Prucalopride and Headaches: What Users Say

• Sof...
• November 13, 2020

Prucalopride for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "2 years ago I suddenly started feeling discomfort and extreme bloating. I went to 3 GI doctors and all they would tell me is that I was healthy because nothing came up on any of my tests. This literally took over my life as I no longer had any energy and felt like I had to lay down after every meal because of the discomfort. I tried going gluten-free, dairy-free, no fructose, and it would give me very little and temporary relief as I would for no reason be extremely bloated again. My third GI doctor prescribed me Linzess, I had complete bowel movements but it was too harsh on my stomach. My doctor then switched me to Motegrity, at first I had a continuous headache and I had a bowel movement right away. It wasn’t diarrhea, it was nice and smooth like before and my stomach was not upset. After 1-2 weeks I did not feel any headache and my bowel movements are almost daily, which is a blessing. For some reason, the 2nd month I felt even better, almost like my old self."

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2021

Prucalopride for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "The first time I took Motegrity I had a severe migraine and I completely gave up taking it. I was looking up reviews to see how everyone else responded to it and saw a girl posted that Prucalopride is a Vasodilator, and in order to offset the headache you need a Vasoconstrictor (coffee). So I tried her suggestion and took Motegrity before bed and drank 1 cup of coffee the next morning. It worked, I had no headache and no side effects. Anyone who had this side effect, please try my suggestion before giving up. Background on me: I also split the pill in half and take 1mg every night before bed 4 hours after my last meal. I have a tortuous colon and chronic Methane SIBO. Ever since I started taking Motegrity like above, all my symptoms have disappeared. I follow no diet, but I only eat 3 large meals a day and no snacking to keep my Migrating Motor Complex functioning properly to prevent SIBO relapse."

• Dil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 3, 2021

Prucalopride for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have previously tried Linzess, Trulance & Amitiza. My GI prescribed Motegrity a year ago. I refused to take it after reading many reviews that highlighted possible side effects. I was concerned about the possibility of headaches (I suffer from migraines) and the possibility of mood changes. I tried managing my symptoms using Miralax, magnesium & probiotics, which also did not work. I made the decision to try Motegrity. I started out taking 1/2 tablet, figuring this would limit unwanted side effects. To my delight, it actually works! I have experienced a slight headache, but usually manageable. The only mood change I’ve noticed is feeling happy that I’m no longer bloated or constipated! My only regret is that I didn’t trust my doc and try Motegrity sooner. If you’re on the fence, I hope my review gives you confidence to give it a try!"

• Hel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2020

Prucalopride for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I've been on Motegrity almost two weeks now, and it's been the best medication I've taken so far for chronic idiopathic constipation. It's great that I can take Motegrity with or without food, unlike Linzess, and the Motegrity hasn't increased my stomach pain like Amitiza did. Again, unlike Linzess, Motegrity has not caused diarrhea for me, but it effectively helps me 'go' without needing to drink coffee or take a laxative. Motegrity has caused excessive sweating, and at the very beginning, I had a minor headache. All in all, I consider Motegrity to be an excellent medication! I'll try to update this review after a few months."

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2022

Prucalopride for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "There’s a lot of negative reviews about this drug, but please don’t let them scare you away from trying it because Motegrity has changed my life! I dealt with multiple debilitating stomach issues for over three years and have tried Linzess and Amitiza with no success. The first week of Motegrity is going to be rough - you will get a horrible headache and need to remain close to a bathroom. I read online that drinking coffee can help reduce the headache, and that really worked for me. After I got through the initial nightmare week, this drug is amazing! For the first time in over three years, I am having complete bowel movements with no pain and no urgency. No more sprinting to the nearest bathroom. No more bloating and constipation. I have been on Motegrity for 14 weeks now and it is still working amazingly. Yes, it is incredibly expensive but thankfully my insurance covers it. Yes, the first week is hard but for me, it was 100% worth it as I am now able to live a normal life again."

• Hig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2019

Prucalopride for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Overall, Motegrity is extremely effective. I’ve been on it for four and a half weeks and have had little to no intestinal side effects as experienced with Linzess (severe bloat, gas, and incontinence) and have been able to feel pretty normal. The only issue I’ve experienced is pretty frequent headaches (about every other day) and nausea (every day). I take Excedrin Migraine for the headaches and Ondansetron for the nausea and seem to do well. This drug has saved me from my many nights awake with severe pain from my CIC and gastroparesis, so the benefits outweigh the side effects."

• Lex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2020

Prucalopride for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I got put on Motegrity after being on Linzess for over a year with no change in my bowels. The first time I took Motegrity, it made me feel like I had a very bad stomach bug. My stomach ached, I was getting hot flashes, felt sick, had a bad headache. I decided I wouldn’t take it again. Then 2 weeks went by and I couldn’t have a bowel movement no matter what I did so I decided fine, I’ll give it another go. That was a huge mistake. Within 30 minutes, I was sitting on the toilet and couldn’t get up. I was having the same symptoms as last time but worse. I had really sharp pains in my stomach, I couldn’t stand up straight without being in excruciating pain, my head was pounding, I was throwing up, couldn’t keep anything down. Then I started to poop nothing but blood. Went to the ER and I was severely dehydrated and ended up with colitis all due to Motegrity. My experience was horrible, so if you feel symptoms the first time you take it, please listen to your body."

• Lex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2020

Prucalopride for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I got put on Motegrity after being on Linzess for over a year with no change in my bowels. The first time I took Motegrity, it made me feel like I had a very bad stomach bug. My stomach ached, I was getting hot flashes, felt sick, had a bad headache. I decided I wouldn’t take it again. Then 2 weeks went by and I couldn’t have a bowel movement no matter what I did so I decided fine, I’ll give it another go. That was a huge mistake. Within 30 minutes, I was sitting on the toilet and couldn’t get up. I was having the same symptoms as last time but worse. I had really sharp pains in my stomach, I couldn’t stand up straight without being in excruciating pain, my head was pounding, I was throwing up, couldn’t keep anything down. Then I started to poop nothing but blood. Went to the ER and I was severely dehydrated and ended up with colitis all due to Motegrity. My experience was horrible, so if you feel symptoms the first time you take it, please listen to your body."

• MBa...
• August 10, 2019

Prucalopride for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I started out with a whole pill and immediately experienced nausea and a pounding headache. The next day I took a half a pill, felt great but had little stool. That evening, took the second half of the pill, and depression started to settle in on me. By the 4th day, just taking half a pill, depression was heavy on me. I’ve decided to stop taking the medication after the 5th day of half a pill and go to a nutrition store to find something similar and try that also add more fiber to my diet. I’ve tried Linzess, severe weight gain. I’ve also tried Amitiza, nauseated all the time."

• nnb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 24, 2021

Prucalopride for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Since I was not sure how my body would react to Motegrity, I started by cutting the 2 mg pill into 4 pieces. The results were excellent with only 1/4 of a pill. Did not experience nausea or headaches that were noted in the reviews. Was told to expect flatus (gas), and that was true. Even though I took it at bedtime, flatus continued to be annoying sometimes throughout the day, especially an hour or so after eating. Have taken up to 1 mg and after, never needed the full dose. In spite of some of the undesired effects, I would recommend this medication!"

• Deb...
• September 7, 2020

Prucalopride for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "One Motegrity pill, and had side effect of a horrible headache, and it made my stomach so upset, and one day out still feeling like I'm going to throw up and bloating. Never again. I will no longer be ever taking this pill. I'm so sick from just this one pill."

• Van...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 3, 2021

Prucalopride for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "My quality of life has improved drastically on this drug. I had some side effects in the first week (headache mostly), but those resolved. I've tried other drugs (Linzess, Amitiza, Trulance), and they did not help me. I have a tortuous colon. My insurance company recently stopped covering this drug, but the alternatives do not help me."

• Sab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2019

Prucalopride for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Tried Motegrity and got a horrible headache/migraine, major fatigue (had to take a nap to sleep off the pounding headache), and diarrhea. Not impressed whatsoever. Tired of GI doctors handing out pills like candy, not once has my GI asked me about my diet. I’m switching doctors, this one just doesn’t get it!"

• Kay...
• January 6, 2021

Prucalopride for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I took Motegrity one day, and I barely made it through the day. Started with diarrhea and extreme bloating and stomach pains. Then started getting dizzy and head hurting. By that night, I had a pounding headache, could barely stand, running to the bathroom-dizziness-it was awful. I felt so sick I almost went to the ER. Day two, and I still have a lingering headache and diarrhea, stomach pains, and extreme bloating. Never taking this pill again. I must mention I have also tried Linzess and also experienced extreme bloating and diarrhea, but none of these other symptoms."

• Liz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 17, 2025

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have suffered from constipation all my life and recently gave up 4 years after trying all those medicines that you mention, Lisness, Trulance, Ibsrela, Probe, Motegrity, and it was wonderful. There were no side effects every day, but the problem that arose was the insurance that wouldn't cover it, so I spent time without using it because the payment was $800. So recently, in view of the insurance that was charging so much, I decided to opt for prucalopride, which is the component that contains Motegrity and is cheaper. But the first day I took it, I felt terrible, with nausea, headache, and spent all day in bed. I felt bowel movements, but it was so discomforting and also the dry mouth. I was afraid to take it on the 2nd day, and I didn't do it. Then on the fourth day, I dared and took it in the afternoon. That night I slept well, but the next day I felt decayed and with a bitter taste in my mouth. I decided to stop taking it, and I will take it in a few days as advised before bedtime."

