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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Side Effects Caused When Senna Tea Used For The Long Term?

I have been taking a natural tea every day for over a year which has senna and peppermint in it. My doctor originally had me on lactulose as I have hypothyroidism and suffer from chronic constipation. I found this tea to work and thought it would be healthier but have recently read reviews about how dangerous it can be to use senna for the long term. I would like to get my stomach back to normal and I m afraid I have become dependent on the laxatives. How can I reverse this?
Mon, 15 Jun 2015
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

Senna is an FDA-approved nonprescription drug for adults and children ages 2 years and older.Taking senna by mouth is effective for short-term treatment of constipation. Senna is unsafe when taken by mouth for more than two weeks.The usual dose is 17.2 mg daily and not more than 34.4 mg per day. Longer use might cause dependence on laxatives and can also change the balance of some electrolytes in the blood that can cause heart function disorders, liver damage, muscle weakness .

Tips to ease constipation :

- Slowly increase your intake of dietary fiber.
-Cut back on refined, processed grains such as white bread and white pasta
-Drink planty of water.
-Magnesium-Rich Foods.
-Choose foods that are less likely to give you gas.

Hope this helps,
Kind regards,
Dr.Mersi
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What Are The Side Effects Caused When Senna Tea Used For The Long Term?

Hello, Senna is an FDA-approved nonprescription drug for adults and children ages 2 years and older.Taking senna by mouth is effective for short-term treatment of constipation. Senna is unsafe when taken by mouth for more than two weeks.The usual dose is 17.2 mg daily and not more than 34.4 mg per day. Longer use might cause dependence on laxatives and can also change the balance of some electrolytes in the blood that can cause heart function disorders, liver damage, muscle weakness . Tips to ease constipation : - Slowly increase your intake of dietary fiber. -Cut back on refined, processed grains such as white bread and white pasta -Drink planty of water. -Magnesium-Rich Foods. -Choose foods that are less likely to give you gas. Hope this helps, Kind regards, Dr.Mersi