OTC pain killer that won't cause constipation?
December 30, 2015 4:45 PM Subscribe
I had a killer headache today and broke down and took 400 mg of ibuprofen and it seems to work. But, it also has the side effect of making it pretty likely for me not to go number 2 tomorrow. I pretty much swore the stuff off but, keep it in my medicine cabinet for stuff that is worse than the constipation. I would obviously prefer something that doesn't do that. Acetimophen is nowhere near as good. Any other options I can get without a prescription?
I've never heard of this happening with ibuprofen, just opiates. But can you try a stool softener? You should be able to get some OTC stuff.
posted by St. Hubbins at 4:48 PM on December 30, 2015 [11 favorites]
posted by St. Hubbins at 4:48 PM on December 30, 2015 [11 favorites]
The old-fashioned remedy? Aspirin.
posted by Carol Anne at 4:55 PM on December 30, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by Carol Anne at 4:55 PM on December 30, 2015 [3 favorites]
Does Aleve (also known as naproxen sodium) constipate you? It's my go to for headaches any time I have one. If Aleve doesn't knock it, then I try acetomenaphen or ibuprofen.
posted by MultiFaceted at 5:06 PM on December 30, 2015
posted by MultiFaceted at 5:06 PM on December 30, 2015
Response by poster: Not sure I want to combine ibuprofen with laxatives but, i guess if it needs to be it needs to be.
posted by mamamia88 at 5:08 PM on December 30, 2015
posted by mamamia88 at 5:08 PM on December 30, 2015
Does Aleve (also known as naproxen sodium) constipate you? It's my go to for headaches any time I have one.
This was going to be my suggestion as well, mainly because naproxen is chemically similar to ibuprofen; both are so-called propionic acid derivatives. This could mean that it would have a lesser constipatory effect but the same pain-relief ability. (Or vice versa, unfortunately, but it'd probably still be worth trying a related drug before trying something else entirely new.)
posted by Johnny Assay at 5:12 PM on December 30, 2015
This was going to be my suggestion as well, mainly because naproxen is chemically similar to ibuprofen; both are so-called propionic acid derivatives. This could mean that it would have a lesser constipatory effect but the same pain-relief ability. (Or vice versa, unfortunately, but it'd probably still be worth trying a related drug before trying something else entirely new.)
posted by Johnny Assay at 5:12 PM on December 30, 2015
The problem with pain killers is that they are so personalized it's hard to give general advice. There are a bunch out there; some will work for you, and some will not. My mileage will almost certainly vary. You are probably going to have to try a bunch to find out what works best for you; there's no way that strangers on the internet will reveal more than trial and error.
posted by croutonsupafreak at 5:19 PM on December 30, 2015
posted by croutonsupafreak at 5:19 PM on December 30, 2015
Excedrin might work for you - acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine. It is my go-to for headache.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 5:25 PM on December 30, 2015 [8 favorites]
posted by PorcineWithMe at 5:25 PM on December 30, 2015 [8 favorites]
Lots of water, more fiber, and stick with the painkiller that works best for you.
posted by RainyJay at 5:25 PM on December 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by RainyJay at 5:25 PM on December 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
Excedrin is the best for migraines. The caffeine won't constipated you. Quite the opposite.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 5:34 PM on December 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 5:34 PM on December 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
i have ibs-c, after a lot of trial and error and discussions with my doctor, i've never found one that is free of the constipation side effects that also actually takes care of the pain i'm taking it for. if i take them with two full glasses of water it helps a great deal.
posted by nadawi at 6:13 PM on December 30, 2015
posted by nadawi at 6:13 PM on December 30, 2015
oh and miralax works for a lot of people and doesn't feel like a traditional laxative. it doesn't work for me at all, but i still recommend people start there if they're having mild unpleasant constipation.
posted by nadawi at 6:14 PM on December 30, 2015
posted by nadawi at 6:14 PM on December 30, 2015
Excedrine might be better on you. All the major otcs plug me up good. I just mega fiber and hydrate; sit around using a squatty potty too.
posted by tilde at 6:16 PM on December 30, 2015
posted by tilde at 6:16 PM on December 30, 2015
mamamia88: "Not sure I want to combine ibuprofen with laxatives but, i guess if it needs to be it needs to be."
In a more "natural" way of going I find a couple hundred grams of celery is all I need to get things moving. Adulterated with either peanut butter or cheese whiz. It's a pretty low impact way to get fiber.
posted by Mitheral at 8:00 PM on December 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
In a more "natural" way of going I find a couple hundred grams of celery is all I need to get things moving. Adulterated with either peanut butter or cheese whiz. It's a pretty low impact way to get fiber.
posted by Mitheral at 8:00 PM on December 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
Two or three dried plums (old people call them prunes) keeps me regular when I take medicines that constipate me. Plus they're yummy.
posted by Grumpy old geek at 8:38 PM on December 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by Grumpy old geek at 8:38 PM on December 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
I take Advil for various aches and pains. It doesn't cause constipation for me but other meds do. I take 200 mg of Magnesium a day. The daily recommended dose is 400mg but I found half works great for keeping things moving even when I take opiates. My doctor recommended it.
posted by cairnoflore at 8:39 PM on December 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by cairnoflore at 8:39 PM on December 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
Nthing Excedrin, this stuff is kick-ass for headaches and cramps. If you don't want the caffeine (sometimes I don't if it is late in the day, or if I've already had coffee) just take two aspirin and two acetaminophen at the same time. It's the same amount of each painkiller as two Excedrin.
