Verywell / Laura Porter
Emotional
Experiencingconstipationcan greatly affect your quality of life.
Research shows that constipation leads to significant psychological and social distress.
It can affect your relationships as well.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Quality of life tends to worsen whenthe constipation symptomslast for a long period of time.
If you have begun to notice symptoms of opioid-induced constipation, talk with your doctor right away.
This condition is treatable, and your doctor will provide guidance on which medications to try.
Physical
Opioid-induced constipation is uncomfortable, and the physical symptoms can affect your quality of life.
However, this can lead to significant complications.
Abruptly stopping or decreasing the dosage of your pain medication can have several negative consequences.
First, it is likely that you will experience increased pain and worsening constipation symptoms.
This may result in extra trips to the doctors office or emergency room if the pain becomes unmanageable.
Stopping medications can also result in a greater financial burden to pay for the out-of-pocket costs of additional appointments.
Talk with your doctor if you are experiencing side effects from your prescription medication.
Stopping your opioid medication can lead to increased pain, worsened constipation, and additional hospital visits.
However, eating a healthy diet and getting physical activity may still help you feel better.
This is especially true if you were already prone to constipation before starting opioid medication.
Study participants reported difficulties with intimacy and socializing as well.
Because opioid-induced constipation can lead to social isolation, its important to address it right away.
Talk with your doctor about how to treat your constipation symptoms.
You may benefit from joining a support group as well.
Ask your doctor about support groups for those dealing with constipation, chronic pain, or both.
Practical
It seems that opioid-induced constipation can affect just about every area of life.
This condition can lead to a financial burden on you and your family as well.
Individuals who experience opioid-induced constipation tend to have higher healthcare costs than those who do not have this condition.
The higher costs were related to more frequent medical appointments and emergency room visits.
Advocate for Yourself
While opioid-induced constipation is a common problem, it still goes undiagnosed too often.
If you have developed symptoms, it is important to advocate for yourself and talk with your doctor.
This condition can affect your mood, ability to work, and social relationships.
To minimize your symptoms and any possible complications, talk with your doctor as soon as you develop symptoms.
This condition takes a toll on everyone, so reach out for support as early as possible.
Talk with your medical team and trusted friends and family members.
It may be helpful to remember that this condition is treatable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Opioid-induced constipation is usually diagnosedwith a thorough medical history.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and your current medications.
Opioid-induced constipation may begin as soon as you start taking opioids or it may develop slowly.
Yes, opioid-induced constipation is treatable.
Laxative medications are considered the first-line treatment and should be started right away.
This may help to reduce constipation symptoms and discomfort.
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Pharmacy Times.Management of opioid-induced constipation.
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