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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/19/2012 7:30 PM (GMT 0)
 

My GI and PCP cleared me to take Imodium every day to manange my frequency.  However I can't quite figure out how many to take as I usually don't feel the effect until the next day.  One day I will be going constantly, and take about 6 pills (max you are supposed to take is 4 a day).  It won't help immediately, but the next day I will be good. 

I'm just curious about anyone who manages themselves with Imodium how often they are taking it and how much. Even when (morning, night?).  I really am not sure if it is bad to be taking over the limit.  And right now, I don't have a GI to call as I moved out of state...

Posted 9/19/2012 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
Why wouldn't your GI just give your a script for lomotil innstead of taking so many immodium a day.  If you dont feel the effect until the next day then I would definately try lomotil plus your insurance should cover it. 

I take lomotil to slow things down and all I need is one in the morning and it starts to work within 45min and Im grreat for the day.

Posted 9/19/2012 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
I start everyday (except the weekend) with 3 in the morning. I try to take it 1.5 hours before work. I eat breakfast with it (usually a rice based cereal, and I have complete amazing tolerance to milk). Sometimes I take one Hyoscyamine to boost it and get my gut to slow down, mainly to travel to work. 2-3 hours before leaving work I might take 2 more. Sometimes 1 benadryl with that for the drive home anxiety.

Please note that benadryl and hyoscyamine can make you sleepy, it doesn't seem to effect me as much due to my years of high tolerance. I've been doing this regimen for about 4 years, but only when I'm flaring. I've been in this flare since a couple of years ago. It doesn't always work, but usually it gives me enough control to drive to work (30 miles). I give my body a break on the weekend since I usually don't go anywhere.

Everyone is affected differently so I suggest following what the bottle directions say first.

Lomotil never worked well for me. Maybe it got in my system faster, but it didn't stay around long. I buy my Immodium online and usually get 400 or so tablets at a really good price. I keep a bottle at work, in my laptop bag, and at home.
Posted 9/20/2012 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
Ditto with xeek- I take 3, and sometimes 2, a day with or after breakfast. Seems to eliminate any urgency and usually, bowel movements period, for the whole day, after a one hour period for it to kick in, during which I have any morning bowel movement or movements.
Posted 9/20/2012 12:28 AM (GMT 0)
Right when I first wake up and night
Posted 9/20/2012 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hmm... I have been considering finding a Dr to try lomotil. I was just concerned about constipation issues and it making me sleepy/dizzy. Anyone have any problems with that? I would like to see if it works faster on my system than the Imodium does.

I would like to take a break but what will happen is that I will be worse the next day. If I have a good day, and don't take any, the next day I'm horrible and going constantly. So I seem to have to at least take 3 everyday no matter how I feel to maintain myself.

I also think I may have some other underlying (motility?) issues as these medicines don't seem to work the same on my gut as others. Imodium and laxatives I seem to have to take in large doses for days before they do anything.
Posted 9/20/2012 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
btw thanks for the responses!
Posted 9/20/2012 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
BeachGirl808,

Are you taking the cortisone suppositories? you might want to switch to an cortisone enema as they go higher up in the colon to treat more area. The suppositories just sit at the end and dont do much.  That might help for your frequency.

You asked if lomotil makes you sleepy and dizzy.  It can,  so I dont take it on an empty stomach.  I am probably use to it now so I dont get sleepy or dizzy.

Posted 9/20/2012 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
I would welcome constipation. heh. To me that would be a sign of an ending flare. If my colitis wants to be mean enough to me immodium won't do a thing; those rare days I stay home.
Posted 9/25/2012 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
When all else was manageable (access to restrooms) I take 1/2 at a time. It calms things without making me feel bloated and not able to go when I need to.
Posted 9/25/2012 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
Personally, I'd rather have D than constipation...that hurts (me at least) in a whole other but more awful way compared to having D...at least with D there's some relief that comes with the urges to "go", with C, there's no relief, just constant pain and struggling trying to get relief.
Posted 10/27/2012 8:00 PM (GMT 0)
WOW...Get on the Lomotil. If you are having N.W.D.(no warning diarrhea) anywhere from, 12-30x's a day, than you need to get a prescription of lomotil ! You are taking too many Imodium. Better check with your GI. about putting you on them. They never listen to us..Sorry
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