Codeine and constipation

[Dilbertian]

One dose. That's all it takes.

I've taken a fibre supplement and tried to drink as much water as possible. It's still had a bunging effect. I think codeine is more effective at bunging me up than at relieving my pain!

Any tips, please? Increase fibre? Something else?

I won't take it for this reason - the constipation is worse than the pain from my arthritis for me! When I have to I take lactulose every day as well, it's the only way!

Lactulose - good idea. How did I not think of it? I shall send dh out to get some for me.

I know how I did not think of it: another thing codeine does - turns me even more dopey than usual.

Or would Laxido be better? I'm pretty sure I've tried both of them and one was better than the other, but which?

I should make notes when I have codeine, so I don't have to work it all out again each time. Because when I have codeine I cannot remember what helps.

I'm currently on codeine and lactulose is helping a bit. I asked not to be given them for this exact reason!

I absolutely sympathise. I had to stop it for my frozen shoulder because the constipation was so bad. Can you ask your doctor for an alternative painkiller?

You need Laxido/Movicol to get things moving. I’d add in a glycerin suppository to get it over the finish line.

I'm reluctant to take NSAIDs because, even with omeprazole, they trigger oesophagitis, plus I'm asthmatic. Which is a pain (ha ha ha) because I generally find them very effective.

Get a suppository from the pharmacy, think it's called microlax. Within 5 minutes of insertion you should go. I would then take a stool softener everyday.