Naloxegol and Withdrawal: What Users Say

• Fro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2016

For Constipation, Drug Induced "Do not take this medication!!! 30 minutes after I took it, I had the worst stomach cramps and pains I have ever encountered. Finally, after I got everything out, I started feeling withdrawal symptoms. I tried to take my Methadone dose so the withdrawal would go away, but it didn't help. I'm sitting here right now wondering how long this stays in my system and thinking about how bad I want to curse my doctor out. I just wanted to relieve myself, not go into full withdrawal. What the heck?!"

• MzC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 2, 2015

For Constipation, Drug Induced "After using Relistor shots as needed for my OIC (opioid-induced constipation) (which caused extreme stomach cramps and diarrhea, but it's very effective), my PM doc put me on Movantik. I didn't see results that were nearly as drastic, but it seemed to kind of work. It seems that my pain meds aren't as effective with Movantik in my system. I've had withdrawal symptoms: sweats, cramping, anxiety, yawning profusely, agitation, and my anxiety level has gone through the roof. Not worth it. It's produced BMs on occasion, but I'll stick to my stool softeners, laxatives, and drinking lots of water. I don't like the idea of having another addictive drug in my body to counteract symptoms from the first one. And feeling like crap is not a good trade. GOOD LUCK!"

• EMS...
• September 24, 2015

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I am on opioids for chronic back pain. I used Miralax and Metamucil, but my bowel movements were irregular, and I felt like I was emptying out and backing up. I tried 25 mg on an empty stomach at 3 pm yesterday for the first time. I started having cramps. I called my doctor and added a suppository. Twenty minutes later, I had a massive bowel movement over 30 minutes. None after that. This morning, I woke up in withdrawal, feeling cold, nauseous, having abdominal cramps, horrible pain, and generally feeling lousy. It was odd as my last pain med dose was six hours before, and I do not usually get withdrawals that quickly. My morning pain meds fixed the withdrawals, but I was still in significant pain until 1 pm after the second pain med dose at 12. It seems to decrease the pain-reducing effects of opioids."

• hun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2019

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "Worst medication I've ever tried. It gets rid of your constipation but also causes horrible withdrawal. At first, I thought everything was fine. Six hours in, I had gone to the toilet four times. I was okay except for some stomach pain, which I expected. After eight hours in, I had the most horrendous cramps of my life. My whole body ached. I was nauseous. As time goes on, I realized I was in full-blown withdrawal. I started shivering. The cramps, pain, and diarrhea were horrible. Twelve hours in, I can't leave the toilet. My pain's unbearable. I felt I had nothing left to evacuate, but I keep just cramping up. My entire body is shaking. FYI, I take 30 mg oxycodone IR every three hours and Norco 10 four times daily. Movantik has made this ineffective. I'm writing this in the hopes that you do not take this drug. I was going to the bathroom every morning with just Miralax. My insurance company decided to stop covering it. But I'll figure out I'll just buy the Miralax. It's the next morning now, and finally, it's over except for residual cramps."

• mit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2017

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I started taking Movantik about 3 to 4 months ago. At first, it seemed to work great. Then, as weeks went by, I noticed that it did not seem to work as well or at all. I started taking the drug in the morning and then late at night, and usually, the second dose would work. Then, I noticed something strange where I would feel really sick, especially during the daytime. And I finally figured it out and realized it is the Movantik causing withdrawal symptoms. Not like complete withdrawal because I am on fentanyl patches. But enough of a withdrawal feeling where I cannot function at work. My recommendation is to not take this drug more than twice a week because it loses its potency. And only take this drug at night so you don't have withdrawal symptoms."

• Sno...
• September 5, 2020

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I have been on methadone for 9 years, and I have extremely bad constipation from it. A few months ago, I was in the ER for constipation-related problems, and the ER doctor gave me a prescription for Symproic. It worked great for a while, but didn't last long, so my GI doctor prescribed me Movantik. I took it a little before bedtime, about 20 minutes later, I started getting painful cramps and sweating. Fifteen minutes after that, I had a small BM. The cramps lasted about 2 hours, and by that time, I was in full withdrawal. I was in withdrawal all night until I took my methadone the next morning, I wasn't able to get much sleep. The Movantik did work, and the cramps were bearable, but the withdrawal was too much for me. I do not think it is worth it to take this every day, but if you don't mind the withdrawal, this medication may be worth it to you."

