Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Wait a sec! If your doc gave you this medication, it's because he thought you needed it. If you decide not to take it, you should discuss it with him first.

Donnatal has some dangerous side effects, but frankly, practically any medication does. My doc wants to put me on cholesterol-reducing meds, but when I discovered that liver damage is a possible side effect, I said "no way!" However, a friend's husband is on the same drug and it's been literally a life-saver for him. So you see, sometimes it's worth taking the risk.

How often did your doc tell you to take the Donnatal? Frankly, it's a Godsend for me to have on hand, "just for emergencies." I ALWAYS keep a supply in my purse, because when I'm out of town and have a sudden attack, believe me it's fantastic to be able to just take one of 'em and have all the cramps disappear within the hour.

I don't take it every day -- never did. I take it only AS NEEDED. I'm happy to say I haven't needed it for several months now. But I have it on hand if I do!

If your doctor didn't tell you to take it every day, then my suggestion would be to keep it on hand in your purse for emergencies, like I do. But if you have cramping that keeps you from functioning, take it -- that's what it's for. And, listen, I've been on this stuff for over 4 years now, and I've had to throw out bottles of it because they've expired on me. That's hardly addictive!

When you were in the hospital and they gave it to you, did it ease the cramping for you?

Daisy, you probably saw me on all the posts about Donnatal because I doubt very many of us take the stuff. Heather prefers her peppermint caps; she says they're more effective than Donnatal. That's GREAT! I tried them, but couldn't tolerate the peppermint, which caused severe heartburn. And so many of us have gotten stable, such that we practically never have cramps anymore. You'll get to that point too.

Bev

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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy

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