Helpful, trusted answers from doctors: Dr. Khanna on weaning off laxatives: You should be free of seizures for 2-3 years before you stop this medication in consultation with your doctor. You don't have to wean. Question: I have a bad anal fissure (had it for 3+ years) that wont heal on its own. I have taken Miralax for a few weeks and it heals then returns a few weeks later after a hard stool. Hi all~ I'm bulimic and I've been using laxatives for just shy of a year now. Recently, I started an intensive outpatient program at an eating disorder center. I have currently been laxative free for 17 days after abusing them for nearly a year. Over these past 17 days, I have developed severe edema in my abdomen, thighs, calves, ankles and feet to the point I am in pain, can barely walk by the end of the day and am obviously incredibly self conscious. A gradual phase-off under medical supervision may allow your body to reestablish a more natural rhythm, and allow you to overcome your “laxative addiction.” The doctor may recommend supplemental fiber such as psyllium ( Metamucil , for example). Quitting Laxatives Reversing Laxative Dependency. Dependency is reversible using Fruit-Eze™ Regularity Blend. Customers with 30 and 40 year long laxative habits have been able to quit laxatives and achieve regularity. I have been using laxatives on and off since 1985. For several years, I used it as a way of purging myself of unwanted calories. After several years, I stopped doing that but was already addicted and using laxatives is now the only way I can go to the bathroom… I have observed from friends and family that they are quite satisfied with being dependent on laxatives and see no harm in being dependent on them. Try to wean yourself off the dulcolax over a period of 4 to 6 weeks decreasing the tablets by one every few days and beginning the following regimen. You must try to avoid stimulants. Give this regimen a chance. How can i reverse laxative (dulcolax) dependency? I use them everyday or else i will not have a bowel movement. When i do have the bowel movement from the lax, it comes out like diarrhea. I use them everyday or else i will not have a bowel movement.