What medications are known to cause constipation?

Constipation happens when you have trouble going to the bathroom or don't go as often as usual. It can make your stool hard and difficult to pass. While many things like diet and exercise affect your bathroom habits, certain medications can also cause constipation. Understanding which medications might lead to constipation can help you know what to do if you experience this problem. Below, we will review some common types of medications that can cause constipation.

Pain medications

Strong pain medications, especially opioids, are some of the most common causes of constipation. These include medications with ingredients like codeine, oxycodone (Oxycontin), and hydromorphone (Dilaudid). These drugs slow down the nerves in your gut, making it harder for waste to move through your intestines. Even some over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) can sometimes cause constipation.

Antidepressants

Medications used to treat depression can affect both the brain and the gut. Many antidepressants work on nerve endings in the brain, but they also affect nerve endings in your digestive system. Common antidepressants that may cause constipation include:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like paroxetine (Paxil)
• Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline (Elavil)

Blood Pressure Medications

If you take medicine for high blood pressure, it might be causing your constipation. Calcium channel blockers are blood pressure medications that relax the muscles in blood vessels to lower blood pressure. However, they can also relax the muscles in your gut, leading to constipation. Other blood pressure medications like beta-blockers can also slow down your digestive system.

Allergy Medications

Many allergy medications, especially antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can cause constipation. These medications block a chemical called acetylcholine, which helps your muscles move. When this chemical is blocked, there's less movement in your gut, making it harder to have bowel movements.

Iron Supplements

If you're taking iron for anemia or other conditions, you might notice constipation as a side effect. Iron supplements are well-known for causing digestive issues, including constipation.

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Antacids

Some remedies for heartburn and indigestion contain ingredients like calcium or aluminum, which can lead to constipation. These are often found in over-the-counter products used to treat upset stomach.

Anticholinergics

Anticholinergics are used to treat urinary incontinence (bladder leakage). These include medications like oxybutynin (Ditropan). These medications can cause constipation because they affect muscle movement throughout your body, including your intestines.

Antipsychotics

Antipsychotic medications used to treat conditions like schizophrenia can reduce bowel movement and cause constipation. These medications affect various systems in your body, including your digestive system.

How to Manage Medication-Induced Constipation

If you think your medication is causing constipation, don't stop taking it without talking to your healthcare provider first. Your prescriber might:

• Change your dosage
• Switch you to a different medication
• Recommend treatments for constipation

Other strategies to manage constipation include:

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help soften your stool and make it easier to pass.
• Add fiber to your diet: Eating foods high in fiber or taking fiber supplements can help relieve constipation. Fiber supplements like psyllium (Metamucil), wheat dextrin (Benefiber), and methylcellulose (Citrucel) add bulk to your stool and help it retain water.
• Consider over-the-counter treatments: Ask your healthcare provider if you should take a stool softener or laxative.

If you have severe constipation, belly pain, or notice blood in your stool, contact your healthcare provider right away. These could be signs of a more serious problem that needs medical attention.

Conclusion

Many common medications can cause constipation as a side effect. Pain medications, antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, and allergy medicines are among the most frequent culprits. If you're experiencing constipation and taking any of these medications, talk with your healthcare provider. They can help you find ways to manage constipation while still getting the benefits of your medication. Never stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting your healthcare provider, as this could be harmful to your health.