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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Surgery Due To Spinal Stenosis. Prescribed Percocet, Experiencing Severe Constipation, Loose Bowel On Reducing Dose. Solution?

I am taking prescribed percocet 30mg 4-5 times a day; I am having surgery next month for severe spinal stenosis. I have very loose bowel. When I stared the pills I have constipation severe up until a couple of weeks ago. Now when I cutting doses slowly I have loose bowels extremely loose I don't even know I am going all of the sudden I feel it in my underwear. This is GROSS! Anyone experince this?
Wed, 21 Aug 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
PERCOCET is a semi synthetic opioid and it's withdrawl symptoms are same as of other opiates like morphine,codeine,heroine etc.
When opioids are used for a long term then it results in physical dependence on it and constipation is one of the side effects of opiates.
Once opiates are withdrawn,it results in diarrhea.
Treatment involves ....
Very slow withdrawl from opiates like reducing 10% of drug and taking it for 4 weeks and then again reducing it by 10% and taking it for 4 weeks.
This schedule is repeated regularly,till one stops the drug completely.
If you still feel diarrhoea to be a problem,then you can take LOPERAMIDE ( IMODIUM ) under the guidance of your doctor.
Thanks
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Surgery Due To Spinal Stenosis. Prescribed Percocet, Experiencing Severe Constipation, Loose Bowel On Reducing Dose. Solution?

Hello, PERCOCET is a semi synthetic opioid and it s withdrawl symptoms are same as of other opiates like morphine,codeine,heroine etc. When opioids are used for a long term then it results in physical dependence on it and constipation is one of the side effects of opiates. Once opiates are withdrawn,it results in diarrhea. Treatment involves .... Very slow withdrawl from opiates like reducing 10% of drug and taking it for 4 weeks and then again reducing it by 10% and taking it for 4 weeks. This schedule is repeated regularly,till one stops the drug completely. If you still feel diarrhoea to be a problem,then you can take LOPERAMIDE ( IMODIUM ) under the guidance of your doctor. Thanks