Linzess and Upset Stomach: 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."

• Jwr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I take Suboxone daily, and the buprenorphine in it has constipated me like nothing ever has. I went 12 days without a bowel movement. I've tried every laxative on the market, including natural ones, and only lactulose worked but only at massive doses. Went to see a GI specialist who prescribed Linzess. Initially, she prescribed 290 mcg dose, but my insurance refused to pay for it but agreed to pay for the 145 mcg dose. I'm glad I didn't get the higher dose. This stuff is amazing. It has worked in as little as 45 min. I take it every 3 days, otherwise, I get insane diarrhea. I am so glad this medication exists, otherwise, I would be miserable and constantly chugging lactulose. The only side effect I get is diarrhea if I take it every day and a bit of tummy gurgling."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 1, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have IBS-C and it has made me so sick for years. My doctor prescribed me Linzess 72mcg. I take one tablet on an empty stomach when I wake up. I eat 30 minutes later and within the hour, I'm using the restroom. No stomach cramps at all. It gets rid of my stomach pain and I no longer have IBS attacks that make me sick. This medicine has been a lifesaver. I take my medicine every day and I skip it on days I'm not near a restroom."

• 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. :)"

• Por...
• April 30, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I've been using Linzess for about 6 months and wanted to share how I made the medicine work for me. I tried taking it in the morning like the directions say but couldn't handle the gas and bloated stomach for several hours after. I decided to try taking it before bed instead, and it's been so much better! I now have a bowel movement about 30 minutes after I wake up and none of the side effects. I also highly recommend taking it for several weeks before you give up because it takes some time to adjust, and then I had hardly any side effects. I started on the 145 mg dose, which worked for a little while but stopped, so now I'm on 290 mg, and it's working great."

• CLa...
• October 10, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "If you take a couple of Senna tablets with the Linzess, it works great! I use it about every 2-3 days because it completely cleans me out, and it's enough. I do need to make sure I can get to a bathroom in a reasonable amount of time, but my stomach gurgles and gives me enough warning. It's a lifesaver! It works for me! Also, I have lost weight, not gained! And my stomach is now flat instead of distended from all the waste and bloat."

• Som...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have IBS with constipation. My GI started me on Amitiza, which worked great for 3 or 4 months, then I started having constipation again, but without the extreme cramps. He gave me Linzess 145, which also worked great for a couple of months, then not so much. I had a colonoscopy and upper GI, which all came back normal except for an irritated stomach. I've been on Linzess 290 now for several months, and it still works, but the way it works affects my daily plans. It may just work too well. I have very watery movements about 3 times every morning, and because of this, I can't leave the house before noon. I haven't had a solid stool for months. Good thing I'm a stay-at-home mom! Taking this every other day might make things better."

• One...
• September 11, 2013

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Took one Linzess and 30 minutes later had massive cramping from my stomach and intestines. If I even took a sip of water, it got worse. Rolled up in a ball, crying all day. No one, not the doctor or pharmacy, had any idea of how long it would last. Best guess was 24 hours. It stopped at 9 PM for the most part and started at 5:30 AM. Today my entire body is sore to touch, bloated, and has a horrible stomach ache. Can't eat anything."

• 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."

• Lin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have had severe constipation for years after having children. However, I have always had a problem with constipation since childhood. I tried everything I could over the counter and several different meds from doctors from all over the U.S. (traveling military). Finally, I have tried Linzess. I have had good/bad experiences with it. On the first three days I took it, it was great. I took it on an empty stomach 30 minutes before breakfast or coffee. Then I felt that I had no more to poop, so I didn't take it again for 2-3 days. I took it as directed again; nothing happened all day, but I had severe stomach cramps/heartburn for over 24 hours. NOTHING will stop this pain. I've read that taking it at night before bed can help. I'm going to try this too."

