Laxatives are useful for combating occasional constipation. Different laxatives work in different ways. Some stimulate the muscles of the bowel to contract. Others contain fiber that absorbs water and gives stool more bulk. Some laxatives are lubricants that make it easier for stool to exit the bowel. Occasional use of these products poses no danger for most people, but overuse or abuse of laxatives can have serious consequences.
Dependency
Taking laxatives, especially stimulant laxatives, for more than a few days at a time can result in dependency. Your body forgets how to function normally and relies on the stimulant to work. Stimulant laxatives can cause painful cramping and diarrhea. While taking them, you'll probably have to go to the bathroom more often; when you stop taking them, your constipation becomes even worse than before.
Abuse
Some people abuse laxatives in an attempt to lose weight. Using laxatives does cause you to lose water, so the scale may register lower after your initial use. But when you stop taking the laxatives, you'll regain the water weight, and could retain additional water, causing the scale to register a higher weight. Long-term abuse of laxatives can leave you dehydrated and depleted of important electrolytes, including potassium and sodium. Symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance include muscles spasms, tremors, vomiting and dizziness. More serious symptoms include kidney failure and heart attack.
Colon Damage
Abusing laxatives by taking them too often can thin the protective mucosal lining in your intestines. This lining protects your bowel from infection and injury. Frequent laxative use leaves you more susceptible to infection and to bowel tumors or irritable bowel syndrome.
Stopping Laxative Abuse
If you have been abusing laxatives, you should stop doing so before you damage your health. See your doctor for help with this. Most people can expect to experience withdrawal symptoms, such as constipation and bloating, for one to three weeks after they stop taking laxatives. Eating regular meals with lots of fiber and drinking plenty of water can help offset some of these symptoms. Any weight you gain as a result of discontinuing laxative use will only be temporary.
