Linaclotide and Cramps: What Users Say

• Blu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2020

Linzess (linaclotide) for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I’m at the end of week 2 and now I don’t sleep during the day because I have my energy back. I haven’t had any debilitating stomach pains since. My biggest warning is give it two weeks to work. Don’t take it the first day and blow up the toilet and say “This not going to work.” Give it time. It's not a constant in the bathroom, just a more back and forth. I felt really tired the first week too. By the end of that week, I noticed my energy coming back. It didn’t make my stomach cramp, just made it roil and tumble. The end of the 2nd week, it will start to harden back up and be almost normal in the morning and you are good to go. My point is, do not live through the pain of IBD, do something before it takes over your life like it was trying to do for mine. Talk to your doctor and take control with Linzess. If you can’t afford it, google the company and they will give you the steps to get financial assistance."

• Joy...
• August 13, 2019

Linzess (linaclotide) 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. :)"

• Cai...
• July 15, 2014

Linzess (linaclotide) for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have been constipated for YEARS. Since I was about 16, and I'm now 24. I tried everything from changing what I ate to fiber gimmies and drink mixes, two laxatives, and vegetable laxatives, milk of magnesia, I even drank magnesium citrate. It has been a constant struggle with bloating and cramping. I could gain up to 5 pounds and I was constipated for more than a week, and that even made fitting in my clothes difficult! Since using Linzess, I am never constipated! I take it every other day, and that is enough for me. My movements aren't hard, but they aren't diarrhea either... play with it and take it as you need it, but it surely is a miracle pill."

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

Linzess (linaclotide) 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."

• Chr...
• October 30, 2014

Linzess (linaclotide) for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "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!"

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

Linzess (linaclotide) for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "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."

• TBa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 20, 2017

Linzess (linaclotide) for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I am a 21-year-old female who suffers from IBS-C. Before this medication, I would only go to the bathroom about once a week or sometimes go two weeks without going. I have been on Linzess 145 mg for a week now, and it has changed my life forever! My doctor prescribed me to take it in the morning with 2 fiber gummies 30 minutes before breakfast. I now go to the bathroom twice a day! My cramps are not bad and go away once I use the bathroom. I don't experience any dizziness. I almost did not take this medication because of the negative reviews, but I'm glad I looked past it! Ask your doctor for coupons as well, I got a coupon for a 90-day supply for $30. Good luck!"

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

Linzess (linaclotide) 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."

• Liz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2021

Linzess (linaclotide) for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have been dealing with severe constipation from IBS-C, which is exacerbated by a medication I have to take for over a decade. I have tried literally every lifestyle, diet, supplement, and OTC laxative you can think of. Linzess has been absolutely life-changing for me. I take it 30 mins before breakfast. Most days I have a completely normal BM within 2 hours of eating. If I don’t, I always have one that day, just after lunch or dinner instead. I have not experienced any diarrhea. I have experienced mild bloating and occasionally cramping, but it pales in comparison to the symptoms associated with my severe constipation. Honestly, I have cried multiple times from sheer relief and joy to find something that worked. I should have listened to my GI doctor and tried it sooner. If you’re nervous about trying it because of side effects, I highly recommend you at least try it. I’m on the 145 mg dose, but I also only weigh 115 lbs."

• Bet...
• June 28, 2014

Linzess (linaclotide) 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."

• Lov...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 17, 2017

Linzess (linaclotide) for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Holy hell! I suffer from chronic constipation, IBS, and I have diverticulosis. I tried fiber products that you mix with water, chia seeds, every laxative, and nothing worked 'right.' Laxatives gave me cramps, and fiber gave me bloat. I took Linzess 145 mcg, and 30 minutes later I literally exploded at least 8 times. Over a month, I took it 2-3 times a week, couldn't handle daily. But I did lose pounds, from 142 to 128. It has helped me so much, I love it! I've always been thin, but my gut was growing. Problem solved. No more constipation! Highly recommend it, but stay close to a toilet."

• KAR...
• October 9, 2014

Linzess (linaclotide) for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Linzess is a wonderful medicine. It provides optimal relief of chronic constipation within hours of ingesting it, without any cramping that I have experienced with similar medicines and over-the-counter laxatives!"

• Mel...
• March 16, 2014

Linzess (linaclotide) for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "Well, I started taking a low dose, and it took about 4 hours for it to kick in. I literally went about 7 times throughout the night and most of the morning. I had some cramps, my stools weren't watery, just lots of stool. I'm really worn out from going so much. But the upside is I feel pretty empty, and when I go, I feel complete. This was just the first day! I'm afraid to take it again since I don't want it to interrupt my day. I literally have to run to the restroom!"

• Vea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 16, 2016

Linzess (linaclotide) for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "This medication has been great thus far. I have had severe constipation my entire life. I was so desperate for help, with teas and other laxatives not working, the doctor gave me this Rx. I have not had the severe cramping that others have had at all. I take it in the morning on an empty stomach, eat a meal about 1/2 hour later. It produces a bowel movement for me, which is complete or feels complete in about 30 minutes; stools are soft, no straining, and most of all I don't fear going to the bathroom. I have had, on occasion, two or three follow-up BMs, nothing major, and they are quite small. I will start cutting back the medication from every day to every other day or so and see what happens, but right now this medication is a huge relief."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2016

Linzess (linaclotide) for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I am so happy with this medication! I've struggled with chronic constipation for so long I forgot what it feels like to have a 'normal' BM. My constipation was so bad that I've had frequent visits to the ER for severe abdominal cramps (comparable to labor pains), and each time I was told I had a severely dilated colon and impaction. I've been on lactulose, Mirilax, Go-lytly, laxative teas, and even drinking a bottle of magnesium citrate. Nothing worked. Now I'm on a daily dose of Linzess and I have to share my success story with others. It worked! And I couldn't be happier!"

