i'm just making this harder for myself to deal with. - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

Mills4 · 08-17-2007, 02:22 PM

so on wednesday, I took Immodium because I had a lose stool, probably because of the Lexapro I have just been put on. Yesterday, I took an immodium just to make sure I wouldn't get sick at work. As you might be able to tell, I am terrified that this new medication is going to give me Diarrhea.

I just got home and told my brother I didn't feel well, and he freaked out and told me I won't be able to go to the bathroom for a week and it will make me throw up and that I'm going to be miserable!

1. Is that true?
2. Is there anything I can do (that does not involve medication) that will speed things up or make it more comfortable for me?

I wish I could get this bathroom thing under control. This is in this forum because my doctor thinks I have stress related IBS.

thank you!

bellyblues · 08-18-2007, 11:49 AM

Personally, I don't think it's a good idea to take immodium for "loose stool". Most IBS D folks only take it when they can't stop running to the loo. If all you have is soft or even frequent BM's, it might be best to just let your system alone. Anytime you take immodium you are going to end up "bound" afterward.

If it were me, I would leave my system alone for a few days. Drink lots of water, eat foods high in soluble fiber and relax. Eventually things will normalize.

BlueEyezzMel · 08-18-2007, 08:15 PM

I just wanted to mention that using immodium is a bad idea for a loose stool. Even after I had a serious bout of diarhhea during a stomach virus, it left me constipated for days.

But I will assure you, that you most likely will not get sick. I've been constipated for other reasons (not related to the immodium) and have not vomitted before from it.

You may, however, experience abdominal pain or cramping, however. Drink LOTS of water and eat lots of fiber-full foods. Immodium will dehydrate you pretty good.

Worse comes to worse and you're cramping up badly?? Call your doctor for further advice.

seabell · 08-19-2007, 06:56 PM

I take immodium regularly...almost on a daily basis, 2 in the morning before I leave the house regardless if I have had a loose stool, D, or normal. My IBS-D strikes anytime, and the immodium gives me some peace of mind that I won't have an accident while I'm out. I have never ever been constipated because of it. I have a bowel movement every day (most times more than one) while on immodium. If I take it, lets say, 5 days in a row, and then do not take it one day because I'm staying home, I'll visit the bathroom all day.

SB