Long-term use of over-the-counter laxatives can teach your bowel to rely on these medicines, and can eventually cause constipation rather than relieve it. Some types of laxatives cause a staining of the bowel walls; some doctors think overuse of these types can lead to colon cancer. There can be problems with heart rhythm due to loss of fluids and electrolytes in very severe cases (where someone is taking laxatives multiple times a day) Obviously, severe weight loss can occur as well. Regular use of some laxatives (Correctol, Ex-Lax, Feen-a-Mint) may interfere with your body's absorption of vitamin D and calcium; this can weaken your bones. Here is a common question. "I have been dependent on laxatives for some time now. I want to stop but every time I do I become so constipated I have to start taking laxatives again. How can I get my body back on track?"

Several things may assist in this process including consuming more fruit, drinking additional water, exercising daily, and stopping all laxatives. You may need to use an enema for a couple days to prevent the constipation that usually occurs with stopping laxative use.