Linzess and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Cin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have been on Linzess for a week now due to chronic constipation. Dr. said to give it a try and see how it works. Took on an empty stomach and waited at least 30 mins to eat, and within 4 hours, I had diarrhea pretty bad and sat there for 20 mins. Then I was fine until my next dose. Again diarrhea but not so much or so long. Still some loose stool, but so much better than not going for days on end! Give it a try and give it more than a few days. Your body takes time to adjust."

• Cin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have been on Linzess for a week now due to chronic constipation. Dr. said to give it a try and see how it works. Took on an empty stomach and waited at least 30 mins to eat, and within 4 hours, I had diarrhea pretty bad and sat there for 20 mins. Then I was fine until my next dose. Again diarrhea but not so much or so long. Still some loose stool, but so much better than not going for days on end! Give it a try and give it more than a few days. Your body takes time to adjust."

• Rel...
• November 1, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I was having almost no bowel movements without help for a year. No laxatives worked, the only thing that worked was Mag Cit. My doc gave me 290 mcg of Linzess, and it's a miracle drug. I take this at night, and the next morning I'm good to go, and it isn't like diarrhea at all. It's normal for me."

• dob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I took the lowest dose of Linzess for the first time this morning about 45 minutes before breakfast. Then, about 2 hours later, I had a bowel movement. The urge was there, but no diarrhea. I just want help to alleviate the constipation, so if it can make me have a BM every other day - great. So far, no cramping or other symptoms. I will revisit this site with an update after using it for 2-3 weeks. I will not increase the dosage - I just want to use the minimal amount to get the job done. I understand that after about 4-5 months, your body adapts to the BM routine (muscle memory) and will eliminate easier (like being re-trained). I recommend going into use trying the smallest dose possible before jumping into the higher doses, as that will surely cause anybody to experience a hard and most likely negative reaction."

• Sno...
• January 5, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Unlike most people who post on here, beware: my experience with this drug has been horrific. After taking as directed by the manufacturer, one hour before the first meal, I almost instantly become deathly ill. Cramping and spasms so severe I can hardly breathe and feel like I am going into shock. This lasts for two hours. I couldn't call 911 if I tried. I can't move, I'm so sick. After the episode, I can barely walk, I'm so weak. My chest hurts terribly for hours afterward. I've been so desperate to have a bowel movement that I have tried this drug several times with the same result. Never again! I do eventually have severe diarrhea toward the end of the episode. This drug is not for me."

• BB8...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have suffered from chronic constipation since my mom said I was in diapers. I will go up to 2 weeks without movement when on no medication. I started on Amitiza 10 years ago, learned how to deal with the side effects, but still hated the nauseousness they caused. I asked my doctor to switch me to Linzess even though she hasn't had any patients on it yet, and so far, I LOVE IT! No terrible side effects. Yes, I get diarrhea on it, but that is common for any medication I take for CIC. I'll take diarrhea over constipation any day. No stomach pain, no bloating, no water retention!"

• Moe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 27, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I was going about every 2 weeks since April and would have an 'explosion.' I would all of a sudden, without warning, start puking and have diarrhea and severe cramping in my stomach area. My doctor started me on the lowest dose of Linzess, worked the first and second days. Had to increase to middle dose due to feeling full and bloated... While taking Linzess, still had an 'explosion' and I am still unable to have a regular bowel movement. I guess Linzess isn't for me. I am requesting additional testing to see if there is something inside that is wrong. I would give anything to have results that some of these people get for relief."

• Ter...
• March 2, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I was prescribed Linzess for chronic constipation, which I have been dealing with for years. I was prescribed 145 mg. The first day I took one, it worked great. I continued taking them every day as prescribed, but they weren't working. I read that there is a larger mg, so when I hadn't gone to the bathroom for a week, I took 2. BIG MISTAKE!! It started with horrible stomach pains, which continued for 13 hours without being able to have a bowel movement. I was also vomiting. I had horrible heartburn too. I finally was able to go without warning all over the place. I had severe diarrhea for 5 hours. I mean severe!! It's been 2 days, and I still don't feel well. I will go back to taking 1 and see what happens."

