Constipation from meds

I don’t take those meds, but have treated constipation for over a year, under gastroenterologist care. It’s challenging. I was finally able to get to an acceptable level with a daily glass of Metamucil, 1 glass of Miralax and 2 Lubiprostone capsules per day. I can’t say the Lubi capsules are great, but they help some. I’ve actually had 3 normal BMs since taking them. It’s my understanding that they are not laxatives. You may read about them and ask your doctor about it. Online reviews about the med vary. For me, it has a mild effect.

I hope you can find something that helps. This is a very troublesome condition.

I developed severe constipation after a few years of taking tramadol, gabapentin, and diazepam. I could go (no pun intended) 4 to 6 days without a bm. Then it was a strain to go, like giving birth. I had tried a number of OTC and prescription drugs. Nothing helped. I went to a local gastroenterologist. He suggested that I take Miralax twice a day. I left skeptical. Believe it or not, within 4 or 5 days, things loosened up and I began to become more of a "regular" guy. The only drawback was that things began to become a little too loose. Have had to cut back on the daily dosages. Overall, I am more of a happy camper.

I too have medication related constipation. After 7 months of diarrhea from microscopic colitis before treatment, I try not to complain too loudly, but here is my formula. It may need to be adjusted for severity of symptoms.

I eat two salads a day - that’s six cups of salad. Mine is a combination of iceberg, spinach and romaine with no ingredients that are known to enhance constipation. Otherwise, tomato, bacon, corn, etc - think volume.

I try to eat other veggies at lunch or dinner that might be considered roughage - think broccoli or cabbage (raw as in slaw), etc.

I drink eight 8ounce glasses of water over the day. I fill a half gallon container in the morning and put it on the kitchen island to make sure I drink all through the day.

At bedtime:
* a 100mg decorate sodium stool softener
* four benefiber gummies

Worst case, I go every other day. But more days than not, I go before 10am.

It’s not the set your clock by it, 6:30am predictable event anymore. But I need the meds causing the constipation, so…

Hope that’s helpful.

I have constipation partially from meds, and I take Linzess to help with it. Linzess is a prescription medication, and it comes in three strengths. It is taken in the morning on an empty stomach; then eat one half hour after it is taken. (If it is taken after eating, diarrhea occurs.) I also take a stool softener. The dose(s) can be taken while on the Linzess. I take Linzess "as needed," and it was prescribed by my GI doctor. Hope that helps.

A simple tablespoon of olive oil EVERY morning works well along with being a healthy alternative.

Would that were a universal truth, but happy it is for you.

When I relate what measures I go to for any relief from constipation, they are astounded. It’s difficult to understand how any human could ingest so much to encourage digestion and reap out so very little. Before my constipation began, I was so regular with no issues. I have avoided stimulant laxatives, because they aren’t good long term.

Movantik and/or Linzess might help.

My gastroenterologist prescribed Linzess, but my insurance required me to try Lubiprostone first. So, I’m taking 2 of those per day, in addition to the Magnesium supplement, Metamucil, Miralax, ample veggies, water, healthy fats, exercise, toilet stool, etc, I read a lot about Linzess, but most reviews are more positive about Lubiprostone. Go figure. I will check out Movantik. Thanks.

I use suppositories by fleet and it helps to get things moving. Coffee probably helps too.