Senna, also known as Cassia senna or India senna, is a strong laxative used to treat constipation, and is found in many over-the-counter laxatives. Senna tablets contain anthraquinone glycosides, which are chemicals that stimulate the colon, and their effects begin to occur six to 12 hours after ingesting them, states Drugs.com. The abuse or long-term use of senna can cause major side effects. Talk to your doctor before using senna to ensure your safety.
Gastrointestinal Discomfort
If you take senna, you may experience some throat irritation as well as a bitter taste in your mouth. Later on, you may notice some gastrointestinal side effects such as bloating or belching with excess gas, and nausea may occur. Additionally, you may experience some mild abdominal pain and intestinal cramping.
Lazy Bowel Syndrome
If you do take senna, do not take it for more than two weeks, emphasizes Herbal-supplements-guide.com. One of senna's side effects from chronic use is lazy bowel syndrome, which is a condition in which you will be unable to have a bowel movement without artificial stimulation by some form of herbal supplement or medication.
Joint and Muscle Discomfort
Some joint and muscle side effects may present, according to both Drugs.com and MayoClinic.com. For example, you may experience numbness, tingling and joint pain along with cramping of muscles. Also, a distinct side effect known as clubbing of fingers and toes may occur -- that is, the toes and fingers will appear swollen and enlarged. Speak to your doctor at once if you notice these symptoms.
Electrolyte Abnormalities
The long-term use of senna can lead to serious health consequences. One serious effect is hypokalemia, or low potassium levels associated with an electrolyte imbalance in the body. Specifically, electrolytes are salts that play an essential role in maintaining the body's homeostasis. Electrolytes conduct cellular electricity and regulate fluid balance as well as cardiac and neurological functioning. Symptoms secondary to an electrolyte imbalance are confusion; irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias; and extreme thirst and urination.
Precautions
As should always be the case, speak to your physician if you are considering using senna tablets. Do not use senna if you are pregnant. Also, Drugs.com recommends that you consult your doctor first to see if it is safe for you to take senna if you have Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or heart disease.
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