Buprenorphine and constipation.

[Ruffabug]

Can anyone tell me how constipating Buprenorphine is please? I’ve heard a lot about the nausea it causes but not that other side effect of all morphine drugs. Is it better or worse than other opioids? As it is supposed to be the best one for controlling RLS and my Neurologist is going to ask my GP to prescribe the lowest dose in tablet form, I wish to hear from those who have tried it. I don’t need it yet, but will do when the augmentation from the Neupro patches gets bad. As I am terminally ill, he is not concerned about what I take, he just wants to keep me comfortable. I am in UK and he says if my GP won’t prescribe it then he will write a script himself for me. I gave him the Mayo Algorythm to read. He knows that I suffered very badly with constipation when having chemo, just from low dose Oramorph so we are both concerned that Buprenorphine will have a similar, or worse effect.

[Joolsg]

If you are susceptible to opioid constipation, Buprenorphine may well cause constipation. I know that DavChar has had this issue, and several others.

I have not had constipation as a symptom, but I take 3 magnesium citrate pills every night and eat lots of brassica ( cauliflower, broccoli).

My mum is 93 on morphine and she uses lactulose for the opioid constipation.

[RiversW]

Dear Ruffabug,

I have been using a 20mg 7 day patch for two months and have had no issues with constipation or nausea. Before Buprenorphine, I took codeine for 30 years for my RLS; no problem either. Fortunately, my body does not seem to be vulnerable to either side effect.

When I started taking Buprenorphine, I did start feeling depressed and my anxiety levels increased. However, I was withdrawing from Neupro at the same time so I can't be certain that Buprenorphine was the cause. I am taking Wellbutrin which helps considerably.

I am sorry I cannot help more, but this is my experience.

Good luck!

[Ruffabug in reply to RiversW]

Thank you. You are lucky you don’t seem to be prone to constipation. I never have been in the past but when I had to take Oramorph that kick started it with a vengeance. Perhaps now I’m not on chemo, it may not be so bad.

[SueJohnson]

As Joolsg mentioned opioids can definitely cause constipation. I can give you a number of suggestions, but what did you use when you had it previously and was it effective?

[Ruffabug in reply to SueJohnson]

I had severe constipation when on Oramorph. It made me sick and i had to spend a week in bed not keeping anything down. I was on many Laxidos plus senna and the nurses were coming in to give me daily enemas and anti nausea injections. It was hell! I never want to get into that situation again!

[SueJohnson]

Oh that's terrible !!! - I don't blame you, and any suggestions I would give you wouldn't be any better. Sounds like buprenorphine and any opioids aren't for you.

[Marlayna67]

i’m always dealing with constipation as I have as my friend describes the digestive system of an anaconda. I’ve just made it a habit to take a daily product in the morning on a low-dose to keep things moving.

[Ruffabug in reply to Marlayna67]

Thank you.

[707twitcher]

I thought that buprenorphine was causing pretty severe constipation for me, but just discovered recently that it was the combination of buprenorphine and cannabis. Stopping the cannabis has helped a lot. While cannabis doesn’t have constipation as a common side effect, the combination with an opioid was not good for me.

[Ruffabug in reply to 707twitcher]

Thank for that advice.

[Shumbah]

I have managed well with Miralax it draws water into the bowel important to have 2 litres of water every day .

I line my 4 water bottles up everyday with lemon and fresh mint , you can subtract your tray or drink 8 cups of tea instead .

It can’t work if you are not drinking your fluids.

If you ever need something else Chinese remedy which works well is stew pear leave in the juices and refrigerate until cold .Eat them cold with the juice eat for 3 days

miralax active ingredient is Polyethylene Glycol 3350 that the generic name clearlax I think is the same ingredients and cheaper .

I m so pleased that you will soon have relief from this vile uncomfortable condition.

[Ruffabug in reply to Shumbah]

Thank you for that advice.

[Ticki]

hi hon, I’ve been on that prescription for a little over three years and yes it causes constipation but I’ve got down a regiment of few over-the-counter constipation pills and a 12 ounce glass of prune juice and I seem to pretty much keep it under control now and then when it doesn’t work it’s been really bad so I hope yours comes down after that chemotherapy and stuff and gets way better for you .💜

[Ruffabug in reply to Ticki]

Thank you for that advice.

[hausbauer]

I take Macrogol 4000 which is a stool softener. Half of the recommended dose is enough for me.

All the best.

[Ruffabug in reply to hausbauer]

Thank you.

[Nanpat]

Hi , I have tried many different opioids and my Bup patch has been a life saver!!! Wish I knew about it 20 yrs ago. I have not suffered any nausea being on it and only mild constipation . In saying that I also take oxycodone for my back which is likely the culprit.

I try to take a movicol sachet every second day to improve things.

Hope this helps and good luck, I’m sure it will settle your legs (hopefully)

[Ruffabug in reply to Nanpat]

Thank you.