The common belief that people must have a daily bowel movement has led to self-medicating with OTC (over-the-counter) laxative products sold in stores.
Although people may feel relief when they use laxatives, typically they must increase the dose over time because the body grows reliant on laxatives in order to have a bowel movement. As a result, laxatives may become habit-forming.
Always check with your doctor if you think you may need a laxative. A doctor will determine if you need a laxative and which form is best.
