Folate tablets and constipation

[Ashamedteeth]

Hi, this is a grim one - sorry!

I’ve been prescribed folic acid (5mg daily) due to folate deficiency. I’ve taken two pills so far (not taken today due to these issues!) and yesterday I noticed it being tougher to have a bowel movement but managed to do so - didn’t click that it was the tablets at the time!

today, i cannot poop - i have the sensation to go but it will not pass through, its like its too big or dry to do so. I have bought dulcoease stool softener and taken two today - but no movement yet.

i have never had this issue - quite the opposite! i’ve actually just been referred for investigation following on from
gallbladder removal and chronic diarrhea as a result.

does anyone know if this will ease off as my body gets used to the folate or do i need to talk to my doctor for an alternative solution?

It’s a normal side effect of taking iron pills. Maybe try taking alongside movicol or lactulose? Prob best to speak to pharmacist or gp as I’m not sure which are available without a prescription.

Get movicol (other name laxido) over the counter. Keep taking sachets until you get going. If you're really struggling you can take a couple of spoons of milk of magnesia.

Take the medicine and wait for it to work, don't strain and give yourself a tear. Don't take any more folic acid until you have this under control.

Drink plenty of water, don't fill up on fibre. It's good for keeping things going once you've sorted the problem but bad for if you're already constipated, won't help, will make things worse.

Just realised I didn’t read your original post properly and i guess folate pills and different to iron. But if side effects are the same , movicol will
help

Thank you - I will get someone to get it for me as soon as the pharmacy opens.

struggling tonight, still havent been and also struggling to pee as my body just wont seem to let it go.

In that case I would definitely take some milk of magnesia along with the movicol. It has been a game changer for me when things have gotten bad.

I can't stress how important it is to get on top of this before you hurt yourself because it can go on for a long time if you do.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

I like the natural approach so start taking prunes now to prevent it happening again. I’d eat about 8 for a couple of days, then drop down to 4 a day for maintenance.