lomotil side effects and effectivness

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Andi
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lomotil side effects and effectivness

Post by Andi »

Hi. My doctor just prescribed me lomotil today. I am in a bad MC flare and have lost a lot of weight from constant diarrhea.
I know it is a very mild opiate and I wondered if anyone who has taken it has had side effects. If so, what were they?
Has it worked well to control diarrhea? Any info. someone can give me will be greatly appreciated. I am always nervous to take a medication so I try to learn as much as possible about it.
Thanks!
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tex
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Post by tex »

Andi,

I believe that most members find it to be helpful, and usually reliable for providing a "safety margin", when a little extra help is needed, (such as during important meetings, trips, etc.). Of course it only postpones the inevitable, but it does provide some additional security, when needed.

Some people find that if lomotil is not effective for them, it's OTC "relative", Imodium, sometimes works better. Basically, both of these meds just slow down the motility a bit, so that things don't happen so fast. They're relatively safe drugs, so long as you don't overdo them. You can't overdo lomitil, because it contains atropine, which will make you sick, if you overdose. The wisdom behind that addition, is to prevent "addiction", since the other ingredient, diphenoxylate is an opioid.

Tex
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Post by Syl »

Some years ago I had a bad bout of D and dr prescribed Lomotil. I took it as prescribed for one day, and the next morning could not get out of bed. I had buzzing in my head and my pupils were very tiny. Phoned my mom to come over and take care of my child until it wore off. It did control the D, however. I have since used Immodium with no ill effects. The ingredients are not the same, I believe, but have a similar action. Good luck, Sylvia
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Post by ant »

Hi Andi,

I use Imodium for those times when I need an slow down of the inevitable. For that purpose it usually works for me.

Wishing you all the best and I hope your flare soon goes soon, Ant
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Andi
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Post by Andi »

Thanks everyone. I have been using immodium and it has not worked very well. I will probably try the lomitil but I am worried after hearing Sylvias experience. Has anyone else had that happen?

Tex, That is very interesting about the atropine being in there so one does not become addicted. The last thing I want is to be addicted to anything. The doctor said to take 2 but I told her I wanted to start with 1 and see how I feel.
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Post by Polly »

Hi Andi,

It worked for me when I needed it. It's not 100% but does buy you a little time, as Tex said. It sounds as if Syl had a reaction to the atropine. One pill usually worked for me. Occasionally I'd add a second one in an hour or two if it hadn't worked yet - especially if there was something important I had to be available for.

But, If I recall, you work in the woods a lot, so maybe you can easily get away with one. :wink:

Love,

Polly
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Andi
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Post by Andi »

Polly,
You have a great memory. Yes, i do work in the woods a lot but this time of year it is mostly meetings and planning our summer insect trapping season. I am also going to start with just one and see if that works. I am encourgaged to hear that one helped you.
I may be leaving my job after this year, taking an early retirement because of the MC. It is just too stressful to work far from a bathroom all the time. I am thinking of attending a vegetarian/organic/local foods culinary school for 5 months in NYC. The downside is I will have to live in NY for 5 months, but I guess that could be exciting. I am a passionate gardener and cook. This school is great because it not only teaches vegetarain, organic, and local cooking but it also teaches cooking for various conditions (heart disease, cancer, etc...). I dont know what I would want to do afterwards, i have already had my life career. Maybe become a personal chef, or cook for hospitals, nursing home, etc... I am passionate about healthy eating and healthy lifestyles as well as a strong advocate for local and organic foods. This seems like a way that I could maybe do work about the things I am passionate about.
If you get a chance, check out the website for the school, the Natural Gourmet Institute in NYC.
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Post by Polly »

I think it's super that you wish to devote time to spreading the word about healthful eating! Not many more important endeavors than that! Will check out that website.....

Love,

Polly
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Post by harvest_table »

Hi Andi,

Lomotil worked well for me, slowed down D- no side effects so speak of.

I used it in the early stages following my Dx of CC and in between medications, that just were not working....

Take Care,
Joanna
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Post by Rosie »

The lomotil/Immodium works for me too. If I get "glutened" it really helps reduce the number of bathroom runs until my system settles down. The only side effect I've noticed is that my eyes feel a bit dry. I have a problem with dry eyes anyhow, so I may notice it more than most.

Rosie
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Post by greengirl78 »

Hello Andi,

I prefer lomotil to immodium - it works with no ill effects. immodium stops me up for days, which can be just as bad as the big D. I think it's truly the least offensive of all the meds. Good luck!
If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace. - Thich Nhat Hahn
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