The doctors who originally prescribed my brother pain meds, had prescribed some laxative at the same time without telling why (but we did already know that constipation's a usual side effect)... After he had to continue on the pain meds, they did give more pain meds, but not the stool softener and suggested we check with a pain specialist & get physical therapy.

The pain doctor basically went through everything & potential side effects, prescribed meds & the senekot, then started accupuncture & physical therapy, etc.