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Original poster

Senna users experience please

11 replies

Realisation14 · 17/07/2025 16:51

Hi, I have IBS-C, currently been using movicol for the last 18 months, going to the loo every day and the stool is soft because of the movicol BUT not having complete evacuations, still straining to pass what I do get out even though it's soft, often feeling like I still need to go etc so gastro consultant has prescribed me senna tablets, (senease they're called). I've never taken a stimulant laxative before and I'm really scared to after hearing lots of horror stories about horrific cramps, nausea and even vomiting (I have emetophobia). I want to resolve my bowel issues but I'm too afraid to take these meds. Can anyone who takes them give me some reassurance please or is it totally hit or miss who they agree with and who they don't.

Oh actually I said above never taken a stimulant that's a white lie 😂 I took 5ml of my son's sodium pico sulphate once to show him there was nothing to be afraid of taking it (even though I WAS afraid 🙈) anyhow it had no effect on me, probably because it was a child's dose, did feel a bit sicky after having it but that could have been anxiety. Urgh I sound like such an idiot don't I?

OP posts:
Cappuccino5 · 17/07/2025 17:59

Horrific. Never again.

Such intense stomach cramps that I thought I was going to faint. Basically just spent the entire night clinging to cold porcelain for dear life!! Awful nausea, sweating and shivering. Without being overdramatic (I’ve had major surgery, ICU admissions etc that haven’t phased me!) it felt like a near death experience.

The only laxative that I take is sodium docusate, it’s just a softener so I also take a caffeine tablet or two with it to get things going. Preferably I go for a long walk or run as well. It’s an unusual combination but it works well for me with no unpleasant side effects.

TheEndlessNight · 17/07/2025 18:07

Hi op, I have ibs and take senna often. Never had any problems with it, no craps, sickness etc. It just helps me go in a normal way. A few nights a week I do have a bowl of bran flakes to help things as well and drink mainly water.

Original poster
Realisation14 · 17/07/2025 19:49

Oh god so a mix of reactions and probably just hit or miss how my body responds. I'm not sure I have the nerve to try it. I've been reassured by my gastro doctor that people who have bad reactions to it usually have bought it over the counter, not using a stool softener and the cramps are caused by the hard poo being forced through the bowel but said that with me using movicol and having soft stool I have less chance of reacting but I'm not sure if he was just saying that to get rid of me.

OP posts:
TheEndlessNight · 17/07/2025 20:05

Sorry just seen in my post "craps" I meant cramps! 😬

I don't think they would give you medical advice to get rid off you. You could always start at a lower dose and move up over time. It sounds like your anxiety is pretty bad, Hooe you are getting help with it Flowers

Original poster
Realisation14 · 17/07/2025 20:33

TheEndlessNight · 17/07/2025 20:05

Sorry just seen in my post "craps" I meant cramps! 😬

I don't think they would give you medical advice to get rid off you. You could always start at a lower dose and move up over time. It sounds like your anxiety is pretty bad, Hooe you are getting help with it Flowers

Haha don't worry I knew you meant cramps! I hope it does give me "the craps" 😂

Because I have emetophobia anything that can potentially cause nausea or vomiting as a side effect is a big trigger for me where medications are concerned.

What dose do you take if you don't mind me asking? The dose they gave me was 2 tablets of 7.5mg each so 15mg altogether.

OP posts:
TheEndlessNight · 17/07/2025 23:19

I take the two tablets. They can cause people to have extra gas but I've never had that.

Original poster
Realisation14 · 18/07/2025 07:52

TheEndlessNight · 17/07/2025 23:19

I take the two tablets. They can cause people to have extra gas but I've never had that.

I have excess gas as a symptom of my IBS anyway so it wouldn't be a big deal to me as long as I could pass it and it wasn't trapped, I don't even mind mild tummy aches/cramps as I'm usually in some form of discomfort anyway with IBS it's just the nausea and vomiting part that scares me.

OP posts:
Tbairns · 18/07/2025 14:31

I have regula constipation as a drug side effect.
I've used senna in the past. Very mild laxative compared with others ime.
I was given it when I had chemo induced constipation and I've used it occasionally in the circumstances you describe. It works but not violently and I've never heard of any laxative causing nausea or vomiting (and I've tried them all)
My preferred laxative is sodium docusate which won't solve a serious case but is excellent for regular gentle use alongside dietary changes. Try taking just one to begin.

Original poster
Realisation14 · 18/07/2025 18:33

Tbairns · 18/07/2025 14:31

I have regula constipation as a drug side effect.
I've used senna in the past. Very mild laxative compared with others ime.
I was given it when I had chemo induced constipation and I've used it occasionally in the circumstances you describe. It works but not violently and I've never heard of any laxative causing nausea or vomiting (and I've tried them all)
My preferred laxative is sodium docusate which won't solve a serious case but is excellent for regular gentle use alongside dietary changes. Try taking just one to begin.

Edited

Thank you. If you go on drugs.com they have patient reviews and if you search senna like 75% of the reviews are horrific sounding. Glad to hear another person who had a gentle experience with it. I definitely think if I DO get the courage up to try it I will start with one tablet or even half a tablet as I have a pill cutter.

OP posts:
Sonolanona · 20/07/2025 22:15

I have a non functioning bowel ... managed with Movicol and like you it doesn't actually get all the poo out..often it leaves me with a bowel full of soft poo. I take senna a couple of times a week as needed .. it can be a bit crampy but nothing terrible.
Alternatively how about gycerine suppositories? (I have to have a daily one as no nerve sensation naturally) they annoy the poo down and won't make you feel queasy!

Original poster
Realisation14 · 20/07/2025 22:33

Sonolanona · 20/07/2025 22:15

I have a non functioning bowel ... managed with Movicol and like you it doesn't actually get all the poo out..often it leaves me with a bowel full of soft poo. I take senna a couple of times a week as needed .. it can be a bit crampy but nothing terrible.
Alternatively how about gycerine suppositories? (I have to have a daily one as no nerve sensation naturally) they annoy the poo down and won't make you feel queasy!

Yes you understand! I've never tried a suppository, I think I would be more willing to try one of those as no side effects right?

OP posts:
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