[Lakegirl]

I'm very interested in hearing what people know about any harmful long term effects of immodium use. I've always wondered whether using it frequently was bad for us. I've just read several comments under other topics re: that long term use of immodium is bad for you. I've asked my physician and Gastroenterologist and they said no. Has anyone actually read something about this, or does everyone just suppose that it's bad for them?

 

[Guest]

At the top of the screen, under "IBS self help group bulletin board", you will see where it says "drugs". Click on that and it will come up with a bunch of drugs used to treat ibs, click on Immodium, and it will give you all the info you need. Immodium is safe for long term use. I was afraid of that as well, because its the only thing that seems to keep my symptoms somewhat under control. Hope this helps you!!

 

[shyra22f]

Angelkitten is right. I don't know if it's just me or not; but I've been taking Immodium nearly everyday for my D over the past couple of years and I've found that my body is getting immuned to it. For example, I only had to take half of one or a whole one and wouldn't have a BM for a couple of days. Now if I take 2 in one day I have a BM the next day. But it works wonders. The only thing to keep my D under control which in turn eliminates all the pain and cramping.

 

[Lakegirl]

Thanks for your comments and the redirection.I'm glad to have that info.

 

[Mio]

Hi, lakegirl, I use about 4 pills of Immodiom a day and my GI specialist thinks its ok. I doing ok now since I control most of my D with Immodium. But if you are unsure, ask a another docore to get another opoinion.Good Luck!Mio

 

[vikee]

Just in case you need more info on imodium click on this site: http://www.gicare.com/pated/loperamide.htm My Doctor also said it was OK to take on a daily basis for as long as it helps, and he is familiar with other meds I'm taking like antidepressants.

 

[Lakegirl]

Thanks to all of you. You're all so well informed and the personal experiences are great to hear too. I don't know how I got along before I found this site. (Last Sunday.) It's so great to have people to share this with.

 

[shyra22f]

Hi Mio, I don't know if you're going to get a chance to read this, but have you had to up your dosage to get it to work or have you always taken 4 a day?I'd like to add that my GI and my family doctor said that long term use is alright.

 

[ShyOne]

My GI also says its okay to use it everyday,and somedays I can take as many as 6 depending on the situation,he also had me taking 2 before bed each night to control morning "D" episodes.I find sometimes that I'm getting immune to it also,takes alot more to stop an attack,but I wouldn't live without it.------------------ShyOne (D-type)

 

[BARBARA]

My Colo Rectal Surgeon said you can use Lomotil and Imodium for a very long time.He is a well respected doctor at Emery University Hospital and he said it is fine to use. I have had no results with Lomotil and got a prescription for Imodium so that my insurance would pay for it since I use 4 to 6 a day.------------------BARBARA D TYPE

 

[geomv]

Imodium is perfectly safe to use everyday. I've been using it for 23 years, not everyday, but 2-3 times a week. I have to take at least 4 a day for it to work. I've taken as many as 6, a time or two, but that's usually when I'm in high stress about something and very nervous about it not working. It's been a life saver for me. and as the American Express commercial goes, I don't leave home without it!!

 

[bobby5832708]

I've been taking Loperamide (Immodium) for years. Every doctor I've had in recent history (HMO's are great, you get a different doctor every couple of years!) has said that Loperamide is safe for long-term use. I usually take just a half of a 2mg tablet and it takes care of mild attacks without clogging me up. Sometimes I may need a whole tablet if it is 'one of those days'. Usually I need a dose two or three times a week to keep my system working at a reasonable speed. I buy the generic Loperamide 2mg tablets at Costco or Sams Club and that way the cost isn't too bad. I have also used the prescription Bentyl on and off for about 22 years when I feel a bad attack coming on. I normally need the Bentyl a couple of times a week and I never mix the two medicines. My doctor also said that Bentyl is safe for long-term use and it doesn't have many side affects. I'll be going out on one of those floating casino's tomorrow and you can bet I'll have a couple of each pill in my pocket!!

 

[Guest]

I wonder if there has ever been a study done to see if people actually develop a tolerance to Immodium.Tim