Laxative Overuse: Recovery Guide

Taking too many laxatives can have serious health consequences, and in extreme cases, it can be fatal. Laxatives are meant to produce bowel movements, but when taken in excess, they can cause abdominal pain, bloody stools, severe gas, and even a drop in blood pressure. It is important to recognise the signs of laxative overdose and to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know is displaying these symptoms. Recovery from laxative overdose is a gradual process that requires careful steps to help the digestive system regain its natural function. It is important to drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet, and engage in regular physical activity to support the recovery process.

Seek immediate medical attention

If you or someone you know is experiencing a laxative overdose, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Call your local emergency number (such as 911 in the US) or your local poison control centre. Do not try to induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a medical professional, as this can be dangerous due to severe dehydration.

When you call for emergency medical help, try to provide the following information:

• The person's age, weight, and condition
• The name of the product, including ingredients and strength, if known
• The time the laxative was taken
• The amount of the laxative that was taken
• Whether the laxative was prescribed to the person

At the hospital, the medical team will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, heart function, and blood pressure. The person may receive treatment such as blood and urine tests, breathing support, ECG, intravenous fluids, and medicines to address specific symptoms.

The severity and type of symptoms experienced will depend on the type of laxative taken, the amount ingested, and the length of time the person has been misusing laxatives. Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, a drop in blood pressure, gastrointestinal irritation, painful bowel movements, and in some cases, more severe complications such as kidney failure, heart rhythm disturbances, and impaired kidney function.

Rehydration

Dehydration is a common side effect of laxative abuse, and it can have serious consequences, including death. Therefore, rehydration is a crucial step in recovering from laxative abuse.

• Drink plenty of water: Aim for around eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Water is the best source of hydration, but you can also include other non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic fluids. Herbal teas and clear broths can also help increase your fluid intake.
• Avoid caffeine: Caffeine can cause dehydration, so it's best to avoid it while rehydrating.
• Track your fluid intake: Keep a water bottle with you and track how much water you're drinking throughout the day to ensure you're getting enough fluids.
• Incorporate hydrating foods: In addition to fluids, eat foods with high water content, such as fruits and vegetables. Watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, and yogurt are good options.
• Monitor your urine output: A sign of proper hydration is light-coloured urine. If your urine is dark or you're urinating less frequently, increase your fluid intake.
• Seek medical attention if necessary: Severe dehydration can be life-threatening. If you're experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or decreased urination, seek medical help immediately.

Restore electrolyte balance

Electrolytes are minerals that control important physiological functions of the body. They are present in your blood, bodily fluids, and urine, and you also ingest them through food, drinks, and supplements. Electrolytes must be evenly balanced for your body to function properly. Severe electrolyte imbalances can cause serious problems such as coma, seizures, and cardiac arrest.

• Drink water: Make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day. Aim for around eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Staying well hydrated is crucial for overall digestive health, as it helps promote regular bowel movements and softens stool for easier passage. While water is the best source of hydration, you can also incorporate other non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic fluids to support your efforts for a healthy digestive system.
• Hydrating beverages: In addition to water, you can consume hydrating beverages like coconut water, electrolyte or sports drinks, and herbal teas to help restore electrolyte balance. Coconut water has a low sugar level and will not cause a sugar spike in your blood. Electrolyte drinks typically contain potassium chloride and sodium chloride, which can help replenish electrolytes quickly.
• Eat electrolyte-rich foods: Include electrolyte-rich foods in your diet, such as potatoes, avocados, oranges, bananas, strawberries, turkey, and spinach. These foods can help increase electrolyte levels in the body.
• Oral medications and supplements: In some cases, oral medications or supplements may be necessary to correct electrolyte imbalances. This is especially true if you have been diagnosed with ongoing kidney disease. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
• Intravenous (IV) fluids and medications: In more severe cases of electrolyte imbalance, IV fluids and medications may be required. IV fluids, typically containing sodium chloride, can help rehydrate the body. IV medications can help restore electrolyte balance quickly and protect you from negative effects during treatment.

Address nutritional deficiencies

Abusing laxatives can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies, particularly of electrolytes such as potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium. These deficiencies can have serious health consequences, including abnormal heart rhythms, muscle spasms, anxiety, and fatigue.

To recover from these nutritional deficiencies, it is important to:

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and promote normal bowel function. Aim for around eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
• Gradually increase your intake of dietary soluble fiber to improve constipation and reduce laxative reliance. Aim for about 30 grams of fiber per day, including whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, and whole grain cereals.
• Consider taking fiber and probiotic supplements to further reduce laxative dependence, but only after consulting with a healthcare professional, especially if you are taking any medications.
• Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine to stimulate bowel function and contribute to overall digestive health.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals to support consistent nutrient intake and steady digestion, reducing the need for laxatives.

It is important to be mindful that recovering from nutritional deficiencies caused by laxative abuse may take several months, as it takes time to establish a healthy and regular bowel routine.

Manage withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms from laxatives are temporary and usually mild. However, it is important to manage them to avoid a relapse. Here are some ways to manage the withdrawal symptoms:

• Gradually reduce laxative use: Slowly decrease your dosage of stimulant laxatives or stop taking them immediately and supplement with osmotic laxatives if necessary. It is important to cut down the dosage gradually rather than stopping abruptly to minimise discomfort.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for around eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Staying well-hydrated is crucial for digestive health as it helps promote regular bowel movements and softens stools.
• Increase dietary soluble fibre: Focus on eating a well-balanced and fibre-rich diet. Aim for about 30 grams of fibre daily, but make changes gradually to give your body time to adjust. This will help improve constipation and reduce laxative reliance.
• Consider supplements: If your dietary fibre and probiotic intake is low, consider taking supplements. Fibre and probiotic supplements may help reduce your reliance on laxatives. However, consult your healthcare professional before taking any supplements, as they may affect how your body absorbs certain medications.
• Get regular movement or moderate physical activity: Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine, as exercise can stimulate bowel function and contribute to good overall digestive health. Options include walking, swimming, dancing, yoga, pelvic floor exercises, and deep breathing exercises.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help manage laxative dependency by supporting a consistent intake of nutrients and steady digestion, potentially reducing your need for laxatives. Grazing throughout the day can also help stabilise blood sugar levels and provide a sustained release of energy.
• Try to have a bowel movement at a set time: Going to the bathroom about 30 minutes after eating can encourage natural bowel movements by making you more attuned to your body's signals. This can help establish regularity and enhance your mind-body connection.

Frequently asked questions