Cholestyramine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

• IBS-D
• February 27, 2021

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have IBS-D and my gastro and GP recommended cholestrymine. I took it once a day for 10 days. No improvement. Dr told me to increase to twice a day which I did for a week. Little if any improvement. Just increased to 3x a day. Any words of advice? How long did it take before effective? I read the postings and see lots of success stories but I don't seem to be one of them (or not yet at least). Would welcome input."

• Spike...
• February 19, 2021

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "Have had digestion issues ever since gallbladder removal in 2006. Almost right after eating I needed to find a restroom. This medication cholestyramineis a LIFE CHANGER for me! I'm now able to eat without worry. I take it after morning coffee and right before breakfast as I sometimes get an upset stomach if I take it prior. Bad days are few and far between...most of the time it's because I forgot to take it or I took it too late in the day the day prior. I have health anxiety and recommend to at least give it a go. It does not take long for the medication to do it's job :) TIP: I use a small tupperware container to put my powder in, add the water, and then shake it. It makes sure everything mixes properly. The brand ANI has been my favorite, it has a Tang taste to it. **DO NOT USE Zydus brand. It does NOT mix well, balls up in the back of your throat upon drinking, and will leave you with a nasty powdery feeling in your mouth."

• Sheldon
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 17, 2019

Questran Light (cholestyramine) "I've used it for 10 years now. Without it I was using Imodium daily which by the way didn't always bring relief unless I used 2 to 3 at a time. So although the taste could be better and it's on the expensive side, I'm very happy with Quetran Light."

• Nodel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 13, 2018

For Dumping Syndrome "Cholestryamine packets. Great stuff, I only take one packet per day first thing in the morning 1/2 hour before eating. Huge tip here--mix it with lemon lime Powerade or Gatorade. It is like snot mixed with orange juice and other such liquids. After much experimentation the lemon lime is great. Makes it amazingly palatable. Also, stirring much more than you might think to do helps it not be so gritty. If you have ever tried this stuff and quit due to the unpalatability you have to try this. I tried about 24 liquids first. Also don't forget it isn't good for your teeth so rinse your mouth afterwards with water or better still clean your teeth especially if you feel any has stuck to them. GLTA!"

• Cgr
• April 26, 2019

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I had similar symptoms to the other reviewers. Began cholestyramine in the packets, using a drug coupon as insurance did not cover. Started once a day, and now taking every other day, but don’t dare miss that. I was so glad I found these reviews right after gall bladder removal surgery, because no one told me of diarrhea side effects after surgery. Had my gall bladder out last July. So thankful for this drug. Coupon took it from 120.00 to 70.00 and it varies each refill. It has given me assurance when I leave the house, that I won’t be looking for the nearest bathroom every 5 minutes."

• Jenny
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2018

For Dumping Syndrome "I have fecal incontinence and this powder has saved my life and job. I take 1 scoop per day and limit large meals but I still eat pretty much what I want. I do try and eat healthy most of the time. I can work without fear of ruining my clothes and I don't have to live in fear when I go shopping or fly to other states. No more loose stools unless I'm on a strong antibiotic or I have an upset stomach from eating contaminated food from a restaurant. You never know unless you grow your food or prepare it yourself."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 24, 2023

For Dumping Syndrome "It took 23 years of diarrhea accidents before a GI doctor, during a colonoscopy, asked about my 'explosive diarrhea' noted on my health history. I told him some of my sorry stories, and he replied...'Well, I can prescribe something that will help with that.' I looked at him incredulously! What!!?? After 23 years of complaining to various doctors, and multiple embarrassing accidents all over town, there's a medicine to help with this????? Needless to say, I was not and still am not thrilled with my GPs over the years! He prescribed Cholestyramine and for me, it's like a miracle. From being a virtual shut-in to freedom! Twice a day, morning and evening, and I'm a normal human being doing normal activities! No side effects....well, perhaps the only one I'd speak of is - NO MORE DIARRHEA!!! Yeah!"

• Suzie
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 31, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "After 2 months of GI issues and tests, with no known cause found, I am now at the end of a week of use of cholestyramine powder. There is amazing improvement. I mix a half envelope in apple sauce. I am a tiny person, and that amount is working for me. I am hoping that, in time, I will no longer need this, but for now I am very grateful!"

