I bought it and I enjoy it very much It's so nice to have a solution to constipation that is safe for me!

My only concern is on the label it says to not use laxatives more than 1 week, and there are so many people who take it on a daily basis. Does anyone have any insight into that?

I don't have any insight, no but I am one that takes it on a daily basis and I will also add, that I happen to run out one time and couldn't get to the store for 2 days and those 2 days were bad for me cause I couldn't uhh "go"

This is what I always wondered.... is metamucil a laxative or a fibre supplement? Are you actually supposed to use it daily? And for how long? The rest of your life?!

I googled it, here is what the website says:

Is it OK to use Metamucil every day?
As a dietary fiber supplement:
Metamucil can be taken every day as a dietary fiber supplement. If you are considering use of Metamucil as part of a cholesterol-lowering program, please consult a doctor before using.

As a fiber laxative:
Metamucil is indicated for treating occasional constipation. Constipation persisting beyond seven days may be a sign of a more serious condition. We recommend you discuss with your doctor the use of Metamucil as a fiber laxative on a long-term basis.

So it's both? Or whatever you decide it to be?

I don't get it. :S

The information I've found so far refers to it as a laxative, and that the way that it works is the psyllium husk swells in your intestines with all the water you drink, and that helps "open them up" to help with flow.

I believe the psyllium in Metamucil is considered a fiber, so Metamucil is a fiber laxative, rather than a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can be habit forming for your colon, so doctors generally discourage using stimulant laxatives for a lengthy time. I think Metamucil is fine to use every day.
I've had IBS for years, so I know more than a I want to know about this subject!

Well, that makes a little more sense to me. I have a doctor's appointment on Monday and I'll make sure to ask. I'll post whatever my doctor says on Monday evening!

Carol, thanks for explaining the difference, I've never paid attention, I guess because I never had to but now it's a need to know thing. Thanks again.

And love it ... EVERYDAY IS A GIFT! and we have been blessed to see it
Have a wonderful day

Interesting thread and glad to see Metamucil has helped so many people. I believe it is safe to use daily as a fiber supplement. But I have also noticed that on days I don't use it, I don't "go". That's a little annoying because I'd like to allow my body to do it's own thing naturally without the help of any assistance! And sometimes I just get tired of drinking Metamucil. But in the long run, I guess it's worth it because I love feeling that (sorry TMI alert) big relief ....... I feel like I've dropped 3lbs after one of those "movements" and I feel so clean inside!

I prefer benefiber bc it's finely grounded up instead of just pysillium husk, thus easier on my IBS system.

My Dr. is actually the one that told me to start taking it. I had my gallbladder out last August and was still have a lot of pain in my stomach. He said it was bile that my stomach was having a hard time getting rid of and the Metamucil would help bind that up and flush it out. I didn't know about these other added "benefits" until then. I don't plan on ever stopping!

Sugar free vs. regular for me.......I love the taste of regular. My sister bought SF and decided she didn't want it so she gave it to me and I don't like it. I'll finish it because it was free but I don't like the taste as well and it seems to get thick in my glass way quicker than the regular. I just like the plain orange kind too.

My husband had this problem for years and years. He is a very young 61 going on 21. He started drinking essiac tea (google it) about 2 years ago and it has make his life a lot better in that department. It also has a lot of other healthy benefits, so he gets a 2fer with it. (the taste is isn't great, but worth it)