Cinstipation from meds

[Dezdon]

Hello All,
  I have a chronic pain issue and am prescibed Oxycodone. My doctor recently increased my dose to 80 mg a day. The problem is, I am constantly constipated now. I have tried a stool softner, but they dont work well at all and upset my stomach. I take "Senna Laxitive" from the store brand Hannafords. They work.. ok, but upset my stomach also and my BM's are hard as rocks. Their hard to pass and will stop up the toilet.
  Im sorry such a gross topic. I wanted to know if someone can recomed a good brand of laxitive that works well overnight (but not TOO well..LOL!) and wont upset my stomach.
  Thanks all,
peace,
-Dez

[btrfly6499]

-I have been on meds LT too, ugh, this is the worst part of it!
-I was using senna too, same problem...helped but hurt b/c not soft.
-I began using benefiber to try and help iut, but it seemed to backfired and an RN at my docs office mentioned that that can actually make things worse depending on your system! so just be careful with that kinda product.
-as others said, diet changes is obviously good...i'm terrible with that too, so i try to always keep around a few things to eat now and then to help...i have applesauce and dried apricots/prunes.
best thing i've tried,still do use, is Miralax...used to be RX needed, but not is OTC.  I dont take the full dose they recommend on it within one day...i did that to start and it was nice to be able to go!  BUT, over time, it just wasnt fun.  So, I keep that daily dose they recommend (its powder measured and i add it into a bottle of water), and then I maybe drink about 1/2 over a day...but I think that miralax has been the most helpful by far...it does take longer to kick in (its not like senna, where take one day, next day your going, its a bit longer, but it works for me!)
Good luck, it *****! :/  do mention it to your md though for sure, its important they know you have that side effect AND also what meds you are using/trying to deal with it.

[Jaybay]

Much depends on the source of your pain in how you treat med-related constipation.  I have pain from abdominal adhesions (scar tissue).  That alone causes constipation because food cannot move through my intestines fast enough.  There are always a few places that are partially obstructed.  I have to keep things as liquid as possible to pass through.  That means than natural sources of fiber are a big no-no for me.  Anything that adds bulk to stool will put me in a hospital.  

Senna products or any other stimulant laxative can't be used on a daily basis because that only makes the problem worse.  Stimulant laxatives used daily cause the muscles of the intestines to become dependent on the stimulant.  Take away the stimulant, and they sulk for quite some time further adding to my misery.

If your chronic pain is not related to abdominal issues, by all means try the natural fiber and increased water routine first.  Go slowly adding additional fiber, and seriously increase your water intake.  Citrucel is a better choice than psyllium husk products because it's water soluble and doesn't cause as much bloating and gas.

For me, I keep up with the stool softeners and occasionally add a few swallows of magnesium citrate.  Mag citrate works the same way as colonoscopy preps: it pulls water from the body and sends it to the colon.  Again, water intake is extremely important with any laxative, but even more so with these kinds of products.  You don't want to risk dehydration.

Narcotic therapy for chronic pain has its drawbacks, and constipation is one of them.  It's up to the individual to figure out what remedy works best.  Thus ends my laxative lecture for the evening.  ;-)

[fpainestam]

I think a lot of us face this problem.  I've had pretty good luck with Myrolax, which is OTC.  I get it from Amazon, believe it or not...fpainestam

[sweetpea03]

drink lots of water and change your diet a little. Eat lots of fruits and vegies. Prunes are supposed to be the best. There are all different types of laxatives and such at your local drug store, just talk to one of the pharmacists and they can help you find one that works.

[sandee1818]

It seems you have gotten some great advice I just wanted to add that water and prune juice is known to be very effective. I would also recommend asking your Dr for help too as he can give you medications to help.
Good luck:)

[NovusVita]

I found this problem particularly bad when things were really bad and I had to stay in hospital on PCA morphine. The thing that worked for me much more than any of the meds was drinking a ton of water. It sounds like it wouldn't make a big difference, I know, but if you really drink a LOT (like a big full glass every hour) it really does work. Well, it did for me at least. Of course you're peeing a lot too. I hope that's helpful
.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Dezdon,

I am sorry you are constipated. It can very very uncomfortable. As I'm sure you know it is a normal side effect of narcotic use. Fresh fruits daily such as grapefruit or oranges are the best. Add a large glass of prune juice in the morning and drink water, drink water, drink water. Some of my elderly patients use to insist on a glass of very warm water following their daily glass of prune juice. It worked well for them.

Often a Metamucil type product taken every day is the best way to avoid constipation but again you must follow it with a large glass of water. I hope some of these suggestions help your constipation. Take care, Tuck

[Mollyrae]

Hi. Have you discussed this with your Doctor. There are prescription laxatives that work better than "OTC" meds. I would give them a call and discuss it, it's worth a try.........

[NovusVita]

I found this problem particularly bad when things were really bad and I had to stay in hospital on PCA morphine. The thing that worked for me much more than any of the meds was drinking a ton of water. It sounds like it wouldn't make a big difference, I know, but if you really drink a LOT (like a big full glass every hour) it really does work. Well, it did for me at least. Of course you're peeing a lot too. I hope that's helpful
.

[sandee1818]

Try dulcolax (spelling).
Also try and change your diet as much as possible to add more fruits and veggies!
Pineapple always works great for me and corn too!
Good luck and I will post some other things in a little while I am in a hurry right now okay:)

[Dezdon]

OPPS Sorrry for the misspell on "Constipated" in the header