Undoing Laxative Overdose

Laxatives are a medication used to produce bowel movements and treat constipation. However, when taken in higher-than-recommended doses, they can lead to an overdose, which can be dangerous and sometimes fatal. While first-time laxative overdoses are rarely serious, chronic abuse can lead to severe symptoms, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even heart rhythm disturbances. Recognising the signs of an overdose is crucial, and immediate medical attention should be sought by calling emergency services or poison control centres. Reversing laxative dependency is a gradual process that involves reducing laxative use, staying hydrated, increasing dietary fibre and probiotic intake, and engaging in regular physical activity.

Seek medical help immediately

If you suspect someone has overdosed on laxatives, it is important to seek medical help immediately. Call your local emergency number (such as 911 in the US) or your local poison control centre. In the US, you can reach the National Poison Control Centre by calling the toll-free Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222. This is a free and confidential service.

Before calling emergency services, try to gather 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 swallowed
• The amount swallowed
• Whether the medicine was prescribed for the person

Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by poison control or a healthcare provider. If the person is unconscious or experiencing life-threatening symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

At the hospital, the medical team will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, heart function, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:

• Blood and urine tests
• Breathing support, including oxygen and, rarely, a tube through the mouth and into the lungs connected to a breathing machine (ventilator)
• An electrocardiogram (ECG or heart tracing)
• Intravenous fluids (through a vein)
• Medicines to treat symptoms

The treatment and prognosis of a laxative overdose depend on several factors, including the type of laxative swallowed, the amount ingested, and the time elapsed before treatment. Laxatives containing magnesium can cause serious complications in people with impaired kidney function.

Do not induce vomiting

If you or someone you know has overdosed on laxatives, call your local emergency number (such as 911 in the US), or your local poison control centre can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222 from anywhere in the United States).

Before calling the emergency services, try to determine when and how much of the laxative was taken. Have this information ready, along with the person's age, weight, and condition, the name of the product (ingredients and strength, if known), and whether the medicine was prescribed for the person.

Do not make a person throw up unless poison control or a healthcare provider tells you to. It is imperative that you do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so by a medical professional.

Once the person has received emergency medical treatment, it is important to think about the longer-term consequences of laxative abuse. This type of behaviour is often indicative of an eating disorder, but even in cases when it is not, it is important to find the right kind of help to address the issue and any underlying causes, both from a physical and psychological standpoint.

Drink plenty of water

Staying well hydrated is crucial for digestive health and can help to reverse a laxative overdose. Laxatives can cause dehydration, which is one of the most serious side effects of their overuse. Therefore, drinking plenty of water is an important step in treating a laxative overdose.

Water helps to promote regular bowel movements and softens stool, making it easier to pass. This is especially important when treating laxative overdose, as the medication works by loosening stools or stimulating the intestines to encourage bowel movements.

It is recommended to drink around eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. While water is the best source of hydration, other non-caffeinated and nonalcoholic fluids can also help to increase overall fluid intake. For example, herbal teas and clear broths are hydrating and can complement the water intake.

It is important to note that some types of laxatives, such as those containing methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, polycarbophil, or psyllium, may cause choking or intestinal blockage if they are not taken with plenty of fluids. Therefore, increasing water intake is crucial when treating an overdose of these specific types of laxatives.

In summary, drinking plenty of water is a crucial step in treating and reversing a laxative overdose. It helps to promote digestive health by encouraging regular bowel movements and softening stools. Additionally, it is important to stay hydrated when taking certain types of laxatives to avoid choking or intestinal blockage.

Reduce laxative use

Laxatives are a medicine used to produce bowel movements and treat constipation. They are generally safe when used as directed, but excessive use can lead to health issues and even overdose in some cases. Here are some tips to reduce laxative use:

• Address the underlying cause: If you are using laxatives to treat constipation, it is important to address the underlying cause. Constipation can often be relieved by making lifestyle changes such as eating high-fibre foods, taking probiotics, drinking more fluids, and exercising regularly.
• Follow the instructions: It is important to take laxatives exactly as directed by your healthcare provider or the instructions on the package. Do not take more than the recommended dose, as this can increase the risk of side effects and overdose.
• Try natural laxatives: Before resorting to over-the-counter or prescription laxatives, consider trying natural laxatives such as drinking plenty of water, eating high-fibre foods, and exercising. These methods can often be effective in relieving constipation without the need for medication.
• Talk to your healthcare provider: If you are experiencing constipation that is not improving with lifestyle changes, talk to your healthcare provider. They may recommend a different treatment approach or prescribe a different type of laxative.
• Be patient: Laxatives can take time to work, especially gentler types such as bulk-forming laxatives. It's important to be patient and follow the recommended dosage and timing instructions.
• Consider the side effects: Laxatives can have side effects such as bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. In some cases, overuse can lead to more serious complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and intestinal blockage. Weigh the benefits against the risks before taking laxatives.
• Explore alternative treatments: If you are using laxatives to treat a chronic condition, explore alternative treatments with your healthcare provider. For example, if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), your doctor may recommend dietary changes, stress management techniques, or other medications to help manage your condition.
• Address eating disorders: Excessive laxative use is often associated with eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa. If you are using laxatives to control your weight or purge after binge eating, it is important to seek professional help. Treatment for excessive laxative use typically involves psychotherapy and changes in eating habits.
• Monitor your intake: Keep track of how often you are taking laxatives and the dosage. This can help you identify if you are becoming dependent on laxatives and need to reduce your usage.
• Seek support: Reducing laxative use can be challenging, especially if you are struggling with an eating disorder. Seek support from loved ones or a support group to help you through the process.

Increase dietary soluble fibre

Soluble fibre is the type of fibre that forms a gel-like substance when it mixes with water and bacteria in the digestive system. It helps keep stools soft and slows digestion. It may also help lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, and reduce LDL cholesterol.

The recommended daily intake of fibre is 25 grams per day for women and 38 grams per day for men. However, it is important to note that this amount may vary depending on age and gender. For example, women over 51 should aim for 21 grams of fibre daily, while men over 51 should aim for 30 grams.

To increase your intake of soluble fibre, consider adding the following foods to your diet:

• Oats
• Barley
• Rye
• Beans
• Oranges
• Apples
• Wheat
• Brown rice
• Celery
• Carrots
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Prunes
• Legumes
• Citrus fruits
• Whole-grain breads, cereals, and pastas

It is generally better to get fibre from food sources rather than supplements, as these also provide important vitamins and minerals. However, if you are unable to meet your fibre needs through diet alone, you may consider taking a fibre supplement such as psyllium, methylcellulose, wheat dextrin, or calcium polycarbophil.

It is important to increase your fibre intake gradually and to drink plenty of water to avoid discomfort and constipation.

Frequently asked questions