How to Wean Off MiraLax

@geekygirl9, I've been trying to cut back on the amount of Miralax I having been using also. I had a double inguinal hernia surgery last year and am still struggling some with constipation and getting back to a new normal along with trying to make sure I don't damage what the hernia surgery fixed with straining. I've gotten to where I only need it every few days by using Heather's Tummy Fiber which can help both constipation and diarrhea but you have to find a happy medium in the dosage - https://www.heatherstummycare.com/p/suplmts_acacia-can/tummy-fiber-acacia-senegal-can/. My other go to is Prunelax Tea in the evening which works well if you let it steep for about 10 minutes or more - https://www.amazon.com/Prunelax-Natural-Laxative-Tea-Count/dp/B07DFSNYQW/.

My hope is to eventually just use the tummy fiber daily when I get the correct amount determined that works for me. I try to eat a lot more good fiber foods also but it's sometimes a struggle. Hoping you find something that works.

Hi, John. Thanks for the helpful suggestions and I wish you luck as you continue to wean off. I think I've heard someone else recommending Heather's Tummy brand recently, too; I'll have to look into that. Ha, ha, I didn't like tea the last time I had it, but I may try this kind; I love prunes! 😀 My diet's pretty much of a mess right now and I've been thinking about how to fix it. Would you recommend eating more grains for fiber? I was especially hoping to challenge oats this year if my allergy test permits.

I used to like making overnight refrigerated oatmeal for my breakfast meal but haven't done it for awhile. It's easy to make and taste pretty good with fresh blueberries - https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/making-mayos-recipes-overnight-refrigerator-oatmeal/. I have been avoiding most grains due to carbs but there are some good ones you can have and I do occasionally try to work them into a meal. Here's a good list.
--- 9 Low Carb Grains (and Some High Carb Ones to Avoid): https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/low-carb-grains

I had been on Miralax for 6 years, and maybe more than that. I, too, decided that I wanted to try to wean off of Miralax. I adopted a dietary regimen of oatmeal in the morning with added prunes and also a tablespoon of psyllium (not the capsules - the whole product). I am also aware that I need to eat more vegetables and salads have become a favorite. That said, I invested in acupuncture for specific constipation. I have had 5 sessions now, a week apart. My digestion is normal now, something I thought I would not be able to accomplish.

Wow, congrats! Yeah, I just saw my doctor today and she's definitely in favor of me branching out my diet, and I think oat will be one of the first foods I try. I don't eat a lot of vegetables right now either, but I must say, those do seem to be the foods that trigger my symptoms the least (with the exception of potatoes). I used to eat plenty of lettuce.

Thanks. I never thought about acupuncture for constipation. I've had to resort to "gush and push" - Miralax at night followed in three hours by bisacodyl. I'd like to get off both but not sure what natural motility I have. I'm 68 and was fine until last year, when GMs became rare (1, maybe 2/week).

Anyway, thanks for the idea.

I would like to get off Miralax also. Been on it for 5 yrs. It is daily diarrhea and the urge comes on fast. It is ruining my life. Can't go on vacations or certain places because I need to be around bathrooms.Had a severe bowel obstruction 5 yrs. ago and dr. switched me from Metamucil to Miralax. Also, I'm on a low fat diet. I don't digest vegetables and some fruits very well. I've had chronic constipation all my life. Any ideas?

Hello @waterlilly and welcome to Mayo Connect. Dealing with constipation is certainly a difficult problem for many of us. As you have had a history of severe bowel obstruction, I understand how important it is for you to avoid constipation.

After having three surgeries of the upper digestive tract, I also deal with food intolerances and need to avoid raw fruits and vegetables. I really understand how difficult it can be to keep the digestive tract in good shape without these types of foods.

I also avoid Metamucil as it can create abdominal pain, but I do find Citrucel to be quite helpful. It is a fiber product but not of the same rough consistency as Metamucil.

Also, you might just consider taking just a partial dose of Miralax to your daily regimen of products to relieve constipation. Often just a quarter of a dose, once a day, preferably at night, is enough to help without causing diarrhea. If that is not enough, then perhaps taking a quarter of a dose twice a day might work better. It is just a matter of finding out what works best for you. For me, using the Citrucel, twice and a day, and the partial dose of Miralax is a good option.

It really is a matter of trial and error. You do need to find what works for you to keep from becoming constipated, without having daily diarrhea.

What else have your tried besides the daily Miralax?

my dr told me that diarrhea is an adverse effect of miralax and to stop taking it. He suggested i take benefiber and magnesium citrate instead.

Thank you for your reply. I need 2 full capsules of Miralax to have a BM or I get very constipated. The G.I. doctor that put me on it said diarrhea is normal while on it.

I've been having so many stomach issues. Saw a surgeon this week that is pushing me to another doctor. He wants me to see a new G.I. doctor he highly recommends. I'm waiting to get an appointment. The surgeon thinks swallowing a camera to look for answers will help. I do have some Chron's Disease and think I may be having gallbladder issues. I lost around 23 lbs. So I know something is wrong. I can't gain weight either.

I will talk to the new G.I. doctor about Citrucel and see if he thinks it will get me off Miralax. Thanks for suggesting that.