Our Nightmare with Miralax

I have been so behind on blogging...I guess you can say LIFE has gotten in the way.  It's been a pretty difficult 3 weeks for our little crew.  If any of you follow me on Instagram, you're already well aware of what I'm about to post. 

Our sweet Reese has been battling what we thought to possibly be bladder spasms. We established care with a pediatric Urologist last November at AR Children's Hospital.  At the time, she wasn't symptomatic and was doing great, however we felt it was important to make sure we saw a specialist, as our PCP (who is amazing) had already done an ultrasound, X-ray, UA testing, etc.  Everything was coming back perfectly normal.  

Fast forward to two weeks ago.... I called AR Children's because her symptoms had returned.  I was told to try Miralax, they were thinking it was constipation causing her problems.  Reese was to take Miralax every day.  So, for 6 days straight we loaded her little body with this horrible toxic drug.  After 3 days of taking Miralax regularly, I began to notice a change in her temperament.  She was angry, would get frustrated so easily, and her anxiety level was through the roof.  She would obsess when it came time to go to the bathroom. At drop off at MDO on Tuesday, she went into a fit of rage that I couldn't control.  It was so horrible, I carried her out screaming and had to call into work. She had the same reaction on Thursday, I had to call into work again. What was most disturbing about this day was that she refused to wear any clothes once we got home.  This medication was affecting her tactile nerve endings. She was curled up in a ball and telling me to leave her alone.  This was OBVIOUSLY NOT.MY.CHILD. 

Being in the pharmaceutical industry, I knew enough to start researching this drug more in depth. I also had an HCP who brought up to me that he thought there was something concerning about using Miralax with kids. Sure enough...after extensive research, I found that there is a study underway (the FDA is funding it with a grant) that is looking into the neuropsychiatric problems Miralax can cause children.  This drug is indicated for 17 years of age and above, however we have specialists all over who are prescribing this for children as young as 6 months. The effects that have been seen are
exactly as I've described with Reese.

I'm so thankful that we were able to identify what was causing all of these tantrums, anger, and anxiety. Thank God she only took Miralax for 6 days. We're going on 10 days without it, and I feel like my sweet girl is finally back. I hold her each night (I've been lying with her until she falls asleep) and just thank the Lord for watching over her. 

I write this to say please do not use this drug, no matter how safe physicians feel it is.  Second, we are our children's advocate. Research everything that is ever prescribed for them, know the side effects, and always trust your Mommy instinct. Mine has never been wrong!!