What Can Be Taken For Constipation That Will Not Interact With Xanax?

Posted on Sun, 16 Feb 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 16 Feb 2014 Answered on

Wed, 5 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am taking xanax 0.25 mg three times daily for anxiety and panic. I have been having constipation and want to know what is the best thing to take for it .that won't interact with the xanax? I also have trouble with not sleeping through the night since starting thE xanax. Any suggestions there.

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Answer given below Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for posting your query. I am Dr.Ratnakar Kini and I am pleased to assist you. For good bowel movements three things are very important - 1. Adequate fiber intake 2. Adequate fluid intake 3. Adequate physical activity I advice you to take high fiber diet ( lot of vegetables and fruits), drink enough fluids and have a brisk walk for at least 30 minutes everyday. You can fiber supplements like metamucil. For immediate relief from constipation you can take miralax. This does not interfere with xanax. I hope that answers your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr.Ratnakar Kini

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (3 minutes later)

What about the problem of waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to go back to sleep? I don't want to take sleeping pills.

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Answer given below Detailed Answer: Hi, I presume I answered your query about constipation. Since you have anxiety and panic disorder and is on Xanax and also having sleep disturbances, I request you to post a separate question about this and our psychiatrist from our elite expert panel would address those issues. Regards, Dr.Ratnakar Kini

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar