Cholestyramine and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Var...
• October 30, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Had stomach and bowel issues since my teen years, unpredictable and no warnings, tests done, nothing found, had gall bladder removed in my early 60s and made stomach and bowel issues ten times worse. Started taking Prevalite (cholestyramine) 1 pack a day and I can finally eat without cramping and bowel issues within two hours after eating. I take it in the morning with orange juice. I notice a little bloating but nothing else. If I miss a dose, the diarrhea comes back with a vengeance. I drink plenty of fluid to prevent constipation. This medication has changed my life. Im 69 so if I need to take it the rest of my life, its okay. Its better than being bathroom bound!"

• Taf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2019

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "This has been a life changer. I had what was diagnosed as IBS since 1993 and nothing, nothing helped. Suffered through 5 colonoscopies, participated in drug trials, changed my diet, went vegetarian. Lived on Imodium. Nothing helped. I finally changed my gastro doc and after the ultrasound she ordered showed gallstones, I had it removed, and then had even worse diarrhea for weeks. My surgeon prescribed the powder packets, which my insurance covers, and I take 1 in the morning with a squirt of cherry flavor enhancer. I am normal for the first time in over 25 years!!! I can go out to lunch and dinner. I can travel. I can live a life again. Cholestyramine is nothing less than a miracle for me, it has cured my IBS diarrhea."

• Fee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 20, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I had my gallbladder removed about ten years ago. About five years ago, I started getting severe diarrhea and, after several tests, was diagnosed with IBS-D. I adjusted my diet and took a lot of Imodium, Bentyl, etc. Imodium helped, but I had to take a lot of it. About a year ago, the doctor prescribed cholestyramine. He said to take it three times a day, but that was too much. I only take one envelope a day mixed with some unsweetened applesauce. Then I drink a glass of water. What a lifesaver! I feel normal again and can actually leave the house."

• EZa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 9, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have been dealing with IBS for 3 years. Diarrhea was a major factor in my going to my GI doctor, along with acute stomach pain. First, I went in for an upper GI scope, which found gastritis, so I got meds for that. Eventually, my diarrhea worsened. Back in for both colonoscopy and upper GI, which found IBS. The doctor put me on cholestyramine, and immediately the diarrhea subsided along with the stomach cramps. I stopped using the cholestyramine for about a year until I had prostate cancer and prostate removal. Following that surgery, my IBS returned. Severely. I started up the cholestyramine again, and boom, it works great. It seems like this medication does have other positive effects. Hopefully, it continues to work."

• cov...
• May 1, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I had my gallbladder removed in 2009, and after that, I had diarrhea after the first thing I ate for seven years. I never went out to eat, I never went out without knowing where a bathroom was. I never ate on road trips. There would be days where I didn't even want to eat because I knew I would be in the bathroom. So, two days ago, I was reading all these stories, and they sounded just like me. So I talked to my doctor, she prescribed me this medicine, and now I actually feel like my old self again."

• Emm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2018

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I had my gallbladder removed in April 2018. Since that day, I have had severe diarrhea, nausea, major cramping in my stomach, dizziness, and major weight loss. The only thing I could eat was flavored rice, which I have eaten for months. I contacted the surgeon, who told me he didn't do anything wrong! He never has tried to do any tests or offer any advice on what to do. I changed my general practitioner, she is a nurse practitioner, and she ran tons of lab work. All the lab work was normal. She told me about cholestyramine but told me most insurances won't pay for it. I asked her to try anyway. I went to the pharmacy to pick up other meds, and my insurance company covered it! I have been using it daily, 2 times a day, and all of the symptoms are gone! I am very happy! Thank goodness for my nurse practitioner! Shame on the surgeon who got paid for the surgery and couldn't be bothered to handle the side effects of his work!"

• New...
• February 5, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I had my gall bladder taken out over 10 years ago, and only in the last 2 years, problems started. Acid reflux and diarrhea. This medication has given my life back to me. I wish doctors knew about it. It took an amazing specialist doctor to recommend it, I'm very thankful. I wish more people with IBS knew about this."

• Sel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2018

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "Reporting back in after 6 months of use. All is well, my life (bowel habits) has never been more predictable. This drug, which I had to basically prescribe for myself (after research), has been a Godsend. I believe my liver overproduces bile, which caused the gallstone buildup in the first place and the subsequent cholecystectomy. I suffered spontaneous diarrhea needlessly for 4 years and even suggested once to my doctor about looking into a bile sequestrant to help me. Only with a scholarly article in hand did I get him to try my suggestion. I highly recommend anyone else experiencing post-cholecystectomy diarrhea to get this treatment, it works."

