Linzess and Nausea: What Users Say

• Kat...
• February 21, 2021

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I just cannot! Because of my IBS, I bounce between symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Yes, Linzess works, but oh wow! I don't know how anyone takes this drug frequently. There has been nothing but straight liquid explosions. You definitely cannot underestimate urges to pass gas as it is likely just more watery stool (found out the hard way). I sat on the toilet so long that my lower extremities went numb but I couldn't get up to stretch because every time I would try more stool would come rushing like a flood. There were light stomach cramps and some bloating but nothing too severe. I will keep this medication on hand and use it merely as a laxative if I again experience a string of days with no bowel movement. But, there is no way on Earth I would take this pill every day or even every other day. I’d never be able to leave my home."

• Joy...
• August 13, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I've dealt with chronic constipation/ IBS for many years, but in my mid-20s, it has been particularly terrible. Bloating and nausea, occasional vomiting after eating. After some trouble getting Linzess approved by my insurance, I am SO grateful for this little pill! -Day 1: nothing -Day 2: serious bout of diarrhea (be warned, you might not make it to the toilet in time) -Remaining 2 weeks: again constipated/frustrated. Was starting to lose hope. -Post-2 week mark: I feel GREAT. I have a good (mostly less urgent) loose stool every couple of days. A lot of gurgling/cramping, but anything is better than what I was feeling prior. I still drink a lot of water and exercise to get things moving as naturally as possible. Overall: a true constipation/IBS-C sufferer like myself, you will welcome the diarrhea with open arms. It has not interfered with my quality of life, I just find a bathroom ASAP if I feel a bowel movement coming. Try to stick it out for at least 6 weeks. :)"

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I took this drug Linzess for IBS for 3 days. Each day I took it, I had severe, and I mean severe diarrhea within 2 hours of taking it. It caused me to stay near a restroom for several hours as I had to go often and suddenly. After the diarrhea subsided, I was left with bloating and cramping that was so bad it made me nauseous. The day I stopped taking it, all of these symptoms disappeared."

• Khy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 25, 2020

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have been diagnosed with CIC. I was 'normal' until after a hysterectomy a year ago. I didn't have a BM for 15 days after surgery and rarely have gone on my own since. I have to use enemas, suppositories, mag citrate, etc., to force a BM. If I take the 'wait and see' approach, I simply don't go. At all. I tried Amitiza and it did nothing but make me so nauseous and headaches that I couldn't function. Switched me to Linzess. I started on 72 mcg dose for 2 weeks and except for a few noticeable tummy gurgles, it did not work. Two weeks later I had to use mag citrate and an enema to get things flushed out. Dr. upped the dose to 144 mcg daily. It's been a full week and nothing but insane bloating and nausea. I have had every test under the sun and it all comes back normal. But this med has not worked either."

• msb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 5, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Linzess is awesome. I've had chronic constipation most of my life. This is the first thing that has worked! I take it, and a couple of hours later, it starts clearing me out. No nausea. No cramping. I feel like a new person. No longer miserable. You will get diarrhea for an hour or so, but it's worth not being sick and bloated all the time."

• Bet...
• June 28, 2014

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have had constipation problems for years. Before Linzess, I was taking up to 6 different medications to try to go, and then it would hit with a vengeance and last all day long. I couldn't work a full-time job because of it. I was miserable all the time with bloating, cramping, and nausea. I have only been on it for a week, and I already feel so much better. I now have bowel movements like normal people. Yes, there is some diarrhea, but I think I am still getting used to it. If the diarrhea gets bad, I will cut back to every other day. But, I will talk to my doctor first."

• fin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2014

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I've been chronically constipated for as long as I can remember. My parents would give me suppositories as a toddler and prescription medicines to help ease my struggle. Eventually, I moved on to taking gross amounts of Miralax every night in hopes of softening stools that had only ever been rock-hard. This worked as a stool softener, but didn't help to give me the urge to ever use the restroom. I started taking Amitiza, which came with its side effects: bloating, headaches, nausea, and cramping. Finally, my gastro doctor turned me on to Linzess. So far, I've been using it for a week and have NEVER been more regular in my life. Mornings are a breeze... this medicine is life-changing."

• Pro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2020

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Started with Linzess dose of 72 mcg; after 8 days, doubled the dose to 2 capsules daily, wasn’t getting much relief with one capsule daily. Currently on 145 mcg dose. Have bowel movement daily and weight loss (pro). Experiences nausea, a lot of neuropathy, and muscle pains (con)."

• Kel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "One dose made me sick enough that I would never take another. It started working within 30 minutes, had over 20 trips to the bathroom, which is what it's intended to do. Five hours into it, I was still going nonstop, and it was clear. I couldn't retain fluid, became dehydrated, and then came the projectile vomit. My legs were heavy, I was shivering and had to go to the ER."

• Ter...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have dealt with chronic constipation and IBS for years, and nothing has worked. I have been prescribed Miralax and used laxatives that leave me nauseated and have major stomach cramps. I usually go 2-3 weeks without a bowel movement, and my doctor didn't seem concerned. When I was finally able to have a bowel movement, I had to miss work because I became extremely nauseated and had major stomach cramps. I finally talked my doctor into prescribing Linzess, and I took it for the first time yesterday morning, 30 minutes before eating. It took about 2 hours to work, and I had warning with my stomach cramping a little, but nothing major. I went to the bathroom 3 times, and although it was loose stools, it was a nice relief. No nausea and no horrible side effects."