• 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."

• Tru...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2022

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "**Warning** Especially for Suboxone users. Do NOT swallow a Movantik pill. What you are essentially taking is a withdrawal pill, from which there is no undoing. I drink 60 oz of SmartWater (x2 big bottles) a day and eat a fiber-rich diet, i.e., dates, almonds, oatmeal, smoothies, Fiber One bars, and I'm fine. If you travel like I do, then you will have rough patches if you fall off your routine. And if any doctors are reading this, if you are going to prescribe this horrible med, be very clear with your patient that it's very likely to plunge the user into full-blown withdrawals. If this nightmare pill has any purpose, it's for a 70-year-old war vet with a broken back that's been taking opiates for 35 years and wears an adult diaper. Otherwise, discontinue this horrible medicine."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2017

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "Been on methadone for a year now, currently at 30 mg and tapering down. Tried Movantik and had horrible side effects-intense abdominal pain, stomach spasms which caused uncontrollable vomiting, sweating, withdrawal symptoms that put me in bed for the day. Almost went to the ER. THANK YOU to the person who posted on Feb 26th! Magnesium Oxide 500 mg and Docusate Sodium stool softener 100 mg... I never thought I'd go from clumped marbles, hard as rocks to a smooth, non-painful BM, but this has done wonders for me. Took 3-4 of each at night to start and I was blown away. Now taking 1-2 of each and it's still working. I just wish I knew about this months ago. Buy generic, less than $10 at Walmart. Give it a try if Movantik has failed you!"

• Riv...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 24, 2019

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I've tried every laxative (OTC and prescription) for my Suboxone-induced constipation, and while it does cause withdrawal and some pain, it actually works without me needing to stay home all day so I can be near a toilet. I will say that it seems to weaken the effects of the Suboxone."

• ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2023

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "The Movantik did help with opioid-induced constipation, however, the withdrawals that it gave me are just horrible. Taking half 3 hours before eating and on a completely empty stomach helped. However, I cannot handle withdrawals. I've been on opioids for 10 years due to hemochromatosis, which was never diagnosed until my sixties. I think I'll try some of the other brands and see if they're any different. But it did produce a complete clean-out within 45 minutes."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!!!!"

• Don...
• September 2, 2018

For Constipation, Drug Induced "Danger. Do not use Movantik. It is the worst, and within 1 hour, you will have a bowel motion, but you will have such bad pains and withdrawals. It is sad, they should take it off the market. Do not use, I warn again, do NOT use. The worst pains lasted for about 4 hours."

• jtj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2016

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I have been on various opioid pills for five years and fentanyl patches for two years. I was generally able to cope with the OIC symptoms from just the pills with 1500 mg of magnesium and an occasional Linzess, but when I started the fentanyl patches, I was fairly sure I was dying. The Linzess didn't even touch this constipation. Movantik returned me to my pre-fentanyl condition of only mild constipation. For anyone with severe OIC, mild constipation is heavenly. I have had none of the reported stomach pain, withdrawal symptoms, etc. I take it at least an hour before or two hours after eating. I do still need to take an occasional Linzess. When I ran out for two days, the OIC came back immediately."

• Lau...
• June 14, 2019

For Constipation, Drug Induced "So I am on 70 mg of methadone and have been on it for about 4 years. It is what causes my super horrible constipation. I tried 1 25 mg Movantik for the first time yesterday. I took the pill at 1 pm on an empty stomach when I got home from the pharmacy. Within 20 minutes, I experienced the WORST stomach pain of my entire life. I immediately ran to the bathroom to try to go and couldn't. I had to go lay down immediately, the pain was so intense. This was on and off for about an hour with no luck using the bathroom. Then, about 1 hour and a half after taking the pill, I was in full-blown withdrawal. It was terrible, I was crying and in so much pain. I was contemplating going to the hospital, but I couldn't even walk and muster up the energy to go. I will NEVER take this medication again, and I am very, very upset my doctor did not warn me about these side effects. Had I known the risk, I would have never even tried it."

