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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 26. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by babs on December 17, 2002, at 9:58:27
Ever since I started taking Adderall I've been extremely constipated. I just took some laxatives but need a long term solution. What do people do for this horrible side-effect? I've never been what you would call "regualr" but this is ridiculous! I would really love a natural remedy if anyone has one!
Posted by Joanie on December 17, 2002, at 10:23:41
In reply to constipation- need help desperately!, posted by babs on December 17, 2002, at 9:58:27
I feel for ya girl. I too have had problems over the years although never caused by a medication that I know of. Anyway, try using a suppository for a few days. That may help if you have a blockage of some sort. Then try the old tried and true remedies like raisin bran and fiber foods. Raisin bran always works for me! Good luck!
Posted by bluedog on December 17, 2002, at 11:00:54
In reply to constipation- need help desperately!, posted by babs on December 17, 2002, at 9:58:27
Posted by Jaynee on December 17, 2002, at 12:23:31
In reply to constipation- need help desperately!, posted by babs on December 17, 2002, at 9:58:27
I've got a few suggestions. Metamucil, but make sure you drink lots of water with it. Which brings me to water. First thing when you wake up drink 2 or 3 big glasses of water, some use warm water, but cold worked for me. What also worked very well for me was peppermint oil capsules. Make sure they are enteric coated. Your breath will even smell like peppermint as well as, well you know.
When things get really bad, try epsom salts. I don't recommend that unless you really have to go, because it works way to well.
Do you like Tahina (sesame paste), if you add that to your diet, that will help.
There are 1001 and different natural remedies out there, try looking it up. I will try to find some more stuff for you. But the above worked for me.
Posted by Ritch on December 17, 2002, at 12:54:50
In reply to constipation- need help desperately!, posted by babs on December 17, 2002, at 9:58:27
Posted by Peter S. on December 17, 2002, at 15:57:24
In reply to constipation- need help desperately!, posted by babs on December 17, 2002, at 9:58:27
I had a huge problem with constipation on a drug- I think it was a MAOI. I tried everything- milk of mag, senna, metamucil, on and on. Flax seed was the solution:1. Purchase bulk flax seed at your local natural grocery store.
2. Grind flax seed in coffee or other grinder.
3. Add 2-3 teaspoons daily (or whatever works) to cereal, milk, smoothie or whatever.It really worked for me and it actually tastes good!
Best of luck,
Peter
> Ever since I started taking Adderall I've been extremely constipated. I just took some laxatives but need a long term solution. What do people do for this horrible side-effect? I've never been what you would call "regualr" but this is ridiculous! I would really love a natural remedy if anyone has one!
Posted by syringachalet on December 17, 2002, at 21:25:36
In reply to Re: constipation- need help desperately!, posted by Joanie on December 17, 2002, at 10:23:41
In the immediate, one poster already mentioned a suppository; generic glycerine work as good as any. Warm tap water enema might be OK too.
For many of my clients who tell me they are 'not nuts and twigs kind of people'..
I suggest they have either a hand full of raisins lots of iron and fiber there...or two or three Fig Newton cookies. Celery or broccoli works for those diet conscience folks..not to mention the great sources of Vitamin A, B and in the broccoli Calcium(with or without a little cheese).
I choose the Newtons,esp the Starwberry...
just trying to help..
Posted by bluedog on December 17, 2002, at 21:42:51
In reply to constipation- need help desperately!, posted by babs on December 17, 2002, at 9:58:27
Posted by bluedog on December 17, 2002, at 21:53:11
In reply to Prunes get me running to the toilet in record time (nm), posted by bluedog on December 17, 2002, at 21:42:51
Just be careful about some of the preservatives they put in dried apricots and prunes. Basically organic and preservative free products are the best way to go!!!!
regards
bluedog
Posted by BekkaH on December 17, 2002, at 22:14:40
In reply to constipation- need help desperately!, posted by babs on December 17, 2002, at 9:58:27
Hi. I certainly can sympathize with you. I've been using ground flax seeds, also known as flax seed meal. Some people think it's the best remedy for constipation. I think it's quite good, but it's not consistently helpful for me. The nice thing about the flax seed meal is that it's very healthy for you, in addition to helping with the constipation. Most constipation remedies aren't all that healthy. Flax seed meal can be purchased at the health food store or you can buy whole flax seeds and grind them yourself. Another remedy I'm looking into is one called Miralax or Movicol. I think it's called Miralax in the U.S. and Movical elsewhere. I read about it on this message board, so perhaps you can find references to it in the archives. Be sure to drink LOTS of water and get enough exercise each day.
Posted by vagen on December 18, 2002, at 5:45:05
In reply to Dried Apricots do the same for me as Prunes!!!, posted by bluedog on December 17, 2002, at 21:53:11
drink as much water as you can
and walk walk walk
Posted by sjb on December 18, 2002, at 9:12:00
In reply to constipation- need help desperately!, posted by babs on December 17, 2002, at 9:58:27
I haven't read the rest of the replies, so forgive if I'm repeating anything.
First, limited binding foods such as bananas, rice, tea, etc.
If you eat cereal, try Nabisco Shredded Wheat 'n Bran. It's in a brown box. Or sprinkle bran buds, flakes, etc. on other cereal.