• sus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 18, 2013

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I took the med for a month, it was fantastic, but no insurance, so it was very expensive. So I am not taking it now. Again, the medicine is great. I didn't have any side effects, nor did I have loose stool."

• DSh...
• June 22, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "After suffering most of my life from all the issues related to irritable bowel syndrome, gas, diarrhea, chronic constipation, I have finally found I have a normal life with little or no gas, no more constipation, and rare loose stools. But for anyone who has ever suffered from constipation, having loose stools is a welcome trade-off. Thank you, Linzess."

• DSh...
• June 22, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "After suffering most of my life from all the issues related to irritable bowel syndrome, gas, diarrhea, chronic constipation, I have finally found I have a normal life with little or no gas, no more constipation, and rare loose stools. But for anyone who has ever suffered from constipation, having loose stools is a welcome trade-off. Thank you, Linzess."

• Tal...
• September 8, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have IBS, and my doctor prescribed this as a miracle drug. Do not use this medication. I ended up in the ER. Diarrhea, blood pouring out, and because of the drug, developed colitis. It’s been four months since I stopped and still having abdominal pain and going for a colonoscopy. Before I began the Linzess, I had a routine colonoscopy, and everything was fine. Now I have gone through test after test, and the same doctor is ordering these tests. It was the Linzess, and I pray the colonoscopy doesn’t show any inflammation, which was the case after taking Linzess. I haven’t felt like myself since my hospital stay."

• cee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I've only been on this med about one week, but it worked immediately. My intestinal motility was vastly improved, I had no cramps, stomach pains, or discomfort. The only side effects I've experienced are diarrhea with some urgency and a slight increase in gas, but with no bloating. I haven't taken any of the significant amount of laxatives I've had to take in the past, the Linzess is all I've had to take. I'm hoping that overtime the urgency for the diarrhea will adjust (I don't mind the diarrhea itself, it's far preferable to the uncomfortable constipation!)."

• Cor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "If you're taking samples currently, please read this. I have to love and hate this medicine. Pros: It does what it says it does. It makes you go! It doesn't give you full-on diarrhea if you take it every few days. Just soft stools, which is a great thing! Cons: You cannot take this medication every day, no matter what the doctor tells you. Maybe it's my body or something, but I can promise you, your body will soon reject the medication if taken every day for more than 5 days. If continued in such a fashion, you will bloat, cramp, and become MORE constipated than before. It will plug you up FOR REAL. It's not strong enough to make you go a lot the next day if you need it. Take a weak laxative with it. Still, the best IBS/Constipation meds I've found."

• lov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have been taking Linzess for one month, and for the first time ever, I feel like I can have a normal life. I have suffered with irritable bowel syndrome for 35 years, and it has controlled my life. I have diarrhea for a few hours after taking it, but feel great the rest of the day. I am so excited, but just wish my insurance would cover this new medicine that has saved my quality of life!"

• Joj...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 31, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have had chronic constipation my whole life. I am 52. I have tried everything on the market. I have chronic pain (fibromyalgia), and in trying to have some quality of life, I moved on to opioid meds, which make the constipation way worse. Linzess 290 has changed everything! I take it at 3-5 am (whenever I happen to wake up). I had been on Amitiza 2x/day, which I still take along with 1 oz of George's Aloe in the am, and 3 oz before bedtime mixed with 2 tsp of Natural Calm (mostly magnesium). I no longer take senna-s or Miralax. I go a lot, 1-2 times per day. No diarrhea, no bloated abdomen, and no pain. I believe that the aloe (which tastes like water) combined with Linzess and Amitiza have changed my life! Lots of fruit and veggies and water too!"

• Ron...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I'm 65, have suffered from Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Constipation my entire adult life. Have taken 145 mcg dose of Linzess off and on since the middle of August 2013. The longest stretch I have taken it for is 12 days. I was also taking Align, but discontinued it during the 12-day Linzess experiment so I could evaluate the Linzess objectively, and got horrible trapped gas and splenic flexure syndrome for my troubles. I resumed the Align, which has been a blessing, and now do Linzess every second or third day. The Linzess is a very effective laxative, although it will give you at least one or two bouts of diarrhea every time. But without the Align, it seems to aggravate the abdominal pain and bloating, NOT alleviate it. Align is more effective for gut pain."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have had constipation for one year. My Dr. had me try all the usual after having a colonoscopy. A high-fiber diet did not help. Had a CT of the abdomen and pelvis, with no problems. Also had a gallbladder scan. The first 2 days on Linzess were awful: cramps, bloating, nausea, and unexpected diarrhea. It took about 10 days for me to acclimate. My gastroenterologist tweaked the dose to take the capsule after breakfast. Then, after another adjustment (taking the capsule every other day), everything is fine. Routinely, I do not plan to be away from a bathroom for 2 hours after taking a capsule."