• Kil...
• August 25, 2020

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I read each review before I got it. I would have done anything to go number twos in the bathroom. I am 5'9" and 115 lbs with an extended stomach. I am lucky if I go once a month. I didn't realize how many people have this, and I can feel the pain you all have. After 27 years of being on some type of opioid, I am down to 2 Suboxone. I took this for 5 days and went through bad withdrawal. I wouldn't care if it made me go to the bathroom! I was sweating, every bone hurt, and I had no sleep, but nothing happened in my stomach! Then I did more research, and the main ingredient is 25 mgs of Naloxegol! Exactly the same as the 2 mgs Naloxone in Suboxone. They say it only goes in your intestines, which is impossible by how it affected my body. People don't understand what not going to the bathroom does to us. If I could add one thing, I was on methadone for 3+ years, and that stuff is worse than heroin! So if you are young and on that, please try and switch. I wish someone told me that when I was 28!"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 21, 2017

For Constipation, Drug Induced "The terrible withdrawal symptoms listed in most of these reviews are enough for me to skip the trip to the doc and try Movantik. The way to go, at least for me (have fentanyl patch and breakthrough opioids for over 10 years). Get MIRALAX but buy the generic brand, you get 3 huge bottles for about $22. I didn't personally take Movantik, after reading these reviews, I wanted to provide an option for all of you who go through the opioid-induced constipation. It is so bad and hurts so much. I take the generic MIRALAX every day without fail. I also take the 100 mg docusate (over the counter now) one at night and morning. It has worked very well and my constipation was so bad. Of course, check with your doc before using."

• 2sa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2016

For Constipation, Drug Induced "Extreme withdrawal symptoms. Chills, runny nose, cramps, pain, nausea, shakes, felt terrible. It worked well for the first two days for a bowel movement, but then stopped working as well. The bad side effects continued all the time I was on the drug (2 months). My pain doctor was surprised at my reaction to the drug, as most of her patients handle it well. Insurance (UH) refused to pay for it after 2 months. My cost was going to be around $400 a month, not worth it for me."

• Lee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2017

For Constipation, Drug Induced "Been on opiates for 10 years, broke my back, had a fusion, and have basically suffered since. Talked to doc about the med the 1st two times. I was amazed and so happy to have relief. 3rd time I took it, I was in withdrawal and couldn't go to work, it was so bad. :( And I took it at night all 3 times. I'm so disappointed that it did this. I'm scared to take it again, but now again back to being stopped up."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2016

For Constipation, Drug Induced "It's a complete contradiction, on one hand, it'll make you go for sure, till it's running down your legs in the middle of the night. On the other hand, it only works as a fast-acting medication. So you get to go through the cramping, sweating, irritation, withdrawals, and panic every time you want to go. I took my second pill a few weeks ago and posted the effects here. I haven't taken any more but am still having all of these side effects every time I have to go. I thought I would be over all this by now. I'm miserable, along with sleeping legs."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2019

For Constipation, Drug Induced "Thirty minutes after taking Movantik, I had a weird taste in my mouth, then started itching. It did work twice, but I feel like I have the flu, felt like it all day today. My pain has been awful today, despite my Morphine ER every 8 hours. Then it hit me, I think this medicine may have done something to my pain medication. It feels like withdrawal. Won’t be taking it anymore. I have enough bad days with this chronic pain from severe arthritis in the cervical spine, and herniated discs, foraminal narrowing, occipital neuralgia, CMPs and fibromyalgia, multiple joint osteoarthritis, and motility disorders in my esophagus, along with level C esophagitis and gastroparesis, etc., etc. I don’t need this Movantik helping to add to my bad days. It did work and fast, but not at this cost."

• Wil...
• August 23, 2015

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I have fibromyalgia, IBS-C, and worst of all, OIC. I took as prescribed one day. I got horrible pain and withdrawal symptoms, gut gurgled for a couple hours in the morning. Then zip, nada, nothing! I was out after that. Second day too sick. I thought I should give it a second try two weeks later to make sure as I had high hopes I might get back some of my life. Same again but worse. Kept repeating symptoms at odd times for four days so far. I dread reliving withdrawals at bedtime. Docs should know fibromyalgia is a brain-related disease, so the med is crossing the blood barrier."

• 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."