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Linzess

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albert_99155
albert_99155

 Hello everyone, I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the drug Linzess? I take it for constipation, I try not to take it every day because of the side effects, however as my symptoms worse and I feel I am most likely going to have to take it daily. The only reason why I don't like taking it is because, regardless of the doors whether it be the Lowest dose or the middle dose 145,   Once I start going to the bathroom I do not stop and have diarrhea for a good portion of the day. I also noticed that once my diarrhea is over  which usually takes hours, I often feel gassy and bloated, almost like the stool is still there.  If I eat or drink something to bloat gets even worse.   The diarrhea from the medicine is usually when I take it in the morning on an empty stomach.   I was wondering if anyone had any remedies to stop the diarrhea from the medicine. The medicine is definitely a miracle drug, it just has major side effects for me like the diarrhea bloating and gas I feel like if it didn't have that it would be my miracle drug.  I thought about taking Imodium or other anti-diarrhea medicine but I am afraid to take something like that if I suffer from chronic constipation  any help is much appreciated as I am running out of ideas.

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Margot49
    Margot49 albert_99155

    Posted

    I haven't been on these forums that often but saw your post.  I could not tolerate the Linzess due to the side effects, like you.  Actually, I just did not feel well either.  Magnesium seemed to help some.  I am pretty sensitive to drugs.  My motility doctor at Stanford suggested I try Iberogast, which is a type of a liquid herbal supplement.  Ordered it on Amazon.  I would just add it to my morning coffee.  I started using it 3 times a day then cut down to once a day.  Took a while but it really did seem to help. I haven't used it for months but am now pretty regular.  I do still have issues with bloating but use Gas-X on some days.  I also take Zantac daily now.  The doctor told me that is often a dance trying to see what drugs, or combinations of drugs, will help someone.  I am not saying the Iberogast is a cure all but I definitely noticed an improvement after a couple of weeks.  I had read, at the time, that some people swore by the Linzess.  Hope you are feeling better soon.

    • albert_99155
      albert_99155 Margot49

      Posted

      Thank you so much.   I guess my problem is a combination of symptoms, there is some constipation, as well as bloating and gas in my stomach, it's kind of like air trapped in there.    In regards to motility, I have tried it all MiraLAX Sanna Dulcolax, everything and nothing keeps me regular like Linzess unfortunately there are side effects.  My doctor believed if I was fully emptied out the bloating gas in pain would go away that constipation was causing it however I am not so sure. After taking Linzess today and  being in the bathroom for over an hour I don't think there is anything left in me however I still have those pains. 

    • albert_99155
      albert_99155 Margot49

      Posted

      I was tested in April and the test came back negative.  I would have bet my life savings my issue was SIBO but apparently not.  I am seeing a new doctor now and she is having me redo a lot of tests, I'm hoping SIBO is one of them.  At night the gas is so bad I can not leave the house.

    • Margot49
      Margot49 albert_99155

      Posted

      Actually, I have read that some GI doctors routinely treat patients with IBS for SIBO.  Yes, a test can be negative.  I think I had one positive but have taken Xifixan 3 times.  I was Complaining of gas and bloating not that long ago and my GI Doctor said I could try the Xifaxin again but I decided to hold off.  You are probably having worse and issues, been there, but on more uncomfortable days, I use Gas-X.  The Linzess may be causing that also. 
    • albert_99155
      albert_99155 Margot49

      Posted

      I am still very convinced I have SIBO.  I was taking  xifaxin and honestly thought my symptoms were  improving. I actually ran out of it and have to see if my doctor will give me more, my insurance doesn't cover it so he has been giving me samples. I have also been taking Atrantil  which is just a supplement, not a prescription.  I don't know too much about SIBO  but in addition to antibiotics, is there anything else I can do to help?  Linzess is definitely not my favorite   And I absolutely agree in that it does not help my problem, it may be worsening the gas. I'm  sort of stuck between a rock and a hard place with that because I know it works and though it's not ideal I've learned to work with it for the most part.  Ironically though, even with Linzess, this trapped air doesn't come out.

  • hayley97469
    hayley97469 albert_99155

    Posted

    Personally I would speak to your GP about trying a different drug. I haven't had this drug before but I take cosmocol daily at night and I have a normal stool usually the following morning. It isn't a stimulant, just a softener so no side effects. If I don't manage to go to the loo I just take another dose in the morning and that sorts me. Good luck!!

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