Which symptom is commonly associated with the use of narcotic pain relievers?

The use of narcotic pain relievers is commonly associated with abdominal bloating as a side effect. Narcotics can slow down gastrointestinal motility, leading to constipation, which often results in abdominal discomfort and bloating. This is due to the action of narcotics on opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal system, which can hinder normal movement of the intestines and lead to an accumulation of gas and fluid.

In contrast, the other options describe effects that are generally not associated with narcotic use. Increased bowel motility would be the opposite of what narcotics do since they typically decrease motility. Increased energy levels contradict the sedative effects of many narcotics, which can cause drowsiness and lethargy. Regular bowel movements are unlikely while taking narcotics, as they often lead to constipation. Therefore, abdominal bloating emerges as a common symptom due to the impact of these medications on gut function.