Movantik and Constipation: What Users Say

• Fre...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 16, 2021

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I can understand both negative and positive reactions to Movantik. I have experienced both. The first time I had cramps and went immediately. This is while using heroin. During the beginning of the pandemic, copping fentanyl and dope in the street was getting dangerous and hard. So after years of not doing methadone, I got back on. It works differently with methadone. What I do is I cut them in half. I take half in the morning on an empty stomach an hour before my methadone dose, and at night I take the rest. After 20 years of experiencing horrible constipation, chronic inflammation, and severe fatigue, depression, now I go 3 times a day, I lost 50 pounds, and I changed to a plant-based diet. Movantik in combination with diet and exercise can be a lifesaver. Stick with it."

• Hop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2023

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I felt I needed to write this review considering how many negative reviews there are out there for this drug. (There are very few good/positive ones.) Hopefully, those like me will give it a try. My experience so far has been great. I’ve been taking Percocet 10’s, muscle relaxers, and gabapentin daily for the past 22 years due to 24/7 chronic pain. I have severe constipation. I never go on my own without taking something to make me go. I have advanced to taking prescription medications via the doctor. But either they don’t work or eventually stop working for me. I took the first dose in the morning, one hour before any other meds. Had a small bowel movement within 20 mins. After eating a couple of hours later, had a large bowel movement. No withdrawals and very few cramps/stomach pains. (FYI: It was sudden.)"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 29, 2019

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I have been on Percocet and hydrocodone for 4 years and have severe constipation. I also take Movantik. There is a trick to this. You take Movantik first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. I also take a laxative the night before, even though Movantik says not to. I go to the bathroom within 20-30 minutes every single morning. Yes, Movantik causes opioid withdrawal, it is an opioid antagonist. However, if you take a laxative the night before, you will go quickly after taking it, so withdrawals are only 30 minutes to an hour. Withdrawals can be pretty tough at first. However, once I use the bathroom, I immediately take opioids to offset Movantik. If you don't, you will remain in withdrawal. For me, the relief of using the bathroom is worth an hour of discomfort, especially."

• Emi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2017

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I think it’s crazy that medicine specifically prescribed to opioid users will cause opioid withdrawal. Forget that! Take Linzess! I’ve been on Suboxone for 3 years. I’ve had terrible constipation, and when I would finally go, it would be rock solid and extremely painful. Linzess has been life-changing. I go every day. I’m on the highest dosage, the low dosage did absolutely nothing at all. Being constipated is a big deal. It’s awful! My heart goes out to anyone who suffers from it."

• Fib...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2020

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "This stuff, Movantik, is a lifesaver. I take Percocet 10-325 twice a day for a blown-out disc while I'm waiting for surgery. I'm 45. So, I've been on these opioids for about 1.5 months, and the side effects from the opioids, this constipation and resulting anal fissures (blood), are a real problem for me. I had some success with regularity using mini enemas, but was still backed up! First day, I took Movantik early in the morning with coffee and had one good BM. Next day, I took it late afternoon and nothing. Next morning, I took my third dose first thing (with coffee, before opioids) and within 4 hours, had 3 BMs. I'm not crampy at all. The only side effects for me are I feel sweaty, and I have to wait until after BMs to take my opioids. Worth it!!!"

• Jly...
• February 1, 2021

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I've been on a high dose of methadone for 10 years. I have chronic constipation. I started drinking magnesium citrate every other day, and it helps 100%. No pain or anything. Lately, I've needed to drink more and more, so I went to my doctor, who explained that it is really bad to drink magnesium citrate as often as I do, so she had me try this Movantik 12.5 mg. I took it, and after 15 minutes, I started feeling sick, my entire belly bloated out so much I looked about 7 months pregnant! Then I started violently vomiting. I went to bed, then woke up the next morning still bloated. I took another pill, again, on the 3rd day, I couldn't take it anymore, I was going on 14 days without a decent BM...tiny pebbles here and there, and whatever I could get out with a rubber glove wasn't enough! I got myself a bottle of magnesium citrate and drank the whole thing, plus lots of water to clean myself out, then attempted Movantik again. It did the same thing, Movantik made me sick and constipated worse than ever."

• Cak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2015

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I have chronic pain issues and have for years. I am on OxyContin & oxycodone. I have dealt with drug-induced constipation for years. I will NOT ever take another dose of this medicine. It's been several hours since I took my first dose, and I was surprised that I had a bowel movement within an hour. Regular, which was nice for once, then had to go again right away... and again... and again, and things got softer, then went to liquid. I went to bed around 1 AM and was awoken with an urgency to go to the bathroom, only to find that I had 'wet' the bed by the bowel leaking while I slept for ONE hour. My bed was soaked, I was soaked. Not only was I humiliated like a child would be, but the diarrhea isn't stopping! From what I read, the best is yet to come!!"

