I took a lomotil last night and I woke up witha horrible headache and feel like I'm hungover. The last time I tried lomotil was shortly after I got my pouch in 1988. I do feel like I have less urgency today. I hope the side effects go away if I keep using it.
Theresa
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Lomotil contains a small amount of atropine, which is (suprisingly) included to make you feel crappy, when taken in larger doses. The purpose is to prevent abuse of the diphenoxylate. In any case, one tablet shouldn't generally make you feel that way, unless you're a bit dehydrated. The atropine is peed out with a pretty shorth half life (2.5 hours).
I've generally only experienced side effects like that when taking two tablets, and never after a full might's sleep.
I weigh 125 lbs so maybe one Lomotil is enough to give me a headache or maybe I'm just sensitive to lomotil. Maybe that's why I stopped taking it 27 years ago. I drink a lot of water so I shouldn't be dehydrated. I still feel lousy at 2:00 today.
Theresa
Some people take lomotil daily without issue, but we all react differently to medications. In fact, lomotil is classified as a narcotic, hence some of the side effects you've reported. I've never tolerated lomotil well myself. It always made me drowsy/groggy.
I never could take it - headaches, etc. - I'm small and thin - so maybe that is why. But, my Dad - who is a big, tall guy couldn't take it either - same thing - headaches. So, maybe it's just an individual thing. I think your idea of trying smaller amount is good - and then if that still bugs you, forget it and try other things. Always lots of liquid with the pouch. And electrolytes need replacing - especially as I've gotten older. I have to be more mindful about remaining very hydrated. Always a balancing act
