My mom has started taking this medication for neck pain and has had these symptoms. She believes that it is from the nerve problems in her neck and I think that it is the medication. I had severe problems after i had a tumor removed from my spinal cord and I believe that is why she thinks the nerves could be the problem. What do you think? Thanks.
2007-09-02 17:06:12 · 12 answers · asked by reggieg 4 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Absolutely, narcotics slow the peristalsis action (wave like contractions of smooth muscles that push material through them) of the intestines. When they are slowed, fecal material moves slower and more water is sucked out which causes it to become dryer and harder. Nerves in the neck area do not affect the bowels. (Those nerves are around S/2,3,4 and the nerve root is around L4/L5)
Some ways to overcome this are: drink more water, more water in = more water left in the stool; eat more fiber, fiber bulks up the stool and absorbs more water (supplements work also but be sure to take with plenty of water, don't want it causing an impaction!); try a stool softener (Colace or the like) 1 twice a day; last ditch effort you can use a laxative, but try not to as they can (according to some) cause the bowel to become dependent on them.
2007-09-02 17:37:18 · answer #1 · answered by dibzz d 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's absolutely from the Vicodin. Taking narcotic painkillers, even for a short period of time, can cause this type of constipation. Taking laxatives won't help much, but encourage your Mom to take a stool softener twice a day and drink plenty of liquids.
For the record, spinal cord surgery and pinched nerves in the neck are two completely different thing. First of all, if she DID have enough nerve damage to be affecting her lower organs, there would be problems everywhere in-between. It's an understandable concern, but tell her not to worry.
Best of luck!
2007-09-02 17:20:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely- any narcotic pain medication can cause constipation. It's one of the biggest side effects. Her doctor should have told her about this. Best option is fiber, fluids and activity. She needs to make sure she's drinking plenty of fluids and there are some good over the counter and herbal supplement that can help with constipation - however she should check with her doctor before starting them because it could interact with other meds she is on...not likely but it's always a possiblitly. Also, be aware of becoming dependant on laxatives for having a bowel movement. Hope that helps!
2007-09-02 17:16:03 · answer #3 · answered by snarf girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi! I've been in dentistry for over 25 years and we often use vicoden for our patients. Typically we only write a scrip for 12-15 for the 2-3 days they need it. Any long term use of any pain relief with codeine side effect is bowel issues. And very long term is really a problem. The best thing is to wean off, eat more fiber or use a fiber like metamucil. MOST important is not over use the meds. Diet wil help and drinking lots of water will help. I mean the 8 glasses of real water, not soda or coffee. Hope this helped. M
2007-09-02 17:18:19 · answer #4 · answered by Marie D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vicodin can absolutley cause constipation and sluggish bowel movements. Infact it is one of the most common side effects of vicodin. She can take some metamucil or psyllium to help.
2007-09-02 17:14:35 · answer #5 · answered by Hooty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vicodin does cause constipation and/or sluggish bowel movements----encourage your mom to drink alot of fluids and try to keep moving as much as possible. Also you can encourage her to eat more fiber than usual or include prunes in her diet.
2007-09-02 17:16:02 · answer #6 · answered by Nite Nurse 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vicodin is one of those drugs that does cause constipation after prolonged use. Several of the pain relieving drugs do this. Have her up her fiber.
2007-09-02 17:14:59 · answer #7 · answered by hsmommy06 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, one of the major side effects of any narcotic pain med is constipation. Most pain doctors make sure their patients on high doses of pain meds also take in extra fiber and lot's of water. If she try's that and it doesn;t clear up then you know for sure which one it is. Good Luck
2007-09-02 17:34:14 · answer #8 · answered by mama c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, this can be a side effect of the medicine. One way to help make this problem minimal is to try and drink a lot of water to stay well-hydrated.
2007-09-02 22:36:31 · answer #9 · answered by sokokl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It absolutely can.
Also, when I took it I had no appetite and serious dry mouth. So I ate popsicles all the time (which don't really help either being all sugar).
Encourage fiber and lots of water!
2007-09-02 18:36:54 · answer #10 · answered by Dania C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