side effects of iron supplements

Mrs.RockyM

according to the doctor, I need to start taking iron supplements because of my low red blood cell count.  She thinks it also may be adding to my exhaustion!

I'm wondering how much of an impact it had on your stomach?

mmeans1224

Well, my doctor told me that I could experience bad constipation. However, I need to talk to her at my next visit because I've had the opposite happen.  Plus, I feel more tired now than before I started taking them

IEtoLA

Usually constipation.  I was told to take a stool softener daily to help with this.

Winnychan

I'm not on them at the moment but I have taken them in the past.

The most startling side effect for me was green poo!

- Whitney

dvladybug

IEtoLA:

Usually constipation.  I was told to take a stool softener daily to help with this.

This!  I've been taking Colace everyday per my OB so I haven't had to deal with constipation issues.  I'm going to switch to a new iron supplement called Floradix - I believe it's a liquid.  The midwife at my OB's office said it's gentler on the stomach.  We'll see!

Sarelnad

I have been taking them (150mg) for 2 1/2 weeks now and my energy level is better and my bowels have been more regular. Not what I was expecting!  However one strange side effect is that my BMs are now black. Gross. 

alyson686

Iron supplements usually make me really queasy and sick to my stomach.  My OB suggested I take Slow FE, and it has been much gentler on my stomach.  I make sure I've at least had a little snack before I take it, and I haven't had any issues so far.

sammijo1283

I started taking iron about a week ago... funny taste in my mouth for about 3 hours after taking it, black poo and opposite of constipation are my symptoms.

milkandhoney77

I also have the 'opposite of constipation.' i was hoping for more energy but so far that hasn't happened. I need at least a little something in my stomach or else they make me queasy.

canoz

dvladybug:

IEtoLA:

Usually constipation.  I was told to take a stool softener daily to help with this.

This!  I've been taking Colace everyday per my OB so I haven't had to deal with constipation issues.  I'm going to switch to a new iron supplement called Floradix - I believe it's a liquid.  The midwife at my OB's office said it's gentler on the stomach.  We'll see!

I've been on Floradix for the last week after my midwife suggested it and I have had no problems with any side effects. I couldn't take my prenatals anymore because the iron in them was making me sick and though the Floradix tastes gross, I have had no problems. Hope it's the same for you.

hs10

dvladybug:

IEtoLA:

Usually constipation.  I was told to take a stool softener daily to help with this.

This!  I've been taking Colace everyday per my OB so I haven't had to deal with constipation issues.  I'm going to switch to a new iron supplement called Floradix - I believe it's a liquid.  The midwife at my OB's office said it's gentler on the stomach.  We'll see!

 How much stool softener should one take??  I have to start iron supplements today.