Linzess for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation User Reviews (Page 2)

• May...
• April 8, 2021

"I was prescribed Linzess for IBS with constipation. 1st dose worked so well (145 mcg daily). The pharmacist said to skip a day if need be. Frankly, I hadn't had a full and solid bowel movement (e.g., not raisin-grape/walnut-sized fragments) in a long time. I continued to have several solid bowel movements the first day/night to the point that I thought it best to skip the next day. The day after the dose, I went back to 'normal' (small, grape-sized bowel movements). Linzess seems to have 'pooped out'. I take it as directed and drink 3 liters of water daily. I supplemented with 100 mg OTC stool softener (didn't help much). I tried an AloeLax 225/Aloe Ferox - Mill Leaf Resin (helped slightly). Update: I've experienced major inconsistencies with Linzess. I really think that there are certain batches that have been either improperly stored or shipped. My newest prescription bottle seems to work, whereas the last 90-day supply really didn't."

• tbeckys
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 9, 2020

"I started Linzess 3 weeks ago. At first, it was wonderful and then 1 week later it quit! My GI Dr. said to take it with 3 capfuls of Miralax. I didn’t do 3 but did 2 capfuls! I had diarrhea for several hours! Then went back to 290 of Linzess and nothing! I don’t know what to do as I’m constipated again! I also found out during a colonoscopy several years ago that I have several more feet of bowel than other people have so that it takes much longer for me to go to the bathroom! I really don’t know which way to turn!"

• Hornb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 31, 2017

"I have been on this for about a week. After 20 years of complete idiopathic chronic constipation, I had to take Mag Citrate or MOM every three days and wear a depends. It was necessary to stay alive and as I said 20 years (3 trips to Mayo Clinic and no help). I've not had any side effects that I am aware of yet. First morning I took it and had a bowel movement the next morning, and it was a substantial and well-formed movement. Later that night before bed, I had an urge and had another significant bowel movement. Second day, same situation and had a good bowel movement when I got up (within 2 hours). If this stays effective and no side effects emerge, my life has changed wonderfully forever. I could not travel before and had to wear a depends after magnesium as I never knew when I would get hit for about 16 hours. I have had no diarrhea with Linzess or bloating or pain. I hope prices go down or a generic occurs as I paid about $350.00 for 30 290mg capsules. Also, I pray that nothing occurs where this shows over time to have any negative side effects. I took Amitiza over 10 years ago and had agony and very poor results. I lost faith in all new drugs as they all panned out to have some serious problems so I waited on Linzess for over 5 years before trying it. No horror stories emerged and now, unless it stops working, I'm truly amazed after 20 + years of constant constipation. I didn't have over two or three BMs in 20 years without a magnesium product, and they were getting more frequent for use with age. I'm happy to write this because I had given up and had considered having a colostomy or colectomy if I was a candidate. 10 stars for Linzess!"

• Lisai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2014

"After seeing so many bad reviews of this medicine, it almost stopped me from picking it up from the pharmacy (considering the cost), but I am so happy I did. When I take it, it cleans me out with no pain, gas, or bloating that I would get from other laxatives. If you have a job or somewhere to be during the day, I would not take it in the morning. I am at home with my kids, so I follow the morning schedule and within 2-3 hours it takes effect with frequent trips to the bathroom that last for about an hour. On days that I have plans, I simply time the medication to kick in when I know I'll be home. I will take a planned one-hour bathroom break over feeling constipated and disgusting any day! Take every second day considering how well it cleans you."

• Mac
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 2, 2014

"Alright, so I'll give you the full details. It works great for me, but you definitely don't want to be out of reach of a toilet within an hour after eating because you have to go. I suffer from severe constipation; I used to only go to the bathroom once every week, and my pain from being so bloated just got ridiculous. Linzess really helps, even if I forget to take it for a few days and get backed up, it works to flush me out. Haha. I know. But still don't know what I would do without it because laxatives are not good."

• trago
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2014

"I have suffered with chronic constipation for at least 5 years. I always assumed it was caused by pain medication and opiates. I started methadone treatment about 10 months ago and the constipation got worse. I tried laxatives, stool softeners, drinking tons of water, eating everything I could that gave me fiber in my diet. Nothing was helping. It got so bad that going to the bathroom was something I feared. I found myself doing an enema every 2 days. Then they stopped working. I talked to my doctor and he gave me Linzess. About 3 days after the first pill, I went to the bathroom. No pain, no constipation, it was amazing. I've been taking Linzess for a month now and everything seems normal again. Linzess is my miracle pill."

• MissJ...
• July 11, 2014

"I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Constipation 15 years ago and severely suffered with constipation since then. On average, I would do a bowel movement once every 2 1/2 to 3 weeks... no exaggeration. I requested a colonoscopy after a friend of mine suddenly died of colon cancer at the age of 31. A year ago, my PCP introduced me to Linzess. It took a month for my body to adjust. I do have occasional diarrhea with it, but I will take it over constipation any day! It's been a year and I am down to taking it once a week, rather than have a bowel movement once or twice a month. I go once or twice a day effortlessly with no issues whatsoever. It has acted almost like a cure for my condition. Thank GOD for Linzess!"