• Int...
• November 26, 2015

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I have read all of the reviews and am surprised at so many with serious side effects. That is a shame because I have had remarkable success with Movantik. I have taken opioids for 8 years due to chronic and severe degenerative disk disease. I have taken fentanyl, morphine, oxycontin, hydromorphone, etc. The most current treatment is 24 mg of hydromorphone and 15 mg of methadone per day. Constipation was a terrible side effect. I continually used OTC of all types, to little avail. At times, I would go 4-6 days w/o a BM. I had a BM on the first day I took 25 mg of Movantik. No side effects. I take it once per day and have a BM almost once per day. Sometime at the most every two days. Stools are not irregular. For me, a miracle drug."

• Nes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 25, 2020

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I only weigh 110 pounds. So, as a precaution, I cut the Movantik in half, and I'm glad I did. I did everything else I was supposed to do. It was easy not to eat before I took it by only taking it right after I woke up. That way, nothing was in my system. I waited 1 hour to eat and drink coffee. After my coffee, I had luck, and I was good to go. Yes, it made me weak and a little sore feeling in my tummy, but the extreme sickness most people get on here is not my experience. My menstrual cramps are a bit worse. I only take low-dose tramadol. Been on the same amount for 6 years, and only the last few months have I felt constipated. I can't believe how long people wait to seek medical treatment. No wonder you people are getting that sick. Also, follow the rules and don't eat in that window of before and after."

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2018

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "This can be an extremely dangerous drug. My stomach still isn't back to normal 10 days later, and I wasn't terribly constipated. I take magnesium, which can be uncomfortable. This was the worst stomach pain imaginable. I didn't call 911 because I knew that it would work itself out eventually, and what could they do anyway? This was not withdrawal symptoms. I can see someone overdose from pain medication trying to cope with the Movantik-induced pain. I'm sure you can get a perforated stomach lining from the side effects. My stomach feels raw."

• cvd...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 28, 2023

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I previously wrote a review of Movantik, and I gave it a good rating because it did give me a bowel movement every day or every other day. It took about two months for it to get me to that point. So stick with it if you can. I had a temporary lapse in instance for two months, and my doctor gave me samples of Relistor because she didn't have Movantik, and she “preferred” Relistor anyway. It did absolutely nothing for me. I ended up constipated again and even worse. My stomach had terrible cramps, and I ended up having blood coming out. My insurance kicked back in, thankfully, and I am back on Movantik. Please give it a chance before giving up on it! It took about two months before it got me moving every day or every other day. My stools are still hard, but I am passing them easily now without pain or struggling!"

• Pea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2015

For Constipation, Drug Induced "Well, it did what this medicine was supposed to do, although it did cause a small duodenum perforation that landed me in the hospital. I had severe constipation from methadone, which I came off of due to this issue. I felt no pain, I'd like to add, and I would give it the thumbs up. Umm, I was prescribed it after my second day off methadone to reverse the problem. It seemed to work. Better, gentler than Relistor. Hopefully, you folks find this helpful. Also, I did have a little withdrawal, such as sneezing and mild bone chills, but the end outcome I feel was well worth it!! Good luck!"

• Ell...
• April 24, 2016

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I've been in pain management for 6 years, and serious constipation started 2 years ago. Linzess and Amitiza did not work. I was stuck using enemas and self-manual removal. Awful - and takes time. I have drank 3 Magnesium Citrates with no BM! Movantik works, but insurance won't pay, so I take 1/week from the few samples I get. The pain that starts within an hour of Movantik is the worst I've experienced: doubled over at the gut, crying like it could be an ER problem. But I am doubtful of ERs, so I try to make myself comfortable at home while I empty for 5-24 hours. Bloated, completely uncomfortable, and must plan to do nothing until the BMs end. Do feel a little withdrawal, so I take meds. Movantik is my only option. Wish it was more gentle."

• Swn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2016

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I have been on different opioids for a chronic pain issue for 15 years, but since I started taking methadone 5 years ago, I've had horrible problems with constipation. They kept me on Miralax 34 mg twice a day and stool softeners, but even that would only allow me to use the bathroom maybe 3 times a week. I was given Relistor as the injection at home, and the pain was unbearable for 9 hours, and it did not work. I was so scared to take Movantik, but I'm so glad that I did! Just one pill and everything inside me finally came out! My cramping is very minimal, nothing that really hurts much at all, more 'Hey, the pill is working' type of movement and cramps. They have coupons for $20!"

• Opi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2016

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I've been on opiates for many years because of lumbar scoliosis with multiple failed back surgeries. As of the last 5 or 6 months, my constipation worsened to the point where no laxatives were effective. My bowels had almost stopped working. So far, after 3 weeks on Movantik, I have a regular BM almost every day. I do have to use a little Milk of Mag and a stool softener and eat oatmeal to help it along, but I am so much better! I am grateful for this drug, but it is very expensive. I had to make a choice on whether to stay unclogged or take a camping trip to Big Sur. I chose to be unclogged. Sad, I know, but health comes first. Hopefully, I will get an authorization soon. I am not impressed with Obamacare."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2017

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I just started taking this, and it works. I have been taking hydrocodone with codeine 10 mg for a few months and had horrible constipation. Miralax and other products didn't work. Yes, with Movantik, it can be uncomfortable... but I never had any of the other issues. I did get a little dizzy, but nothing serious that would send me to the ER."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2017

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I have been taking opiates for ten years with the common side effect of constipation, so my Dr. prescribed Movantik. It worked, but I really thought I was going to die. The cramps, sweating, head spinning, and yes, it cleans you out with the worst smell ever experienced. If you use this, be ready to suffer."

