Management of Constipation following using narcotics

Since very early usage of narcotics for chronic non-cancer pain, constipation has been one of the biggest side effects. I used an article that Roman D. Jovey, M.D. has been published in this regard.*** Manage constipation proactively and aggressively using
                 - dietary measures first (ie. bran, prunes, flax, 4-6 glasses water/day)
                 - adding stool softeners next (ie. docusate)
                  - osmotic agents next (ie. Milk of Magnesia, lactulose) and
                  - finally adding stimulant laxatives (ie.senna) if the previous measures fail (see patient handout).