Xifaxan and Constipation: What Users Say

• vnl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 7, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I used the 14-day dosage...for those 14 days, I suffered extreme gas & bloating with gas pains from my rectum into my shoulders. I was absolutely miserable but carried through, completing the prescription...for the next month or so, I continued to suffer with the extreme gas and pains, which gradually subsided. I suffered with occasional diarrhea, but rare and some constipation, until it all settled down. I have now been 2+ months with normally formed bowel movements. I do rarely have some urgency but the stools are formed, not liquid. This medication has been life-changing for me...I can now sit and enjoy a meal with friends and family without constantly having on my mind that I am, at any point, going to need to rush to the bathroom."

• Fel...
• July 5, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I was prescribed Xifaxan because of symptoms of SIBO. No test done because they’re not reliable, according to the gastroenterologist. I followed everything the doctor suggested: FODMAP, Align probiotics, simethicone for gas. After 11 doses of the 550 mg three times daily, I decided to discontinue. The bloating has gotten so bad, and I am now constipated. I feel so much worse now than when I saw the doctor. It works for some lucky patients but not for me...."

• wav...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "Since my new gastro couldn't be bothered to actually think about what might be wrong with me, she threw two weeks of Xifaxan at me because, hey, if you can't figure out what a patient has, they must have IBS. My stomach is now so hard and bloated I can't wear my clothes, I can't sleep from the pain. I'm constipated (first time in my life!), and now, from the huge bloated stomach, which never goes down, really, it just goes from horrible to 9 months pregnant, I am having problems with sleep apnea. It's a nightmare. DO NOT LET YOUR DOCTOR GIVE YOU THIS DRUG IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE SYMPTOMS THAT THIS DRUG IS FOR. Do the research online. Protect yourself. Do not trust your doctor. I did. What a mistake."

• Lul...
• August 25, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I took this drug for my IBS-C. While I was on it, it did help with my pains but not my bloating after I ate. It actually made me more constipated than before. Just a week after my last pill, I can't eat anything without having pain and a swollen stomach, including gluten-free. Just a way for the doctors to get a kickback or a percentage! Sad world that we are living in."

• Kmi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "Do not take this drug! It made my symptoms of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) ten times worse. Before taking the drug, I had very mild symptoms, just some light feelings of hunger after eating. Now, six days after finishing a two-week course, I’m doubled over in pain, severely constipated, severely depressed, unable to sleep, and in a constant state of emergency. I’m worried that now I have IBS. Please do not take this drug."

• IBS...
• July 15, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "Thanks to my doctor for prescribing Xifaxan. I've only been on it for about a week, and my life has changed dramatically. It's so good not to have to head to the bathroom three or more times a day with diarrhea. The only side effect is some constipation, but you go when you want, and usually only once. No more what-if scenarios. I also have a better appetite and am gaining some weight back. Thanks, Doc and Xifaxan."

• JWn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 6, 2022

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "This medication severely impacted my physical and mental health. I was prescribed for SIBO (though I did not have diarrhea - only persistent, very mild bloating and increased flatulence at the time). Almost immediately after finishing the ten-day course, my GI issues erupted like a volcano. About two weeks after, I had already lost ten pounds, was experiencing pins and needle sensations in my skin, developed what I now recognize as clinical depression (brain fog, inability to concentrate, no appetite, etc.), and about three weeks after, my hair started falling out. Soon after, I started having panic attacks out of nowhere, with no preexisting mental health issues in myself or my immediate family, and SEVERE constipation that sent me to the ER. For a year after, I was lucky to have one bowel movement a week. Read EVERY adverse event/side effect report on this medication. My life has two chapters: before Xifaxan, and after."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2022

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "Was 3 x a day at 550 mg. Had dry mouth, irritated throat, hard to swallow foods. Abdomen swelled. Became constipated. Lowered dosage to 2 x a day after 5 days. Drank throat coat tea to help dry throat. Stopped taking after 7 days."

• Roc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2023

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I have basically unconfirmed IBS. Tremendous bloating and constipation. It can be really awful. Been on Linzess for a few years, which helps, but you have to be careful when you take it so you don’t poop in your pants."