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  • BDD Moderators: Keif’ Richards | negrogesic

Constipation from Tramadol and Codeine - help!

B

Bett

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Joined
Oct 21, 2014
Messages
36
Constipation and Opioids

I am extremely curious how others deal with the constipation that comes with opioid use. I've read how so many of you take opioids daily, so how do you ever have bowel movements? I feel like I've tried everything from stool softeners, to laxatives, to fiber supplements... But I am constantly backed up. And I don't even use opioids every day! In fact, this is one reason that helps me abstain from daily use. Not that I want to find a solution to constipation so I can start using everyday ... I just want to be more comfortable on the day I use and the day that follows.

A little background ... I'm a 39 year old female, 130 pounds. My drug of choice is Oxy but it's difficult for me to get. So now I only use Tramadol. I hated it at first, but now I've come to enjoy it, especially because it lasts all day (Oxy wears off too quickly!). I recently got some codeine which has been interesting. I first took it alone and deemed it crap. Then I read on here that it needs a potentiator like DXM. So I took 150mgs of codeine with Robotussin one day and it was only slightly enjoyable ... But I still thought it was totally weak. Then I remembered that someone used Tramadol for potentiation. So last weekend, I took my Tramadol in the morning on an empty stomach with caffeine as usual. Then in the afternoon, I took some codeine. Since I already thought it was really weak, I decided 150mgs wasn't enough for my tolerance level. So I bumped up my dosage to 270mgs. Huge mistake. I've never felt "too high" and scared while on an opioid, but I did that day. It was such a trip - great at some points but scary at others. No one knows I use these drugs, so it was difficult to hide it from my husband.

Anyway, that was Saturday and I didn't have a decent BM until Tuesday, despite taking all kinds of products. I believe Tramadol has a pretty long half life so it stays in your system the day after use. But adding codeine only amplified the problem. My next dose was Wednesday so I tried codeine in the afternoon again ... This time I only took 150mgs, which was very pleasant. Now it's Friday morning and I still haven't had a BM. I work out almost every day, I eat lots of fiber ... Nothing seems to work. I've also been working so hard to lose these last 10 pounds and I know they would've been gone by now if I didn't use these drugs. When nothing is moving and my belly is just bloated and protruding, it's impossible to lose any weight - in fact, I usually end up gaining a pound or two when I use, despite hardly eating anything. Ugh - so frustrating!

Any help would be appreciated :)

Thank you!
 
Organic food with lots of veggies, salads with olive oil (2-3 spoons per day).
Oat, cereals, nuts. And lots of fruits, specially papaya in the morning.
I would also avoid meat for a while. That could work well in a week or so.
 
In addition to the stuff mentioned wezface, a fellow mod, swears by a product called 'smooth move' or something like that... might wanna look into it. Adding magnesium citrate to your regimine helps too, but it's most effective when used daily and isn't the strongest laxative. Worst case scenario you load up of an essential mineral that's great for relaxation.

Another option would be to get docusate sodium from a doctor, this stuff works wonders but it does take a day or two to get the proper results. I can't think of an easier script to get. My personal last option if all else fails is to plug a threshold dose of amphetamine or any other stim, this always induces a bowel movement for me.
 
Any opiate will cause constipation. Drink a lot of water, get a stool softener and laxative, should help.
 
Thanks everyone. Every time I use opioids, I take a few doses of an extra strength Ex-Lax, a stool softener, as well as fiber capsules (psyllium husks). I also drink a ton of water, exercise, and eat fresh fruits and veggies. Despite doing all these things, I still cannot have a BM that day or the day after. It's very uncomfortable because I end up feeling bloated and gassy ... And then I gain a couple pounds.

I'll look for some of the suggestions that were offered. Although I have no idea how to give myself an enema, lol. And I'm not sure I should ask on here! Perhaps I'll just search the web for that answer :)

I've heard of so many addicts using opioids everyday for years ... How do they deal with the constipation? Do their bodies eventually adapt and they become more regular? I'm just curious.

While I'm here, have any of you ever abused codeine? I have some 15mg tablets that I've been experimenting with and from everything I've read on this site, it must be combined with something as a potentiator. DXM is one option, but I haven't found that to be all that effective. Tramadol is another, which is effective but then I'm taking two constipating drugs together, only compounding the problem. Any suggestions for codeine potentiators that do not cause constipation? Thank you.
 
Hi Bett...You can purchase single-use bottled enemas (Fleet, Rexall) at WM or dollar stores, pharmacies. Instructions are on side of box with actual diagram of use. :\

I would suggest a bottle of citrus flavored (or grape) Magnesium Citrate. Pour it over ice and drink quickly. You will have a timely BM, as 2 of these bottles with Dulcolax are my doctor's recommended colonoscopy prep. I've suffered with IBC most of my life, then endometriosis started to choke my colon. NO ONE told me that opiates could cause deadly constipation in "normal" tummies, let alone my trainwreck GI system.

First trial of opiate in PM was Morphine. I went 11 days with no BM. I was so sedated, overmedicated, I didn't realize until it was too late. I was borderline obstruction. Thank God I keep hospital issue enema bags w/hoses (yep). It took multiple applications of the industrial strength warm water rushes to get results.

Idaknow, personally this may be a deal breaker for me. I tried Tramadol this week, not so much for the pain relief but to elevate mood. I realized "oh, God...NO!" This Tramadol is as constipating as Morphine was for me. I had a MISERABLE night Friday taking enemas. It felt like Quikrete hardened in the entire length of my colon. I've had misery continue throughout today.

Final thought...There are many methods to keep your stool softened, through natural means of much water intake, fresh vegetables and fruits OR Mineral Oil or Miralax, Senna and even Carna Segrada (sic) capsules from GNC. Good luck!

I'm not sure that the minute relief afforded my PM meds justifies the means. The constipation ramps the pain of my pelvic/rectal/vaginal issues. And, of course the bloating and distention is its own demon.
 
Thanks DixiChik! I tried the enemas and they have helped slightly. I've also be eating a TON of prunes. None of it cures the constipation but it helps a little bit.
 
Codeine is notorious for constipation. As others have said fruit, veg n plenty of water. Berries, nuts that sort of things. Prunes, oranges. Hope it eases for ye soon. I don't envy ye going through this xxxx

Bett said:
Thanks DixiChik! I tried the enemas and they have helped slightly. I've also be eating a TON of prunes. None of it cures the constipation but it helps a little bit.
Click to expand...

Sorru I missed this. Maybe yoy need to see the doctor if it doesn't ease up encase it's not opiate related with you not using daily?

Evey
 
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