I've been on it for 9 days and have gained six pounds
Has anyone experienced rapid weight gain on Linzess?
Question posted by bloatedgirl on 5 March 2013
Last updated on 14 September 2023
72 Answers Page 5
I started linzess lowest dose 2 months ago lost some weight but now am gaining weight and can't get it off no matter how little I eat. I'm Diabetic and this really concerns me as in the last year I've lost 30 lbs.
It is so frustrating! I also gain weight with each new pill. I kept thinking it would come back off if I stopped the medications, but I'm still going up on the scale, I've been to my doctor so many times and he just thinks I'm looking for a weight loss pill. I want the pain, frustration of all my money going to doctors and still no answer.
For those of you that have experienced weight gain, which strength are you taking: the lower dose (145 mg) for constipation or the higher dose (290 mg) for IBS? I am taking the higher dose for IBS and have been relatively pleased with it, but I have gained some weight, but it's very possible it's not related to the med - could be hormonal, or could be just eating too much and getting old ;)
I experienced weight gain of 5 or 6 pounds the first week on lower dose, 145 mg.
I took the lower strength but I still gain 7 lbs in the first week.
I am so glad I looked this up. I have been on Linzess for 17 days and have gained 15 pounds! I thought it was because I also quit smoking about 6 weeks ago but thought it was strange the gaining started after a few weeks not when I first quit. But for the last week i have really been watching what I eat. I have been eating a lot of carrots and celery and grapes to keep full so it seems VERY odd when I continued to gain. 6 pounds this weeks alone and the meds have been working so it wasn't just the weight of the food I have ate. When I got on the scale this morning I almost cried because I gained a few pounds over night. I think I am done with this med. FYI, I workout 3-5 times a week on top of it.
I'm on the 290mcg dose and the fluid retention is very uncomfortable--have gained about 8 pounds in last 6 weeks--I'm about ready to go off Linzess, but, of course, will consult with doctor first.
On Linzess for three months. Can't close jeans and upper torso has also swollen that I can't even close my BRA!! I am tiny, usually 106 lbs and 5'3". I am so swollen that I look 3 months pregnant. Watching what I eat, to the point of starving myself. I stopped weighing myself because it upsets me too much. last I checked it was 6 lbs.
The drug worked until a few days ago. Now I am working way too hard physically to get this going. I am occupied WAY too many hours in the BR either active, or just waiting for it to happen. Life is being controlled by this. I am even on that FODMAP/IBS diet too. Doing all the right things. I have Lupus, RA (must stay light because of joins), spinal stenosis, breast cancer survivor, IBS, anemia, I could go on. The only thing I had going for me was that I did not LOOK sick, and I was relatively physically fit for a mid fifties woman. My plate is full and I am sick of running to doctors.
Even went to Mayo. This weight gain is consuming my mental state, and the medicine has just STOPPED working even though we went from the 145 dose to the 290 dose.
Any suggestions ? Can I stop Linzess cold turkey? I keep looking at the info online and it is vague. My doc thinks I should stay on it. If it is creating new problems, that can't be right..
Is there anything else out there besides Amitiza?
HELP!!!
Signed,
Miserable, bloated, and pissed off.
I find it interesting to see that my weight gain is also experienced by others. I can't hardly fasten my jeans because of it. I have been taking Linzess for about 3 months and I have gained weight too.
I have been on this "magic pill" as my GI dr. Will call it. Perfect for people like me... I've been on Linzess for 3 weeks. It was only two days ago I finally pooped my brains out. I am still so bloated I can hardly bend over? I did not even lose one pound.
One week ago I had a colonoscopy, so my colon was already cleared out and I still remained bloated. We're talking 7-8 months pregnant looking bloated.
Linzess cause this??? Sorry this was so long.
I recently started taking the low dosage of Linzess and am giving up. The first week it was great as it completely emptied my system within 2 hours of taking it on an empty stomach. Unfortunately 6 weeks later, that effect has only occurred 2-3 more times. I, too, have gained weight and look like I am 7 months pregnant and I get bad cramps accompanied by the bloat and constipation. I exercise all the time and have been drinking even more water along with fiber supplements (recommended by my gastroenterologist) and I feel worse than what I felt like before taking Linzess. I am stopping it on my own and going back to trying OTC laxatives or stool softeners until I see my doctor in February. I am also on a low salt diet and am lactose intolerant, so the usual culprits of bloat can be out!
I also thought it would be the miracle pill, I'm so disappointed. It gives me diarrhea for a couple of hours but my stomach gets hard and huge. I have gained a good ten pounds and can't seem to lose it for anything! I wish I had never taken it. I take ( ( (unicity) pure aloe Vera works very well
Good to see feedback on this medication. It helps me to know what others are experiencing. Been on it for month now. As I noted in earlier post, I had six pound weight gain in first week. Was hoping it was fluid and mostly it was. I always read PI on any Med and was a bit concerned that I was alone in the bloating and weight gain. I even stopped taking it for a few days and stomach was flat again. Pretty much in observation mode now. Will update Dr in next week or so. Since this is one, if not the, last resort Med for me, not sure what will come next.
There may be better forum for this part, but this Med is only one that has relieved C. ( I will move this part if I find one ). It works some days and not others. When does work, it's with six or so trips to bathroom over course of half to one hour and starting within few hours of taking in morning. Dr and PI say take 30 minutes before breakfast on empty stomach. For me, doesn't matter if I take with or without food since get same effect either way. After that bathroom time, little problem for me later in day. Between jobs now, so not sure I can chance taking this if working since when it hits its urgent and time consuming. I may use it intermittently ... like on weekends or when C is most severe. Just would have to decide if the bloating and water retention (even with taking 90 + ounces of water daily) is tolerable. Jury is still out but less than optimistic.
History
Chronic severe C.
2 colon surgeries in last five yrs. Sigmoid and another piece of colon removed and rectopexy to remedy rectal prolapses.
No obstructions or diverticulitis, but have small rectocele per recent dynamic MRI and ultrasound. No surgery needed.
No gluten or lactose allergies. Tested negative on both.
Have had both biofeedback and physical therapy (including internal and external rectal work) which helped some... more than most things.
Have had SIBO test which was positive and treated with antibiotics. This definitely helped with bloating. Followed this up with prescribed probiotic VSL (heavy duty and expensive, but OTC through pharmacist ) to replenish good bacteria after antibiotics. Long term VSL not continued because no effect on C for me.
Have taken meds and other things with little or no effect: zelnorn, amitiza, different probiotics specifically for C, stool softeners, Magnesium, FODMAP diet which helps a little with pain, various fiber supps Miralax, benefiber, metamucil, acacia senegal etc including various combos of them, enemas and suppositories which sometimes help a little, but mostly enemas don't even come out.
Next steps per my diligent Dr. are allergy testing although allergies unlikely since so hives or breathing issues with food. Tests for intolerances not clinically validated yet according Allergy based medical societies (different results from different labs using same samples and false positives resulting in unnecessary food restriction which could impact nutrition - labs tested include those used by alternative docs and pharmacists.) Still may do blood and stool intolerance testing on my own, not as diagnostic, but as starting point for trying elimination diet (again).
Last resorts per Dr are interstim implant then more surgery if interstim not successful. Doing nothing is not option because of incontinence related to severe C.
What is your currentvstatus if you don't mind sharing. Also, have you tried Amitiza or Super Cleanse?
I have been taking this medication for 2 months and feel I have gained a ton of weight all around my belly region,too bad I would have to stop taking it cause it was working great for me, I suffer from stomach pains due to a badly executed surgery, and constipation only aggrevates it. glad to hear other people are having the same problem , I am very careful to eat right and was not sure how I was gaining all the weight.
I've been on Linzess for 5 days and am so bloated and feel like I have gained a ton of weight. The clothes I was wearing just before starting on this med I can hardly get in. I have no idea how much I've gained as I have an eating disorder history so will not get on the scale. I'm very disappointed that I will have to stop taking this med as I have severe constipation and it has given me some relief but I can't deal with the weight. I'm done.
I hear you..bloating and weight gain is miserable
how long di it take to lose the weigh you gain i
i only ttok it two weeks
I only took Linzess 2 times and stopped and I have been bloated for 2 weeks. My stomach is very distended and I can't fit into my clothes. Can it be that Linzess affected my system somehow?
I have been on linzess less than a week. I was feeling great until today. Day five I am bloated, and have had a headache all day long. Feel terrible and have experienced some dizziness
I was on it for 7 days and gained 4 pounds. Caused horrible D and I went off. Been a month and can't seem to loose the weight and continue to be bloated and constipated. Very sad because I was very hopeful it would work well.
I suffered with chronic constipation for years I have tried Amitiza couldn't take it and linzess worked but caused severe bloating and swelling .I started taking 1 teaspoon coconut oil am and pm and I'm getting regular... after reading these post I'm going to take diuretic. Also walking every day...
I started Linzess almost a month ago, and I have gained 10 lbs. I do not know if it is the medication or something else, but I am going to stop taking it and see if the weight comes off.
It's the medication. I was in the same boat; I didn't know what was going on with me because I work out.
I stopped taking Linzess & the weight came off. About six month after I stopped I'm still dealing with yo-yo weight gain. & loss.
I too have gained 10 lbs! Not happy about this @ all, especially after loosing 100 lbs in the last couple of years! As of today, I’m stopping this medication! I feel so bloated everyday, with no energy & I drink tons of water everyday, so I know I’m not dehydrated. Hoping you & I Both do well & get the extra 10 lbs off!
Refer to the PI... That's why its there...
