Resolved question:
Hi there,
I have IBS-C and have had bowel issues as long as I can remember. Fiber, lots of water, and the usual solutions don't seem to work for me, and several years old patientago (we're probably pushing close to a decade, but maybe not quite), I was put on a combination of the Metamucil I was already taking and MiraLax (a dose every night). I know MiraLax's directions suggest short-term use only, but it seemed to work for me, so my doctor put me on it long-term permanently, which has improved quality of life and all-but-eliminated my bowel issues.
Unfortunately, I ran across the following, and it has me a bit concerned:
http://www.gutsense.org/gutsense/the-role-of-miralax-laxative-in-autism-dementia-alzheimer.html
I realize the site linked to is not a mainstream website, so I'm taking what they're saying with a grain of salt, but thought I'd get a second opinion just to make sure I'm not potentially ingesting a neurotoxin. (About a year ago I began experiencing bouts of muscle twitching, which I'm seeing a doctor for, but I still have no real reason for it, though fortunately if anything it's reduced since it started...it comes and goes and might be a benign condition called BFS, but reading this worried me it could be related).
Also, several months ago, I made diet changes and once again tried to get off Miralax, which worked fine for about a month (I really thought I was out of the woods), and then I ended up in the ER for almost a day because I was blocked up unable to go. So, regrettably I restarted it.
Your opinion on all this is appreciated. Since MiraLax works, is it safe for me to continue longterm, or is there a risk of damage, particularly neurological damage?
Thanks!
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Gastroenterologist, Medical
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
The neuropsychiatric side effects of miralax is recently reported one.
There is no concrete evidence for it however.
FDA has said no action is necessary at this time based on available information.
Even I have not seen any such side effect in patients taking miralax.
So you need not worry about taking miralax till FDA says to stop it.
I hope that answers your question.
Please let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.
Thanks much for the information. I'll try not to worry too much about it.
Hello,
Yeah please do not worry.
Please let me know, if i can help you further.
Regards.