Opioid-induced constipation is among the most common side effects of taking opioid medications. Like other forms of constipation, it causes infrequent bowel movements and makes it challenging to pass stool. However, it is caused directly by opioids, potent centrally-acting drugs used for pain relief.
Struggling with opioid-induced constipation can seriously affect your physical and mental well-being. Unfortunately, current treatments, such as laxatives, don’t always provide the desired result.
Keep reading to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and dangers of opioid-induced constipation, and find out how ANR can help you get off opioids safely, quickly, and effectively.
What Is Opioid-Induced Constipation, and How Does It Occur?
Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a side effect of opioid medications that causes difficulty passing stools. It is a form of opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OIBD), which also encompasses other digestive issues caused by opioid use, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Opioids are potent drugs commonly prescribed for moderate-to-severe pain when weaker painkillers are not tolerated or do not provide sufficient pain relief. They effectively relieve pain by acting on the opioid receptors located throughout the central nervous system.
However, these pain medications can also cause various side effects. Since opioid receptors are also found in the digestive tract, opioids can slow down bowel movements by binding to them, leading to opioid-induced constipation.
All opioids—morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, etc.—can cause OIC, especially if taken long-term in high doses. This is one of the reasons why opioid medications are generally not recommended for chronic pain management.
Opioid abuse also increases the risk of side effects, which explains why opioid addiction and constipation often co-occur. Unfortunately, even medications used in opioid use disorder treatment, such as Suboxone, can cause OIC.
How Common Is Opioid-Induced Constipation?
Opioid-induced constipation is very common. According to researchers from the Medical University of Graz, up to 81% of opioid users suffer from it, which makes it the most prevalent form of OIBD.
In people who take opioids at higher doses for extended periods, this side effect is even more common, which explains the high incidences of opioid-induced constipation in cancer patients.
A systematic review by Erasmus MC Cancer Institute researchers found that the realistic rates of adverse events in cancer patients are unknown due to a large heterogeneity among studies. However, some studies suggest that as many as 97% of cancer patients struggle with OIC.
Why Do Opioids Cause Constipation?
Opioids cause constipation because they act on both the CNS and the gastrointestinal tract.
The gastrointestinal effects of opioids are mediated by μ, δ, and κ receptors. While δ and κ receptors can also cause constipation, OIC and other gastrointestinal effects primarily occur due to the activation of enteric μ-receptors. It increases tonic non-propulsive contractions in the small and large intestines by reducing bowel tone and contractility, prolonging transit time.
Furthermore, the activation of these receptors increases fluid absorption and stool desiccation. Opioids are also thought to increase anal sphincter tone and decrease reflex relaxation. All of these opioid-mediated effects combined contribute to drier, harder stool and result in less frequent bowel movements.
By definition, opioid-induced constipation is caused by the use of opioids. Therefore, its mechanism differs from other types of constipation, even though it presents with similar symptoms.
On this note, let’s explore the symptoms of opioid-induced constipation.
7 Common Symptoms of Opioid-Induced Constipation
Some common symptoms of opioid-induced constipation are dry, hard stools, infrequent bowel movements, and straining to pass stools.
In medicine, opioid-induced constipation is defined by Rome IV criteria. To meet the Rome IV diagnostic criteria for OIC, patients must experience at least two of the following symptoms emerge or worsen when initiating, changing, or increasing opioid therapy in more than 25% of defecations:
- Straining
- Hard or lumpy stools
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation
- Sensation of anorectal blockage or obstruction
- Less than three spontaneous bowel movements per week
Plus, the patient’s stools should be rarely loose without the use of laxatives to meet the diagnostic criteria for opioid-induced constipation. Most importantly, the symptoms of constipation must be caused directly by opioid use.
How Dangerous Is Opioid-Induced Constipation?
Opioid-induced constipation can be dangerous if left untreated. While OIC itself isn’t typically life-threatening, it can lead to complications, some of which—like bowel obstruction or fecal impaction—may require emergency medical help.
Besides health risks, opioid-induced constipation can severely impact your quality of life. Chronic bloating, abdominal discomfort, and cramping may affect your ability to function normally, taking a massive toll on your physical and mental well-being. It can also make it challenging to adhere to treatment.
Although the reversal of opioid-induced constipation is possible through opioid discontinuation, you should never quit opioids abruptly or without medical supervision. This significantly increases the risk of severe opioid withdrawal symptoms, which may lead to complications, relapse, and even death.
Consult your doctor if you are suffering from constipation while using opioids. They may recommend opioid rotation, stool softeners, or other treatments to help you combat OIC.
Why Is Managing OIC with Laxatives Risky?
Managing OIC with laxatives can be risky because it does not address the underlying cause of the problem. Therefore, many patients don’t experience sufficient relief even when taking such drugs for opioid-induced constipation.
A study by Marco Pappagallo, M.D, from New York University School of Medicine found that laxatives only help 46% of patients with OIBD achieve desired treatment outcomes >50% of the time.
Laxatives are generally recommended for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation. However, the above-mentioned review by researchers from the Medical University of Graz suggests there’s limited evidence to support this guideline.
Furthermore, patients may develop tolerance to laxatives, which diminishes medication efficacy. Taking them at high doses also increases the risk of side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, electrolyte imbalances, and abdominal pain.
Can Opioid-Induced Constipation Be Prevented?
Opioid-induced constipation can only be prevented by opting for non-opioid pain management.
