Naloxegol and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2018

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I took my first dose yesterday morning at seven. Within thirty mins, I had the worst cramps of my life! Was sweating puddles, bright red, sick as anything! My boyfriend had to drive me to the ER. It took Benadryl, Toradol, phenetol, Phenergan, and a muscle relaxer that they had to put in my arm because they couldn't start an IV because my body was going through chills and dehydration from throwing up and horrible diarrhea. My stomach felt like it was tearing! I've been on methadone treatment for a little over two years. I do believe this medication sent me into the worst withdrawals of my life, and that's how it unconstipates you. With my insurance, I paid $30, and I won't be taking the other 29. I wouldn't take the chance of putting yourself through this."

• 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."

• Joy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2018

For Constipation, Drug Induced "My doctor had me try Movantik because I have had 4 back surgeries, all failed to relieve the pain, so now I have to take pain meds just to feel halfway human. I took the Movantik, and it worked really fast the first few times I took it and is still working, not as fast, but it works. Yes, you can get cramps and shouldn't plan on doing much after taking it because you never know when it's going to kick in. I can handle the side effects, and they can be painful. I am so glad that they finally got something that does what it says it's going to do. If you're uncomfortable because you're backed up, give it a try. Good luck to everyone that gives it a try."

• Tre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2018

For Constipation, Drug Induced "My opioid constipation condition was really awful because my Dr. had not suggested a laxative at the time of writing prescriptions for hydrocodone, later oxycodone and Percocet, and I had been taking all of these for more than 2 months and had recently not had a bowel movement in 6 days. I was miserable and couldn't even sit up straight. Movantik was the 3rd prescribed laxative I tried, as the other 2 didn't work consistently. I am very grateful for Movantik. I take it on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning, very little cramping to speak of and (for me) within 2 to 4 hours, I have relief. If I miss a day, I notice I'm not able to go, but I simply make sure to take it every morning for every day I'm taking opioids. I have definitely found that Movantik works for me."

• RNS...
• July 22, 2015

For Constipation, Drug Induced "My PM MD gave me samples after being constantly constipated for 2 years. Post L5-S1 disc replacement - 50 mcg/hr q72h of fentanyl and 10 mg oxycodone 6x day. The 1st time you take Movantik, make sure you take it on a day off from work! I took it on a weekend, first thing in the AM as the instructions say (1 hr before your 1st meal) and had a BM approximately 4 hrs later. I strongly suggest taking a stool softener - the BM was so wide from sitting in my intestines that I cut myself while going and bled (awful feeling). I tried taking every other day but it gave me nausea the day of taking it and usually the day after, very painful cramping before, during, and after taking the pill and having a BM, and decreased appetite. Will try Relistor inj next."

• Jax...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2016

For Constipation, Drug Induced "Worst reaction to a drug I ever had. Horrible 24 hrs after taking the first 25 mg sample. Severe stomach ache, bloating, and cramping. Severe, extreme dizziness...and the drug blocked my morphine and gave me horrible opioid withdrawal effects. I was close to going to the ER but kept telling myself it would be over soon. It didn't happen for 30 hrs. Felt like passing out...I was a mess. I take a lot of meds for chronic Lyme, fibro, and chronic CRPS pain. I would never take this again. What has helped me is the OTC diet pill ALLI, which blocks fat from absorbing in the stomach, and Linzess. The Movantik was a horrible experience for me and will never take again...opioid withdrawal symptoms are awful."

• Ell...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2016

For Constipation, Drug Induced "Used opioids for years, went on methadone and Movantik, and worked within hours after not going for a week at a time, almost regularly. Now go every day and have lost 10 pounds to boot! So happy this drug exists. I had no pain at first, a little intestinal cramping moving out of my system. After a few days, regular, no cramping at all, miracle fix for constipation for people who have to regularly take pain meds!"

• RSD...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2016

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I have full body RSD (CRPS). I started taking opiates for the first time, 10 mg of Methadone 2x a day since October of 2015. Linzess high dose never really worked. I tried Movantik, and it worked the first day. After that, horrific abdominal pain and cramping. Almost couldn't drive when it hit me when I went to vote here in Florida. This drug is garbage. Expensive garbage. Try it, but be careful. Don't get your hopes up."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 27, 2017

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I can't believe Movantik has such terrible reviews. It's because of these reviews that I was scared to try it for 2 months after I got it. Then one day, I decided to try it for myself. This medicine is wonderful! I would have given it a 10, but you do get slight cramping and gas. In my opinion, the benefits outweigh the cramps and gas."

• 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!"