• Dutch...
• January 3, 2016

For Crohn's Disease "Suffering from Crohn's disease for the past 15 years. Participated freely with new medicine testing, all tests failed, condition decreased. In 2013 infected bowel section was removed, finally. Still problems, cramps, diarrhea. Then Cholestiramine came around the corner. Since then no Crohn symptoms any more, only one very rare occasions. Very happy now with Cholestiramine, life is back to normal as much as possible "

• No Life
• January 9, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "When I was 6 years old I realized something was wrong with my stomach. Always going to the bathroom and horrible cramping. Ran all kinds of tests on me but never found anything wrong. Always blaming it on nerves cause I was little. Went through my whole life scared to death to travel or even just go out to dinner. I hardly ever ate or drank anything afraid I would have to go to the bathroom. I am 5 ft 3in and my whole life I never weighed more than 110 lbs. My life has changed after a GI specialist prescribed chloestraymne powder 4 grams drink 1 day. I can actually do things and go places with my family and I've put on some weight. Give this a try you won't regret it. Now I have to hit the gym like everyone else.:)"

• Dodge
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 10, 2018

For Dumping Syndrome "After having my gall bladder removed over a dozen years ago, I had daily constant uncontrollable diarrhea, always after eating; greasy or not. I never scheduled dinner then a movie or theatre, it always HAD to be dinner last, so I could immediately head home to my bathroom, or have to locate one onsite. Just tremendously embarrassing and inconvenient. I put up with this miserable condition for over 6 years until my partner saw a documentary on TV that recommended Cholestyramine as a treatment. It has very much allowed me to return to my prior lifestyle. However if I skip one day, I am back to the constant D again. I have found the Sandoz product does not work as well as the PAR Pharmeceuticals powder. My pharmacy can no longer get the PAR product, am getting ready to try a 3rd option made by ANI Pharmaceuticals. I find dissolving the powder in very hot water help to minimizer the gritty texture and gross taste. After reading recommendations, I will try mixing it into applesauce."

• Green...
• December 13, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I've had stomach issues my whole life since I was very young. I've always had what I thought was IBS d. I never knew when I might have to use the bathroom and as you all know that makes it very hard to live life. Riding on airplanes we're a nightmare for me. Then 8 months ago I had my gallbladder removed. This made my diarrhea 100 times worse. My life was so stressfull, I couldn't make plans with friends because I needed to be near a toilet constantly. I've tried everything for the diarrhea but it didn't do much for me. I finally got the courage up to get a colonoscopy and endoscopy and everything was clear, my Dr proscribed me cholestyramine and it has been a dream come true , thank God I'm normal again!"

• learn...
• November 13, 2018

"I was diagnosed with collagenous colitis after 4 months of diarrhea with no other symptoms. A colonoscopy with many biopsies was conclusive for 'collagenous'. I have been taking cholestyramine (Olestyr brand) for 3 weeks. 2 packs a day. It has worked. I have a tip for those who find the powder difficult to take. I use a small half glass of water to mix the powder, then use 2 straws to quickly get it down. If I position the straws to the back of my mouth, I can swallow it and it bypasses most of my taste buds and my teeth. I then drink a large glass of water - 750 ml - again with the straws, and I'm careful to thoroughly rinse the back of my throat, as the tingly sensation tends to linger. Any product that can damage tooth enamel can't be good for the lining of my mouth and throat either. I then brush my teeth. I'm happy with this product so far but hopeful for a remission. Good luck and thanks to all who have shared their stories on this forum."

• Warhawk
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2019

Prevalite (cholestyramine) "I haven’t been taking this long. It makes my stomach hurt so bad but the doctor says it’s normal and will go away. My biggest complaint is this powder is almost IMPOSSIBLE for me to drink and tolerate without wanting and almost throwing it back up. The best thing I’ve found that has made a HUGE difference is taking it with Country Time pink lemonade. The powder is so gritty that it feels like you’re drinking sand, and the powder is nasty. But I noticed a HUGE difference from taking it with water, applesauce and tea compared to the lemonade"

• Forev...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 10, 2016

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "Had gallbladder removed suffered with diarrhea.. friend said her doctor put her on Cholestyramine for same problem..I suggested to my MD and he wrote Rx..My life is back to normal! I take 1/2 packett in the morning other half before dinner..I can eat anything and no looking for a bathroom..I take it in apple juice..Have to make frequent dental appts .Be sure to brush after taking.."

