Opiates are proven to cure pains, however, long term use or opiate addiction can harm the gastric system. Frequent use of opioids can result in a condition known as opioid-induced constipation (OIC).
Opioids can disable your gut while the content of the stomach remains undigested. This further leads to A bigger stomach problem, which is chronic constipation (CC). The condition has several complications which make it difficult to eliminate, including hemorrhoids, anal fissure, fecal impaction and rectal prolapse. What can help opioid-induced constipation? Experts have advised several diet modifications and supplements to treat OIC. One study has found that a diet high in fiber is not recommended because fiber does not alleviate the condition. Doctors advise patients to increase fluid intake; increase toilet time; and increase exercise or physical activity to hasten motility. Since opiate addiction has been an underlying cause of the condition, it should be treated separately to address the problems. With the rise in numbers of people battling opiate addiction, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended a new medication called Movantik that can lessen constipation for people taking opioids. Drugs that are prescribed that can help OIC: To treat OIC, doctors prescribe a different medicine to treat constipation. These medications are taken along with the opioid painkiller. Cathartics or laxatives are given to the patient to address the digestive problem. Laxatives make it easy for the person to excrete by making the stool soft while cathartic speed ups defecation. There are medications that are both cathartic and laxative. For people with opiate addiction and are under rehab treatment, doctors can recommend them with the following medicines:
In some cases when all the medications have been tried and the patient’s condition has not improved, the doctor may suggest a rectal intervention. People with long term opiate addiction are sometimes given suppositories, enemas, rectal irrigation or manual evacuation. Constipation is a known side effect of painkiller addiction and it should be treated even before a therapy or rehab starts. |