Cholestyramine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Sel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2018

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "Reporting back in after 6 months of use. All is well, my life (bowel habits) has never been more predictable. This drug, which I had to basically prescribe for myself (after research), has been a Godsend. I believe my liver overproduces bile, which caused the gallstone buildup in the first place and the subsequent cholecystectomy. I suffered spontaneous diarrhea needlessly for 4 years and even suggested once to my doctor about looking into a bile sequestrant to help me. Only with a scholarly article in hand did I get him to try my suggestion. I highly recommend anyone else experiencing post-cholecystectomy diarrhea to get this treatment, it works."

• Ame...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I was diagnosed with IBS-D almost 40 years ago. I've suffered and suffered all my life. About 10 years ago, I 'discovered' Imodium, which helped some for several years. I'd been taking it plus Bentyl for the past year, but it seldom helped. I read about cholestyramine in forums. I already knew I had gallstones. So a light bulb went off in my head, and I realized my problem was likely bile acid malabsorption, at least for the past 5 years or longer. An awesome physician's assistant at a nearby clinic read up about it and gave me a prescription for it. Saved my damn life, I tell ya! There's 42 full scoop doses in a canister, which costs $35 (I don't have insurance). But I only need to take 1/3 to 1/4 scoop a day, and some days I can even skip a dose. A lifesaver!!"

• al1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2014

For Dumping Syndrome "After having my gallbladder removed, I suffered for a year with problems, stomach and bowel, mucus stools, diarrhea, and fat tolerance. I was given this medicine recently, and it has worked wonders. All my symptoms have gone apart from the fat intolerance, which I don't mind because who wants to eat high-fat foods anyway? I can also add that after having a sachet, I feel full for a long time, so I would have the sachet after a meal, otherwise, I would have to go without."

• Sue...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 31, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I’ve been on first Questran, then cholestyramine for spastic bowel syndrome, a form of IBS, since the mid-1990s. I first took it with Metamucil and always at nighttime. After taking it for 25 years, 1) I realized Metamucil is a softener and stopped that right away, 2) I realized that it needs to be taken with food, to allow for absorption. Things are much better now since making the changes. I still have the odd bad day, but I’m 100% better than I was. I noticed over time my weight fluctuates and find it hard to lose. My hair is also getting thinner, which I never attributed to this medicine. I’ll be on this the rest of my life, but I figure if it works, then I’m fine with that. I just wish my hair would stop thinning!"

• APS...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 8, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I had my gallbladder out in 2012. About 6 months after, I developed IBS-D-like symptoms. Cramping, diarrhea within an hour after eating. It was completely unpredictable and not diet-dependent, and I suffered for about 3 years until one day I almost didn’t make it to the restroom at work. My doc prescribed cholestyramine, and after one dose of this medication, I was back to normal. It’s amazing, and I can’t live without it. If I miss a dose, I know about it the next day. And because it’s a cholesterol maintenance drug, a 90-day supply costs me nothing out of pocket under my plan."

• Cra...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 5, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "When I was about 20-21, I really started having IBS-D issues, it runs in the family. Was afraid to eat out after 6 pm, especially on a date or something. If I did, I was bathroom mapping like Google Maps BEFORE Google Maps. My gastro gave cholestyramine to me for the first time when I was about 38. Wow, what a difference. Took me a while to get the right sequence, but I learned to take it at least 1 hour or a little more before going out to eat a heavy dinner in the evening. After that, no IBS-D issues, no more explosive problems. It has probably postponed me from having to have my gallbladder removed like many others in my family. Since it has some cholesterol benefits, I don't see why keeping my organs and lowering my cholesterol is bad. I don't take it every night, just when I know I am going out for a heavy dinner meal. It's nice to have on hand! Hope this helps others."

• App...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 10, 2019

For Dumping Syndrome "I had surgery to remove part of my stomach back in 1977. I then had dumping syndrome for 10 years and had to give up my work due to the constant 'D' after every meal, loss of weight, loss of energy, loss of will to live. Then, in 1987, just as I thought I would have it forever, I went to see the surgeon who had operated on me, who told me to try Questran powder. It was, and still is, a miracle. It took a few days to settle down, but by taking 2 sachets a day, my bowels were back to normal and are still normal 30 years on."

