Opioid-induced constipation reversal in response to placebo in a patient with a history of IBS receiving methadone maintenance therapy.

Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is one of the major side effects in patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Quite often, constipation becomes a factor significantly affecting therapeutic options and choices. Currently used approaches are symptomatic and in many cases ineffective. At the same time, it is well known that the gastrointestinal system is a subject for psychosomatic influences. In this case report, we describe an unexpected outcome of placebo administration in a patient suffering from OIC since her participation in MMT. The patient participated in a triple-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial of naloxone for treatment of OIC. As part of the study crossover design, the patient received 1 week of placebo followed by 1 week of naloxone, and had significant improvement in her bowel functioning when receiving placebo, then returned to baseline during the second week of the study. 2015 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes