Hi all,

I don't use Immodium personally. I guess I haven't needed to.

I was wondering how many use immodium and whether you found it worked for the long term. Is it a possibly good way of dealing with the stomach problems of IBS and did anyone find any negative long term effects (from experience)?

- Raju -

I've used it long term. I haven't noticed anything except for the constipation, which can be a nice change.

Every gastro I've talked say its safe to use for life as most know it doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier that so many medicines do.

It does help with the D side of IBS TREMENDOUSLY.. quite frankly its the only medicine that actually does what it says as far as anti-diarrheal.

It worked better than any anti-spas. I tried, and a whole lot better than Pepto-Bismol.

I've also used immodium for a couple of years now on a regular basis without any side effects. Just one or two tablets a day and it keeps me a bit more regular. I have also started using calcium daily which is helping too. Now I can cut down a bit on the immodium. My doctor also said it is fine to use often. Give it a shot! Start of slow in case it consitpates you!

i use it too...a lot..
haven't had any bad effects other than constipation...which is very nice to have...but i do pay for that later...
It is nice to know that i can take it and relax knowing i won't be running to the bathroom in the middle of something..

Thanks goodness for it!!
twiggy

I always have it with me in my purse, just in case. It works well for me. But I don't take it that often, because I'm afraid of it losing its effectiveness when I really need it. I used to take it about once a month, but I haven't taken one since Christmas day because I started taking Metamucil daily in January and that seems to have helped me a lot. But just having it with me helps alleviate the worry of having an attack of the big "D" (again, the psychological game!).

My gastro says it's okay to take it daily, and he has some patients who do. Fortunately my problems aren't that bad.

I too use Immodium. Not daily however. I never leave home without it. I have found a combination of things that are helping me after 14 years of suffering. I take two (2) Calcium Carbonate 500 mg. daily and two (2) soluble fiber tablets (citricel) every morning. I also take the Digestive Advantage IBS one tablet every morning and one tablet every evening. I've been doing a whole lot better. The only problem I find with the Immodium is that the next day after using it I'm experiencing cramps and have the "urge" to have a BM but cannot go. Compared to the constant "not being able to quit going" I'll take this side effect. Dr. also told me Immodium is fine for long term use.

Hi, I used to never leave home without it also, but since I've followed Harry's advice with the acidophillous in yogurt, over time, I don't need it any more. I would use it instead of lactose pills before eating dairy products or when eating in places where I couldn't be sure what was in the food. I found too, the cramping & C the next day, but found that by playing with the dose I could cut back on those symptoms. Instead of the initial 2 tablets, I tried one, when that worked, i tried a half, and gradually a quarter. Basically, the least amount that eliminates the symptoms is the best amount to take. I hope that is helpful. It's great stuff, and, I think you can get it in generic now. I still keep a small amount at home just in case.

Yeah, it really is a great product.. definitely does what it says.

Some people say they like the constipating side effect for the next few days. I personally don't, because I suffer from the D side of it.. so its like after those 3 days of not going, the cycle starts alllll over again, and its worse because i've got 3 days worth of stuff instead of the day before.

although there are times when you just have to take it. the last few weeks have been rough for me. before work im running to the bathroom as much as 15 times, and sometimes I'll get myself cleaned out before I have to leave, but the times I don't and am still going, I have to take it... because I can't miss work.

Like again today.. It's a viscious cycle. I took it probably Tuesday. Yesterday, Friday, I used the bathroom soooo many times because I hadn't been since Tuesday. I'm still kinda normalizing today, and have to leave for work here in about 45 minutes. So I don't know if I'll have to take it.

My opinion. Only take the medicine when you absolutely need to. Don't take it on your day off when you can just stay home and using the bathroom 15 times isn't going to be a problem. My suggestion is to take it in those circumstances when you know you are going to have to use the bathroom that many times, but know its going to be a problem to use it even 1 or 2 times... ie. work, school classes...