• Ara...
• April 2, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I took a 145 mcg dose yesterday morning at 8 a.m. on an empty stomach and ate 1 hour later. I still haven't gone to the bathroom, nothing at all but stomach gurgles. I just had a CT scan on Wednesday and X-ray showing I was completely backed up. I tried an enema at home Thursday and Miralax and probiotics and that didn't help either. I am on opioid medication and have been experiencing chronic constipation for years now. My husband, however, experiences temporary constipation and took the same medication yesterday morning, and within hours he had diarrhea and his stomach has been hurting all day. I was worried about starting this after reading all the bad reviews, especially about weight gain. I can see it works differently for everyone. I will try again."

• Mos...
• April 19, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I was born with Hirschsprung's disease and have fought constipation all my life, and as I've gotten older, it's getting so much worse. I took Zelnorm when it was on the market, and it was a dream come true. Unfortunately, it was pulled for possible side effects. Duh ... what meds don't? I've used Linzess three times now. Yes, it cleans me out, but I have horrible stomach cramps and severe diarrhea. But as others have said, it's far better than being constipated for days on end. I so wish someone would/could bring Zelnorm back. Best solution there was. Will only use Linzess on occasion."

• Aan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Took for about 3 weeks. TERRIBLE! Started on 145 mg, took a couple of days to work, finally did with diarrhea for 2 days, which was fine compared to my chronic constipation, BUT it did not continue to work, then went up to the 290 dose and only worked minimally, became extremely backed up, and this medicine made me constantly belch, which was never a problem before. It was the type of painful belching that never gives you relief. I also developed heartburn, burning in my entire stomach, pain, nausea, bloating, and just a lot of acid. I felt so sick I couldn't even eat. After a trip to the ER and a CAT scan to rule out anything serious (which showed that I was still extremely backed up), I realized that maybe it was this medicine making me feel this way. Then I read reviews with similar effects, not to mention the serious long-term side effects this medicine can cause. NO THANK YOU! I've never felt worse since taking Linzess and would not recommend."

• JRo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "My doctor gave me a month's worth of Linzess samples to see if it would relieve my chronic constipation. All it did was give me terrible bloating, stomach aches, and reflux. Then suddenly, in one week, I gained 7 lbs. I look 4 months pregnant. I am not taking this anymore."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 17, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have been on this medication for over 1 1/2 years. I have suffered with severe chronic constipation my entire life and was so excited at the thought that something finally helped! I am extremely active and live a very healthy lifestyle. Initially, it worked great, as most everyone on here has said, but now I am gaining weight for absolutely no reason, can't have a bowel movement to save my life, and constantly have headaches and a severely bloated stomach that won't go away no matter how healthy I eat, how little or much food I take in, or how much I exercise! This wonder drug turned out to be a farce for me, and I will now discontinue use!"

• Jay...
• March 23, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I was nervous taking this at first, always have been afraid to take laxatives. After about 2-3 weeks now, I've noticed that for the first 12 hours or so after taking Linzess, I have no appetite and very loose BM almost to the point of diarrhea. After that 12-hour window, I'm right back to constipated and in pain from the stomach/intestine cramps. Need to contact the Dr to see what to do now."

• Gem...
• May 11, 2021

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have been taking Linzess for about 5 months now. I have had bowel obstructions, fecal impactions, and a perforated colon that required multiple surgeries and being in critical care. Before Linzess, I would take Senna, Miralax, mineral oil, and ground flax seed. I would add Milk of Magnesia as needed. None of those worked. I could go 3-4 weeks taking all of the above daily and still not be able to go to the bathroom. I had tried a lower strength of Linzess years ago, and it did nothing for me. I asked my doctor to prescribe it again out of sheer desperation. This time I was put on 290 mcg. I am experiencing much more positive results. For the first couple of months, I had very watery diarrhea multiple times a day. I did not experience any stomach cramps or nausea. Now that I have been on it for 5 months, it has changed somewhat. I still have diarrhea daily, but not as severe."

• Sup...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "The drug works, but works a little too well and is highly unpredictable. I was prescribed Linzess 72 mg by my doctor after a month of severe, unexplained constipation and pain in my abdomen. The drug didn't seem to work at all the first week, with no noticeable changes in my bowel movements. However, about 8 days into the Linzess, I had incredibly bad, spontaneous diarrhea for an entire day. The same diarrhea occurred the following 2 days with stomach cramps and the worst pain I have ever felt in my life coming from my rectum. I was told to immediately stop taking the Linzess, but days followed with bad abdomen cramps about every 15 minutes and 'pounding' in my upper intestinal tract. I'm writing this as a 19-year-old college student, so please rethink this drug if you have unavoidable classes or a very busy lifestyle."

