2007-01-21 14:17:48 · 6 answers · asked by Stimey 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Opiate type pain relievers lead to constipation in approximately half of patients receiving them. The mechanism is due to a number of factors: 1) the stomach has slower emptying; 2) there is increased transit time through both the small intestine and colon; and 3) there is decreased urge to defecate.
The increased time in the bowel is due to decreased forward peristalsis (studied in the 1940's). This leads to increased water absorption from the stool and results in "hard poo."
Patients on narcotics should try and increase their water and fiber intake (use in conjunction),and exercise. There are a number of different laxatives, but one that is recommended in these cases is a combination of senna with docusate sodium. This results in increased forward peristalsis and stool softening.
2007-01-21 18:30:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
narcotics make you mentally sluggish
narcotics makes the intestinal motility sluggish too.. causing constipation
2007-01-21 22:26:40 · answer #2 · answered by Mopar Muscle Gal 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They cause the intestines to relax.
2007-01-21 22:25:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It slows most functions in your body, this is just one side effect.
2007-01-22 20:30:17 · answer #4 · answered by fisherwoman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IT SLOWS EVERYTHING DOWN,YOUR DIGESTION;YOUR HEART AND OUR WHOLE BODY SLOWS WAY DOWN...FOE WHAT REASON'I DON;T KNOW,,,,,
2007-01-21 22:23:50 · answer #5 · answered by Cami lives 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they dehydrate you.
2007-01-21 22:22:38 · answer #6 · answered by Dr. Arun 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