I've been on linzines for 8 months n first month I lost ten pounds and than I would go up n down from 119 to 127 up n down some days it can bloat u other days makes me feel light today back at 127 so when I get to my highest I take water pills n by morning 125 next few days take water pills n scale will go down than I wait a week or two before taking water pills again but w out it I can t go at all so it's been life saving for me even though I take stool softner s along w my linzines
After two weeks, I have had no weight gain. Talk to your doctor if you're worried.
I gained six pounds in first week. Hoping it's fluid but jury is out.
Same thing happened to me. I gained 5 or 6 pounds in the first week, and I haven't been able to shed the weight since. I finally stopped Linzess several weeks ago after having a gout attack, and am wondering whether gout attack wasn't related to dehydration brought on by Linzess, which causes massive diarrhea.
I have been on Amitiza for about 6 years and although it works great I felt my body could use a change. Let me start by saying I also have a cup of dieters tea and 3 Swiss kris with a gas x ... every single day for 9 years yuk. All works especially the Amitiza if I don't take it I double up in pain. Well, this weekend I tried linzess 145 mg and although I didn't stop ANY of my other stuff I experienced no pain what so ever. BUT, I did go to the bathroom around 8 times very loose. Which of course will bring on dehydration immediately. But, in my case being I have low blood pressure I have always drank water constantly. I am 5'2 and as of Friday I weighted 110. As of right now 12:30 Monday I weigh 108. And I have only taken 1 so far. I will keep you up dated daily if I can on how my Dr feels about this. Good luck everyone. This condition sucks!
Can I ask you about your experience with amitiza?
This would concern me too. Usually such rapid weight gain is fluid. If it doesn't stop I would call my Dr. The med doesn't have weight gain as a side effect.
Call your Dr. see if you can come off it immediately yet safely. I use Amitiza and it works well. None of the complaints I'm reading about this weight gaining drug. It's new on the market, they probably didn't disclose the weight gaining properties to the FDA.
Amitiza was good. I used it about 8 years, but something happened in my body and it didn't help anymore... kind of weird. But I tried the Linzess for 3 months, and one day I would go, then next 2 days bloating--looked like I was pregnant, and all in my belly region and feel miserable-then really go on the 3rd day. Crazy stuff for me. I just stopped and am recuperating this month.
I can't figure out why the constant weight gain either. I've tried so many drugs, with no results. I've seen a lot of different kinds of doctors. I literally fight with them to get any kind of help. IT IS MADDING.
I say once again.that too many people have serious fluid problems after taking Linzess..I know that I gained at least 5 lbs, that will not go away after being off 2 months now. But my problems would go in a cycle..blow up like I was at least 8 months pregnant--which would also cause urine retention--never had that problem because I have had significant incontinence problem for a long time. I wouldn't take that drug for anything again. I took Amitiza for years and it quit working--so the GI Dr gave me Linzess...
I have started Linzess for a week now, and I too, have gained 5 lbs. I feel bloated and lower abs area is tender. I didn't have this till started Linzess.
I have been on Amitiza for about 6 years and although it works great I felt my body could use a change. Let me start by saying I also have a cup of dieters tea and 3 Swiss kris with a gas x ... every single day for 9 years yuk. All works especially the Amitiza if I don't take it I double up in pain. Well, this weekend I tried linzess 145 mg and although I didn't stop ANY of my other stuff I experienced no pain what so ever. BUT, I did go to the bathroom around 8 times very loose. Which of course will bring on dehydration immediately. But, in my case being I have low blood pressure I have always drank water constantly. I am 5'2 and as of Friday I weighted 110. As of right now 12:30 Monday I weigh 108. And I have only taken 1 so far. I will keep you up dated daily if I can on how my Dr feels about this. Good luck everyone. This condition sucks!
I got off Linzess & lost the weight. I never got the typical loose stools.
I have experienced rapid weight gain also. I have also experiences higher blood pressure. My top number increased by 20 and my bottom number by 15. Has anyone else experienced both of these side effects?
Been back on linzess and omg since I've quit smoking and drinking in November I've gained 30lbs..and yes bloating is a huge factor for days in end..I'm gaining like 5 lbs a month and I'm 4"11 155 lbs..I was 130lbs 5 months ago..
I have been taking Linzess 290mg for IBS on and off as needed (the 145mg dose didn't. The past several months I have bee suffering from severe weight gain, bloating so bad that my hands and feet hurt bad and I look pregnant. I thought at first it was allergies then my hormones or thyroid but I just realized the last time I took it was Sunday and Monday I was swollen! Sine then the swelling s reduced dramatically and I haven't taken Linzess so I am pretty confident especially after reading these comments that my swelling is caused by a side effect of this drug. I think I am going to try Amitza.
Can I ask you about your experience with amitiza
Related topics
weight loss (obesity/overweight), weight, medication, linzess
Further information
- Linzess uses and safety info
- Linzess prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Linzess (detailed)
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