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

Linzess (linaclotide) 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."

• Sad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 21, 2016

Linzess (linaclotide) for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I was reluctant to try Linzess, and I wish I'd listened to myself! Horrid pain for hours, cramping, stomach pain, belching, lightheaded, chills, and now spasms, definitely a setback in my GI saga. I'm irritable and completely out of sorts too - my poor family! At one point, I thought I'd faint and need urgent care. I'm lucky my kids were here to help. I took it as directed, so that's not the issue. I'm just posting in case anyone else experiencing a negative reaction is wondering if they're alone. You're not. It's not for everyone."

• Tez...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 5, 2015

Linzess (linaclotide) for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have been taking Linzess for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation for about 9 months. It has been very helpful. I take one 290 mg tablet every day a half hour before dinner and have a comfortable bowel movement first thing the following morning. I have never been this regular before. It is such a relief to know that I will not spend the day with cramps, bloating, and gas. The only issue is that my stomach is very noisy and bubbly during the night, but I find that oddly comforting because it means the Linzess is working!"

• Gib...
• November 16, 2018

Linzess (linaclotide) for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Years of gut issues. Painful cramps and aggressive diarrhea to days of not having any bowel movement or urge to go. Sigmoid colon removed. After, couldn’t pass any stool. Nothing worked unless I took 6 times beyond the recommended dose of Ex-Lax. I’d wait 4-7 days and then take. 12 hours later, it worked. The cycle continued, over and over. More tests. Gut motility almost zero. Prescribed Linzess after no daily bowel movement for years. Took my first capsule. Within 2 hours, had the urge to go! Was elated! No cramps. Was diarrhea, but I will take diarrhea any day over not being able to go! Several trips to the bathroom afterwards. Next pill, day 2. Worked within 2 hours. Diarrhea, 3 trips then done. All within an hour. I can now go every day! The chronic constipation took a toll on me for so long. Now, I have my life back. I don’t need to sit curled up on the couch, belly hurting, gut filling up and not voiding what I ate without days of waiting to take mega stimulant laxatives. Thank you, Linzess."

• Jay...
• May 17, 2016

Linzess (linaclotide) for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "For as far back as I could remember, I always had issues going to the bathroom. Constipation. Bloating. Straining just for 'pellets.' I tried numerous over-the-counter products, from powder forms to pills, and they did not work at all and caused more severe bloating and cramps. I found out I have colonic inertia. I had the strongest dose prescribed to me of the Linzess and found that if I take it on an empty stomach 30 minutes before I eat dinner, after I'm done eating, I'd say 30 minutes to an hour, I'll feel some pressure but no pain and know it's time to head to the bathroom, and it cleans me out. I usually have maybe two small bathroom trips after, and then I'm good for the night. I usually take it twice a week, not every day or as needed to go to the bathroom."

• sup...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2019

Linzess (linaclotide) for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "No one can really figure out what's going on, so I've been 'diagnosed' with IBS-C/CIC. I eat clean, work out regularly, and drink (water) like a fish! Multiple MRI scans and a CT scan always just show me backed up. The only thing I can think of is incredibly sluggish bowels. Possibly from IBS or recently confirmed Lyme disease (and multiple rounds of antibiotics creating some kind of gut dysbiosis) messing with my gut motility/MMC. Doctor recommended trying this. I can honestly say I haven't felt worse! It worked the first few times; felt like a good cleanout and that complete evacuation feeling, but now my guts have taken a turn for the worse! Severe cramps when I use it and no sense of evacuation at all. Weak caliber. I'm not sure if this is also Linzess, but mentally I've not felt 100% right either. I've stopped taking it; I felt 'better' before I started using it! Everyone is different, it may work for you, but for me, definitely a no!"

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

Linzess (linaclotide) 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."

• Ibs...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 24, 2014

Linzess (linaclotide) for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "This medication has provided constipation relief. I have been taking it for a year. I have followed the directions of taking the medicine 30 minutes before breakfast. My experience has been that if I don't make it a point to go to the restroom within 30 minutes after breakfast, I won't be able to release. I'll be bloated all day. I noticed this when I found myself preoccupied at work and realized that I had forgotten to use the restroom. I have been having my breakfast and making it a point to go to the restroom within 15 minutes, and it has been great. I do get bloating and some cramping after eating lunch. I wish I could use the restroom after every meal, though."

• Lyb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 15, 2015

Linzess (linaclotide) for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have suffered from severe, chronic constipation for over 5 years. This past August, I started drinking 2-3 capfuls of Miralax a day and was taking a massive dose of magnesium. Still, my abdominal pain/constipation persisted. Shortly after upping the Miralax/magnesium, I began to notice blood in my stools. As the fall progressed, I passed a bowel movement maybe once a week and it left me crying in pain each time. I was bloated and miserable. Recently, I saw a new GI who decided to do an endoscopy which revealed a large, bleeding stomach ulcer. She also decided to have me try Linzess. I have gone to the bathroom 1-2 times a day every day since. This drug changed my life. *** Tip: Drink Mag Citrate 1-2 days before starting to avoid cramping/pain."

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

Linzess (linaclotide) 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!"