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 9:23 PM on December 30, 2015
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 9:23 PM on December 30, 2015
Response by poster: i might need to try some excedrin.
posted by mamamia88 at 9:47 PM on December 30, 2015
posted by mamamia88 at 9:47 PM on December 30, 2015
I think your main candidates are naproxen sodium, aspirin, and acetaminophen (aka paracetamol if you're not in the US or Japan). Try some and see which works.
Excedrin is aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine. Aleve is naproxen sodium. Tylenol is acetaminophen. (Aspirin was the brand name, but Bayer lost their trademark because they didn't defend it hard enough. The real generic name is acetylsalicylic acid)
My understanding is that naproxen sodium and ibuprofen work through similar mechanisms, while acetaminophen works differently. I'm not sure how aspirin fits into that though. So my first try, were I in your shoes, would be acetaminophen.
posted by aubilenon at 10:45 PM on December 30, 2015
Excedrin is aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine. Aleve is naproxen sodium. Tylenol is acetaminophen. (Aspirin was the brand name, but Bayer lost their trademark because they didn't defend it hard enough. The real generic name is acetylsalicylic acid)
My understanding is that naproxen sodium and ibuprofen work through similar mechanisms, while acetaminophen works differently. I'm not sure how aspirin fits into that though. So my first try, were I in your shoes, would be acetaminophen.
posted by aubilenon at 10:45 PM on December 30, 2015
Let me hip you to my newest discovery - TART MONTMORENCY CHERRY JUICE, FRUIT, OR CONCENTRATE.
Yep. Can confirm it works just like ibuprofen, especially when taken daily, or near daily. I take a small cup of juice plus a few dried cherries in the am. I'm amazed each day how much easier I'm moving, aches are gone. I saw real results the first day. Not joking.
I looooove ibuprofen. But I don't need it anymore.
Google. A new study just came out. Tart cherries cure inflammation the way ibuprofen does. No side effects. Enjoy.
posted by jbenben at 12:43 AM on December 31, 2015 [1 favorite]
Yep. Can confirm it works just like ibuprofen, especially when taken daily, or near daily. I take a small cup of juice plus a few dried cherries in the am. I'm amazed each day how much easier I'm moving, aches are gone. I saw real results the first day. Not joking.
I looooove ibuprofen. But I don't need it anymore.
Google. A new study just came out. Tart cherries cure inflammation the way ibuprofen does. No side effects. Enjoy.
posted by jbenben at 12:43 AM on December 31, 2015 [1 favorite]
Excedrine is acetaminophen (Tylenol) + aspirin + caffeine. The active ingredients in tart cherries (and all red and blue berries and fruits and veg) are antioxidants. I'm over-simplifying, but that's the gist. Aspirin was originally dirived from willow bark, so a natural anti-inflammatory and pain killer - but I think the pain blocking is mostly from the anti-inflammatory properties... Inflammation = Pain.
Acetaminophen is my least favorite choice, except where Doctor directed. Aspirin is risky for children. When my son broke his collar bone at 2 yrs old, the docs recommended Ibuprofen over Tylenol for pain relief because the anti-inflammation properties of Ibuprofen would help his bones heal AND curb his pain. I would have given him tart cherry juice mixed with apple juice back then, had I known.
On a related note... Tart Cherry Juice in cocktails or afterwards has eliminated any hangovers I may have had this party/holiday season.
Caffeine works on headaches because it constricts blood flow to the brain. So that helps headaches.
Excedrine is awesome in a headache emergency. Shifting your lifestyle a little to tart cherries might mitigate the need for that OTC solution.
Just FYI.
posted by jbenben at 1:13 AM on December 31, 2015
Acetaminophen is my least favorite choice, except where Doctor directed. Aspirin is risky for children. When my son broke his collar bone at 2 yrs old, the docs recommended Ibuprofen over Tylenol for pain relief because the anti-inflammation properties of Ibuprofen would help his bones heal AND curb his pain. I would have given him tart cherry juice mixed with apple juice back then, had I known.
On a related note... Tart Cherry Juice in cocktails or afterwards has eliminated any hangovers I may have had this party/holiday season.
Caffeine works on headaches because it constricts blood flow to the brain. So that helps headaches.
Excedrine is awesome in a headache emergency. Shifting your lifestyle a little to tart cherries might mitigate the need for that OTC solution.
Just FYI.
posted by jbenben at 1:13 AM on December 31, 2015
Caffeine works on headaches because it constricts blood flow to the brain. So that helps headaches.