Drink strong coffee.
Try psyillium (spelling) husks from health food store. Some evidence it's a little safer to take long term than Exlax, that sort of stuff. FiberCon, Metamucil better for ongoing use, I believe.
ADs, stims, anti-anxieties are notorious for this effect.
Posted by jrbecker on December 18, 2002, at 9:44:43
In reply to Re: constipation- need help desperately!, posted by sjb on December 18, 2002, at 9:12:00
Magnesium has worked wonders for me, especially with the bowel issues that come with ADs. Try taking it in the morning (250 mg), and possibly as well at night. Besides having a subtle calming effect, it also works to keep you regular as well, thus giving you better control over your bowels by not waxing in between diarrhea and constipation all the time.
Posted by sjb on December 18, 2002, at 13:53:30
In reply to Re: constipation- try Magnesium, posted by jrbecker on December 18, 2002, at 9:44:43
Great point. I forgot about that. I take all my Magnesium at night and also there is some evidence that it helps with muscles soreness as well.
Posted by wendy b. on December 18, 2002, at 18:53:01
In reply to Re: constipation- try Magnesium, posted by jrbecker on December 18, 2002, at 9:44:43
Hi there,
I also suffer from the aforementioned malady... AND I have had Magnesium tablets in my fridge for several years, and haven't realized I had the secret right there!
Anyway, if the expiration date says sometime in the year 2000, would they still be any good? They've been in the fridge the whole time since I bought 'em.
Hope somebody knows the answer to this...
Thanks in advance,
Wendy
> Magnesium has worked wonders for me, especially with the bowel issues that come with ADs. Try taking it in the morning (250 mg), and possibly as well at night. Besides having a subtle calming effect, it also works to keep you regular as well, thus giving you better control over your bowels by not waxing in between diarrhea and constipation all the time.
>
>
Posted by IsoM on December 19, 2002, at 0:31:02
In reply to Re: question re: Magnesium » jrbecker, posted by wendy b. on December 18, 2002, at 18:53:01
Posted by BeardedLady on December 19, 2002, at 7:00:59
In reply to Re: constipation- try Magnesium, posted by jrbecker on December 18, 2002, at 9:44:43
Posted by Mr.Scott on December 21, 2002, at 0:36:57
In reply to constipation- need help desperately!, posted by babs on December 17, 2002, at 9:58:27
Magnesium up to 1000mg unless sedation occurs.
Flax or preferably fish oil (as much as you need and can tolerate)
Lot's of water and fiber too..
Posted by jimmygold70 on December 21, 2002, at 12:24:49
In reply to constipation- need help desperately!, posted by babs on December 17, 2002, at 9:58:27
You can stay on psyllium for years as a laxative. Take it 3 times a day. Works OK and even healthy, nonaddicting !
Posted by HannahBeGood on December 22, 2002, at 4:41:18
In reply to constipation- need help desperately!, posted by babs on December 17, 2002, at 9:58:27
Posted by HannahBeGood on December 22, 2002, at 4:44:41
In reply to constipation- need help desperately!, posted by babs on December 17, 2002, at 9:58:27
Babs,
I believe I sent you a post that may say (nm) no message, but I did revise it, b/c the (nm) was a mistake. So, read it anyway if something is there, if not I will re-post later.Hannah
Posted by IsoM on December 22, 2002, at 12:39:01
In reply to Re: constipation-can u say OKRA? (nm) » babs, posted by HannahBeGood on December 22, 2002, at 4:41:18
Oh yes! I love an Indain okra (bhindi) dish but I can only make it occasionally because, as Hannah said, it's literally slips through your system.
Posted by Gabbix2 on December 23, 2002, at 14:30:50
In reply to Re: constipation-can u say OKRA? » HannahBeGood, posted by IsoM on December 22, 2002, at 12:39:01
Ah, one of life's simple joys, discussing constipation something you never thought you'd have to do... until you started on Anti-Depressants.
Triphala is an Ayurvedic 'tonic' but usually sold as a laxative in health food stores.
Andrew Weil said its the only thing he'd ever recommend because it actually corrects the situation. If you're not constipated it doesn't do anything but keep you "Balanced" no gas no bloating, it helps with nausea and actually works better the longer you take it.
You would need to take quite a bit at first to relieve the situation and then moderate the dosage.It works, it worked when I thought NOTHING would.
Its also good for energy, and supposedly helps with weight loss.The only problem is it costs about 12.00 a bottle, which may make it prohibitive for some.
Posted by babs on December 23, 2002, at 21:27:21
In reply to Triphala Triphala Triphala, posted by Gabbix2 on December 23, 2002, at 14:30:50
I just bought some! how much would you suggest taking initially to "relieve the situation"?
Posted by Gabbix2 on December 23, 2002, at 22:27:07
In reply to Re: Triphala Triphala Triphala » Gabbix2, posted by babs on December 23, 2002, at 21:27:21
I'm glad you appreciated my euphemisms Babs.
I would take 6 capsules before bed, and on an empty stomach in the morning take 6 more,and don't eat for 20 minutes afterward.
Once the "Situation" is dealt with I find 2-3 capsules a day works.
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