• a...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 2, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I'm so glad to finally get relief. I tried everything else with no results. I saw the commercial and asked my doc about Linzess. He agreed I should try it. He told me to take it in the morning, 30 minutes before my first meal. I took it later, and I got diarrhea. Now I take it in the morning, and it works great! I know this sounds dramatic, but I feel like I got my life back during these two weeks. If it works for me, it should work for anyone. $30 copay is the same as buying Miralax, which doesn't really work for me. I'm satisfied."

• Mr ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 17, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I'm classic IBS-C. Haven't had a normal bowel movement in years. I have tried everything and have seen leading specialists in Los Angeles. I've tried soluble fiber, gluten-free, FODMAPS, stool softeners, drugs such as Bentyl, desipramine...nothing works. A leading specialist at UCLA prescribed Linzess. I started with the 145 mg dose - nada - then went to 290 and it was a storm!!! The first time I took it, I thought I would have to go to the ER, I was so sick. After taking it for a few months, the pain got less, but it still gives me explosive, violent diarrhea that can last up to 3 to 4 hours. I take it about twice a week, it's the lesser of two evils theory. I take it at bedtime, and if I'm lucky, I wake around 4 am and go until about 7."

• Mr ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 17, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I'm classic IBS-C. Haven't had a normal bowel movement in years. I have tried everything and have seen leading specialists in Los Angeles. I've tried soluble fiber, gluten-free, FODMAPS, stool softeners, drugs such as Bentyl, desipramine...nothing works. A leading specialist at UCLA prescribed Linzess. I started with the 145 mg dose - nada - then went to 290 and it was a storm!!! The first time I took it, I thought I would have to go to the ER, I was so sick. After taking it for a few months, the pain got less, but it still gives me explosive, violent diarrhea that can last up to 3 to 4 hours. I take it about twice a week, it's the lesser of two evils theory. I take it at bedtime, and if I'm lucky, I wake around 4 am and go until about 7."

• Bam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2017

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I took the 145 mcg for chronic constipation. It worked okay for a week, then I didn't have a bowel movement for a couple of days, then diarrhea one day and regular movement the next. I got a lot of gas and flatulence. Within a month, it stopped working, so I contacted my doctor. He said to take 2 capsules equal to 290 mcgs. I got diarrhea for 2 days, then no bowel movement, then some normal movement. More gas pains and flatulence. Very disappointed with the medication. Doesn't really work as advertised. I will tell my doctor about it when I see him for my follow-up. This medication sucks."

• cou...
• December 2, 2013

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I am currently having horrible cramps and constant diarrhea. I cannot even bend over to pick something up without having to run to the bathroom. I am very sore at the other end, and my bowel movements are like water."

• Bye...
• June 12, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have diagnosed chronic constipation. My doctor tried to refer me to Miralax, which I did try, but it did nothing for me. I asked him for a sample of Linzess, and I thought I might happy cry because of how well it worked. Within the first two weeks, you will most likely have some diarrhea, as your body is getting used to the medicine. I'm about a month in on my prescription, and the diarrhea DID stop. But trust me, it's better than constipation every day. Every body is different, but try to follow the directions to a T for the first month before you switch it up. I take mine 30-1 hours before I eat after I wake up in the morning and have a completely normal BM a few hours later. If I wait to eat any longer than one hour, it doesn't work at all."

• Wlb...
• February 20, 2013

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I'm on day 3 and have had horrible cramps, sweating, nausea, and diarrhea after every dose. Within 1 to 3 hours after taking the pill, I feel sick until it all comes out! But if it helps me go more than 1 time every 10 to 14 days, I'll take these symptoms over that. But I agree, stay close to the potty."