Taginact?

[Ruffabug]

Hi all. Has anyone tried Taginact which evidently is a mild opioid, time release but which contains within it an anti constipation drug? I have been recommended this to take and hopefully be able to withdraw from the DAs I am on. Any opioid gives me bad constipation so does this really work?

[SueJohnson]

Targinact is fine, but is effective for only 4 to 6 hours so should be taken that often to avoid mini withdrawals.

All opioids cause constipation although targinact is better in that regard.

For constipation try 2 magnesium citrate every night, drink a lot of water, get plenty of moderate exercise, eat two kiwi­fruits a day which works for 50% of people, drink oolong tea which may help RLS or Smooth Move tea and eat foods with lots of fiber. The best OTC fiber supplements contain psyllium - if you take iron take the iron 1 hour before or 2 hours after. Consumer Reports recommend OTC osmotic laxative with polyethylene glycol (PEG): GaviLAX, GlycoLax or Miralax. There are many prescription laxatives but they should be a tried after everything else. Fybogel (ispaghula husk) is a prescription laxative is recommended by the NHS. It can take 2 to 3 days to work. If you get diarrhea take less as this can lead to an electrolyte imbalance.

[Ruffabug in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks Sue. Why should prescription laxatives only be tried after otc ones?

[SueJohnson in reply to Ruffabug]

because they are stronger.

[drover123 in reply to SueJohnson]

What's the theory behind the oolong tea? Very interesting as an avid fancy tea drinker!

[SueJohnson in reply to drover123]

You made me look it up and I was surprised at the answer. For helping constipation of course hydration is important so any liquid would help. It also contains large amounts of caffeine which helps and is a hot liquid which helps so I guess coffee would be just as good. For helping RLS it increases GABA which is calming.

[Joolsg]

The naloxone is supposed to stop the opioid absorption in part of the gut and thus prevent constipation. Whether it does in practice will only be known if you try it.Those who get opioid induced constipation may be able to advise.

I eat brassica every night with my evening meal AND take magnesium citrate before bed..

If I miss the brassica ( cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower) I notice a change.

And bear in mind SueJohnson advice. Taking Targinact every 12 hours can lead to mini withdrawals for a lot of patients. If that happens, try taking it every 6 hours throughout the day.

[Ruffabug in reply to Joolsg]

Thanks Jools. I will see what strength I get given and whether I can divide into two doses per day. Don’t know as yet.

[Joolsg in reply to Ruffabug]

Average dose is 30mg a day, so ask doctor for 5mg pills.They come in 5mg or 10mg pills in UK.

Most UK GPs will start you on either 10 or 20mg a day.

If you insist on 5mg pills, it will give you the chance to spread the dose evenly.

[Ruffabug in reply to Joolsg]

Thanks that’s very useful.

[Walmer3463 in reply to Ruffabug]

Works well for me too. Seems effective in preventing constipation. I only take in the evening and don’t have withdrawal effects. Early on I did have some nausea but not now.

[Dotmowatee]

Works very well for me at 5mgs in the evening, no constipation issues either.