Question 1

what side effects could i get from stool softener and laxative addiction?

Accepted Answer

Laxative abuse: Some are electrolyte imbalances, with effects on brain, heart, kidneys and other vital organs.

Question 2

how effective are stool softeners?

Accepted Answer

Depends...: Stool softeners come in many forms (fiber, chemical and 'natural'), all trying to increase the water content of your stools, as opposed to laxatives that stimulate the bowels to go by various actions, some of which may be quite uncomfortable. Beware of the so-called 'natural' softeners, unregulated by the dea, many of which contain harmful laxatives that can damage your colon cells, worsening it.

Question 3

can kids take doss stool softener?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but lower dose: Docusate (doss) is safe for children and it has pediatric dosing tables; do not give a child an adult dose. I would check the medication insert or online at doss's site for this to most accurately dose for pediatrics. Otherwise, it is safe for use in children and I have given my daughter pediatric docusate before. I hope this helps!

Question 4

what does stool softener actually do?

Accepted Answer

Helps moisten stool: They cause stool to retain more water and thus be softer in consistency.

Question 5

what is the best stool softener to take?

Accepted Answer

Docusate: Docusate sodium. However the optimal dose varies from person to person. The over the counter dose is 50 mg and you may need to take it twice a day or maybe 2 tablets twice daily.
Psyllium is a natural fiber that come in powder and acts as a softener if you take it with 8 ozs of water everyday. Make sure you take it 2 hours away from your medications.

Question 6

how long till stool softener works usually?

Accepted Answer

Usually within1-3 d: Depends on dose and type; usually works within 1-3 days. Check other factors including diet, activity, other meds, other health issues.

Question 7

is it safe to use stool softeners regularly?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It is common to use colace (docusate sodium) or docusate long term, especially when taking narcotics.

Question 8

is it okay to take a stool softener every day?

Accepted Answer

No: it is not a good idea to use them in the long run. In the short-term, for a few weeks or less, if necessary, they should be tolerated very well. Good luck.

Question 9

well i want to take stool softener because of my weight?

Accepted Answer

Stool softener: let's do so if not is only required if you're constipated and has nothing whatsoever to do with your weight

Question 10

if i can take stool softeners to lose weight, should i take them?

Accepted Answer

Not for that reason: There is no meaningful or long-term weight loss with stool softeners--only temporary laxation of stool and maybe loss of some "water".  A healthy and long-term approach to weight loss (and keeping the weight off once lost) is consistently making good food choices (avoid high-calorie density foods that are high in fat and processed sugars), minimize snacking, control portion size, and exercise.

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Are stool softeners addictive

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What side effects could i get from stool softener and laxative addiction?

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How effective are stool softeners?

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Can kids take doss stool softener?

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What does stool softener actually do?

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What is the best stool softener to take?

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How long till stool softener works usually?

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Is it safe to use stool softeners regularly?

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Is it okay to take a stool softener every day?

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Well i want to take stool softener because of my weight?

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If i can take stool softeners to lose weight, should i take them?

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