People who use excessive amounts of laxatives will eventually find the exact opposite happening the laxatives will cause reflex constipation. All laxatives are alike . There are many different types of laxatives that are taken by mouth or as a suppository. Osmotic-type laxatives, including Milk of Magnesia . Bulk agents , including Metamucil , Colace , and unprocessed bran.
Bulk agents promote bowel movement.
However, when these bulk agents are misused, they have the same psychological consequences as regular laxatives. Misusing these agents must be discontinued. Laxative abuse can be medically dangerous. The medical complications of laxative abuse depend on several factors, including the type of laxatives used, the amount used, and how long they have been used. Some of the more common complications of laxative abuse follow.