Seeking Alternatives to Miralax Due to Adverse Effects
I’m a 31-year-old female, weighing 149 pounds and standing at 5’4”. I have several health conditions, including scoliosis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), idiopathic intracranial hypertension, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), elevated cholesterol levels, and costochondritis. My daily medication regimen includes a birth control pill, omeprazole, and famotidine at a dose of 40mg, along with vitamin D3 and glycerin suppositories used approximately twice weekly. I underwent an emergency cholecystectomy in February 2021 and an endoscopy in May 2022, which revealed excessive bile and antral type mucosa signs of reactive gastropathy. Additionally, I had sinus surgery in July 2024. In summary, I'm looking for alternatives to Miralax, which has been making me feel dizzy and unwell while also causing dehydration. Could medications for acid reflux be contributing to constipation issues? Since 2014, I have intermittently used omeprazole, but I have been steadily taking it since 2023 on my primary care physician’s recommendation. Beginning in August 2023, I started experiencing cycles of diarrhea and constipation. After consulting with a GI nurse in May 2024, she suggested incorporating famotidine and both one dose of Miralax and fiber supplements into my daily routine. While I noticed some slight improvement, Miralax has consistently left me feeling faint and weak—almost as though I need to lie down. In June 2024, I found myself in the emergency room due to chest pains, dizziness, and shortness of breath, and the diagnosis pointed to dehydration caused by Miralax, which my body apparently struggled to process despite my efforts to increase fluid intake. Following the GI nurse's advice, I reduced my Miralax dosage to one-half or one-quarter of a cap, but I still ended up feeling unwell without any alleviation of constipation. Although I’m consuming more liquids, steering clear of dairy, and incorporating a daily smoothie with flaxseed and fruit, I still rely on glycerin suppositories 2-3 times weekly for a bowel movement. Going beyond a day without one results in discomfort beneath my ribs. In frustration, I tried another cap of Miralax tonight and felt lightheaded just 20 minutes afterward. I’m wondering if there are any other options I could explore? Are medications like omeprazole and famotidine known to cause constipation? I’m contemplating a follow-up with a gastroenterologist, but her previous advice of increasing fiber intake has only worsened my constipation. I'm feeling overwhelmed and weary of this struggle. Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
7/28/2025, 11:02:08 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand how frustrating and overwhelming it can be to struggle with constipation, especially when the treatments you're trying seem to cause adverse effects. You’ve shared a lot about your health history and medication regimen, which provides important context for exploring alternatives to Miralax.
Key Takeaways:
- Consider Non-Laxative Alternatives: Since Miralax isn’t working for you and causing you distress, there are other strategies and products you can try.
- Evaluate the Influence of Medications: Some of your medications may play a role in your digestive issues.
- Seek Tailored Solutions: Customized dietary adjustments and possibly other types of supplements might help alleviate constipation.
Explanations:
Non-Laxative Options:
- Dietary Modifications: Since you’re already using flaxseed and fruit, consider incorporating more high-fiber foods such as vegetables (like broccoli and carrots) and legumes (like beans and lentils) to further increase your fiber intake without relying solely on supplements.
- Prebiotic and Probiotic Foods: Foods such as yogurt (dairy-free if that suits you better), kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha may help support gut health and regular bowel movements.
- Hydration: Ensure you drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, throughout the day—aim for at least 2 liters if you’re active and not dehydrated.
Medication Impact:
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like Omeprazole: Prolonged use can affect gut bacteria and potentially lead to constipation in some individuals, although it varies person to person.
- H2 Blockers like Famotidine: These are less commonly associated with constipation but can still affect gastrointestinal motility in some cases.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Diet:
- Increase your daily intake of fiber-rich foods—aim for a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.
- Experiment with prebiotics and probiotics to help balance your gut flora.
-
Hydration:
- Increase fluid intake—try to maintain a steady consumption of water throughout the day.
-
Explore Alternatives to Miralax:
- Consider using natural fiber supplements like psyllium husk or chia seeds, which can help maintain softer stools and promote regularity.
- If over-the-counter options aren’t effective, natural solutions like magnesium citrate or herbal laxatives (such as senna or aloe vera) could be explored, but introduce them cautiously and in small doses.
-
Consult Your Gastroenterologist:
- It’s important to share your ongoing experiences with your GI specialist. Discuss the side effects you are having with Miralax and your concerns with other medications. They might adjust your treatment plan or recommend further testing or therapies.
I empathize with your struggle, and it’s understandable to feel weary with the ups and downs of managing these symptoms. Remember, adjustments to diet and lifestyle can take time to show results, so give yourself grace through this process. Keep tracking your symptoms and dietary changes as this information will be helpful in your consultations. If you have any further questions or need additional support, please feel free to reach out.
Related Questions
Ongoing Rectal Bleeding and Digestive Issues for 8+ Months
Age: 35, Female Since the summer of 2024, I've been experiencing fluctuations in my bowel movements, oscillating between constipation, diarrhea, and loose stools. Along with these changes, I've noticed a significant increase in flatulence, although I'm uncertain of the exact timing of this development, which might date back over six months. My medical background includes a recurring issue with hemorrhoids that began after the birth of my second child in 2015. These hemorrhoid flare-ups occur a few times annually, typically ranging from painful to symptom-free, often manifesting as blood spotting upon wiping, drops in the toilet, or streaks on the stool. Fortunately, they typically resolve themselves within about a week or with the help of Prep H. However, since just before Christmas 2024, I've been experiencing daily rectal bleeding. The consistency of my stools varies between hard and loose, with bouts of loose stools often resembling waves, resembling contractions that lead to rushed bathroom visits. It’s common for me to require several trips to the restroom when passing hard stools, which can emerge sequentially, transitioning into watery, painful output. Even during instances of diarrhea, I frequently feel the urgency to eliminate more stool, as if I’m unable to fully relieve myself. Throughout the day, I also find myself needing to wipe often due to leakage of fecal matter and/or blood, which can create a greasy sensation. Notably, I experience intense cramps after consuming food, often leading to diarrhea shortly after eating, especially in the mornings. Living in rural Alberta, Canada, I recently consulted a new family physician about these symptoms. I requested a referral to a gastroenterologist but was declined at this moment. The rationale provided was my stable weight, my age of 35, and the lack of knowledge regarding my family medical history; I was therefore advised to continue using Prep H for three months before reassessing. While I'm aware that hemorrhoids can cause significant bleeding, I’m not overly alarmed. Nonetheless, I'm puzzled as to why these symptoms persist without resolution. I have images documenting varying degrees of bloody stools as well as some from the initial changes in my bowel habits (including one of my hand holding a hard, bloody stool). If anyone could provide insights or advice based on this information, I would be immensely grateful. I’m unsure of a specific question, but I am contemplating whether my condition warrants requesting an earlier follow-up with my doctor or if I should seek a second opinion from a physician in a different town. Thank you for your consideration.
Seeking Guidance on an Awkward Health Issue
I find myself in a rather uncomfortable situation and am too shy to bring it up with my family doctor. At 29 years old, and as a mother to three children, all of whom were delivered via C-section, I’m currently facing a unique challenge that I need to address. My youngest child is seven, and I haven't undergone any surgical procedures lately. Standing at 5’1" and weighing 255 lbs, I often experience severe constipation, a condition exacerbated by my long-term use of prescription narcotics. This medicine has significantly affected my bowel movements, which are infrequent and often quite painful. Recently, I was jolted awake by a sudden bout of liquid diarrhea. I was able to control it temporarily, but I found it difficult to determine where the discharge was coming from. In the process of cleaning myself, I realized that both my vaginal and rectal areas required attention, which was confusing and concerning. I've been using Miralax to manage my constipation, yet it seems I still cannot feel the stool exiting the rectal area. I'm starting to wonder if my past experiences with large, painful bowel movements have dulled my sensitivity in that region. Interestingly, one persistent issue I've dealt with throughout my life is the discomfort of gas in my vaginal area. This improved when I began taking lactose intolerance medications, as I had previously needed to adjust my diet to dairy-free options, which significantly alleviated the gas buildup that would occasionally disrupt my sleep. My bloating fluctuates, typically clearing up for one week every month or two when I have my period, although my cycle has been irregular for the last couple of years. Currently, my living situation is challenging, and I'm hesitant to visit a hospital unless it's an emergency. I have a couple of questions: could the watery nature of the diarrhea, combined with urination, explain why I felt the need to clean my vaginal region as thoroughly as my rectal area? Is it possible that the thin consistency of the diarrhea is preventing me from feeling it as I normally would? Moreover, are there any over-the-counter options like Gas-X or Imodium that could help solidify my stool? Lastly, would it be advisable for me to try using a tampon during my next bowel movement to see how that affects my ability to go?
Could Post-Nasal Drip or Digestive Health Be Behind My Bad Breath?
29f To provide some background on my situation: I've been experiencing intermittent abdominal discomfort and occasional instances of diarrhea. I've observed that these symptoms often coincide with my menstrual cycle or ovulation, a pattern that began two years ago following the birth of my son. Throughout this period, I have undergone various medical imaging tests, including a CT scan with contrast, ultrasounds, and X-rays. The most recent examination was a specialized ultrasound aimed at detecting deep infiltrating endometriosis, which successfully visualized nearly all of my bowel but yielded no abnormalities (the goal was to check for bowel-related endometriosis). Additionally, I contend with health anxiety, which often leads me to irrationally fear that my symptoms might indicate something serious, like bowel cancer—despite never having had any bleeding. Recently, about one to two months ago, I contracted a virus that has since left me with persistent phlegm that I suspect is sinus-related. Just days ago, while resting, I became aware of an unpleasant odor from my breath, reminiscent of that feeling when you’re hungry, but far more bothersome. Despite my regular oral hygiene routine—which includes brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping—the odor persists. My research online suggests that halitosis can sometimes signal digestive issues, leaving me uncertain whether my condition stems from an underlying digestive problem or if it is simply attributable to the phlegm. If my symptoms are indeed linked to digestive health, what types of gastrointestinal issues typically result in bad breath? Is it possible for complications in the large intestine to contribute to this problem? Thank you for reading about my experience. I appreciate your patience with my lengthy explanation.
Seeking Guidance on NTOS Symptoms
This marks my inaugural post on this platform, and I find myself in a bit of a quandary. As a 27-year-old female residing outside the US, I received a diagnosis of Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (NTOS) about five months ago. However, it took a lengthy eight months for medical professionals to finally validate my concerns, as prior visits had resulted in dismissive comments about my symptoms being psychosomatic, attributing it to my youth, fitness, and general health, or labeling it as mere anxiety. I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and panic disorder during my childhood. While I'm currently not on any medication, my anxiety related to NTOS has resurfaced, although I have managed my mental health quite well for many years. Ultimately, I sought out private treatment with an osteopath. After undergoing various evaluations, I was confirmed to have NTOS, likely stemming from two years of chronic stress and the anxiety issues from my early years that contributed to my tendency to draw my shoulders up when feeling uncomfortable. At the moment, my treatment regimen includes taking Pregabalin (Lyrica) at a dosage of 75mg twice a day, plus Norflex (a muscle relaxant) at 100mg when necessary, along with a prescription for Sevredol (10mg) for acute pain as needed. In addition to these, I'm using slow-release Ibuprofen and Paracetamol. While I experience temporary relief from the pain, it is a constant presence in my life. I've invested in a specially designed pillow for neck and spine support, which offers some comfort during the night, but I struggle to concentrate during the day. My irritability level is heightened, and I feel overly stimulated from the persistent aches. I've also noticed that I've been using my right arm less, which may be exacerbating my condition, as I can barely lift it above my ear. I have undergone an X-ray and am currently waiting for the results from the hospital physiotherapy department. I am unsure of what steps to take next. It feels as though I'm battling an uphill struggle to be taken seriously. Without a recent trip to urgent care, where I presented with severe pain and trembling, I doubt I would have received the necessary referrals for the X-ray, Pregabalin, or Norflex. That visit was three weeks ago, and prior to that, my pain relief options were limited to just Ibuprofen and Paracetamol. I am also worried about some new symptoms that have emerged, including a sensation of deadness radiating down my right arm into my fingers, and tingling and numbness around my solar plexus, neck, and face. Should I advocate for an MRI? Would it be better to consult with physiotherapists or stick with my osteopath, or possibly a combination of both? Right now, I'm solely seeing an osteopath. Would it be inappropriate to ask my doctor for a referral to a specialist? Thank you to anyone who takes the time to read my lengthy post. I feel quite overwhelmed managing these circumstances, particularly living in a rural area with limited access to specialists. I want to emphasize that I'm not attributing blame to the local doctors – they are doing their best, but I sincerely hope to find a specialist who can offer the help I need. 🤞
Worsening Digestive Issues
A 29-year-old female, who leads an active lifestyle, doesn't smoke, and lives with chronic migraines and celiac disease, is currently facing severe gastrointestinal distress. For the past week, she has been experiencing persistent diarrhea, but today her symptoms have escalated significantly. She is suffering from severe abdominal cramps and relentless nausea, having had up to 50 episodes of diarrhea within a single day. Both eating and drinking have become impossible for her. The stools appear bile-like, and she is grappling with fatigue and weakness likely due to dehydration. She feels hesitant about visiting a doctor, fearing they will simply suggest she let the condition run its course and encourage hydration. Despite her efforts to stay hydrated, her pain is overwhelming. Uncertain if this is a case of food poisoning or a viral infection, she notes that she hasn't knowingly ingested gluten, yet her current condition seems unprecedented compared to past gluten exposures. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!