• AnnaM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 12, 2019

"I dealt with constipation for several years. I would have a BM 1-2 times a week and stayed bloated and miserable. My doctor prescribed 72mcg, and it works great. Take 1 and like clockwork, have a BM within 2-3 hrs. No more discomfort or gas. I'm very satisfied with Linzess."

• Linzizi
• July 30, 2014

"My doctor gave me Linzess samples, and so far, it is helping a lot. I don't have as much discomfort in my stomach and less burping and farting. However, I did have a VERY embarrassing situation happen when I was walking my dogs one morning. I had no feeling I had to go at all, and just coughed, and out came a liquid mess. So, overall, I like the medicine, but the diarrhea can be severe and unexpected. I have never had this happen before!"

• Anon2d
• April 10, 2016

"I went to a GI specialist last week, assuming I had some serious issues other than constipation. However, it was just that- chronic constipation. The doctor gave me samples of Linzess, and I started it at 10 am on an empty stomach. I had a bowl of oatmeal about half an hour later. Then, 20-30 minutes after I had eaten, I had the urge to use the restroom, and for the first time in years, without the help of several laxatives, I expelled. Three times within a two-hour time frame. I don't mind the diarrhea because it was much worse not being able to go. But it is scary knowing you have to pass gas and not knowing if you might accidentally crap yourself."

• Couldnt...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 26, 2014

"Believe me. If you 'cannot go', this will do the trick. I had CAT scans, Upper GIs, tried gluten-free, dairy-free, chugged water, EVERYTHING. This has been a lifesaver. But beware. I am only 24 years old and I sometimes want to wear depends. This stuff gives no warning when you're about to...2."

• Stan
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 2, 2020

"Even with side effects, doctors wanted my husband on Linzess because of an ileus and having suffered complete impaction. We've tried for six months to get assistance from Allergan Patient Assistance Program. Mistakes on the first application left the application sitting until I began investigating in March. In May I called to learn of incomplete and erroneous information (my fault since I was using info from 2018 part D plan) and doctor's office providing incomplete and mistaken information. June 2. I just called Allergan again about a denial letter that requires hours of further research on every penny we spend. My husband suffered a massive stroke with paralysis. I work the entire day on his care. Allergan wants that time spent providing information from cable bill to utilities to food and clothing monthly expenses. I quit. He just won't get the medication, even though Humana Pharmacy doesn't even cover it. That is no assistance for people already suffering."

• 30...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2017

"I can't impress upon you how my life has changed. 30 years of fighting constant chronic constipation. I have tried EVERYTHING! Linzess worked after 3 or 4 hours, and it was like the flood gates opening. After using Linzess for 3 months daily, I figured I could try taking it every other day, but that didn't work. I stayed on it a few more weeks, and then the miracle occurred. I weaned myself off of it, and it's now going on 6 months that I have not taken ANYTHING for constipation, and I wake up every morning and have a well-formed BM. I can't remember ever being so regular in my life. I FEEL THAT LINZESS CURED MY CHRONIC CONSTIPATION. My theory is that taking it daily for months wiped out the bad intestinal flora. I've been reborn!"

• KOS
• August 14, 2019

"I've been on Linzess for three years for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC). Prior to this drug, I could go a week without a bowel movement, and when I was finally able to expel what was in my system, I thought I would die from an aneurysm because my stool was so hard. I looked like I was pregnant; not to mention, I felt sick to my stomach almost all the time. The first few weeks on the medicine were pretty terrible; the urge to go was overwhelming, and I could never be too far from a bathroom. Yes, that immediate urge to go still occurs pretty often, sometimes several times in a three-hour time period, but I am able to hold it a bit without being uncomfortable. If I am traveling (driving, flying, touring) or if I have an important morning meeting that I don't want to excuse myself from more than once, I will not take my pill. Last month, I went to Europe and didn't take the medicine for five days, which meant I didn't go to the bathroom for five days - that was a far worse feeling than how I feel on the medication."

• Bonjo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 31, 2016

"Linzess works great for me. If you are going too much when you take it once a day, cut back by taking it every other day and that should help the diarrhea too. If you are still having too much diarrhea, take it every third day. I would be glad I wasn't constipated anymore! Not going is worse than diarrhea any day. Hope this info helps."

• Sherm...
• August 5, 2016

"This drug has been marked incredible in my book. I went from going to the bathroom once every 1-2 weeks to once every few days once I started taking Linzess as directed. I would take it with a full glass of water 30 minutes before breakfast and would have a BM within the next morning or so. Well, I have been trying something new which seems to be working much better. My wife and I usually eat dinner pretty late, around 9:30-10, and then I chill for about an hour. I take Linzess and go to bed. Each morning, I have woken up to a BM after my alarm goes off at 6:00. It is solid but very easy to go. I am amazed and had to share just in case I can help someone else."

