What Causes Blackish Stool After Discontinuing Hydrocodone?

Posted on Sat, 28 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 28 Mar 2015 Answered on

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I recently stopped taking hydrocodone after nearly two years of taking it. I have noticed my stool is dark, (almost black) and shiny. Is this normal or serious?

Answered by Dr. Urszula Stanko (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Black stool can be caused by a serious condition.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

Can you please write:
1. how old are you?
2. do you take any other medications?
3. How long have you had black stools?

Black stool usually means that you have bleeding into the upper gastrointestinal tract like because of bleeding ulcer in the stomach.You may also have foul smelling stool or abdominal pain.

Please note that black color may occur when taking iron or bismuth pills.

The cause of black stools (especially when with unexpected weight loss) should be checked.

I would order for base line:
-blood tests to check the blood count,
-fecal occult blood test to check if you have blood in the stool,
-gastrointestinal endoscopy to look for the cause of bleeding,
Your local doctor will know about it.

Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Urszula Stanko (1 hour later)

I'm 33 years old and I also take adderall and ambien.

I've only had black stools for the past 3 days as I've stopped taking the hydrocodone

Answered by Dr. Urszula Stanko (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Fecal occult blood test should be done.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Black stools may occur during taking hydrocodone and this is a side effect of hydrocodone. However you may have stomach ulcer due to adderall.

Right now the most important thing is to check your stool. So do the blood test and fecal occult blood test.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T