Opioids (narcotics) are a type of prescription pain medication used for severe pain relief. They should usually be used only for a short time. Long-term opioid use can lead to side effects. Opioids may slow down muscles in your gut making it difficult to have a bowel movement (called constipation). They may also make it harder for your bladder muscles to squeeze to pass urine or empty your bladder (called urinary retention).
Adults who take opioids can have more problems with constipation and urinary retention.
You may have constipation if:
- You often have less than three bowel movements in one week
- You frequently have a hard time passing stools
- You often feel you do not have a complete bowel movement
Constipation that happens quickly or lasts a long time may cause stomach pain, confusion and hemorrhoids.
You may have urinary retention if:
- Your bladder often does not feel empty after using the restroom
- Your urine flow commonly stops and starts, or is slow
- You cannot urinate as often as you feel you need to
If urinary retention happens a lot, you may get bladder and kidney infections.
Other effective pain management options are available with fewer side effects, including:
- Non-drug treatments such as physical therapy, exercise, and appropriate nutrition and hydration
- Non-opioid pain medications commonly seen over the counter, such as Aleve, Advil, and Tylenol
- Other methods include lidocaine patches, anti-inflammatory gels, hot and cold compresses, and injections
If you need to continue taking opioids for chronic pain, there are medications and supplements to help you have bowel movements. If you are taking opioids and have constipation, problems passing urine, frequent urine infections, abdominal discomfort or notice blood in stools, speak to your doctor.
Download the free NARCANsas app on your cellphone, tablet, or computer. This app offers life-saving information and resources on opioids. It provides resources, links, and tools to help you administer naloxone during an opioid overdose and guides you through the steps to save a life. Additionally, the app includes information on treatment, prevention, and recovery.
For Android Users: Google Play: https://bit.ly/2VYcpq8
For Apple Users: iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/narcansas/id1460163807?mt=8
- de Boer HD, Detriche O, Forget P. Opioid-related side effects: Postoperative ileus, urinary retention, nausea and vomiting, and shivering. A review of the literature. Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2020 Jun 16]; 31(4):499-504.
- Wald A. Patient education: Constipation in adults (Beyond the Basics). Post TW, ed. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc. https://www.uptodate.com/ (2020).
- Rickey LM. Chronic urinary retention in women. Post TW, ed. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc. https://www.uptodate.com/ (2020).
Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services
This education was made possible by Grant Number 1H79T108700-01 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services.