• Gems
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2021

"I’ve been on Linzess for about 5 months now. At first, it was just uncontrollable watery diarrhea. I couldn’t imagine how that would help my IBS with chronic constipation. Now that I have been on it awhile, I can say that I don’t want to be without it. I do still have daily diarrhea with this but, it’s better than chronic constipation. I had a perforated colon, where my colon literally split in half and caused me to be in critical care. I want to avoid a repeat of that at all costs!"

• Maggi...
• March 23, 2014

"I've had chronic constipation for as long as I can remember. Tried eating more fiber and drinking more water, and that just makes things worse. Prescribed the 145 and took it in the morning. Nothing for the first 4 days then remembered my doc said that some of her patients had better luck taking it at night. It worked great then. Sometimes I have diarrhea but not always. The only downside is unpredictability. I will take this over constipation any day. Other than diarrhea, I have no side effects. So give it a try at night if you aren't having luck in the morning."

• PMS
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2020

"I use to take Linzess and had to stop because of severe diarrhea. Years later after a second double back fusion leaving me with terrible sciatica, I started taking tramadol and gabapentin added to a few other drugs I was already on all which cause constipation. I had the old linzess of 72 and 144 so I tried them plus eating a large salad every night. At first they worked, but then constipation got worse, my dr. Gave me 245 mg and I have severe constipation. When I go, I strain to go and then it turns into diarrhea. Sometimes it's more than 5 days so I take 1 or 2 stool softeners depending on how bad my stomach is swollen and how much it hurts. I had a colonoscopy last year and and everything was fine"

• Chris...
• October 30, 2014

"First of all, I NEVER leave reviews... So the fact that I'm taking time to write one should speak volumes. I absolutely love this medication and will NOT do without it! Chronic constipation for years and years... I recently went 3 weeks without a bowel movement. I took every laxative and stool softener including giving myself suppositories and enemas. This is a miracle! I've been on it one week, and I have had a bowel movement every single morning just a few hours after taking this medicine. No cramping, no bloating! Life-changing. I feel amazing, and I will not ever go without this pill!"

• mrs...
• February 4, 2014

"I've been battling chronic constipation, and with that a 50lb weight gain over the past several years. I also have leukemia so the medicines make the constipation 10x worse. I tried the lower dose Linzess and nothing (I was so constipated that the bowel prep for the colonoscopy did not work at all. Took 2 tries). So my doctor upped the dose on the Linzess to the 290 and I love it. I haven't felt this 'empty' in years and it's motivated me to eat healthier since I have dropped 10lbs in one week. Be sure to drink a lot of water! Also, it works differently on everyone, so when first taking it... be sure you will be near a bathroom. I will take the extra bathroom trips over horrendous constipation any day! It works for those gaining weight."

• brang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2015

"I am a 70-year-old female who has had a chronic problem with colonic inertia for many years. I have done the water-fiber thing, eating healthy, exercise, various laxatives, enemas – you name it. Not only did these measures not help much, but I was always having abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn, and just not enjoying eating anymore. I was placed on Linzess and have taken 2 pills thus far, and I think I am experiencing a miracle. I have a full and complete bowel movement with normal cramping and no more suffering with bloating and cramping during the day. I just pray it continues and my body doesn't get used to it and stop working."

• Colto...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 10, 2013

"It saved my life. Back in January, I was so constipated I literally was vomiting up my backup for 12 hours straight and ended up in the ER. I have been backed up since before Thanksgiving. I might have been able to have a bowel movement if I was lucky once every week or two. My stomach hurt so bad. I tried oral laxatives, stool softeners, literally everything. So a week ago, my pain specialist for my neuropathy gave me some samples of Linzess. I tried it literally right away and 'voilà', it worked! I was so happy I cried tears of joy. I suffered from November to March, and all I needed was a little white pill called Linzess. I went to 3 other doctors before her, and no one else even suggested it."

• RLZ
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2014

"I honestly didn't realize that I was constipated because I would have a bowel motion once a day. I went into the GI for a different issue and when I left, I was told I was actually 'full of poop' and that is why I was having the initial issue. Since being on the medication, I do not feel bloated or achy anymore, something I hadn't really paid attention to to begin with. But with this medication, I actually go to the bathroom like I should. I work out every day - running, cardio, weight training - and this has made it a little difficult for that. Just because I like to work out in the morning, and that is actually the worst part of the day for me with this medication. I will continue taking this just because it makes me feel so much better!"

• Cathe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2024

"Hello! I have been reading these posts about Linzess for months and was very scared to try Linzess. But I took 72mg this morning as directed and it worked great - no explosive diarrhea or cramping. I feel great! For those who are hesitant to try, I recommend starting low and seeing how your body reacts. Everyone is different. For those worried about cost, contact the company and see if there is a discount card. If it is still too expensive, try OTC miralax. My gastroenterologist swears by it. It's the safest and you can take it twice a day. Also, add Kiwi to your diet! I met with a nutritionist and they said 2 Kiwi a day is a natural laxative. Chia, Flaxseed, and Kefir are all great for the digestive system. I know this is a lot of information, but I want to share all I have learned as I try to manage my chronic idiopathic constipation. I truly hope this helps! :)"