Ending Constipation from Suboxone and Buprenorphine

Constipation is one of the few potential side effects caused by buprenorphine medications, including Suboxone Film and Zubsolv. Fortunately, ‘binding up’ can be managed by making minor changes to your lifestyle. Constipation from buprenorphine is caused by activation of mu opioid receptors in the small and large intestine, reducing the sequential squeezing and relaxation (called peristalsis) that pushes bowel contents forward. All opioids have similar effects, mimicking our natural endorphins throughout the body. Endorphins are released during trauma to naturally block pain and to divert blood flow to areas where it is needed most — and the bowel is relatively shut down during those periods to conserve energy. Constipation problems from buprenorphine (I’ll use that term for Suboxone, Zubsolv, Bunavail, or any other form of buprenorphine) often occur in people who are already having some constipation problems, where the medication makes things worse. The first few ideas I’ll offer will help anybody, regardless of whether they take buprenorphine or other opioids. Diet and Hydration The function of the large intestine is primarily to reabsorb water. The amount of water reabsorbed is related to the time that contents spend in transit. This will be a bit graphic… but that’s why the first part of a bowel movement is generally hard and drier than what follows. That first part has been through the ascending colon, the transverse...
Source: Suboxone Talk Zone - Category: Addiction Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: blogs