Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFrequent SymptomsRare SymptomsComplicationsWhen to See a DoctorFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Opioid Induced Constipation GuideCauses and Risk Factors of Opioid Induced Constipation

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Table of Contents

Frequent Symptoms

Rare Symptoms

Complications

When to See a Doctor

Frequently Asked Questions

Next in Opioid Induced Constipation Guide

Opioid-induced constipation is a common problem for individuals taking opioid medications for pain management. Opioids cause changes in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that lead to constipation. The most common symptoms of opioid-induced constipation include infrequent bowel movements, hard or dry bowel movements, andbloating.

This article will detail the symptoms ofopioid-induced constipationand any complications to be aware of.

What Is Opioid Induced Constipation?

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Opioid-induced constipation may start as soon as you begin taking opioid medications, or it may develop slowly while taking these medications. Opioid drugs are medications used to treat acute or chronic pain. Common symptoms of opioid-induced constipation include:

How to Soften Your Hard Stools

If opioid-induced constipation is not treated, the symptoms can worsen. Rare and more severe symptoms include:

Complications/Subgroup Indications

When left untreated, opioid-induced constipation can lead to serious complications, including:

The longer you have constipation, the more at risk you are of experiencing one of these complications. That is why it is important to talk with your healthcare provider at the first sign of complication. Early treatment can help to prevent painful complications.

When to See a Doctor/Go to the Hospital

While opioid-induced constipation is a common problem for people who takeopioid medications, you do not have to just suffer through it. Talk with your doctor as soon as you are prescribed a new opioid medication. Voice your concerns about developing constipation and ask what medications you can take to help to prevent it.

Talk with your healthcare provider when:

What You Can Do About Opioid Induced Constipation

Summary

Opioid-induced constipation is a relatively common problem that leads to infrequent bowel movements, hard, dry bowel movements, and bloating. Other common symptoms include nausea, straining, and pain with toileting. Rare symptoms include vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diarrhea, sluggishness, and bleeding.

Possible complications of opioid-induced constipation include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fecal impaction, and rectal collapse. It is important to treat opioid-induced constipation early to avoid these complications.

A Word From Verywell

Yes, opioid-induced constipation can be treated and should be addressed as soon as possible. Your doctor will likely recommend taking a laxative to treat your constipation. Laxatives are medications that make having a bowel movement easier and more comfortable. They are considered first-line treatment for opioid-induced constipation.

Opioid-induced constipation is a relatively common problem. It’s estimated that up to 4%–5% of the population in the United States regularly takes opioid drugs, and 40%–80% of them experience opioid-induced constipation.

An Overview of Narcotic Bowel Syndrome

4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Crockett SD, Greer KB, Heidelbaugh JJ, Falck-Ytter Y, Hanson BJ, Sultan S; American Gastroenterological Association Institute Clinical Guidelines Committee.American Gastroenterological Association Institute Guideline on the Medical Management of Opioid-Induced Constipation.Gastroenterology. 2019 Jan;156(1):218-226. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.07.016Pharmacy Times.Management of opioid-induced constipation. Updated September 23, 2016.Stanford Health Care.Complications of constipation.Farmer AD, Drewes AM, Chiarioni G, De Giorgio R, O’Brien T, Morlion B, Tack J.Pathophysiology and management of opioid-induced constipation: European expert consensus statement.United European Gastroenterol J. 2019 Feb;7(1):7-20. doi:10.1177/2050640618818305

4 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Crockett SD, Greer KB, Heidelbaugh JJ, Falck-Ytter Y, Hanson BJ, Sultan S; American Gastroenterological Association Institute Clinical Guidelines Committee.American Gastroenterological Association Institute Guideline on the Medical Management of Opioid-Induced Constipation.Gastroenterology. 2019 Jan;156(1):218-226. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.07.016Pharmacy Times.Management of opioid-induced constipation. Updated September 23, 2016.Stanford Health Care.Complications of constipation.Farmer AD, Drewes AM, Chiarioni G, De Giorgio R, O’Brien T, Morlion B, Tack J.Pathophysiology and management of opioid-induced constipation: European expert consensus statement.United European Gastroenterol J. 2019 Feb;7(1):7-20. doi:10.1177/2050640618818305

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Crockett SD, Greer KB, Heidelbaugh JJ, Falck-Ytter Y, Hanson BJ, Sultan S; American Gastroenterological Association Institute Clinical Guidelines Committee.American Gastroenterological Association Institute Guideline on the Medical Management of Opioid-Induced Constipation.Gastroenterology. 2019 Jan;156(1):218-226. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.07.016Pharmacy Times.Management of opioid-induced constipation. Updated September 23, 2016.Stanford Health Care.Complications of constipation.Farmer AD, Drewes AM, Chiarioni G, De Giorgio R, O’Brien T, Morlion B, Tack J.Pathophysiology and management of opioid-induced constipation: European expert consensus statement.United European Gastroenterol J. 2019 Feb;7(1):7-20. doi:10.1177/2050640618818305

Crockett SD, Greer KB, Heidelbaugh JJ, Falck-Ytter Y, Hanson BJ, Sultan S; American Gastroenterological Association Institute Clinical Guidelines Committee.American Gastroenterological Association Institute Guideline on the Medical Management of Opioid-Induced Constipation.Gastroenterology. 2019 Jan;156(1):218-226. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.07.016

Pharmacy Times.Management of opioid-induced constipation. Updated September 23, 2016.

Stanford Health Care.Complications of constipation.

Farmer AD, Drewes AM, Chiarioni G, De Giorgio R, O’Brien T, Morlion B, Tack J.Pathophysiology and management of opioid-induced constipation: European expert consensus statement.United European Gastroenterol J. 2019 Feb;7(1):7-20. doi:10.1177/2050640618818305

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