• Susanne...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "In addition to having IBS, my gall bladder was removed last year which reduced the amount of bile taken out in my intestines, and increased the likelihood of diarrhea. When IBS recurred recently, one packet of cholestyramine immediately improved it. A few days of it twice a day and I am back to “normal.” It is amazing!"

• Cuauh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 4, 2017

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "For anyone that's had their gall bladder removed, you all know the pain that comes after. I was first prescribed this by accident because doctor thought I had a bile problem associated with gall bladder surgery. He precribed one scoop a day with water. It helped but I took for years and if I missed a day I felt it. A few years later went to a new doctor who knew what this was and he totally changed how and when to take. As soon as I went in to see him he had a half filled water bottle and I would fill the rest with 8 scoops. I would do this for 3 days, after that I would take 4 scoops for 4 days. It seemed crazy but it worked. After 3 days I became constipated and have never had to take again"

• Sellu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2018

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I suffered from morning diarrhea up to 3-4 bouts after eating and drinking coffee for breakfast. I found cutting out the coffee lessened the intensity, I think caffeine stimulates the bile production but I love my coffee. My doctor told me for years I could control my problem with a high fiber diet, wrong!. I finally confronted him with a medical article about Cholestyramine and he agreed to put me on it. My insurance covers all generics. My symptoms have cleared up but I am still trying to fine tune timing and dosage in order to be consistent between loose and constipated stools. Reading the comments here have given me a few ideas to try. Maybe earlier in the morning. I tried two doses (evening & morning) and it was too much, but one dose in morning not quite enough. Any ideas???"

• dixie...
• July 13, 2015

Prevalite (cholestyramine) for Hyperlipoproteinemia "Mx it with Tang, it makes it much easier to drink. All you get is tang and a little grittiness. I am experiencing an inability to overeat and some resultant weight loss. i have been on it for about a month."

• JER
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 8, 2019

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "Terrific, think every body who had gall bladder removed should be alerted to cholestyramine this life changing option if you have diarrhea after gall bladder surgery My gut was a mess, a year of regularity now."

• Mushel
• March 13, 2021

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Two words. UNTRUSTWORTHY FARTS. I mean, I’m ngl (Not Gonna Lie) I’ve been able to belch the alphabet since I was 4. But I’ve never farted in front of anyone on purpose. The thought of it terrifies me. I always leave the herd prior to uncaging a beast. I don’t have a choice now. These things blast out with no warning and aren’t always trustworthy AT ALL. Sometimes thunderous, sometimes dead silent. Always reminiscent of a busted sewer pipe. And SOMETIMES, wet. I couldn’t possibly be any more humble at this point. This medicine gave me false confidence. I guess it has improved somewhat. Had 2 semi solid poops the first month. But overall, meh. I wish it were the life changer everyone else has experienced, but it’s just not. Yet?"

• John
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 4, 2020

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "Have had a right hemicolectomy and then several ops for bowel obstruction so missing the terminal ileum and bile acids don’t get absorbed. The cholestyramine 3 times daily makes diarrhea manageable, usually only in the mornings. Without it have bile stained motions all day, often with little warning, and can’t really go out anywhere safely. Hoping it doesn’t go out of production as my life would become very difficult."

• Vickie
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 31, 2018

For Dumping Syndrome "I had my gallbladder out in 1992 and since then had bad diarrhea. I knew where every bathroom was in 15 miles. I hated going out to eat or trips. 10 years later I had to change meds for insurance purposes. I was telling my Dr about the diarrhea he put me on Questrian. I take 1/2 teaspoon in water twice a day and it has been like a miracle drug for me. If I miss one dose I pay for it - not to say I don’t have flare ups - but I can now live. Thank you"

• Sicka...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 1, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I just started this. Have had IBS diarrhea for as long as I can recall, but has always been controllable with lomotil. Was diagnosed with SIBO this summer, and it's been slowly downhill from there. I'm only on day 3 of Questran, but so far so good! I'm hopeful!!"

• Nick
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2021

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "Works great for me, tightened stools up. I did reduce the dosage to 3/4 scoop to avoid constipation. Eat lots of fiber also, drink water often. Also seems to have fixed gut gurgles and uncomfortable gut settling. Everything smooth."