The reason caffeine helps headaches is because it increases the blood flow to the brain.
posted by aubilenon at 1:39 AM on December 31, 2015 [5 favorites]
The reason caffeine helps headaches is because it increases the blood flow to the brain.
posted by aubilenon at 1:39 AM on December 31, 2015 [5 favorites]
Not sure I want to combine ibuprofen with laxatives
...er, why...?
I think a pharmacist would do a decent job of clearing up why that shouldn't be problematic.
posted by kmennie at 4:38 AM on December 31, 2015 [1 favorite]
...er, why...?
I think a pharmacist would do a decent job of clearing up why that shouldn't be problematic.
posted by kmennie at 4:38 AM on December 31, 2015 [1 favorite]
Rather than laxatives, ask for stool softeners. They're often recommended for people who have to take painkillers on an ongoing basis.
posted by shazzam! at 6:49 AM on December 31, 2015
posted by shazzam! at 6:49 AM on December 31, 2015
If you want to avoid a stool softener, you may consider trying the "old fashioned way" and eating some fiber foods - a banana, apple or prunes might do the trick.
posted by Toddles at 7:40 AM on December 31, 2015
posted by Toddles at 7:40 AM on December 31, 2015
You can also take fiber capsules if you want something portable/not in food form. I've found psyllium husk pills work pretty well for constipation.
posted by carrioncomfort at 9:15 AM on December 31, 2015
posted by carrioncomfort at 9:15 AM on December 31, 2015
Couple of things mamamia88 - (1) If it is a really really really bad, sudden-onset killer headache like you never ever had before then you might consider getting yourself seen at an emergency room as it could possibly be symptomatic of an intracranial bleed (I am a doctor); (2) I would want to know if you get "killer headaches" fairly regularly - you seem to have firm opinions regarding simple analgesics - if you have headaches frequently then of course you should benefit from seeing an expert as migraine/cluster headache is rapidly becoming recognised as a specialist field and expert advice can make all the difference. If you take a lot of simple analgesics on a regular basis you can actually bring on "analgesic-induced headache", the cure for which is discontinuation of the analgesics ...
Naturally if you have ever had a bad reaction to any Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (including Ibuprofen which is the weakest and least harmful of them), are on anticoagulants, have brittle asthma, or poor kidney function, or are at risk of gastric ulceration then you should not be taking any NSAID. For a bad but ordinary headache, Ibuprofen and plentiful oral fluids should definitely be helpful; paracetamol taken in addition to NSAIDs can give about 30 percent greater overall relief. The recommended ceiling dosage for Ibuprofen is 2000mg/day (or less if you are rather petite). After 36 hours of regular dosing (4000mg/day) paracetamol reaches "plateau level" in your body and then becomes a very potent analgesic.
If your headache is not sinister and will not go away readily with the first or second dose of simple analgesic(s), and you are worried about constipation (which is not a common side effect with non-opioid containing analgesics) you could try adding Magnesium - available in health food shops as well as pharmacies. Many people are slightly deficient in Magnesium, and it works both as an analgesic (via NMDA antagonism) and a laxative when you take large doses (at least 500mg several times daily).
Good luck, and be careful out there ... if a headache seems to require taking opioid analgesics it may well be sinister! And DO read the consumer information leaflet(s).
posted by kairab at 11:03 AM on December 31, 2015
Naturally if you have ever had a bad reaction to any Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (including Ibuprofen which is the weakest and least harmful of them), are on anticoagulants, have brittle asthma, or poor kidney function, or are at risk of gastric ulceration then you should not be taking any NSAID. For a bad but ordinary headache, Ibuprofen and plentiful oral fluids should definitely be helpful; paracetamol taken in addition to NSAIDs can give about 30 percent greater overall relief. The recommended ceiling dosage for Ibuprofen is 2000mg/day (or less if you are rather petite). After 36 hours of regular dosing (4000mg/day) paracetamol reaches "plateau level" in your body and then becomes a very potent analgesic.
If your headache is not sinister and will not go away readily with the first or second dose of simple analgesic(s), and you are worried about constipation (which is not a common side effect with non-opioid containing analgesics) you could try adding Magnesium - available in health food shops as well as pharmacies. Many people are slightly deficient in Magnesium, and it works both as an analgesic (via NMDA antagonism) and a laxative when you take large doses (at least 500mg several times daily).
Good luck, and be careful out there ... if a headache seems to require taking opioid analgesics it may well be sinister! And DO read the consumer information leaflet(s).
posted by kairab at 11:03 AM on December 31, 2015
Response by poster: Oh i get these headaches from time to time like every couple months where I just want to go lie in a dark room but, can usually push through it. Yesterday was pretty bad but, i chopped it up to working until midnight 4 straight nights and not sleeping particularly well the night before.
posted by mamamia88 at 2:10 PM on December 31, 2015
posted by mamamia88 at 2:10 PM on December 31, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Jesse the K at 4:48 PM on December 30, 2015 [4 favorites]