Imodium Addiction and Abuse
When someone is treating diarrhea with Imodium, they should be sure to drink plenty of fluids and electrolytes, and watch for signs of dehydration. If diarrhea doesn’t improve after two days, the condition gets worse, or if new symptoms appear, the allficted person should contact their physician or seek medical care. While Imodium is a commonly used medication, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently issued warnings about its potential for abuse. Imodium is considered to be safe within recommended doses but, when taken at high doses, it can be dangerous or deadly.

One of the most serious side effects of Imodium is called QT prolongation. This is a condition which affects heart rhythm that can cause symptoms, such as an irregular or fast heartbeat, or severe dizziness. People should tell their physician if they have existing heart problems or a family history of heart issues before taking Imodium. Having low levels of potassium or magnesium can also increase the risk of QT prolongation.
What Does Imodium Do?
Imodium works by slowing the movement and contractions of the intestine when they are overactive due to irritation. The contents of a person’s gut are pushed through the intestines at a certain speed. When functioning normally, the movement of intestines allows for electrolyte reabsorption, which promotes firmer and less frequent passing of stools. When stools move too quickly the result is diarrhea, which can also lead to dehydration.
Seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak with an Intake Coordination Specialist now.352.771.2700Can You Get Addicted to Imodium?
Imodium is considered to be an opioid agent. Even though it’s not exactly an opioid, when taken in large doses it binds to the same receptors as opioids. According to a study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine in 2016, this causes Imodium to act similarly to drugs like heroin and oxycodone. The large doses required for this effect could be anywhere from 50 to 300 pills a day, and it’s possible to buy 400 tablets for under $10. So, due to its potential effects and the fact that people struggling with opioid addiction are abusing Imodium, a person can easily become addicted to the drug. There is a misconception that because something is legal, it’s safe. While Imodium is safe at recommended doses, it’s very unsafe at high doses which are often taken to achieve the opioid-like effects.
In response to the increasing number of people abusing Imodium, the FDA has started asking the drug manufacturers to change their packaging. The FDA is currently recommending that manufacturers of loperamide, the generic name of Imodium, add a warning label which explains the potential for abuse and addiction. In the face of Imodium addiction and Imodium overdoses, the FDA has also been working with distributors to limit the quantities sold, especially online.
Using Imodium to self-treat opioid withdrawal symptoms is incredibly risky as well. Opioid withdrawal can be uncomfortable and difficult to deal with, but any time someone is trying to self-treat symptoms, they are putting themselves at risk. The risk of an Imodium overdose can be more dangerous than experiencing the symptoms of opioid withdrawal, and can result in death. Rather than trying to self-treat withdrawal, it’s important for people addicted to opioids to work with professionals who can help alleviate the symptoms with approved medical interventions.
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction or an Imodium addiction, please reach out to us at The Recovery Village. Sometimes just having your questions answered can be helpful, and we are available to provide you with the information you need to make a change in your own life or help a loved one take the next step.
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See more topicsSeeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak with an Intake Coordination Specialist now.352.771.2700