Which of the following is a common side effect of opioids?

Opioids are known to have a range of side effects due to their action on the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. Among these, constipation is particularly common because opioids bind to specific receptors in the gut, which slows down gastrointestinal motility. This slowed motility leads to decreased intestinal contractions and prolongs the time it takes for food and waste to move through the intestines, ultimately resulting in harder, less frequent stools.

While nausea, drowsiness, and headaches can also occur as side effects of opioid use, constipation is the one that is most uniquely associated with their mechanism of action and tends to be a more consistent and persistent issue for patients using these medications. It's important for healthcare providers to monitor and manage this side effect actively, as it can significantly impact a patient's quality of life if left unaddressed.