I have constipated for 5+ yrs. dr tell me ibs or eat more fiber. eat plenty of fruits veg. i have been taking senna cascara for over a yr is ths bad?

Slow plumbing: For some people, using senna more than 2 weeks can lead to dependence. Other people, no problem. Another possibly safer stimulant laxative is bisacodyl. You can also use over-the-counter MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol) very safely: use more if your plumbing's stopped up. Use less if things get too loose. Good luck!

The best: The best meds for constipation are cheap: proper diet and proper fluid intake. Eat a high fiber diet and you don't need fiber supplements. Drink 80 - 100 ounces of non alcoholic, non caffeniated fluids every day. You must break bad habits if you want any relief. There is no magic pill that can replace a helathy lifestyle! senna cascara ios not good long term and causes melanosis coli which stains.