Some patients, however, have no choice but to take opioids. In this case, you can reduce the likelihood of opioid-induced constipation by:
- Drinking plenty of water.
- Engaging in regular physical activity.
- Using opioids precisely as prescribed.
- Taking opioids in minimal doses for the shortest duration possible.
- Eating a high-fiber diet and reducing the intake of constipating foods, such as dairy, white bread, and refined grains.
Keep in mind that anyone who takes opioids for a prolonged time can become dependent. This is because repeated opioid exposure alters brain chemistry, leading to tolerance. As a result, your initial dose may eventually lose effectiveness.
If this happens, talk to your doctor. Do not increase your opioid dosage without their permission, as this constitutes opioid abuse and significantly enhances the risk of OIC.
If you are struggling with co-occurring opioid use disorder and opioid-induced constipation, then seeking professional opioid dependence treatment may be the best option for you. It can help you overcome OIC and other opioid-induced conditions by enabling you to get off these drugs safely and effectively.
How ANR Opioid Dependence Treatment Helps With OIC
Accelerated Neuro-Regulation (ANR) is a revolutionary treatment that treats opioid dependence by acknowledging and addressing its root causes.
Unlike traditional methods, this innovative treatment doesn’t simply manage withdrawal symptoms. Developed by Dr. Andre Waismann, ANR supports long-lasting recovery by healing opioid dependence at the receptor level.
Specifically, ANR treatment rebalances the nervous system by decreasing the opioid receptor population while also allowing the body to resume normal levels of endorphin production. At the same time, it facilitates the elimination of exogenous opioids.
Since this procedure is performed under sedation, you don’t have to worry about actively going through opioid withdrawal—it is virtually painless. Once the treatment is completed, you will no longer have to rely on opioids to feel normal, allowing you to leave opioid-induced problems, including constipation, in the past.
Here are some of the key benefits ANR offers over traditional opioid dependence treatments:
#1. Complete Eradication of Opioid Dependence
ANR is the only treatment that eradicates opioid dependence by targeting its neurobiological root causes.
This revolutionary treatment reverses the damage repeated opioid exposure causes to the brain through the modulation of the endorphin system, thereby restoring the nervous system to its pre-dependence state. Therefore, ANR treatment eliminates cravings and other withdrawal symptoms, allowing patients to forget about the fear of relapse.
#2. Highest Safety Standards
Performed in around 4–6 hours while the patient is sedated, ANR adheres to the highest safety standards. It is personalized to each patient individually, making it suitable even for those with co-occurring health conditions.
Scientifically proven to be safe and effective, this procedure is always carried out in an ICU setting of fully accredited state-of-the-art hospitals with the best medical equipment available.
Furthermore, ANR is performed by a team of highly experienced and compassionate board-certified medical professionals, including anesthesiologists, to ensure the highest degree of patient safety and care.
#3. Fast Recovery
ANR is a comprehensive opioid dependence treatment that facilitates swift yet long-lasting recovery by approaching the problem from a scientifically-based medical perspective.
By addressing the underlying causes of opioid dependence, this treatment enables you to return to an opioid-free life within a matter of days. The average hospital stay for ANR patients lasts only 36 hours.
Most importantly, ANR doesn’t require you to rely on methadone or other opioid-replacement drugs that may lead to opioid-induced constipation, addiction, and other unwanted effects.
Break the Cycle of Opioid Dependence With ANR
As a comprehensive treatment that targets the root of the problem, ANR can help you overcome opioid dependence quickly, safely, and effectively—even if you’ve been struggling with it for years.
ANR treatment stands out as the first and only method that addresses the neurobiological causes of opioid dependence. As such, it has an unmatched success rate. As of today, it has supported close to 25,000 people globally in making a lasting recovery.
Ready to regain control of your life? Contact us today for a free, 100% confidential consultation!
Key Takeaways
Opioid-induced constipation is among the most common side effects of opioids that can negatively affect the quality of your life. If left untreated, it can lead to dangerous complications.
Given that OIC doesn’t always respond to laxatives, it’s far easier to prevent it than treat it. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to only use opioids if non-opioid therapies fail.
If you develop co-occurring opioid dependence and OIC, seek professional help; quitting opioids safely and effectively is key to resolving opioid-induced conditions.
Lastly, let’s reiterate the key points we covered:
- Opioid-induced constipation is the most prevalent form of opioid-induced bowel dysfunction.
- Some symptoms of opioid-induced constipation include hard, lumpy stools, straining, and defecating less than three times per week while taking opioid medications.
- ANR is a modern treatment that eradicates opioid dependence by addressing its neurobiological causes, promoting long-lasting recovery.
Opioid-Induced Constipation FAQ
Not everyone who uses opioids experiences constipation. However, it is one of the most common side effects of opioids, and everyone who uses them risks suffering from opioid-induced constipation.
The treatment of opiate-induced constipation depends on the severity of your symptoms. Some people may find certain lifestyle changes—for example, increased physical activity—helpful in treating OIC, while others may have to switch to another medication. If you struggle with opioid-induced constipation, consult your doctor to find the best course of action.
Opioid-induced constipation usually lasts as long as you’re taking opioid medications. Since this condition is directly caused by opioids, it can be resolved with drug discontinuation. However, this doesn’t make quitting opioids “cold turkey” safe. If you’re struggling with opioid dependence, ANR can help you overcome it within days by restoring normal brain function.