• Hol...
• September 11, 2010

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Post Cholecystectomy Syndrome: This medicine has been the best thing I have ever had. Regardless of the minor side effects I had, it has saved me from constant diarrhea after having my gallbladder removed. I spent 8 miserable months having diarrhea multiple times a day. This has stopped it completely with little to no side effects. It does make me feel full if I take it right before I eat."

• CSM...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 29, 2021

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I was having constant diarrhea for two years. Always having a change of underwear with me and learned to scope out the bathroom before putting one drop of food in my mouth since I knew I had only twenty minutes to enjoy the food before I would be running to the bathroom. Holding cheeks together didn't help once it was ready to go :). So this medicine has been everything."

• Gra...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 18, 2021

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I am so grateful for this medicine (cholestyramine). I had my gallbladder taken out about 9 years ago. Suffered with stomach problems too long. I finally called a specialist, and he prescribed it to me, and I got results quick. It took away my constant diarrhea and anxiety that comes with it. My GI doctor told me to take one 4 oz packet before bed every night, making sure I rinse my mouth real good and brush my teeth. I mix it real well with a whisk with room temperature water. I highly recommend it!"

• Ech...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 31, 2019

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I started this medication after my gallbladder was removed in Dec 2018. I was still having stomach issues, so my GI doctor put me on this medication. I take it once a day in the morning, and now I can eat mostly whatever I want. There are still a few things I avoid because I don't want to push it, and I hate being sick. This medication saved my life! My GI doctor told me that after a year I could come off the medication, but every time I try, the diarrhea comes back. I will take this as long as I need to."

• Ath...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 7, 2017

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I had diarrhea issues for years, which was becoming progressively more frequent up to the point where I had 6-9 episodes almost every day, especially in the morning. A gastroenterologist discovered the excess bile acid in my bowel during a colonoscopy and prescribed me Questran. It is not the most pleasant medicine, but I am so grateful, I feel like a normal person again! Not having to be late all the time, search for toilets wherever just in case, panic when stuck in traffic... I take one sachet in the morning just before breakfast. My doctor mentioned that the best time to take it is when our body produces the acid, which is very early in the morning. I have not experienced any side effects so far. Good luck to everyone."

• mov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 25, 2014

For Dumping Syndrome "I notice a change in my bowels after the second day of drinking the powder mixed in one glass of water. I drink it about 3 P.M. before dinner. I can tell this is working for me, as I do not have the need to rush to the toilet to get rid of what I just ate. I experienced it and found that just one glass late afternoon works fine for me. I understand that some people need two a day. I noticed a change quickly in my bowels since taking this. I have not needed to take Lomotil. That is a medicine I have been dependent on for many years."

• Wal...
• April 25, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "It was a great relief that it worked for me after years of going to various GIs. I like it more than the newer drugs because it is not a systemic drug, so it is less harmful over time. Strongly encourage it before using the newer medications."

• Mon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 12, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I'm 50 years old. I just had my colonoscopy done due to a two-month severe diarrhea attack. The procedure images came out to be nothing wrong. But I am still waiting for the biopsy result from the procedure. The GI doctor prescribed me to take 1 scoop of the cholestyramine before bedtime. I see my stool instantly formed in shape the next morning. The only problem now I am facing is constant hunger (approx. 2-3 hours needs to eat). Shaky hands. My left hand yesterday was actually swinging on its own, which I think is due to muscle cramp. This could result in an imbalance of electrolytes. Vitamin deficiency will cause you to feel weak and fatigued. Vitamins: B12, potassium, magnesium, vitamin K, and more. Make sure you monitor closely your vitamin levels when using this drug with your doctor. Best to take supplements along with this drug. Good luck!"

• Bun...
• November 27, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I've had EPIC D for 3 or 4 years and finally, about 1 1/2 years ago, was given Questran, which is amazing! But, like some of the other posts I've read, it doesn't seem to be completely effective. I started on three doses a day, but that seemed too much. Also, the original doc who prescribed didn't tell me whether to take it before or after the meal! He retired, and the doc that replaced him hasn't told me either, but about six months ago I read (somewhere on the web) you're supposed to take it 45 minutes before eating. Anyone have any thoughts about that? A pharmacist told me to take it right before I eat. Also, I'm on Creon - a digestive enzyme for pancreatic insufficiency."