• Gre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2017

For Constipation, Drug Induced "My pain management doc has me on time-release morphine for spinal injuries because other modalities have not worked. Of course, I have severe constipation. Was given samples of Movantik. I took one pill and within one half hour, had severe cramping, and within one hour, total diarrhea. Also had some withdrawal symptoms. I waited a few days, became constipated again, and thought I would try it again. Same effect again except this time, I am three days out from taking the Movantik, and I am still experiencing withdrawal symptoms... nervousness, runny nose, anxiety, headache, and nausea. I have reported the adverse reactions to my doc and will be reporting them to the FDA as well. I am a 67-year-old male."

• Hor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 15, 2019

For Constipation, Chronic "This stuff is horrible! I took 1 dose, 25 mg, within 30-40 minutes, I started getting a really gassy stomach, really distended. Then the abdominal pain and cramping started. It was the worst thing I have ever endured. I almost went to the hospital, it was so incredibly bad. Sweating, yawning, explosive diarrhea. After 24 hours, the cramping and extreme pain have subsided significantly but still have a little. By 36 hours, my stomach feels really bloated, but most of the other side effects have subsided. Thank God! I tell you, that was the WORST experience I have ever endured. No one should take this toxic poison."

• Jer...
• November 14, 2017

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "My doctor gave me some samples of Movantik, as well as an Rx for it. Took the first pill on an empty stomach one hour before a meal, as directed. Cramps started about an hour after taking it. Cramps increased in intensity over the next few hours until I was experiencing the worst stomach pains of my life. I've actually gone to the ER for stomach pain less severe than this. Initial normal bowel movement quickly turned into total diarrhea (with the most horrible odor imaginable). Additional side effects included intense nausea and just an overall feeling of being very sick. These symptoms continued for an agonizing 8 to 10 hours. I reported the side effects to my doctor, and he advised against taking any more of it. This drug is a nightmare."

• Nic...
• April 4, 2021

For Constipation, Chronic "I took this for the 1st time. Two hours after I took it, stomach acid was coming out both ends. Cramps so bad I felt like I was having a baby again - except I wasn’t throwing up while I was in labor. It’s like the flu times 10. I had to go to the hospital for dehydration, and they gave me something to stop the cramps. I was there 5 hours in pain. Never again will I take this."

• Wea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2018

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I’ve been on opioids for about 10 years and have always had problems going to the bathroom (constipation). My doctor gave me 25 mg Movantik to take in the morning, and it worked for me within an hour of taking it. It gave me horrible cramps, so we’ve cut the dose to 12.5 mg. I still cramp a little, but that’s my only side effect. Some days I don’t go to the bathroom after taking Movantik, but sometimes I don’t eat much due to pain. I will never go without Movantik. I feel so much better every day not being bloated and ‘backed up.’"

• Daw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 20, 2019

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "Do NOT USE THIS!! I took the 1st one at 10 a.m. By 11 a.m., I had gone to the bathroom 7x. By 12 p.m., I had such severe cramps and was in full-blown withdrawal. It was worse than any withdrawal I’ve ever experienced. You get no warning about it. The stomach cramps were THE WORST I EVER EXPERIENCED! It was worse than labor! They came every 1-2 minutes, I had to breathe through them, screaming in pain. I wanted to call an ambulance, but I couldn’t move through the pain. I wanted to die. I took an extra dose of my methadone, WHICH I'VE NEVER EVER DONE, and I’m angry that this pill forced me to do it. The withdrawals eased up, but not the cramps. Throwing up. Crying. I’m not a praying person, but I was screaming my prayers to God to stop the pain. After about 6-7 hours, the cramps have subsided. I feel normal now. I immediately just flushed the rest of that medication and will never try anything ever again. I’ll stick with fiber pills and Miralax. DON'T USE!!!!"

• Hig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 28, 2018

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I have been on opioids for over 8 years. Movantik was suggested after an ER visit due to constipation. On my first night of taking this pill, I went into the ER with severe diarrhea (5 episodes in 2 hours), cramping, and nausea. I took the pill again the next night and still got cramps with diarrhea, but both were not as bad as the night before. I kept taking the pill at night before bed, and the side effects got better and better with each continuous night. By the second week, I was no longer cramping nor getting diarrhea. When taken at 10 pm, I would have a bowel movement at about 6 am, and it was loose without needing a laxative. It is my suggestion that even if the first few nights bring diarrhea, cramping, nausea, and other discomforts, to stick with it; it will get better. As painful as those first few nights may be, the long-term outcome of it will be worth it more than the struggle of dealing with the consequences of not staying on Movantik."

