Colesevelam and Cramps: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 26, 2017

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I'm a 51-year-old health professional. In 1983, at the age of 17, I had my gallbladder removed (cholecystectomy). Although my painful gallstone attacks ended, like others, I began suffering irritable bowel symptoms for the next 25 years. These frequent bouts of cramping and urgent diarrhea impacted my work, travel, and social life. In 2010, I changed my GP, and he recommended the off-label use of Welchol as a solution to my GI problems. I cannot overemphasize the profound and positive impact this drug has had on my lifestyle. If you've had your gallbladder removed and are having GI problems, please talk with your doctor about this medication."

• Won...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 14, 2017

For Diarrhea, Chronic "For 40 years, I've had to spend a lot of time on the toilet. So much so that it has now become a habit that I spend as much as 30-40 minutes at a time just reading or watching YouTube. Then I met my new girlfriend, who pretty much noticed from the start that something was not right. I had suffered kidney stones from my early 20s and always had cramps. Then I was referred to a doctor who had the time to listen to me, who took the time to try and find the cause. Turns out I have had a very severe case of bile acid malabsorption (BAM) for my whole life. Who knew? I was prescribed colesevelam, which I now have to take 6 a day, but the change has been amazing. I'm not saying I'm cured, but I can live again. Don't take no for an answer."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 24, 2021

For Diarrhea, Chronic "So glad I found these reviews and comments. I'd been struggling for a year with chronic diarrhea. I would get spasms and cramps after eating, and it would come pouring out of me. The most notable thing that would happen is every morning I would wake up, and I would go and go. I was losing weight. Nothing I tried worked. The gastroenterologist tested me for infections-negative. Then thought it was UC and gave me immune suppressing drugs with no change. Then they said it was IBS and gave me antispasmodic drugs. Nothing worked. I read something about bile acid malabsorption (BAM) and found these reviews and asked her if I could try this drug. I think she was pretty skeptical, but she prescribed it anyway. Within 48 hours, the diarrhea stopped. It is like a miracle drug, and it changed how I lived my life. I had avoided travel and/or hiking worry about where the bathroom was. And now I had my freedom back. I just wonder how many more people could benefit from this and are needlessly suffering."

• Bel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 18, 2021

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I had horrible cramping, bloating, and diarrhea following my gallbladder removal for 3 years. A doctor suggested trying one Lodalis (Colesevelam) 625 mg a day. It’s an off-label use for people with high cholesterol (which I don’t have). It is now 7 years later. No symptoms anymore, and I can eat whatever I want with no problems. Good luck!"

• GFg...
• February 25, 2019

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I was diagnosed with celiac disease when I was 16. With a GF diet, I had it all under control until this past summer. My symptoms came back full swing and with no indication of why. I had colonoscopies, endoscopes, MRIs, biopsies, etc. The doctor discovered BAM (bile acid malabsorption) as the cause for my diarrhea and cramping, which occurred EVERY time I’d eat anything. It got in the way of my schooling, social life, work, even running errands. It’s almost ludicrous the amount of things it stopped me from doing as it got more unpredictable. Not a way to live at 21. We’re doing a trial of colesevelam. I take 3 tabs twice daily with meals, which seems like a lot to me, but it is working so far. Some days I pair it with Imodium, but that’s only if I don’t take colesevelam tabs at the exact same time each morning/evening. I am concerned about how it interacts with BC pills because of the amount I take each day (6 pills at 625 mg). Has anyone else been prescribed that high of a dosage? Did they lower it over time?"

• Gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2021

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I owe my quality of life to this medication. I had my gallbladder out, and since then, I have experienced dumping syndrome, which, if you know, is no fun at all. I could not eat anything without extreme nausea, cramping, and near-constant diarrhea. I take this medication before I eat, sometimes in the middle of a meal if I have forgotten, and it has absolutely changed my life. In just one day, I am completely back to normal. I was wondering what my quality of life was going to be before I found this medication, now I know it’s going to be great!!"