<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Thanks for the responses, which are all shown below. I'm taking Miralax
because of constipation caused by painkillers. Taking Benefiber alone, as suggested
by one person, won't help this type of constipation. It will help when taken
with something else (I take Citrucel along with the Miralax).


Miralax is an osmotic laxative.  That means it draws fluid from the body
to the colon to keep stools soft so they can pass more easily.  The
reason you might need larger & larger doses could be from subtle &
progressive dehydration of the intestines.  It will draw out not only
water, but electrolytes too.  This was happening to me.  I've found that
increasing my salt intake and fruit consumption has made a significant
improvement.  I'm able to use less than I did before.  Increasing salt
intake has made my previously very dry skin moist & smooth again.

My osmotic laxative of choice is inexpensive magnesium oxide tablets.  I
take three 500 mg tablets with a cup of grapefruit juice and 1/2 cup
salty water in the evening.  I chase this concoction with a full 8 ounces
of water.  It doesn't make me need to go pee in the middle of the night
because the magnesium & electrolytes keep the extra fluid in my colon
instead of my bladder.  Works great.  I believe it's safer than Miralax
and certainly cheaper.

Kefir also helps my bowels function regularly.


I use Benefiber.  It is 100% Gluten Free and you do not taste it.  I sprinke
it in my drinks and or on my food.  It works w/o the chalky after taste.



I take Miralax every day and I also take mineral oil every day because there
is little feeling left in my gut from neuropathy from Porphyria (behaves like
MS and Myasthenia).  As I said to the gastro, one keeps it soft and the other
lets it slide on through.

That having been said, it has inteferred with absorption.  I had a crack in
the corner of my right mouth that kept opening every week.  The oral surgeon
after looking at my mouth etc, said it looks like a Vitamin B problem. I've been
taking a B-Complex 100 for years and years. I increased it to twice a day and
everything cleared up.

I also have to take Potassium every day as Porphyria depletes it.  The last
tests showed it was right on the border of low.  So, the Potassium has been
doubled.

I've been on Synthroid for 35 years.  My TSH was getting too high for me.
Mine needs to be around 1.5.  It was getting up to 3.4.  I increased the
Synthroid also.  It takes about 8 weeks for the body to adjust to the new dosage so I
won't know the effects for a while.

Before, I only took mineral oil every day for decades but BM's were becoming
more and more of a problem.  When I added the Miralax daily is when the
absorption problems started to show up.


I know this doesn't necessarily apply to you, but my daughter was
diagnosed with Celiac Disease 5 months ago at her 2nd birthday. She has
been on Miralax since her first birthday in November of 2002. Since
going on a gluten-free diet, I figured I wouldn't have to give her
Miralax anymore. I tried giving her Benefiber for a week instead and she
became horribly constipated. This was after a few months on GF diet. I
don't understand why she needs to still have Miralax when she otherwise
eats healthy and does have fiber in her diet. I'm wondering if Miralax
makes your body dependent on it, and how long would it take to not
become dependent? I will be seeing her Pediatrician on Friday and will
ask. Let me know if you find any other info. I absolutely HATE having to
give it to her everyday and I'm sure you don't enjoy having to take it
everyday.
Good luck,
Alicia Erickson


Prunes don't do it for me either.  I use Natural Calm 2X/day.  Natural Calm
is magnesium. If it weren't for NC I'd only go 1/week.  It has really
changed my life.  I also drink 1 to 2 cups of Kefir/day.  That also has
helped immensely


We have very similiar problems.

Miralax is gluten free.  I doubt that is where the problem is but anything
is possible.  I am also on it because I take Oxycontin for pain management.

I use to get constipation from milk and milk products.  Try getting off them
for awhile and see if it helps.  I know what you are thinking.  Another
diet?

That link is a little scary but like you said prunes are not going to do it.



I have been taking this for over 7 years.  I'm having various symptoms
listed at the miralax website.  I have thought perhaps my symptoms might be
caused by this medication but doctors said there should not be a
problem.  I will immediately look into something else to help with my
severe constipation.  Thank you so much for sharing this information.


My naturopath recommended vitamin C with rosehips and it seems to be doing
it's job

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