Amitiza and Cramps: What Users Say

• Ano...
• March 26, 2017

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Amitiza has worked great for me every time that I have taken it. I only have to take it as needed. It works very fast! Usually between 30 min-1 hour. The longest it has ever taken was 3 hours. No cramping or distention. The only problem is the diarrhea, sometimes explosive. Still better than being constipated to the point of impaction though. A word of caution: If you take it, beware of passing gas... it sometimes isn't just gas you are feeling... let's just say you may be in a bit of a messy situation if you aren't careful!"

• Mag...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I am 55 and have been living with IBS-C for the last 10 years. My doctor started me on Amitiza a week ago. I am on 24 mcg twice daily. I took my initial dose at the beginning of a meal. It caused pretty severe nausea, but really cleaned me out with 4 or 5 small BMs ranging from normal to explosive diarrhea. I have taken each subsequent dose in the middle of a meal and have had the most normal bowel pattern that I have had in years. No more nausea, reflux, cramping, or gas. This medication is allowing me to have several small BMs daily, as opposed to using laxatives, which is miserable. I hope it continues to work! I'm using samples from my doctor right now. Not sure if insurance is going to cover it."

• Sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2019

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I took Amitiza as prescribed (24 mg x 1) for constipation, which was a result of my medications for chronic depression and anxiety, as well as the addition of gabapentin for nerve pain. Aside from the bloating, cramps, and diarrhea, after about three days I relapsed into severe depression, even though I had been in remission for over 15 years. Not realizing my body was reacting to the Amitiza, I remained on it for about 10 days. I strongly caution anyone who is on medication for anxiety and/or depression to consider an alternative to Amitiza. Even after 3 weeks off of Amitiza, I am still struggling with the side effects of depression."

• Ms...
• September 19, 2011

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I've been chronically constipated since I was 5 (I'm in my early 20s now). I always went to doctors, who kept saying over and over, 'fiber and water.' Prune juice and normal laxatives (not stimulant laxatives) would have little to no effect on me. Amitiza makes me feel normal, and for the first time I can ever remember, I don't dread when I have to do a bowel movement. It's painless! I've solved this taboo problem that I have suffered with for my entire life! It's a great feeling to have relief now. I do get nausea and a headache if I take it without a moderate-sized meal. I also get cramps and explosive diarrhea if I take it and then eat a lot of dairy, like a milkshake (I'm not lactose intolerant though). Despite this, I love this medicine!"

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Well, I started this medicine on Monday, and it's Thursday, and I am extremely sick. My stomach is killing me. I sit on the toilet because I feel like I am going to go to the bathroom, but nothing ever comes out. I have severe abdominal cramping and cold chills that make it even worse. My chest feels tight, and I am so uncomfortable and grouchy because of the pain. This is awful. I would not recommend it because I was so excited about being able to go to the bathroom and be normal, but this has not worked. I am not taking any more of this medication when it is supposed to help with chronic idiopathic constipation and IBS, and it's made it worse! So upset I could scream..."

• Ret...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2018

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Have suffered from chronic constipation for many years. 'Specialists' may label it 'idiopathic,' which sounds technical, but really means 'I don't know why, either, so just take this pill, or this other pill,' etc. (So why not do more research, instead of just prescribing different pills????) Was prescribed low-dose Amitiza, and the side effects were absolutely awful!!!! Spent the night in the bathroom! Incredible pain, cramps, bloating, nausea all night! And no BM! Eventually had a very painful BM at 4:00 A.M., which left me with an inflamed, painful, distended GI system. My doctor says that I should 'try Amitiza AGAIN'??? Really?! This is insane and unacceptable; and hopefully, in spite of this terrible experience, I think I am still sane! Will keep looking for something that does not include torture as a side effect! God bless!"

• Anonymous
• October 21, 2009

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have had very severe chronic constipation for over two years that has just seemed to get worse and worse over time. I've tried Amitiza on a few occasions over the last couple of years, and each time has been an awful experience. It works, but it takes about 3 days, and those 3 days are unbearable. Horrible gas and bloating, headaches, cramps, nausea, not to mention the pain in my back and sides from the severe bloating. I gave a friend some of my samples, and it worked wonders for her, she had none of those side effects. Everyone is different, it's always worth a try."

