Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following laxative-related questions:

1. Can you tell me the differences between the major types of laxatives?
   
   
2. Which laxatives are most appropriate for my condition?
   
   
3. Are laxatives safe for me to use given my medical history?
   
   
4. Can laxatives interact with any of the other medications I’m currently taking?
   
   
5. Are there any dietary changes I can make instead of using laxatives?
   
   
6. How long should I use laxatives for?
   
   
7. What are the risks associated with using laxatives for a prolonged period?
   
   
8. When can I expect the laxatives to start working?
   
   
9. What should I do if the laxatives don’t seem to work?
   
   
10. Are there special concerns regarding laxative use among people in my age group?