• Smi...
• December 1, 2018

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I took Linzess a few years ago. I had limited success, but also an overwhelming watery flow as well. I also had a five-pound weight gain in a month, and Linzess seemed to not be working anymore. I had actually increased my diet and exercise regimen in anticipation of my upcoming vacation. I still gained five pounds. I quit the medication. Last summer, I discovered magnesium capsules. It has changed my life. I have fabulous success, with no side effects. I want to shout it from the rooftops!! I now feel normal with four capsules and a glass of water once a day. No gas, no nausea, no abdominal pain, and no weight gain!"

• Mee...
• June 11, 2017

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have suffered from chronic constipation for well over 10 years. I have just started using Linzess for 2 weeks, and I had my first bowel movement without an enema or without milk of magnesia or Senna the second day of using it. In 10 years, even though most of it has been diarrhea, I would rather have diarrhea than to not use the bathroom for up to 10 days, get deathly ill, and have to go to the ER. Linzess so far has been wonderful. I feel much better. The nausea and stomach pain have reduced dramatically! I am thinking if I take Linzess every other day instead of every day, it will not be diarrhea but will be a regular stool, so we will see how that goes. Two thumbs up to this medication."

• Whe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 8, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "About one year ago, I developed an anal fissure due to chronic constipation, which is odd because I have ulcerative colitis that affects my entire colon! But because my medicine for UC works so well, my colon appears to react as if I didn’t have this horrible disease. I was prescribed 72 mcg of Linzess, and in the beginning, my stool was more liquid-like diarrhea but without any pain. I would go once or twice within 10 minutes, and then I felt amazing! I have to go every day, or I will suffer fissures and hemorrhoids (not fun!). Then for no reason, it will stop working. And so I begin taking a healthy dose of Miralax at night and two stool softeners. I get no cramping but some nausea, and then it subsided after I’m able to go to the bathroom. I just wish this drug was more consistent because when it works, it’s a fabulous drug. I still take it and am trying to avoid increasing but may be leaning that way if it continues. I recommend people with chronic constipation to give it a try!"

• Pud...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2020

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I've suffered from constipation for about 6 months. My doctor gave me 145 mg of Linzess. After only one dose, I developed horrible bloating where it was difficult to breathe. The flatulence was like being in a sewer. I had a horrible headache and nausea. My daughter suggested I was having a reaction to Linzess, had me take 2 Benadryl, and symptoms subsided in a half hour. No more 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!"

• Fir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 7, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Same as others here, constipation for 20 years (currently in my 40s). I'd go weeks without a movement, became terribly ill. Laxatives caused intense cramping, nausea, and fainting, so when Miralax came out, I was thrilled. Five years later on the Miralax almost daily, my doctor suggested the Linzess. Started samples (245 mg) until I could fill my (145 mg) script, and I don't recommend the higher dose - terrible cramping, nausea, and unpredictable movements. After starting the 145 mg dose, I'm doing much better, with a very productive movement (or 2!!) every day, but I'm disappointed. I'm fairly torn to shreds with fissures from hard, forceful movements. Hoping for improvement soon!"

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 1, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "First day, first dose. Bowel urgency greater than I ever could imagine. If I want to have the contents of my bowels liquefied, I can take magnesium citrate. I'm nauseous, and I have a headache. I'll have to only take it on days when I am close to a private toilet."

• 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."

• 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."

• Sue...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 10, 2018

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have had constipation for years. I tried everything. Laxatives made me so sick until I would throw up and break out in sweats. My Dr. gave me a prescription for this, and I love it!! It works really fast, and it cleans me out. I don't care if it's diarrhea. It's just good to get it out. I may have to go three or four times, but I feel so much better. This medicine is great for me."

• KD1...
• August 10, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I had a lower bowel resection a little over a year ago, and I have suffered with terrible constipation since having this surgery. I have tried everything out there, changed my diet, loads of fiber, tons of water, and nothing helped except Mag Citrate. I would go as much as 2 weeks with no bowel movement. Then I would take Mag Citrate, and it would make me so sick that I couldn't eat, and I've lost a lot of weight because of this. My gastro doctor finally put me on Linzess. I was so afraid to take it because of some of the reviews about the side effects. I finally started taking it 2 days ago, and for the first time in forever, I'm able to go to the bathroom without having to strain and be miserable. I will continue taking Linzess, it is a miracle drug."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 24, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have been using Linzess for about 1-2 years. Since I thought it was great at first, but now I'm having pain and trouble with my kidneys. Also, weight gain and wondered why some days I am so bloated and nauseous. My doctor was sure he was aware of my kidney stones. Why is this still on the market with all these side effects? I also have cramps in my legs and buttocks. I have so many stomach issues I don't need anymore. Doesn't make sense, does it?"

• CCa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I've had CIC for quite a few years. Used to do suppositories, enemas, you name it. Another prescription med used to work, but after I fractured my pelvis 6 months ago, it stopped working. Am taking the strongest dose of Linzess for about 3 months now with mixed results. Lots of stomach gurgling and occasional nausea. Sometimes it works, other times, I still need to use a glycerin suppository to get things moving along. So not terribly thrilled with this stuff."

• Bea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2022

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I tried to give it a chance, but it made me sicker each of the 16 days I took it for my chronic constipation/IBS. Within a half hour of taking it, I developed a headache and nausea. Following days had the same along with diarrhea and sharp belly pains. I'll stick to my natural remedies and healthier foods."

• Gei...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 21, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I started this a week ago because I was having incredibly intense cramps and nausea every time I needed to poop. I experienced massive diarrhea about an hour after I took it. I have other digestive issues, including gastroparesis, GERD, and kidney problems, so I'm used to these issues. So, I continued to take it and deal with the fallout diarrhea. Yesterday, I had the best day I've had in months. When I took the Linzess, I didn't have the diarrhea and, in fact, had a normal day! I think this stuff might be effective if you can get past the initial diarrhea part and let it work for a week or so. I'm a little nervous about reports that it stops working after a month, but I'm going to see what happens."