• al1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2014

For Dumping Syndrome "After having my gallbladder removed, I suffered for a year with problems, stomach and bowel, mucus stools, diarrhea, and fat tolerance. I was given this medicine recently, and it has worked wonders. All my symptoms have gone apart from the fat intolerance, which I don't mind because who wants to eat high-fat foods anyway? I can also add that after having a sachet, I feel full for a long time, so I would have the sachet after a meal, otherwise, I would have to go without."

• APS...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 8, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I had my gallbladder out in 2012. About 6 months after, I developed IBS-D-like symptoms. Cramping, diarrhea within an hour after eating. It was completely unpredictable and not diet-dependent, and I suffered for about 3 years until one day I almost didn’t make it to the restroom at work. My doc prescribed cholestyramine, and after one dose of this medication, I was back to normal. It’s amazing, and I can’t live without it. If I miss a dose, I know about it the next day. And because it’s a cholesterol maintenance drug, a 90-day supply costs me nothing out of pocket under my plan."

• CSM...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 29, 2021

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I was having constant diarrhea for two years. Always having a change of underwear with me and learned to scope out the bathroom before putting one drop of food in my mouth since I knew I had only twenty minutes to enjoy the food before I would be running to the bathroom. Holding cheeks together didn't help once it was ready to go :). So this medicine has been everything."

• Ech...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 31, 2019

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I started this medication after my gallbladder was removed in Dec 2018. I was still having stomach issues, so my GI doctor put me on this medication. I take it once a day in the morning, and now I can eat mostly whatever I want. There are still a few things I avoid because I don't want to push it, and I hate being sick. This medication saved my life! My GI doctor told me that after a year I could come off the medication, but every time I try, the diarrhea comes back. I will take this as long as I need to."

• Gra...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 18, 2021

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I am so grateful for this medicine (cholestyramine). I had my gallbladder taken out about 9 years ago. Suffered with stomach problems too long. I finally called a specialist, and he prescribed it to me, and I got results quick. It took away my constant diarrhea and anxiety that comes with it. My GI doctor told me to take one 4 oz packet before bed every night, making sure I rinse my mouth real good and brush my teeth. I mix it real well with a whisk with room temperature water. I highly recommend it!"

• Pea...
• June 21, 2019

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I battled constant diarrhea for a couple of years, and when I went out to dinner with family and friends, I could never enjoy the meal because I was fearful I would have a sudden urge to run back and forth to the bathroom. I once made a mistake and ordered something that caused me embarrassment because I could not make it to the restroom fast enough and experienced an uncomfortable situation. I have learned to always have a second pair of undergarments because you would never know when you needed them. Since being on the cholestyramine, it has been great. I feel like I can enjoy some of the foods I like, but I am still careful in my selections."

• hwi...
• February 25, 2012

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I had diarrhea at least once, sometimes several times, every day for the past 3 years. I had a small bowel resection and was told it would just be that way for the rest of my life. Stomach cramps and diarrhea every day, within minutes of eating. Finally, my GI recommended I give this a shot - 1/2 scoop every night just before bed. First night my stomach was a little gurgly, but it worked GREAT! 2 cons: powder does not dissolve in water; works only for 1 day. If I don't take it one night, I am right back to a sensitive digestive system."

• TTa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2016

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I've been in hell for over a year after having my gallbladder removed, severe diarrhea, weight loss, got down to 90 pounds, extreme abdominal pain, and nausea. I couldn't function normally. I have been on cholestyramine for two months, and the diarrhea is gone, still have abdominal pain, and some nausea. I now have bloating and really bad nerve pain, muscle aches, and headaches. The relentless nerve pain wakes me several times a night, and I feel like I'm being stabbed with an ice pick all over my body. In the morning, my muscles are painful and weak, which makes it hard to walk. The side effects are miserable, but I can't go back to having the severe diarrhea and being afraid to get too far from the bathroom. Has anyone else had these side effects?"

• Tea...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 19, 2017

For Dumping Syndrome "I had my gallbladder out years ago, and immediately started having problems with severe diarrhea. For years, I always needed to know where the bathroom was wherever I went. Traveling was a nightmare. I am a teacher, and I would not eat until I was done teaching for the day because of this issue. I heard about cholestyramine and talked to my doctor, who said it was worth a try. From day one taking it, the diarrhea issues were solved! I have been taking it for about 7 years, and it helped me get my life back to normal. My prescription ran out, and I am having to go for a couple of days without it, and I am scared of what will happen!"