• Do...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 1, 2017

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "Do not try this medication. I honestly thought I was going to die 2 hours in the toilet, coming out both ends. My toilet looked like something out of a horror film. I literally felt like I was going to die. Being a female, the cramps felt like labor contractions, the worst pain of my life. This medication needs to be turned in to the FDA!!! Humans should not be their science pigs for this drug. Especially being that we are put on this because we are already in pain - this drug is like taking a death pill! Dangerous! Please stick to an over-the-counter medication for constipation, I would rather be constipated any day than go through what happened to me. I gave this medication 2 weeks, and one night woke up with cramps like I was in labor!!"

• 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!"

• jnl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2018

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I've been on opioids for severe neck and back pain (post-surgical) for more than 10 years. My gastro tested me on several drugs for constipation without success. Movantik was the least expensive and actually created a serious BM within an hour. Unfortunately, I experienced severe cramping, sweating, lightheadedness, and exhaustion during and 1 hour after. I won't take Movantik every day due to cramping, sweating, and weakness, but I can endure the pain once a week. In all fairness, I started Oxygenated Magnesium 07 (magnesium oxide) from a health shop - 3 at night. Mag 07 gave me one BM every 3 days. If I take 4 Mag 07 at night, I have a decent BM the next day. Nowhere near as significant as Movantik, but NO cramping, sweats, etc. Mag 07 may well have set the stage for success with Movantik. I'll stay with Mag 07 and Movantik only once a week. For me, this is a magic combination."

• Mys...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2021

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I took this medicine, and I’m on 95 mg daily of methadone for the past 5 years. Within 20 min, I had to poop, and then I started feeling icky. I went into full-blown withdrawal, and it was terrible. I was shaking, freezing, and sweating, nausea was intense, yawning, runny nose, back pain, and every 10 min, I had more cramping and pooping until my bowel was completely empty. Finally, I tried taking more methadone, but it was being blocked out and wasn’t helping. I then took some Tylenol and a few mg of Xanax, and it knocked me out and I fell asleep finally. Luckily, when I woke up, the withdrawal had passed, but I was in withdrawal for around 3-6 hours. It’s midnight now, and I’m extremely sore from back spasms, and my stomach feels awful. Please don’t take this garbage. Pooping is not that important. Use a stool softener daily. This was the worst day of my life in 5 years."

• Swa...
• December 8, 2016

For Constipation, Drug Induced "Movantik worked like a charm for me - when used correctly, meaning no sooner than 2 hours after your last meal or 1 hour before your first meal of the day. I suffer from pain due to nerve damage in the lower back (S1 nerve root) after multiple surgeries and take oxy and Percocet daily. When I did not follow that very simple schedule (by accident), i.e., took it too close to my last meal, I had horrible bloating, pain, cramping, and terrible diarrhea. So I would guess that many of the negative reviews on here may be because of misuse."

• Kiv...
• March 20, 2016

For Constipation, Drug Induced "Taking it for three months and no bowel movements. I have one movement a month. I really need to poop. All this medicine does is make me feel sick. I take it as it says and nothing happens. In between, I take Miralax, still nothing. I get nauseous, vomiting a lot of the time. Cramps, I am so tired of being full of bowel."

• Tha...
• October 9, 2019

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "Was given a sample of 25 mg from my doc, the pharmacy said not covered on my plan. Got a note months later from my provider that an appeal on my behalf has been ruled favorable on my side. Although still a $100 co-pay, I thought I'd try it, and if it works, it'll be well worth the cost. I took a tablet from my sample. Within 20 mins, cramps started (no sweat, that's expected), another 10 mins and strange sounds started rumbling deep in my gut, and the surprisingly tranquil farting started. Another 15 mins and I was having a bowel movement and was overjoyed. After a few of these, I got a sharp pain in my lower back, I started yawning, cold sweats, and proceeded to have explosive diarrhea for the next 6 hours straight. I also had a severe migraine and thoughts of impending doom. It took 11 hours before my bowels calmed down. I actually slept in my recliner lined with plastic trash bags in case I blew containment. Now, nearly 24 hours later, my gut is finally somewhat back to normal. $2.49 enema."

• Mur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 31, 2016

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I've been a chronic pain patient for 13 years. I currently take 128 mg of Exalgo ER daily and 1-2, 8 mg Dilaudid IR PRN, no more than 6 tabs per day. I'm very familiar with constipation. When offered Movantik 25 mg every morning, I happily took it, and within a day I was going easily but with a cramp pain. After a few more days, my guts started killing me, so I stopped taking Movantik. 11 days later, severe constipation returns. Doc and I think since I've such a high tolerance, my gut experienced physical withdrawal. So today, starting on ~8 mg (~1/3 of 25 mg tab) every 2-3 days. Anyone else taking Movantik similarly?"