• Dar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2024

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have had chronic constipation for most of my life. I have gone as long as four weeks without a bowel movement. I have tried every laxative on the market with no success. My body is even resistant to the colonoscopy prep. Three doctors have tried to put me on Linzess and the insurance wouldn't cover it. This week I had a failed colonoscopy, the insurance finally approved the medication! I have been on the 290 Linzess for two days now. A lot of tummy rumbling, gas, and bloating, but no bowel movement yet. I am taking it on an empty stomach and waiting the prescribed 30 minutes, also drinking a lot. After reading these reviews, I am staying positive about success!"

• bre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2024

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have been on Linzess for 2 months now. I started on 145 mg, and after a month, the doctor switched it to the 290 mg dose. The first 2 weeks were rough, but now it works great. I take it at 6 AM, eat at 6:40 AM, and am on the toilet by 7 AM, taking care of business. A little bit of tummy rumbling and cramps, but for me, Linzess is a godsend. I struggled with IBS-C for years. I drink plenty of water and eat oatmeal and half of a banana. I am on the toilet within 15 minutes of eating most of the time, but no longer than 40 minutes. I absolutely recommend Linzess."

• coo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "On day 18, I take Linzess 290 as prescribed every morning and still go days without a BM, or when it does work, I have to go all day. I also have a constant belly ache. The doctor said it should even out after 3 to 4 weeks. I won't be able to find out as I can't afford it, as it costs over $300, and that is with the Linzess coupon that claims you pay only $30! What a scam."

• CLY...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I started on the high dose and had diarrhea the whole day and stayed in bed. The doctor changed it to the 74 mg. I have taken that twice. The first time, diarrhea for half of the day, felt lethargic, headache, and upset stomach all day. Now on the second day, I have no diarrhea but no energy, headache, and upset stomach. Not happy with this drug, so I am going back to senna and see how this works."

• Rac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have IBS mixed. Alternating constipation and overflow diarrhea. My doctor gave me 145 mg of Linzess to take 30 minutes before dinner. Nothing but gas. Then she said to take it with dinner. Two hours later, I had diarrhea a few times the first week. Then I got terrible stomach cramps a few hours later. I would go, but it was hard to pass, and a lot. The next couple of days, I would have the same stomach pain, have hard stools, but then diarrhea right after. I was all over the place. I told my doctor, and she gave me 245 mg and 30 minutes before dinner. It's been a few days, and I think my body is still adjusting because I did have diarrhea. But I've had many normal bowel movements! I feel it coming after I eat or wake up and go like normal! No belly pain, bloating, or rumbling. I hope I am finally stabilized!"

• And...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Suffer from IBS and have chronic constipation. This medication gave me some relief the first 4 days, and from there it was all downhill. I now have diarrhea along with stomach cramps and can't leave the house due to these horrible side effects. I am on the lowest dose and have even tried to take it every other day and then seem to revert back to constipation. I have been in bed all day today and feel sick with stomach cramps and feel very tired. I would not recommend this medication. Think I'll try Metamucil from now on and see how that works. Due to the IBS, I am unable to eat most fibrous foods. I am very thin, and Linzess is causing more weight loss. Not a good medication."

• Son...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2020

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I’m 22 years old, female. I’ve taken this medicine, Linzess, for constipation twice. Once after my C-section, the pain meds blocked me up a lot. And then I just took it again today. My doctor thinks I need my gallbladder removed, so I was given medication to help until COVID-19 is over and I can go for testing. The meds he prescribed made me extremely constipated. Normally, I can drink a cup of coffee or apple juice and be just fine, but that hasn’t been the case the past few days, so I took one 290 mg Linzess, and I now have horrible diarrhea. It worked, to say the least. I’m honestly scared to even sleep right now, that’s how bad it is. I’m still having stomach cramps around my gallbladder area. But it is working for constipation."