10 min
- Tips
- Lifestyle
- Medication
Yes, it’s true: your medications can be the cause of your constipation
You’ve been feeling constipated and can’t seem to find an obvious reason for the blockage. Look over your medication list, and you may find the source. Constipation has many causes, but medications are among the most common. Medications can affect the central nervous system and muscle function in the bowel, while others affect water absorption in your stools. In fact, constipation is a leading side effect of both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Why is my medication causing my constipation?
It can be frustrating when you feel the urge to get relief but can't seem to go. If you’ve reviewed your diet, lifestyle, stress levels, and you still can’t seem to find the root cause of your constipation, consider whether medication side effects are causing your symptoms. It’s important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you think your constipation may be related to medication. Don’t stop taking your medication without first seeking the advice of a healthcare professional.
Antidepressants
A lot of antidepressants that treat the nerve endings in the brain also affect nerve endings in the gut. That can lead to significant side effects, which can include constipation.
Opioids
The narcotic effect of strong pain medication, such as opioids, can cause the nerves in the gut to slow down tremendously, inhibiting bowel movement which leads to constipation.
Calcium-channel blockers
You may recognize this medication type if you suffer from high blood pressure. Their objective is to relax the muscles in blood vessels to lower blood pressure – but one of their side effects is that they can also relax the muscles in the gut and may cause constipation
Anticholinergics (for urinary incontinence)
These medications block the effects of acetylcholine, a chemical that helps the muscles move. By blocking the action of that chemical, less movement in the muscles also includes the muscle that are in the gut – which can lead to constipation.
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What medication can cause constipation?
Here are the most common culprits
Pain relief medicines
Strong pain medicines, such as opioids, narcotics containing codeine, oxycodone (Oxycontin®) and hydromorphone (Dilaudid®) are known to cause constipation as a side effect. Common OTC pain relief medicines, however, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil®, Aleve®) are also well-known triggers.
Anemia treatments
Iron supplements are also known to cause constipation.
Epilepsy medications
Anticonvulsant/seizure medications, such as phenytoin and gabapentin are known to cause constipation
Antidepressants
Antidepressants, including the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (like fluoxetine [Prozac®]) or tricyclic antidepressants (like amitriptyline [Elavil®]) can cause constipation as a side-effect.
Antipsychotics
These drugs, taken for disorders such as schizophrenia, can reduce bowel motility which in turn can cause constipation
Indigestion remedies
Remedies for heartburn and indigestion often contain calcium or aluminum which can lead to constipation.
High blood pressure medication
Many types of blood pressure medication, including calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers can affect your digestive system by slowing it down which can lead to constipation.
Allergy medications
Allergy medications, such as antihistamines can cause constipation.
Tips and tricks to get relief
You may be on a specific medication that is causing your constipation – and if that is the case, it doesn’t make you helpless. With the help of your doctor, you can act on it and work together to prevent future bouts of constipation.
Seek help from your healthcare professional.
If you are suffering from occasional constipation that you think is related to your medication, please seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
Remember: You should never change or stop prescribed medications without talking to a healthcare professional first.
Everything you need to know
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Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. Constipation: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention. July 11th, 2019. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4059-constipation
- Canadian Digestive Health Foundation. Understanding the Prevalence and Impact of Constipation in Canada A Special Report from the CDHF. February 2014
- Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School. What to do when medication makes you constipated. October 22nd, 2019. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/what-to-do-when-medication-makes-you-constipated