Why do opiates make you constipated? How addicting are they?

I've been taking oxycontin for a while for pain associated with a surgery and I noticed that even after a relatively low dose of oxycontin, I got severely constpiated lol.

Why do they do that? Is that dangerous, or do they somehow do something to the liquids in your body?

I also have dry mouth and I get somewhat hungry, much like smoking pot.

What are side effects of opiate based drugs,

are they dangerous and

how exactly addicting are they?

Blue and Terry said it all. Constipation is definitely a side effect of opiates. Opiates are extremely addicting, so please please be careful. Only take oxycontin exactly as prescribed and no more. Only take it when you are in the most severe pain. Oxycontin is the same as morphine, heroin, fentanyl, etc..........opiates are probably the most addictive drug out there. They are physically addicting which means when your body does not have them, withdrawal symptoms will occur. Opiate withdrawal and/or detox is nothing to mess around with - it can cause severe debilitating muscle cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, migraines, congestion, depression, body aches and pains, as well as hallucinations and seizures which sometimes can be fatal. Detoxing from these drugs is by far the absolute worst experience I've ever had in my 34 years of life, so I'm begging you not to end up like me - don't start liking these drugs so much that you end up abusing them. There is nothing I regret more than becoming the addict that I am. Luckily I got clean 7 months ago, but it's been an extremely rough road. It's pills like yours that I started off with and before long, I was injecting heroin, fentanyl and cocaine. Not something anyone would be proud of, but something I now feel I need to talk about to help others on the same road I was on........just be safe. Protect yourself from a life of hell. Good luck to you.

Slows every thing wwaayy down. No joke, even your appetite, so you dont drink enough because you dont feel awake, alert or even getting out of the chair to get it.And when that slows down so does your bowels. Oxycontin as with any narcotic CAN be addictive, BUT, you are also in control of this. You know when and howmuch and your Dr, will tell you how long, DONT let it tell YOU that you need to have more. Theyre not necessarily dangerous, as long as you take them for what your supposed to and not because you feel like getting a buzz. Dont worry, you will be ok because you are asking the right questions! Feel better! From a nurse.

Opiates for the most part cause constipation. It is because the bowel becomes sluggish and does not function as it normally should. You should drink alot of water, fruit juice and eat as much fiber as you can tolerate.
The side effects of opiates are drowsiness, euphoria, dizziness and nausea. Narcotics are very dangerous if misused especially Oxycontin. Oxycontin is a timed release medication if used improperly it could be fatal because it is released slowly into the system a small dosage at a time. If crushed and then ingested or snorted it can cause respiratory depression which can lead to cardiac arrest. Narcotics are extremely addictive. If you find yourself taking medication when you have no pain or in anticipation of pain or for other reasons all together you should try to discontinue use and contact your doctor as soon as possible.