I took my first dose (296 strength) at 9:15 a.m. today. It is 6:10 p.m. I've had no progress; not a cramp or urges. I still feel miserably constipated and hopeless! My doctor told me to take the dose two hours before eating; I wanted exactly two and was starving. (I over slept today and changed plans to be near the bathroom). I drank usual amount of water, and two 6 oz. glasses of prune juice as well. I'd really appreciate some advice. Thank you!
Linzess - Why hasn't it worked yet?
Question posted by TTme on 8 Aug 2013
Last updated on 13 December 2013
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Answers
hoffdna
9 Aug 2013
I'm sorry if your doctor implied that this was going to be an instant fix. It took a few weeks of taking 290 mg twice a day for me to see an improvement. In the meantime, I continued taking M.O.M. twice a day. Eventually I stopped taking the MOM and then reduced to only one pill a day... but it took two months to get to that point.
TTme
11 Aug 2013
Thank you for the answer! I had trouble getting back into the site. I had "success" a few hours after my post! I was terrified with all of the comments about urgency and frequency, but so far it's been 1-3 times/day and the bloating is much better! I've noticed some nausea, sleepiness and slight dizzy spells, which I had but not this much. Maybe that's in the side effects too? Have to sit and re-read them.
hoffdna
11 Aug 2013
As I recall, I also felt sleepier than usual at first, but now I take my dose in the evening so it is not a problem. Plus, I think that side effect has mostly gone away anyway. Good luck! I'm glad it worked so fast for you. I'm the only one I know who was on a 580mg dose, and I guess I'm the only one who has had only spotty success as well.
TTme
11 Aug 2013
Wow-I'm VERY sleepy as well, during the day. I've taken Linzess for 5 days and have noticed increasing dizziness for 3-today has been the worst. It's not debilitating but it's gone from annoying to worrisome. "Extreme" dizziness is a sign of an allergic reaction, as is "shortness of breath". I sure hope it's not the medicine because otherwise, it works. I feel better than I have in many years.
kdzk
6 Sep 2013
I had chronic issues much like you - to the point they were suggesting removing the colon. Suffering since they took zelnorm off the market, and many other trials later, I was not hopeful about Linzess working. I took the 290 at first and it was too strong- bubble tummy and cramping - no sleep. Here's what I found with the 145mg - When you get up - drink 1/2 to 1 bottle of water. Take the Linzess and finish the bottle of water or drink some more. ( I am not a coffee drinker so I made a deal with myself - I drink 2 bottles of water before I can have a diet DP) Wait about 30 minutes and eat breakfast - something. You should have some success within the next hour or so. This does not always work - but I have found that if I take Linzess in this manner for a couple of days, on the third and 4th day the colon almost wants to work without it. Then I repeat. The results are not always the same every time but this as opposed to the alternative? I've been on it for about 4 months and I feel a ton better. Be sure your doctor is giving you the pharmacy discount card too !
mapyron
13 Dec 2013
For me, today, 6 days after starting sample of 1 Linzess 145mcg day--HALLELUJAH !!! Have been on Amitiza long time--not sure about what body changes I have gone through past two years..but probably most major effect was stopping Lithobid I had taken @ 12 years (900 mg Lithium). Lithium taken at that dosage does SIGNIFICANTLY increase VOLUME of urine... Recently had endoscopy, colonoscopy and CT Scan... but after 4 days-24hrs day-constant stomach pain and constipation of the worst kind--went in to see Doctor. We talked. Also checked liver and kidney function and electrolytes... Got sample of Linzess-- next day almost NO CONSTANT PAIN..and bowel movement also. Past 6 days, increasing improvement and trying to get PA for drug plan for script... It has been a real GOD send. But--lot of physical problems historically with entire digestive system, so??? I did notice the dizziness comments...
I already had a "dizzy-balance-nausea" problem (unknown source-comes and goes) but I do seem more "out of it"--dizzy more--and MORE of a "non-appetite" than I already had... didn't think about the Linzess as reason--however the successes FAR outweigh the increase of previous problems... and no way to know if really related to Linzess anyway.
I am going to follow this discussion and see what people say. I did notice that most of the dosages mentioned were about twice as high as mine...
DOES TABLET OR CAPSULE (Time-release?) MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE ??
hoffdna
13 Dec 2013
I wish I could say the same. I am not having success anymore. Nothing is working for me and I'm reaching my wits end.
Related topics
irritable bowel syndrome, constipation - chronic, cramp, 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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