• Pea...
• June 21, 2019

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I battled constant diarrhea for a couple of years, and when I went out to dinner with family and friends, I could never enjoy the meal because I was fearful I would have a sudden urge to run back and forth to the bathroom. I once made a mistake and ordered something that caused me embarrassment because I could not make it to the restroom fast enough and experienced an uncomfortable situation. I have learned to always have a second pair of undergarments because you would never know when you needed them. Since being on the cholestyramine, it has been great. I feel like I can enjoy some of the foods I like, but I am still careful in my selections."

• hwi...
• February 25, 2012

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I had diarrhea at least once, sometimes several times, every day for the past 3 years. I had a small bowel resection and was told it would just be that way for the rest of my life. Stomach cramps and diarrhea every day, within minutes of eating. Finally, my GI recommended I give this a shot - 1/2 scoop every night just before bed. First night my stomach was a little gurgly, but it worked GREAT! 2 cons: powder does not dissolve in water; works only for 1 day. If I don't take it one night, I am right back to a sensitive digestive system."

• Anonymous
• September 30, 2011

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, and this has worked great for me. I take it once or twice a day as needed with juice. The only side effect I noticed was one case of nausea, which passed after about an hour. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to avoid major constipation."

• Goo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 21, 2025

For High Cholesterol "My cholesterol had been around 200, right at the top of the recommended level for safety, and as I got older, it was trending up. It reached 280, and my Dr. said we need to do something, so he started me on statins. For two weeks, I took them, and my muscles felt weak, and in general, I had low energy... it prevented me from exercising, which I had been doing 5 times a week. So I asked my Dr. how it was helpful that the statin makes me stop exercising? He stopped the statin immediately and started me on cholestyramine. It was easy to take (twice a day, 1.5 scoops mixed in water... initially, 1 scoop was tried but wasn't getting enough results) and had no apparent side effects, except a certain amount of constipation. My Dr. recommended I drink more water when dosing, and that took care of the constipation. My cholesterol numbers are now 178-199 consistently. I've been on it for 3 years now. It has been a great intervention with almost no bad side effects."

• Res...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 31, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "It has been a miracle drug for me! I don’t want to exaggerate about it, but it’s given me my life back. I could never venture too far from a toilet. A flight or a traffic jam would terrify me. I take one packet a day mixed with applesauce (for palatability), and I’m problem-free."

• Joh...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 27, 2015

For Crohn's Disease "I am sure if it was not for this product, I would not be alive today. I would for sure not have been able to do my job that demands frequent travel to difficult parts of Africa and the Middle East. One problem, though, that surprises me is how little people that suffer from Crohn's know about this. Why are all doctors not prescribing it? Some doctors would rather prescribe Imodium, which is dangerous. The suppliers of this product should advertise it on international news channels as a service to improve quality of life. This product should also not be heavily scheduled. If headache tablets can be purchased over the counter, why do we need to see a doctor for such a life-changing product? It is over-controlled."

• Mia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "The only problem I have is my bowels are not solid yet. I may need to take two doses, but they said to do the one packet first for a while. After I drink it, my stomach gurgles like crazy, and I still have a lot of gas at night, but the doctor said it could take time. No idea why my stomach gurgles after drinking the solution. I just put it in very cold water, and down it goes. Make sure you brush your teeth afterward."

• Mim...
• March 22, 2019

For Dumping Syndrome "I am only on day 3 of this wonderful medicine, but have already had a great result! I am 58 years old, and after 10+ years of abdominal pain and sudden/uncontrollable diarrhea (up to 20 times a day), I was diagnosed with lymphocytic colitis. I am almost near tears that I may get my life back. I have not been able to eat or drink (not even water) and be away from the bathroom for over 5 years. The near disasters are too numerous to mention, and the anxiety of being away from a bathroom was ruining my life and my family's as well. After only 4 packets, I felt relief in my gut and am 'going' like a normal person, i.e., in the morning when I wake up and maybe once in the afternoon. Normal stool and not like before when it was every 5 minutes - thinking I was 'done' only to run back into the bathroom again. So yes, cholestyramine works for lymphocytic colitis."

• Rel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Prevalite has been a great experience this far. It's only been a week, and I have made a complete turnaround. I have suffered for years with IBS-Diarrhea and have had constant diarrhea as soon as I ate something. This has completely stopped that, along with the stomach pains."