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2018

For Dumping Syndrome "I have fecal incontinence, and this powder has saved my life and job. I take 1 scoop per day and limit large meals, but I still eat pretty much what I want. I do try to eat healthy most of the time. I can work without fear of ruining my clothes, and I don't have to live in fear when I go shopping or fly to other states. No more loose stools unless I'm on a strong antibiotic or I have an upset stomach from eating contaminated food from a restaurant. You never know unless you grow your food or prepare it yourself."

• Dut...
• January 3, 2016

For Crohn's Disease "Suffering from Crohn's disease for the past 15 years. Participated freely with new medicine testing, all tests failed, condition decreased. In 2013, an infected bowel section was removed, finally. Still problems: cramps, diarrhea. Then cholestyramine came around the corner. Since then, no Crohn's symptoms anymore, only one very rare occasion. Very happy now with cholestyramine, life is back to normal as much as possible."

• Cgr...
• April 26, 2019

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I had similar symptoms to the other reviewers. Began cholestyramine in the packets, using a drug coupon as insurance did not cover. Started once a day, and now taking every other day, but don’t dare miss that. I was so glad I found these reviews right after gallbladder removal surgery because no one told me of diarrhea side effects after surgery. Had my gallbladder out last July. So thankful for this drug. Coupon took it from 120.00 to 70.00, and it varies each refill. It has given me assurance when I leave the house that I won’t be looking for the nearest bathroom every 5 minutes."

• Dod...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 10, 2018

For Dumping Syndrome "After having my gallbladder removed over a dozen years ago, I had daily, constant, uncontrollable diarrhea, always after eating; greasy or not. I never scheduled dinner then a movie or theater, it always HAD to be dinner last, so I could immediately head home to my bathroom or have to locate one onsite. Just tremendously embarrassing and inconvenient. I put up with this miserable condition for over 6 years until my partner saw a documentary on TV that recommended cholestyramine as a treatment. It has very much allowed me to return to my prior lifestyle. However, if I skip one day, I am back to the constant D again. I have found the Sandoz product does not work as well as the PAR Pharmaceuticals powder. My pharmacy can no longer get the PAR product; I am getting ready to try a 3rd option made by ANI Pharmaceuticals. I find dissolving the powder in very hot water helps to minimize the gritty texture and gross taste. After reading recommendations, I will try mixing it into applesauce."

• Sus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "In addition to having IBS, my gallbladder was removed last year, which reduced the amount of bile taken out in my intestines and increased the likelihood of diarrhea. When IBS recurred recently, one packet of cholestyramine immediately improved it. A few days of it twice a day and I am back to “normal.” It is amazing!"

• For...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 10, 2016

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "Had gallbladder removed, suffered with diarrhea. A friend said her doctor put her on cholestyramine for the same problem. I suggested it to my MD and he wrote an Rx. My life is back to normal! I take 1/2 packet in the morning, the other half before dinner. I can eat anything and no looking for a bathroom. I take it in apple juice. Have to make frequent dental appointments. Be sure to brush after taking."

• Juj...
• February 9, 2018

For Dumping Syndrome "Had my gallbladder removed 7 years ago. Prior to that, suffered from bouts of diarrhea and constipation for almost 20 years. About a year and a half ago, I started having horrible cramps, uncontrollable diarrhea, the worst ever. I thought it was anxiety or something worse. GI diagnosed in 1 minute as bile dumping syndrome. I've been playing with skipping the PM packet, depending on where I am and what I'm eating. Had some constipation issues once or twice, so keep adjusting. Plan to discuss how to take and keep things moving properly. This drug has saved my life! I could not go anywhere, forget dating, without knowing exactly where the restrooms were, take long car trips with friends, travel. Just depressing. I really wish more general MDs knew about this. The final month before I saw the GI was excruciating, and the fix was so simple!"

• Joh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 4, 2020

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "Have had a right hemicolectomy and then several ops for bowel obstruction, so missing the terminal ileum and bile acids don’t get absorbed. The cholestyramine 3 times daily makes diarrhea manageable, usually only in the mornings. Without it, I have bile-stained motions all day, often with little warning, and can’t really go out anywhere safely. Hoping it doesn’t go out of production, as my life would become very difficult."