• No...
• April 14, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have been on Rx Miralax for years, due to a two-decade-long eating disorder. The Miralax works great, but for some reason, my GI wanted to put me on Linzess. He gave me samples, and insurance didn't cover it. They said I had to try Amitiza first. The Linzess didn't work (horrible bloating, cramps, no movement), and the Amitiza is almost worse. I had to call out of work today because of it. I was awake all night, up and down, kept getting sick. 14ish hours after taking the medicine, I'm having very small movements. Strongly debating calling the office and telling them I'm going back on Miralax, and that's it."

• INm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 14, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, as well as colon issues. My GI started me on Amitiza about 10 days ago. So far, it has been great. I do have some cramping a little after a pill, but not compared to the constipation cramping that I have had on and off for 15 years. I was lucky he gave me a sample pack good for a month, so now I just have to hope my insurance picks it up next month."

• Mou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2020

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I was taking Linzess with total success. Then insurance wanted me to try Amitiza. Then I became twice as constipated and had extreme fatigue, abdominal cramps that felt like labor pains, headaches, and severe dehydration, and my movements went from 3 to 4 days to 5 to 7 days. I became toxic. I will never take that Amitiza again. I swear it is nothing more than a placebo. Bad stuff. I now have to reschedule my colonoscopy because of a blockage that could have been prevented. My life and health are a joke to Fidelis insurance."

• Meg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2016

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I have opiate-induced constipation from narcotic pain killers. My doctor gave me samples of Manitoba, and it worked great. I didn't have any side effects other than cramping, which is to be expected with any laxative. It worked within 2 hours and continued to work throughout the rest of the day. I would definitely recommend taking this on a day you have nothing to do. It causes a little gas and stomach cramps that feel like you're gonna have diarrhea. But it definitely does the job. I also had a little nausea after taking it, but it was worth it. Especially if you have been dealing with chronic constipation for a while. Anything is better than the constant bloating and pain associated with constipation."

• lon...
• July 7, 2009

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I am 71 and have had constipation all of my life. I've tried OTC products (all of them) and even some prescription products. I take 4 of this per week with plenty of water. More gives me some cramps. However, my constipation is finally under control. It isn't easy, but I do get results about 4 times a week. That beats 1 or 2 with a lot of bleeding from strain. I may increase to 7 times per week and see if the cramping stops. I have a super long colon, which has caused the chronic constipation."

• Sue...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "The first night, I was sick as a dog. Felt like the flu. I even woke up to find I had an accident in bed. Very disturbing. Then couldn’t go for a few days, had a very small bowel movement, then went several days without. Had constant stomach cramps, bloating, total unease, and feeling ill. Had to take Miralax just to produce a small bowel movement to get relief. After almost 2 weeks and almost ending up back in the hospital for hypomotility and gastroparesis, I decided it was time to stop. I really had very little relief but a lot of nausea, cramps, and uncomfortable flu-like sickness."

• Nic...
• November 1, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I've had chronic constipation and IBS for six years. When I was first given this drug, it was stronger than I needed and caused severe cramping with gas. Later, when nothing else worked, I was given it again, and I learned to take it at bedtime so that I don't notice the cramping. It's just one of many medicines I take, but my body can't expel without it. I have developed hypoglycemia and found on an MRI that I also have a spastic colon, so I think we're about to make some trial changes, but I'm not sure I would be alive without Amitiza. My insurance only pays a portion, but I use the online coupons to make it affordable."

• sha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 3, 2012

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Actually, CIGNA covered this, but I now have United Health Care, and they won't cover it unless you have irritable bowel syndrome or idiopathic constipation. I have constipation from M.S. and chronic opioid use and used it for over 4 years, twice a day. I'm going to try lactulose, but this pill is so much more convenient, and for me, works without side effects. Prior to this, only over-the-counter senna helped, but with cramping side effects at times, and only more than the recommended amount worked."

• Mkc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have struggled with constipation most of my life. After a car accident, I began taking pain meds, which of course made it worse. I took Amitiza for 5 days. Never had a BM, I just stayed curled up in bed for 3 days with bloating, cramping, and extreme joint pain. I was excited about this medicine but was very disappointed with the result. I will continue to use OTC drugs and my normal, fiber-filled diet. I still haven’t gone, and it’s been a week. I also believe that Amitiza lessened the effect of some of my daily meds."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2018

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "Caused severe bloating and cramping and did nothing to relieve the constipation. Just made it more painful to the point that you can't function. Tried on 2 separate occasions with the same result. Another high-priced miracle drug that doesn't deliver."

