Help for constipationf rom vicodin

I have been taking vicodin (5/500) for the last five months for back pain - usually about 3 times per week, one tablet per day.  I have had such severe constipation.  I've increased fiber, started drinking more water and at MD's suggestion, and started taking stool softeners.  I'm getting tired of taking these pills.  Anyway, has anyone else experienced this awful side effect?  What have you found to be effective?  The only thing that seems to work, short of an enema, is prune juice!  About 12 oz!! My MD doesn't want me to take the laxative route yet.  Also, when I stop taking these pills, will I end up on the other end of the track with diarrhea?  Sorry this is so gross but I don't see too many people talking about this and I think it's a common side effect.  Any suggestions?  Since I'm not taking a high dose of this drug, and don't take it every day, I was hoping the constipation would be manageable... Any ideas would be tremendously appreciated!  Thank you so much - what a wonderful site for support!!

[Yankeesin7]

This is very normal for all opiates.  It causes extreme constipation.  And you are correct a day or to after you stop taking them it will cause extreme diaharea.  I never found anything that worked when I was taking pain killers but its definitly one of the worst side effects.  My advice is to stop now because the diaharea will last for a couple days it goes with the withdrawal.

[Ms BW]

I have found that taking 3 psyllium husk fiber capsules in the morning and in the evening with meals and 2 mid day, has completely eliminated constipation for me.  You can buy a name brand or a generic. I have periodically been off vicodin and have never experienced diarea (diarrhea) when I've gone off and I have periodically taken vicodin in larger amounts on a daily basis that you describe.  I've ready stories to the contrary which leads me to believe that it is different for everyone.

[sparkeler]

Try some apple juice.

[amythist2779]

I have blood in my stool quite often. Is your blood bright red? If so its probably a hemroid or an anal fissure. The doctors told me that it wasnt that serious, but it was due to the bowl movement being so hard it causes the anal to tear a bit. I used to take 12 10/325 vics a day, but am now taking 6 norco 10/325's a day along with 120 mg of Avinza a day. I also have to take xanax due to massive anxiety attacks that I have due to the pain I am in on a daily basis. I would say that my pain levels are always at atleast a 5 and most days worse. I hate it!! I am only 27 and I feel like my life has been ripped away from me. I hate the person I have become. The reason I take all these different meds is because I suffer from fibromyalgia, chronic back pain from an old T12 disk injury, and cushings disease. I also suffer from bipolar depression, arnold chiari 1 malformation, myofascial pain syndrome, and a pituitary tumor. So as you can see I am all messed up. I am hoping that once they take the tumor out most of the pain will go away, but I don't know for sure.

Well I have ended up rambling on and on again....Sorry about that. A couple of things the docs told me to try for constipation are mirolax, its a powder substance that you can get by prescription. It is tasteless and you just mix it in some juice or water. Another thing they told me to try is Magnesium Citrate, its a liquid sold over the counter at most pharmacies. It is a brite-life brand. I believe there is a red(which tastes better IMO) or there is a green flavor. The doctors call this dynamite in a bottle. After drinking this you should feel like going to the restroom about 20 mins later and should have some relief.

Im sorry this got so long, but I hope that this helps you and other some. Good Luck, and Happy Holidays!!!

[The Hobbit]

Hi there! I used to take around 3 a day and I suffered the same fate as you (constipation). I found no solution, but to be fair, it wasn't that uncomfortable, except:

occasionally I would find blood in my stool (around 4 times in 3 years) and I HOPE that this is caused by constipation, but I am not sure. Has anyone else experienced this gruesome and scary situation? Does vicodin damage the stomach? Colon? Admittedly I have not been to the doctor's, but my friends who also take this drug agree that the acetaminophen probably causes the stomach to bleed. I would like to believe that the constipation ruptures someting. I mean, when you haven't been for a few days, it's hard to get out. Sorry for being so graphic, friends. I'm a 26 year old and active male.

[The Hobbit]

I really feel for you my friend. Your situation is a lot worse than mine. So you reckon that the blood is more likely to be something to do with bowel movements rather than colon, stomach, liver? How is your liver doing? You seem to be on a lot of vikies now. Are you addicted to them physically?

[mema3]

Hey -

your post caught my eye - especially when I saw the Chiari Malformation posting -

That was what I was dx with in 01 - and then had surgery b/c of that.  I've been on the pain meds since then and am currently trying to wean myself off - (down to 5mg) - but I still find i'm getting the Chiari migraines and backaches.  But I'm afraid that a lot of that is b/c my brain doesn't want me off the drugs.

ANYWAY - I just wanted to shout out to a fellow chiari sufferer - whose back is as jacked up as yours!

Hang in there -