹️

I need to stick with one thing so if Cosmcol is a stool softener then I will stick with this.

[Hidden]

All laxatives give me griping pains, on the occasion that I need something, I go down the natural route, i.e. lots of Blueberries, Apricots, Dates, Figs, Plums, Pears are all good if you can tolerate them.

[MOLLYMILO007]

Hi I was advised to take 2 lacido a day as its the most gentle one on your system don't mix them and I've found it works I take 2 amitriptlyn at night aswell as this does cause constipation and co codemel..so if I was you eat fruit etc and take 2 lacido per day morn and later ..Try it xx

[Pajarorose]

Try stool softener, Colace. Worked for me when taking amitryptiline with no problems,

[Krisbetty]

I have just been advised to stop all laxatives including dulclax and a stool softener by my GP this very morning as this causes your colon to become over sensitive hence all the pain. She advised me to take laxido once a day and keep on the amitripltyine 1 at night at first.

[Bassem1979 in reply to Krisbetty]

Hi

That’s what I was thinking, I thought just stop them all as keep taking the amitriptyline.

I might see how I go for a couple of days and use suppositories.

I don’t have laxido but I do have the alternative I could try that again and stick to it am terrible for swapping.

[Krisbetty in reply to Bassem1979]

You get laxido at a chemist without a prescription and i find it very qentle.

[yogaman]

Amitrip has helped me a lot however, it may contribute to constipation which I have. I take Miralax every morning and that seems to produce a daily movement however, trial and error there to as to how much.

[I-B-SOS]

Maybe try something natural like senna every other day? Or a stool softener like Laxido as and when you need it. I’d try to avoid the laxatives that are insoluble sugars as they are a bit more effective and might cause you more probs. Unless you get to the point where you need them due to constipation. I know someone at work who gets this and has suggested a juice that she makes. She’s sent me the recipe, I’ll pass it on if it works. She swears by it, and she avoids pharmaceuticals.

[Bassem1979 in reply to I-B-SOS]

Sounds good

[Lamly]

I have had the same problems as you and I was told the main cause was Anxiety, I did not believe it at first but after months of suffering I now realise that everyday I was worried about my chronic constipation and this caused my guts to tense up I was put on stool softeners and along with half Boots glycererol suppository every four days it worked it took some worry off me, but whatever you do not start using laxatives on a regular basic as this will cause a lazy bowel and you will have more problems