• Mit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 5, 2016

For Constipation, Chronic "I have taken Movantik less than a week, and it has not worked for me. I have severe abdominal cramps, nausea, bloating, flatulence, and really bad constipation. I was hoping Movantik would work as well as Amitiza did. Do not like this medication and will discontinue it!"

• sad...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 16, 2016

For Constipation, Drug Induced "Been taking Movantik 25 mg for a year due to opioids. After taking it, within 10 minutes, the gas starts. I have an abdominal hernia and get a painful fist-size knot that I have to push on to get it moving. This drug is definitely not a sure thing. I still have to take flax oil capsules or stool softeners, and sometimes even that doesn't help. I do not go without having a movement for more than two days, and then I start with the suppositories and magnesium citrate. Before I got a prescription for this drug, I had constipation so bad I went to the ER twice, and that was the WORST enema experience. I thought I was going to die from my pain and the sweating and chills and trying to push. Eating apples daily helps when I can afford them!"

• Vin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 21, 2017

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I have sensory neuropathy and have been taking opioids for chronic pain for 7 years. For six years, I had continuous constipation and had to use two bucket enemas per week. I tried Movantik for 4 weeks, and there was no effect. I tried Amitiza also for 4 weeks, and there was no effect. My GI said both must be taken. Now I have not had to have a bucket enema for six weeks, it's fantastic to be almost normal as far as bowel movements go."

• Mod...
• December 23, 2019

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I’m on 80 mg of methadone for opioid addiction, and it’s worked brilliantly over the past 5.75 years. I ended up with bad methadone constipation—6 days no BM—and severe gas cramps. I read a lot of horror stories on this site and decided to start with half of a Movantik 25 mg pill. Within 45 minutes, I had what would have been a decent-sized BM—but I was going on 6 days of backup. I had very minimal cramping and no withdrawal symptoms to speak of. 8 hours later, I took the other 1/2—same result. I should note that I’ve been abstaining from taking my methadone for about 2 days, hoping that a) it will help get things moving and b) it would lessen the severity of any withdrawal effects. I’m also on Wellbutrin, which has always worked as a buffer with withdrawal symptoms for me. I felt hardly any symptoms after my initial BM each time I took 1/2 a pill. I’d consider it a success—I feel way less blocked up."

• car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2023

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I took Movantik on the advice of an NPA who works for my primary doctor, whom I have seen before. I had to visit my doctor annually for my Medicaid provider. I am in a hospice program, and my primary doctor is a partner in the practice. However, this medication is the most dangerous one I have ever used. I have survived cancer for 22 years and various other deadly diseases and endured side effects, but never have I experienced anything like when taking Movantik. I take opioids due to chronic pain that neither surgeries nor treatments have relieved, and I have learned to cope with it. Additionally, I have a mild case of constipation, which is one of my many medical issues, including irritable bowel, colitis, duodenal ulcers, and pain, a pacemaker for afib for six years, damaged lungs from pulmonary disease, and cardiologists and primary doctors agreeing to my hospice care. I had been treated by palliative care for three years before transitioning to hospice. So, I had a breast cancer and colorectal cancer scare that was eventually determined to be severe hemorrhoids."

• LA-...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2021

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "After a spinal cord injury, I've been taking 40-60 mg of hydrocodone (Norco) per day. This is not enough to produce withdrawal symptoms on the rare occasion I'm forced to go without, but it is enough to make constipation a big deal. I started with the half-dose (12.5 mg) and no laxatives. That didn't do much, but after a week of experimentation, I was able to reduce the amount of Senna and Miralax that I use. We just upped the dose to 25 mg/day. I can recommend it for people in similar condition."

• jon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2018

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I have been taking Dilaudid for about a year for spinal pain and soft tissue pain from fibromyalgia and interstitial cystitis. I have been taking it for one week and still have not had much of a bowel movement. I see that some are experiencing horrible side effects. I must say I haven't had a single side effect, just the regular bloating and discomfort of constipation. I'm still getting impactions. But my doctor told me to take it, period, without specifying the time of day. I just read you should take it an hour before breakfast. I was taking mine at night! I will change to morning tomorrow. So far, it hasn't helped at all."

• Lap...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 6, 2018

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I've been taking Movantik for 8 months. I agree with some of the other reviews in that it worked great initially but eventually lost its effectiveness. It still helps some, but I have to take Amitiza, Miralax, and fiber supplements along with it. The main disadvantage for me is it reduces the effectiveness of my pain medication. I notice a huge difference in pain control on the days I take it, my meds don't work as well. For this reason, I usually take 1/2 a tablet instead of the whole thing. I have tried just not taking it at all, but I got very constipated despite the 3 other meds I take to prevent that. So I guess 1/2 a tablet is my happy medium."