Patient Discussions: Constipation - Effective Treatments

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Constipation - Effective Treatments

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

What kinds of treatments have been effective for your constipation?

Comment submissions for this question have ended.

Related Article: Constipation

The following Patient Discussions have not been medically reviewed. See additional information.

I have had chronic constipation for years. I took Zelnorm and it helped immensely. Now they have pulled it from market without any replacement and I am back to square one. Dietary supplements, fiber, and exercise was all implemented prior to the Zelnorm with no positive effect. I do not wish to be laxative dependent, but was hoping something safe is on horizon. I think Zelnorm should have been explained with side effects, and allow the patient to decide. Published: September 25 ::

Comment from: Renny, 55-64 Female (Patient)

I have good luck with prune juice for my constipation, but it is still a problem when I�m traveling. If I am checking luggage, I bring the little cans, but if I am carrying on luggage, they are not allowed. Published: August 21 ::

Comment from: Montazer, 55-64 Male (Caregiver)

For me, large amounts of fluids and a high fiber diet has been very effective for my constipation. But I�ve found that when I get stressed, I get constipated. So I�m learning how to manage my stress better. Published: August 21 ::

Prune juice has never failed for me. I drink an 8 oz glass and a glass of water, and it takes care of the problem. Be careful though, one time I drank 16 oz thinking I needed a lot to help along with two glasses of water, and I ended up with watery stools! Published: August 12 ::

My eight year old daughter has suffered constipation since she was born. It gradually got worse. I tried many things that the doctor recommended but I find the most effective to be a regular (every couple of days) dose of Benefiber and if that doesn�t work a nice warm bath can sometimes get things moving. I am concerned about the effects of long term use of Benefiber (for a child). Published: June 13 ::

Drinking warm salt water helps, but only do this as a last resort, on the spot treatment. Too much use of it will dehydrate you. It normally takes 10 to 25 minutes to work on me but for others it could take longer. Published: June 11 ::

Bananas seem to really help me a lot. Published: May 29 ::

I have suffered from IBS for many years and through these years I have been given a lot of medicines to relieve the constipation and the pain. Tegaserod has helped me a lot, but now they have taken it out of the market, leaving me with almost none meds to help relieve the constipation and the pain that goes along with it. I have tried natural meds and other anti-spasmodic meds with little effect. I try to eat healthy foods including vegetables, fruits and foods with fiber. I cannot eat a lot of fiber because I feel like I have eaten a lot and cannot eat more, and a couple of hours later, I need to eat. So over the years I have tried to avoid foods that cause constipation or pain and I don't drink whole milk either. It's been hard, but as the doctor tells me, eat what your body tolerates and that's what I have done. Published: May 27 ::

Comment from: leslee, 65-74 Male (Patient)

I have suddenly become constipated after I was told to take Actonel once a month and two tablets of Caltrate with Vitamin D. The information I have read to find answers to my sudden constipation is very informative and educational. I have scheduled a colonoscopy and will hopefully move on from there with the help of my doctor. Published: February 05 ::

Comment from: Misrable Marla, 19-24 Female (Patient)

I am 22 years old and I have been suffering with constipation since I was 15. I have been to a few doctors and they all tell me the same thing, to eat more fruits and veggies but that just does not work for me. The only thing that i have found recently that does work is MiraLax but you have to drink it for a few days and then wait for it to work in your system. In the mean time you are left in discomfort and sluggish feelings cramped and bloated. I am glad I found MiraLax because it does help when everything else has failed but I don�t want to be drinking medicine for the rest of my life. I just do know what to do any more. Published: February 05 ::

Comment from: Susie, 45-54 Female (Patient)

My constipation has been going on all of my life. If I take any kind of treatment, it takes two to three days to work, and then I get diarrhea, which is uncontrollable. Adding fiber to my diet just made me swell up like a balloon. I am not in any treatment at this time, and it is very bad. Constipation can be a severe problem. Published: October 16 ::

Comment from: Julie, 45-54 Female (Patient)

I have had constipation problems all my life. It is normal for me to go once every two weeks. My colon is too long. Published: August 28 ::

Patient Discussions are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified health provider because of something you have read on MedicineNet. The opinions expressed in the comments section are of the author and the author alone. MedicineNet does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.

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One Pill a Day: Up to 24 Hours of Heartburn Relief in Many Adults with ARD

Important Safety Information

KAPIDEX may not be right for everyone. You should not take KAPIDEX if you are allergic to KAPIDEX or any of its ingredients. Severe allergic reactions have been reported.
Symptom relief does not rule out other serious stomach conditions.
The most common side effects of KAPIDEX were diarrhea (4.8%), stomach pain (4.0%), nausea (2.9%), common cold (1.9%), vomiting (1.6%), and gas (1.6%). KAPIDEX and certain other medicines can affect each other. Before taking KAPIDEX, tell your doctor if you are taking ampicillin, atazanavir, digoxin, iron, ketoconazole, or tacrolimus. If you are taking KAPIDEX with warfarin, you may need to be monitored because serious risks could occur.

Uses of KAPIDEX

Persistent heartburn two or more days a week, despite treatment and diet changes, could be acid reflux disease (ARD). Prescription KAPIDEX capsules are used in adults to treat heartburn related to ARD, to heal acid-related damage to the lining of the esophagus (called erosive esophagitis or EE), and to stop EE from coming back. Individual results may vary. Most damage (erosions) heals in 4�8 weeks.

Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional. Please see full Prescribing Information for KAPIDEX.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.