LAXATIVE ABUSE

 Basic information

description

Laxative abuse occurs when someone misuses or overuses laxatives. Laxative abuse is defined as (1) use of laxative for weight control, or (2) frequent use of laxatives over an extended period of time. It may result from a false belief that frequent bowel movements are necessary. Patients with eating disorders or binge eaters may abuse laxatives to get rid of large meals. Many individuals unintentionally develop the laxative habit.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Chronic constipation or chronic diarrhea.
• Gas and bloating.
• Laxative dependence (need laxatives to produce bowel movements).
• Dehydration due to excess loss of fluid.
• Electrolyte imbalance (minerals needed for body function), which causes tremors, muscle cramps, and spasms.
• Blood in the stools.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Colon infection.

causes

Short-term or long-term, laxatives create and perpetuate the very problem they were intended to correct. Laxatives induce constipation as the tissues become dried out, muscles become weak, and the delicate nerves lining the colon become damaged. Because of the damage that laxatives cause, ever-increasing dosages of laxatives may be required in order to achieve the desired effect. Where one laxative dose produced results, now two, then three doses a day are required. People who abuse laxatives for a long period of time may end up taking as many as 6 to 8 laxatives a day.

risk increases with

• Patients with eating disorders or binge eaters. They believe they are losing weight and that they are thinner. What is lost is water weight. It comes back on within 48 hours.
• False belief that you need a daily bowel movement.
• Preparation for competitions (sports, pageants, etc.).

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Don't use laxatives regularly.
• Avoid constipation. Drink plenty of water with each meal and during the day. Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to increase dietary fiber. Go to the bathroom when you feel the urge.
• Exercise regularly to stimulate bowel activity.
• Recognize and get treatment for eating disorders (anorexia or bulimia) or disordered eating (abnormal change in eating patterns).

expected outcomes

Will depend on the extent of the abuse and the motivation of the person. Withdrawal from laxatives can take days, weeks, or even months. Body functions should return to normal with no permanent damage.

possible complications

It depends on the type of laxatives abused, the amount abused, and how long they have been abused. Severe harm to the body, including death, could occur.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Ask your health care provider about how to recover normal bowel function and what steps to use to begin to reverse the laxative habit.
• Stopping laxatives may be done gradually or by going "cold turkey" (stopping in one day).
• Changing to products containing psyllium may help if you gradually withdraw from laxatives.
• Withdrawal symptoms may include nausea, constipation, bloating, and gas. They will stop as your body recovers and learns how to regulate itself again.
• Counseling help may be useful for patients who are chronically abusing laxatives. This type of therapy is important for people with eating disorders.

medications

No drugs are usually needed. If a drug you take causes constipation, a change in drug or dosage may help.

activity

Exercise daily. Being fit helps maintain bowel function.

diet

• Be sure to eat enough food to promote regular bowel movements. Eat high-fiber items like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Be careful, as some foods may cause intestinal gas, and if you are experiencing discomfort already, this may add to it.
• Drinking lots of water is important. Try to drink 8 to 10 glasses per day if possible. If you are constipated, warm/hot beverages can help.

 notify our office if

You or a family member has a laxative abuse problem.

Special Notes: