Stool Softeners
Stool Softeners questions and answers
Learn About How Do Stool Softeners Work.
Q: Stool Softeners?
What is a good over the counter stool softener to take to help get rid of hemmroids?
A: You cannot get rid of them with over the counter medication.
Speak to your doctors about it and they can prescribe some medically proven items that may help you.
Q: Do stool softeners work the same way as laxatives?
When one takes a lot of laxatives, the body becomes dependent on them for its metabolism. I know stool softeners do not make the body dependent on them for normal production.
I am curious, however, if taking stool softeners will allow you to lose weight like laxatives would.
Also, would you lose more weight with stool softeners or a body cleansing method? Thank you for your help!
A: A stool softener is a type of laxative, and your body will become dependent on it should you use it regularly.
Laxatives are useful if you are constipated. They are not helpful in reducing your weight.
If you want to weigh less then you should eat well, exercise moderately and live a passionate life.
As for body cleansing methods, the body is always cleaning itself.
Q: Are prenatals with stool softeners safe? Why is my doctor not telling me to take them?
I told me doctor of my problem and they just recommended a stool softener and a laxative, why don't the recommend the prenatals with stool softeners?
A: Because your not always going to be constipated. Your body will continously change while pregnant so why buy a bottle of prenatals with stool softeners that you won't probably use. Also, your doctor doesn't want your body to become dependent on using the stool softeners. Constipation should be temporary, not a permanent problem, even while pregnant. Good luck!
Q: How long does it take for stool softeners to kick in?
i have been diagnosed with a fissure, and was told to take stool softeners.
how long do i have to wait before they take effect and i feel some relief?
A: i saw an advert on tv that said a few days, i guess it all depends on the person.
xxx
Q: stool softeners?
A: Colace...sold over the counter at most pharmacies, etc...can also buy "store brand"...key ingredient to look for being "docusate sodium". Just don't buy Peri-Colace, that contains a stool softener PLUS a laxative.
Q: can taking Docusate Sodium in stool softeners elevate your blood pressure?
If someone is taking 2 mg of Hytrin and also Azor 40mg, and take stool softener with 100 mg of docusate sodium every night, could that be raising the blood pressure? If so, why?
A: Docusate should have no effect on the BP.
Q: Can stool softeners actually make you constipated?
I took a stool softener a few days ago because I have a fissure. After taking it I got horrible nausea for about an hour, and three days later, I haven't gone to the bathroom once! I'm wondering if the stool softener made me constipated - can that happen if you don't take enough liquids with it?
Also, what liquids should you take with it? Is water the only option?
A: I've never heard of a stool softener making a person constipated. That said, there are some meds out there that if used too often can cause a dependence to where you need to take the medication just to have a BM.
I do not like water, but when taking stool softeners, it is best to drink plenty of water.
Q: I need a good home remedy for stool softeners or what product works good for you.?
I do have ibs and that is what contributes, but man alive I am in pain lately when I do go. Can you help. I guess should just use a stool softener but need a suggestion.
If I should just eat salad and corn all day just tell me. I hate both but am willing now at this point. But oh i love to eat.
A: Hi Donna
Here is an action plan and learn to like salad. There are tons of ideas to use to make it taste fantastic without any manmade chemicals.
Causes
IBS can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor diet and nutrition, food allergies, imbalanced levels of hydrochloric acid, impaired immunity, infections, lack of exercise, pharmaceutical drugs, and stress.
Quick Action Plan for IBS
1. Avoid all sugars, refined flour products, and carbohydrates, milk and dairy products, processed foods that contain preservatives and artificial sweeteners, alcohol, hydrogenated and trans-fatty oils, as well as foods that are common allergens.
2. Emphasize organic, fresh vegetables and non-citrus fruits, organic grains, as well as organic, free-range meats and poultry and wild-caught fish.
3. Drink plenty of pure, filtered water throughout the day.
Cleansing (especially colon) and Detoxification therapy such as short fasts, elimination diets, and colonics.
4. Enteric-coated peppermint oil and aloe vera juice.
5. Soothing baths two to five nights a week, as well as alternating hot and cold water packs placed over the abdomen.
6. Use Probiotics and soil-based organisms.
7. Therapeutic juices include wheatgrass juice; cabbage, papaya, and carrot juice.
8. Stress reduction techniques, such as biofeedback, hypnosis, and meditation.
9. If you are a smoker, stop and refrain from taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.
10. Examine the possibility of withheld emotions as the cause of your symptoms and get support through emotional and physical expression, especially movement therapies such as NIA, Qi gong, Yoga or Total Integration Therapy to name a few options.
Best of health to you
Q: why does it seem like stool softeners are marketed towards women?
everytime i see a commercial on tv for a stool softener, the product always brandishes a feminine, pink box and shows a woman using it. why not men too? anyone know why this is?
the commercials claim that they dont MAKE you go, they just make it EASIER to go, lol
A: Women have harder stools. Haha sorry, couldn't resist. I think that digestive problems are more common among women, I'm pretty sure it has to do with hormones and differently shaped digestive tracks because the uterus and all of that lovely business is in the way. I heard that it's scientifically proven that women fart more than men because something about how the bowels are shaped around the uterus. True story.
Q: Is it okay to take stool softeners nightly, long-term?
I've been taking one CVS store brand stool softener every night before bed for about the last two years. Just today I decided to read the label on the bottle, and it says "do not use for more than 1 week unless instructed by a doctor". My doctor has no clue I'm even taking these things. So my question is, should I continue to take them? And what are the possible adverse effects to such prolonged use of stool softeners?
Thank you.
A: Your predicament is extremely worrying to say the least, and you should consult your doctor immediately. Do not attempt to deal with this problem yourself as it could be disastrous and further complicate the problem. Two years is a very long time by any standard. As instructed on the label, stool softeners should never be relied on for a period spanning over a week, unless your doctor specifically advises you to do so. Reliance on stool softeners for over a week is advised against because it can not only be ineffective, but counterproductive and dangerous in the long run.
It is absolutely essential for you to inform your doctor about the situation at the earliest. The usage of laxatives and stool softeners can affect the toxicity and effectiveness of various other drugs, intensifying or nullifying their effects. Although unfortunate and easily avoidable, laxatives and stool softeners available over the counter are easily abused. The continued usage of laxatives and stool softeners can in fact contribute to chronic constipation, and the prolonged usage creates a dependence on the stool softener, without which your colon can not function. The colon basically becomes incapable of functioning independently. This of course spawns a vicious cycle as reliance on the stool softener causes constipation, and more constipation implies that the user will rely even more on stool softeners. Continued usage of stool softeners is also damaging to the intestines as it leaves them weakened or ‘lazy’. As with any other organ or muscle group the intestines too need to be exercised.
In addition to the recommendations of your doctor, you can try out a couple of natural remedies that are quite effective as stool softeners. In addition to natural stool softeners and dietary changes, physical activity is also important for proper and regular bowel movements. A lack of dietary fiber is the common cause of recurring and frequent constipation, which would have probably led to your dependence on stool softeners in the first place. Fluid intake is also vital, so make sure that you drink a lot of water and follow a diet high in fiber. Cut down on foods with unhealthy saturated fats like junk foods, burgers, fries, and other fast foods. Limit your intake of red meats. Your regular diet can include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with lean meats, fish and whole grains.
A few foods that work as natural stool softeners include figs and lady fingers. Soak a handful of figs overnight, after washing them, and consume them the following morning along with the water. Under normal circumstances this is probably the most effective remedy for constipation. Including lady finger in your regular diet can help significantly as it helps lubricate and soften the stool.
Q: Can I buy stool softeners at any store?
So yeah, I'm constipated and would like to find some good stool softeners that can be found anywhere. Please help!
I want to crap!!
And tell me to drink water or or more fruit. I've been drinking literally gallons the past few days.
A: Forget about stool softners laxatives and
suppositories,take a warm soap suds enema followed by a plain warm water enema you will feel much better and a enema only takes a few minutes to get
and expell..enemas have been used for
many years before laxatives or suppositories where on the market.
your never too young or old to have
a enema!
Q: My husband has to take a lot of pain pills and he has bad constipation. He takes stool softeners.?
My husband has a bad back and bad constipation from the pain pills. He takes stool softeners. They don't work for a long time and then watch out! That isn't good either. I do feel bad for him but what else can he do? When you gotta go, ya gotta go.
A: Pain pills and constipation tend to go hand in hand. Sometimes doctors don't even mention the constipation problem and let you experience it as a surprise.
Increased fiber in his diet tends to be the most natural way to help. Increase the foods that are known to have high amounts of fiber.
Also, when you say "they don't work..." makes me think the softeners being used are pills. Probably better to use something like MiraLAX (from any drugstore) along with the fiber diet.
Q: How safe are stool softeners?
I have always suffered from constipation. I know laxatines, including senna and cascara sagrada are habit forming and not the greatest to use. I have been taking aloe caps everyfew days and a friend recomended alternating the aloe with a stool softener. Any suggestions?
A: Stool softeners are not laxatives, although some can do both. The most used stool softener is Colace ( or the generic Docusate Sodium). The stool softener is to prevent straining and constipation. It is not a laxative, there is a difference. To ease problems with constipation, eat fruits, vegetables,salads, drink plenty of water, avoid foods that can bind( constipate), such as bananas, nuts, cheese, ( I'm not saying to avoid completely but, at least cut down). If this is a chronic problem, you should discuss this with your Doc. In addition, if you are taken medicine(s), they can cause constipation. I hope that this helps.
Q: Laxtives and stool softeners. Is there a signifigant difference?
My stool is a bit tough but I'm not constipated. I've been looking around for a stool softener but I cannot purchase one in my area. I can get a laxitive though. If I had a very small amount of laxtive, would it have the same effect as the stool softener? If so, how much laxtive would I use?
A: Laxatives make you have a bowel movement when you are constipated. Stool softeners make your stool softer and easier to pass.
A small amount of laxative will probably help, just be careful to drink enough water. Drinking water will help to make your stool softer in itself, but laxative should help move the process faster. Not drinking water and taking laxative can lead to dehydration if you arent careful.
Occasional and safe use of stool softeners and laxatives are fine. If you find you are often constipated or have hard stools you need to speak to your doctor as it can be a sign of some health problem.
Q: Does anyone know if there is any real danger in taking stool softeners for a long period of time.?
I had colon surgery , had the colostomy bag for 4 months, then had the reconnection surgery. Have been taking stool softeners twice a day for several months now. I don't like laxatives, but the softerners work well for me. What's the danger if any. Serious answers only, please!!
A: My uncle has been on them prescribed for like 12 years because of medical reasons. I'd imagine not unless they have addictive properties.