Narcotic Bowel Syndrome

Narcotic bowel syndrome, or opioid-induced hyperalgesia, is becoming increasingly prevalent as doctors continue to prescribe opioids to treat pain. It is common in people who are dependent on opioids, but the disorder can develop in anyone who takes opioids after surgery or anyone taking the medication to treat chronic pain.

Opioids slow transit through the bowel, causing an individual to experience adverse side effects. They may also cause an increased sensitivity to pain — a phenomenon called opioid-induced hyperalgesia — in people taking high doses for long periods of time.

Narcotic bowel syndrome causes chronic or recurrent abdominal pain in 6 percent of patients taking opioids, especially those with a gastrointestinal (GI) tract disorder.

Unfortunately, few physicians are aware that narcotic bowel syndrome exists or that increased sensation to pain may be caused by long-term narcotic use. For opioid users, experiencing this condition may drastically impact their quality of life. Narcotic bowel syndrome is difficult to recognize and may result in doctors misdiagnosing and improperly treating stomach pain.

What Are the Symptoms of Narcotic Bowel Syndrome?

Abdominal pain is the predominant symptom of narcotic bowel syndrome. When an opioid user first experiences these side effects, their doctor may increase their dosage of opioids. This will only worsen the abdominal pain.

Other side effects that may indicate narcotic bowel syndrome are different from common opioid side effects.

Some patients with the condition report that eating aggravates their pain symptoms. This can lead to food avoidance, which results in weight loss.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Narcotic Bowel Syndrome?

In an X-ray of the abdomen there may be indications of partial obstruction in the intestines. However, this is usually just a backup of stool and air, which can lead to a misdiagnosis.

The disorder may be suspected when escalating the dosage of opioids is no longer helpful in decreasing chronic or worsening abdominal pain.

Source: International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders

This criterion must be fulfilled for the previous three months with symptom onset at least six months before being diagnosed, with pain occurring on most days. The key to being diagnosed relies on the recognition that long-term or increasing the doses of opioids lead to worsening symptoms rather than relief.

How Is Narcotic Bowel Syndrome Treated?

The first step to treating narcotic bowel syndrome is to withdraw from opioids. The time frame needed for a successful opiate withdrawal is around 10 to 14 days. This may be undertaken as an outpatient, but experts advice that withdrawal be started in an inpatient facility under the supervision of an experienced specialist.

Just prior to the opiate detox, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants to be taken during and after treatment. Antidepressants are successfully used in treatment of chronic abdominal pain in general.

After a period of being on antidepressants, doctors will gradually wean you from opioids. Short-term medications such as Clonidine may be introduced to block some of the withdrawal effects and help with symptoms of anxiety.

If you’re narcotic bowel syndrome is the result of addiction, opioid treatment can alleviate your painful symptoms and lead you on a path to recovery.

Author

Drugrehab.com, , DrugRehab.com

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View Sources

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