Constipation: It Is Serious

Constipation can be more than just an occasional inconvenience—it can be a serious condition that affects your overall health. It can cause:

• Infrequent and painful bowel movements
• Hard, dry stool
• Belly pain, nausea, headaches
• Bloating, distension, excessive gas

These symptoms can interfere with daily life, causing discomfort and sometimes leading to other health issues.

I Take Prescription Opioids for Chronic Pain. Why Am I Having Trouble Going to the Bathroom?

If you’re taking prescription opioids for pain relief, constipation is a common and often frustrating side effect. Opioids work by slowing down the digestive system, which means bowel movements can become less frequent and more difficult to pass.

When this happens, stool can become harder and drier, making it even harder to go to the bathroom. This can lead to painful straining, bloating, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

What Can I Do?

There are several steps you can take to help prevent or relieve constipation while on opioid medications:

• Eat Fiber-Rich Foods
  Foods such as wheat bran, fresh fruits and vegetables, and oats can help soften stool and promote regular bowel movements. Aim to include these foods in your daily diet.
• Drink Plenty of Fluids
  Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining soft stools and promoting smooth digestion. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as dehydration can make constipation worse.
• Exercise Regularly
  Physical activity can stimulate your digestive system, helping to move food and waste through your intestines. Even light exercises like walking can be beneficial.
• And Remember: If You Have to Go…Go!
  Don’t ignore the urge to go to the bathroom, as delaying it can worsen constipation. Listen to your body and try to go as soon as you feel the urge.

Over-the-Counter: Laxatives and Fiber Supplements

Laxatives can be helpful for relieving constipation caused by opioids. However, it’s important to note that not all laxatives are safe for long-term use. Overuse can lead to dependency, where your bowels become reliant on the laxatives to function properly.

Here are the main types of laxatives and how they work:

• Oral Stool Softeners (e.g., Colace, Surfak)
  These medications work by adding moisture to stool, making it easier to pass.
  Side Effects: Prolonged use can lead to electrolyte imbalances, which can affect heart and kidney function.
• Oral Osmotics (e.g., Milk of Magnesia, Miralax)
  Osmotic laxatives draw water into the colon to soften stool and promote bowel movements.
  Side Effects: Bloating, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, gas, and increased thirst. These should be used with caution, especially in people with kidney problems.
• Oral Bulk Formers (e.g., Benefiber, Citrucel, FiberCon, Metamucil)
  These are fiber supplements that absorb water and form a gel-like substance to soften stool.
  Side Effects: They can cause bloating, gas, cramping, or increased constipation if not taken with enough water.

For more information on laxatives and their proper use, visit:
Mayo Clinic Laxative Guide

What Should I Do Before Trying Laxatives?

Before you start using any laxative, it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you determine what’s safe and appropriate for your individual situation. Using the wrong type of laxative, or overusing them, can make your condition worse or interfere with other aspects of your health.

Video

Watch this video to learn more about managing constipation while on opioids and the importance of maintaining bowel health.