• Sco...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2023

"I had colon cancer in 2007 and survived (3rd stage). However, every two years afterward, I experienced lower bowel blockages. I was informed that it was due to scar tissue from the four surgeries I had. I was always concerned about what to eat. There were periods when I improved, but as a naturally thin person, I easily lost weight. My usual weight was 175 pounds, but at one point, I dropped to 160 pounds. In 2022, I noticed severe constipation again. I couldn't have a bowel movement for 5-6 days, if at all. Eventually, I had another total blockage and had to go to the emergency room once more. While there, I saw a gastroenterologist who prescribed me Amitiza. I had doubts after trying various other treatments over the years. I started taking one Amitiza pill on a Monday morning, even though the recommended dose was two. After 2-3 days, I still didn't see any improvement, and I felt very bloated. However, on the fourth day, my stomach began cramping, and I finally had a bowel movement! This has continued for 2-3 consecutive days, and I am incredibly happy. Amitiza has been a lifesaver for me! If anyone reading this is considering taking it, please be patient. It was difficult to wait, but it was worth it! Also, remember to drink plenty of water. I am praying that the positive effects continue."

• Dan...
• October 8, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I started the 24 mcg for chronic constipation. I took one pill at noon yesterday, 12 AM today, and just took another (11:45 AM). I guess I thought I would feel something by now. No real cramps or noises in my bowel, it just seems like it's not doing anything yet. I'm jealous of the people that got immediate relief. It's been almost 2 weeks since I had any movement at all. Has anyone switched from this to Linzess, or are they pretty similar medications?"

• BCa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I took my first dose of 24 mcg about 11 PM and had eaten about 1/2 hour earlier. About 30 min later, I had severe cramping, my tongue started getting numb. So, I went to the bathroom and had severe diarrhea. I threw up, my feet and hands started going numb, and I broke out in a huge puddle of cold sweat. I thought I was going to pass out. Neither the doctor nor pharmacist told me about these types of side effects. Needless to say, I will stick to Miralax."

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 17, 2018

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I’m not going to ever take any medication again before reading people’s real experiences on forums. I think if you tend toward nausea, don’t take this medication. I’m so much worse now after one dose. I’m so sick of medication that makes me sicker. I’m going back to magnesium for constipation. I have some cramping with it, but it works, and the magnesium is helping my other problems. Just have to get a good brand, find the right dosage, and keep it up. It’s really all they’re giving you to clean you out before a colonoscopy."

• Pau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I suffer from chronic constipation, mainly due to the side effects of medications I take to control pain from RRMS (Opana and Norco), and probably the MS itself. I am so sick of the nightly stomach pains, 'sitting sessions,' and nothing comes out, avoiding vacations due to a 'single' bathroom situation, nonstop talking about it, and the effect it has on my sex life. My neuro seems hesitant to Rx Amitiza and tells me to use Miralax, which does not work that well. Tried adding Magnesium Oxide, but it gave me cramps and bad diarrhea for 3 days (a bit of a purging session, if you will), of course followed by constipation again. I drink a gallon of H2O a day and just sick and tired of dealing with this. Is this med that good?"

• Hal...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 29, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I was prescribed Amitiza for IBS. I’ve tried both the higher and lower dose. As others have mentioned, it causes nausea, bloating, and cramps. The higher dose caused all that plus headaches. It took several weeks to “work,” and even then I continued to have issues. I’ve been on it about 8 months now, and I’m considering stopping the medication as it no longer does anything. Though I must say it worked well for a period of time."

• Bre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 7, 2017

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "Tried this medication for opioid-induced constipation. Have been on opioids for chronic pain issues for about 7 years. Have also had rectal cancer and have a permanent colostomy bag. This medication did nothing to help my constipation. It caused severe stomach cramping about one hour after I took it. With a colostomy bag, you should never be constipated. I do take four capfuls of Miralax daily. This does make me have very runny stools. It is expensive, though, and doesn't taste the greatest. In fact, I can hardly get the Miralax down at this point. I can't seem to find anything really to help. I also take 4 SennaKot tablets every day. I wouldn't recommend this medication."

• Joy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2021

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I would not ever recommend this drug. I had used Vicodin for a short time and had constipation. You will go to the bathroom with this, but the abdominal cramps are unbearable. I even cut the dose in half and still had horrible cramps. Also, I felt lightheaded and in a fog."