• Trg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2021

Prucalopride for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have suffered with IBS-C for over 40 years, nothing has helped. Last year it got worse, most likely from not moving as much. My stomach was so bloated and hard, I was so sluggish I could barely move, even with laxatives. I finally was approved on insurance, and my doctor gave me samples of Motegrity. Of course, I read the reviews first and was not going to take it, then I thought, what is there to lose? The first day I took it, I felt weird at work and had a headache. Then I came back and read the 'good' reviews, and they lined up with my issues. I confirmed with my doctor that it should be taken on an empty stomach if possible. (NOTE: I also started taking a probiotic, which I think helps.) Well, the heavens have opened in a good way. The bloating is gone, and I am going normally, like honestly, if I ate better, it would be 100%. I am not seeing any side effects that I’m aware of. And this is only $15 on my insurance. Try this, get samples first."

• Ful...
• April 16, 2021

Prucalopride for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have chronic constipation, and it's absolutely a life of misery. My doctor prescribed Motegrity, and it works. However, the horrific cramps and headache I could do without. The warning sign that I need to stay put close to a bathroom are the cramps and nausea. The headache starts about 30 minutes after taking it. When you live with idiopathic chronic constipation as severely as I do, then you kind of have to go with what works. Nevertheless, I could definitely live without the side effects."

• Kok...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 15, 2021

Prucalopride for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I took just a 1/2 yesterday morning. Got a crazy pounding headache within 10 minutes, then was constantly going to the bathroom. Nauseated and pounding heart. I have postural tachycardia syndrome and was flaring with adrenaline surges after taking this 1/2 once. It said it lasts 24 hours. Nope, it’s been 36 hours, and I’m still feeling sick to my stomach and nauseated. I could just sip my water. I am trying to push Gatorade as I’m dehydrated. I’ve been massaging my stomach as it’s in pain and gurgling still! I guess I’ll stick to Miralax in my water and stool softeners. This is not for me!"

• Ser...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2021

Prucalopride for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Motegrity does work, but the effect on me is harsh, and I have many side effects. I took 2 mg about six hours ago. It hit within 15 minutes. Since then, I have gone to the bathroom about 15 times. I didn't make it to the toilet a few times. I'm experiencing a racing heart, pounding headache, a jittery/shaky feeling, and intense nausea. I'm dizzy, weak, and achy. I take many other meds for other conditions, and for all I know, they've left my body. There's no way I could deal with this every day. Not sure if I'll try it again, definitely not anytime soon."

• Mit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2021

Prucalopride for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I don't really suffer from constipation, but I have trouble emptying my bowels completely. Dr. prescribed Motegrity. I took it 3 days in a row. I didn't have the headache, vomiting, or other severe side effects described by other people, but I'm not going to continue taking it. I'm glad I was home the whole time. There was no warning about when it would kick in, and all of a sudden I had to rush into the bathroom. I didn't have a normal bowel movement. It gave me diarrhea, to the extent that I was just passing liquid at the end that I could not eliminate completely. So it seems that this medication is effective for some, but not everyone."

• Tif...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2022

Prucalopride for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I was on Linzess for several months. It completely took away the abdominal pain, and for several weeks, I had severe diarrhea. Then, it settled down, and things seemed to improve, but a month later, I was having maybe 1 bowel movement a month. I switched to Motegrity, it's been 2 weeks of misery. Headaches every day, abdominal pain, and bowel movements are more frequent but painful. I'm so disappointed. I will stick it out for a while longer and hope it improves."

• bki...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2020

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I've been taking this prucalopride for about 3 months for CIC. The first 2 months were without incident. I was having small bowel movements consistently each day and feeling fine. Then I was diagnosed with GERD, gastritis, and esophagitis. My stomach was hurting constantly, and I was always nauseated. Now, I'm down 14 pounds from the constant inability to eat and the nausea. I also have devastating fatigue and headaches. I thought this was all due to other factors, but after reading reviews, I'm thinking the Motegrity is causing the nausea, headache, and fatigue problem. Gonna stop taking it to see if I can get some relief and just work on the GERD and gastritis without constantly feeling like I need to puke."

• kal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2023

Prucalopride for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have gastroparesis and have been taking Motegrity for two months now. I'm not really sure how it's supposed to work, I thought it would help relieve constipation and make it easier to go to the bathroom. I am suffering for up to 4 days not being able to have a bowel movement. My doctor thinks that I might have a lot of toxicity in my stomach, and I have to take a breathing test. I also suffer from headaches and did not realize until I read all the posts that headaches are common with this."

• EDS...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2019

"I am on the fourth day of 1 mg for gastroparesis, and it is bad! Now I am normally sick every day with multiple illnesses, but this is horrible. On the 1st day, I took it, and within 1 hour, massive headache, severe watery diarrhea like 10 times in one hour, heart pounding so fast, had to take Gravol. I have been unable to even leave my house for 4 days now from these side effects. My doctor thought it would improve my GERD, absolutely did not! I'll try one more day and then stop. I would only use this if it's a life-or-death situation! I normally will have a regular bowel movement from a cup of strong coffee without these awful side effects!"

• Kaz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2021

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Started taking 2 mg Resolor 10 days ago before bed, and apart from a bad headache the first night/morning, no other side effects to date. Some improvement in natural bowel movement, but the consultant recommended 2 weeks before seeing results. Fingers crossed."