Opiate induced constipation

I’m a retired nurse, a chronic pain pain who uses buprenorphine patches for pain and I’ll try to explain. The treatment for your OIC in my opinion would not be a medication, it would be fluids and foods not another drug that may be a tier 4. I have been on narcotics for pain since 1988 and control my potential GI issues with fluid and roughage in foods I eat. I also walk 2 miles a day which helps move food downward through your gastrointestinal system. Your GI system breaks down nutrients from food and liquids in the small intestines and the excess fluid that is left over aides at making your colon slippery. If you don’t have sufficient fluid in your system on an ongoing bases you become constipated.
I looked into Relistor and it’s indicated for “advanced disease” meaning constipation and for those who have failed a home laxative program. If you haven’t seen a GI doc it is recommended is you’ve done everything I’ve suggested. Also, a GI doc might have other recommendations too. Good luck.

Thanks Jena,

Actually, it was my GI Dr who prescribed Relistor. It is very expensive but I have a one-year supply paid for.

It helps a little but I still need help from a stimulant laxative. The Relistor also makes me dizzy and that is one of the top side effects.

I may just go back to Motegrity which stimulates the intestines. And believe me, I eat a lot of fruit with high fiber content, I eat muesli and all bran and I take Miralax every day. So when Ido get BMs there is no straining at all.

But it's all or nothing. If I don't periodically use stimulant laxatives, mu diet alone won't do the trick. Very frustrating and one thing about gettin older (69 y/o) that I really don't like.

I’m 71 and have been on narcotic pain meds since 1988 and have never had an issue with constipation. I believe the reason is my water and fruit intake as well as walking. I’ve always been a walker and now walk 2 miles daily. How is your activity?

@jenatsky
I know this is old, but this was the most recent discussion I could find related to my situation. So you're a nurse too? Have you ever heard of Silver Fern™ Brand supplement called Motility? https://www.silverfernbrand.com/products/motility
It was recommended to me by a functional medicine Dr that I saw for my gut health and hormonal issues. (I have been on MAT for opioid recovery for almost 20 years, and for about the 1st 15 I ate what I wanted... and now that I'm getting older, it's back-firing on me) GI health was never addressed by my MAT Dr, nor were we ever even warned about the possibility of GI side effects. And now I have chronic constipation. When I take Miralax and Senna, it works but I'd obviously rather not have to rely on them. (And I have obviously changed my diet drastically, but I fear the "damage is done" so to speak) I have my colonoscopy next month, but I wanted to try something.... anything other than traditional laxatives. Just curious if you've ever heard of the Motility.... that's pretty incredible that you've been able to be on opioids that long without developing an addiction or any other GI side effects... good for you!

@sunshinedevine Yes you are correct I’ve been on an opiate of some kind for over 30 years and funny I’ve never considered it as a abusive drug. I don’t have an addictive personality my wife who is a psychologist tells me. The same reasoning was probably behind my not becoming an alcoholic during my first marriage when I was consuming too much alcohol. I didn’t need any assistance from. products following my first colonoscopy and now I do the cologuard test and haven’t needed a scope.