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Flomax and solving constipation
I have been on amitriptyline for 30 years, managing its constipation/dry mouth by diet and chewing gum. Was in a world of excrutiatng prostate pain a few weeks ago, and urinary flow and frequency problems. Family doctor put me on Cipro for 2 weeks, but nothing changed. Then a urologist on rectal exam diagnosed enlarged and inflamed prostate, despite no infection detected in urine or blood tests. Put me on another 4 weeks of strong antibiotic and Flomax. Flomax helps, but drawing more water out of my body caused me severe constipation. I tried stool softeners but finally had to use a combo stool softener/17 mg two nights to have a bowel movement. Urologist nurse said doctor said it was OK to take a laxative every night on Flomax, but this sounds counter to EVERYTHING you read about relying on stimulant laxatives. Pharmacist suggested Murilax but that draws even MORE water out of the body. Does anyone have a solution to the Flomax constipation issue? I already am doing all the exercise, fiber, fruits, vegetables natural things I can.
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Hi @philminn and welcome to Connect. I can only imagine how frustrating this must be.
@wayhen and @bobvan have mentioned flomax in the past and may be able to share their experience.
Back to you @philminn did you doctor or pharmacist mention any side affects that could go along with using a laxative?
Saw my primary care PA today and he said it was perfectly safe to use.Miralax every day, just monitor what amount works.
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1 ReactionHi @philminn, that's good you have gotten feedback from your doctor already. Have you been using the miralax? How have you been doing?
My general physician said it was safe to take every night if needed. First time I took it two nights in a row, and it was WAY too much. Weird, but two days without it, then I went a lot again. Then after two more days, yesterday I took 3/4 of a dosage and instead of taking 1-3 days to work, it worked quite well that evening. I am still on a strong antibiotic, which might mean when I go off it, the constipation might worsen from the Flomax.
I am on Cipro and Flomax for a UTI and enlarged prostate. I experienced severe constipation after about a week. Solved it by eating a lot of celery sticks and drinking prune juice. I also drink about six 16 oz. bottles of water a day. Hope this helps.
I ha e had good success with Miralax or its less-expensive store brand.
Same problem..or similar....put on tamsulosin for prostrate...noticed my mouth was very dry during the night, kept waking up for a drink of water. Now, I have constipation, having to do Miralax every morning. Do I need to increase my water intake, or more fiber.....I'm straining for bowel movements, ever with the miralax.
I have had and sometimes still do have the same problem. I think this is a condition where you have to find out what works for you. For me it’s a routine. I’m on a mostly plant based diet except for an egg twice a week and fish a few times a week. My morning routine is 5 prunes followed by a big cup of Sencha green tea. Most times it works within half an hour, usually after I started a workout. Other times it’s effective after the workout breakfast and a cup of coffee. That’s what works for me. Good luck.
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1 ReactionThanks....sounds like a plan. I will give it a try. Is there any ideas on how to stop the extreme dry mouth from Flomax during night sleep. Annoying to wake up totally dry, have to drink water 3 or 4 times a night.
I can’t say that happens to me unless I had a salty dinner. I usually don’t eat less than 4 or 5 hours before bed, but I will drink 16 ounces of water up to 2 hours before bed. Waking up once a night to use the bathroom I will have a few ounces of water, as I will usually be a little thirsty and it’s good to help with hydration. I feel like I’ve tried everything over the years. Just turned 70 and I feel my symptoms have markedly improved so I can keep the doctor and his laser at bay. Actually I would rather do the Aquablation, lasers make me think of Star Wars battling with laser swords, not for me.