Hello- for the past 3 months I have been taking amitiza for my ibs in combination with dulcolax. After months of not seeing results from other medications, this actually worked! I am no longer chronically constipated, and my doctors are considering dropping the dosage given my progress. HOWEVER in those 3 months, I have put on a significant amount of weight- about 12lbs. I began seeing a nutritionist for this issue, as it has been horrendous. I do not fit into any of my clothes and am completely devastated with myself. I am a very healthy person, I exercise and do strength training 5-6 times a week and eat around 1800 calories (5'2 female). This has been what I have always done and maintained a healthy weight. But that all went downhill since I began amitiza. I know many people do not experience weight gain as a side effect, but in a rare case is it possible? Do you believe my weight gain could be associated with taking amitiza every day?
Is it possible for amitiza to cause weight gain?
Question posted by annanoeld on 27 June 2016
Last updated on 15 July 2021 by Nicholestarr
6 Answers
Thank you for this question. I was taking Amitiza 24mcg twice daily for chronic constipation for the past 3 weeks. Yes it helped with constipation, but I started having fatigue and headaches. I was actively trying to lose weight and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise. I gained 3 pounds in those 3 weeks despite all of my weight loss efforts. I do feel like it’s water retention as I feel super swollen. I have decided to stop medication and will be having a colonoscopy. I plan to pursue a more holistic approach to my constipation. Hoping this added weight falls off since I have stopped this medication.
I have been on Amitiza for 5 plus years and found each year I gain 5 to 7 pounds do the math that is way to much. The top of my stomach is so big and fatty it sticks out further than my boobs. It is ugly and I do sit ups exercise and nothing works. I have seen a decrease in the effects of the drug helping me go any easier or more often. I am thinking about taking a break from the med.
Have you noticed hair loss? I have been on it for about 3 years and have been fine. Since about 3 months ago I am having hair loss??
I’ve been in Amitiza supplemented with Dulcolax, Pericolace, extra stool softeners, and now Lactulose. I have gained 12 pounds that is the most stubborn pounds that will not budge. My stomach is always so bloated on top of the extra weight leaves me so uncomfortable. I can’t say anything I’m doing has really been successful. All I know is I want the weight off but it says not stop taking Amitiza if still taking Percocet. I’m not clear why. I see a new Gastroenterologist on Tuesday and so hope she can help. Reading other stories confirms my belief about Amitiza.
I have been taking amitiza for two months. I wondered the same thing as I have gained 10 lbs.
I just started taking this, and I have gained 5 lbs in 3 days. I had lost 15 lbs in the past 3 months and I'll be darned if I am going to gain it all back. I am not seeing enough process to deal w weight gain.
I LOOOOOVE Amitiza. It works like a dream, and is the first thing I have found to relieve my SEVERE constipation, but my insurance won't cover it.
I have seen no remarks about Amitiza weight gain, *however,* a common side effect IS bloating. And with bloating comes water weight.
Just something to think about!
Related topics
amitiza, dulcolax, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, weight loss (obesity/overweight), constipation - chronic, weight, chronic, medication, combination
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