Hi Everyone!

This post is probably going to be TMI but I could really use some advice. Since starting Zoloft a little over a week ago I haven't been able to go to the bathroom I tried increasing my fiber intake by eating more fruits, veggies, and drinking MORE water but nothing is happening! I was tossing and turning most of the night because my stomach hurt so bad.

I was looking up OTC laxatives and while Metamucil is the safest, I really need some relief NOW Has anyone used a stimulant? If so which one is the safest and works the best? I even tried coffee which always makes me go but had no luck

Try eating 3 tablespoons raw pumpkin seeds once or twice a week.
They keep me regular. I buy them at the health food stores. They have no shells.
But be sure they are the raw ones with no added flavors.

You could also try flax.
When I was taking chemo I was really constipated all the time. I took Senokot. It seems to be the gentlest out of all of them.
Ex-Lax hurts -- I've never had such bad cramps, ever!

I rely on a Fibre1 breakfast with 1 T. ground flax and some fruit. I also take Metamucil when the occasion warrants it. My sympathies!

All Bran or stewed prunes or prune juice.

I have tried FiberCon tablets and it works....went within an hour

Between the Zoloft and Hyrdocodone...I have the same problem. I just use a regular Stool Softener...that seems to help a lot. I'm leery about laxatives. Try the softener first and see if that helps.

Like Mel, stool softener works very well. No stomach pains and not violent like some others.

I drink Smooth Move Tea and trust me it works! I have a problem all the time, I drink this 1-2 times a week at night before I go to bed and the next day I go. It is a laxative but non stimulant which my doctor said was good. It's in with all the other tea's at the supermarket and it's all natural which is a plus .

Colace should work too as a softener. Lactulose, and Senokot. Metamucil is ok, but used as well to bulk... if having diarhea, it will harden the stool so it isnt loose. Where i work as a nurse, we give Lactulose to everyone... as well as senokot, dulcolax (bisacodyl) and colace. All work well!! We also sometimes will give warmed up prune juice, or prunes at breakfast time. Always seems to help.

I have had irregularity for like the past year. My doctor mentioned smooth move tea and psyllium husk seed tablets and they WORK.

Thanks so much for all of your replies!!! I think I'm going to try Senokot and invest in some smooth move tea. Really hoping both of those work and get me back to where I need to be. This is terrible =(

How are you feeling?

For my oldest, he was chronically constipated since he was born (turns out it was a spinal defect). His pedi gave us Miralax to use. It was the only thing that would help him go easier and more often. Hugs!!!!

Thankfully I'm doing much better this week! I bought some Smooth Move Tea and it worked like magic. I also increased my veggie and water intake which has also helped a LOT.

I can only imagine how your son felt, he must have been miserable