Miralax

Has anyone tried and are using it and knows how long before it starts working?

Miralax is a water laxative, and it is not a stimulant.  Because of this, it does take a little longer than say, an enema.  For most people, probably a week or less.  For most people, it is safe for long term use.  I hate the taste, personally, so I mix it with crystal light and I can't taste it at all!  Anyways, it is a good laxative and I would recommend it.  

Swimfan is right, it does take longer to work than a traditional laxative-probably at least a few days, could be up to a week. I also recommend it!

I would like to start using this too. Does anyone know anywhere in the UK I can purchase it?

My dr. prescribed this to me about a month ago for my diet/stress induced IBS.

It's pretty much the most amazing thing ever.  Took about four days for it to take effect with me.

It takes usually 3-5 days to start working.  Pretty expensive stuff, but it doesn't cause the discomfort that stimulant laxatives or fiber supplements can, at least not for me.  And it doesn't taste in anything (though I haven't tried it in plain water) - I use it in lemonade, my coffee, my tea, juice.

It is safe enough that doctors recommend it for kids, too, even long-term.  I actually came across it because my doctor recommended it for my 5 year old daughter, who had impacted bowels.

Thanks everyone for your info. This is the end of the 3rd day for me since I had my first dose, I read that a few people had to take two doses a day and wondering if I should because I have tried everything and it has been almost 5 days since I have had a bm.

Original Post by tessjoly:

Thanks everyone for your info. This is the end of the 3rd day for me since I had my first dose, I read that a few people had to take two doses a day and wondering if I should because I have tried everything and it has been almost 5 days since I have had a bm.

I would give it a few more days before increasing to two doses... you're really not supposed to do that.  That's when the cramps and the discomfort starts.

Do you enjoy coffee?  I'll bet money on it- if you drink a dose this morning in a cup of coffee, you'll be a happy camper within... oh, say 2 hours? :P

are you able to take this daily as a preventative measure or only if youre already constipated and have not gone for a few days?

thanks!

The doctors that have recommended it to me kind of suggested both.  What seems to make the most sense is to continue taking the correct dosage daily until you are having regular bowel movements.  Then, what I would do would be to slowly "taper off" the miralax.  So you could start by taking it every other day, then every 3 days, until you don't need it any more.  

So, in short, I'd say it can be used as a preventative measure and while you are actively constipated, but it is expensive (about $19 for 30 doses where I live).  Here's a link to the website, which explains more indepthly how the product works.  It also has a coupon!  http://www.miralax.com/miralax/consumer/defau lt.jsp

thanks!!