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A 16-year-old member asked:
i am constipated and probably need to take a laxative but am worried about side effects. do laxatives give you diarrhea
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Joshua Katzanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 28 years experience
Laxatives: This is a loaded question. Start by defining exactly what you mean by constipation, and keeping a journal of what happens daily.
Laxatives may or may not be appropriate and should be used regularly only under medical supervision. To address constipation on your own, first eat 3 regular meals per day, drink two liters of water per day, cut out caffeine and alcohol, and add fiber to each meal.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Troy Reynaanswered
Pediatric Surgery 44 years experience
Yes: If laxatives are used excessively or not according to directions, one can have diarrhea.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Last updated Aug 22, 2016
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