Cholestyramine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Crash
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 5, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "When I was about 20-21 I really started have IBS-D issues, it runs in the family. Was afraid to eat out after 6pm 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 gall bladder 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..."

• piccr
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 11, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "After removing a prolific stone producing gallbladder that was causing biliary blockages, anything I ate would basically go right through, particularly the first meal of the day. My gastro doc prescribed the Cholestryamine and bingo problem resolved. I take it every evening around 9 or 10PM, have normal stools the next day and my first meal stays put along with everything else I eat. It will not dissolve and is like drinking sand, but for me it (Prevalite) goes down easier with a glass of apple cider (not juice). The generic version made by Sandoz I find is easier to take in plain water. As a bonus this drug also reduces my cholesterol."

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

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I was diagnosed with IBS-D almost 40 yrs ago. I've suffered and suffered all my life. About 10 yes ago I 'discovered' immodium 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 light bulb went off in my head and I realized my problem was likely bile acid malabsorbtion, at last for the past 5 yrs or longer. An awesome Physicians Assistant at 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 ins). But I only need to take 1/3-1/4 scoop a s day and some days I can even skip a dose. A lifesaver!!"

• Sellu...
• 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) have never been more predictable. This drug, which I had to basically prescribe for myself (after research) has been a Godsend. I believe my liver over produces bile which caused the gallstone build up in the first place and the subsequent Cholescystectomy. I suffered spontaneous diarrhea needlessly for 4 years and even suggested once to my doctor about looking into a bile sequestering agent 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-Cholescystectomy diarrhea to get this treatment, it works."

• Merv...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 12, 2012

Questran Light (cholestyramine) for Crohn's Disease "It is early days yet (under one month) since I commenced treatment with Questran but there has been marked decrease in daily bowel activity. I have had Crohn's for the past 18 years and all other medications have proved to be largely ineffective. I have been concerned about the potentially dangerous side effects that some medicines that are prescribed for this condition may have. Since starting this course of treatment, my intake of codeine and Lomotil/Imodium has been minimal. While constipation has occurred, it has been manageable. Without going down this track, with four identified strictures I was looking down the barrel of surgery. I am moderately confident that at least so far this has been a positive move."

• Holly
• September 11, 2010

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Post Cholysystectomy Syndrome: This medicine had 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 gall bladder 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."

• al1ce
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2014

For Dumping Syndrome "After having my gall bladder 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 in 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."

• Grate...
• 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 4oz 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!"

• 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 bathroom. Holding cheeks together didn't help once it was ready to go :). So this medicine has been everything"

• Echo
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 31, 2019

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I started this medication after my gallbladder was removed 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 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."

• Apple...
• 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."

• Bunny
• November 27, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Hi, I've had EPIC D for 3 or 4 years and finally about 1 1/2 years ago was given Questran, which is amzing! 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 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 suppose 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"

• 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 months 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 Dr prescribed me to take 1 scoop of the Cholestyramine before bed time. I see my stool instantly formed in shape the next morning. The only problem now I am facing is constantly hunger (approx 2-3hrs needs to eat). Shaky hands. My left hand yesterday was actually swinging on it’s own which I think due to muscle cramp. This could result in unbalance of electrolytes. Vitamins deficiency will causing you to feel weak and fatigue . Vitamins: B12, potassium, magnesium, vitamin k , and more. Make sure you monitor closely on your vitamins level when using this drug with your doctor. Best to take supplement along with this drug. Good luck!"

• WalW
• 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."

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

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I had diarrhoea issues for years which was becoming progressively more frequent up 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 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."

• hwilson
• February 25, 2012

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I had diarrhea at least once, sometimes several times, everyday 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 everyday, 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."

• movie...
• 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 3P.M. before dinner I can tell this 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 for 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."

• Peaches
• 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 to order something that caused me a embarrassment because I could not make it to the restroom fast enough and experience a uncomfortable situation. I have learned to always have a second pair of under garments 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"

• Resol...
• 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."

• Johan...
• 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 Middle East. One problem though that surprises me is how little people that suffers from Crohn's knows 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 Dr for such a life changing product. It is over controlled"

• Anonymous
• September 30, 2011

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have irritable bowl 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."

• Miata
• 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 does but they said to do the one packet first for awhile. After I drink it my stomach gurgles like crazy and still have a lot 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 afterwards."

• sally
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have used this medication for about 4 months now along with Immodium and am still having problems. At first I was using 2 packets a day and cut back to 1 as per the doctor and to use 1 Immodium. Yesterday I stopped taking the cholestyramine as I was losing my hair, it seemed that each time I washed my hair a lot was coming out in the comb. I started using a quality conditioner to help out with this and yesterday my hands were full of hair after putting the conditioner in my hair. This med seemed to not be working as good toward the end anyway. Off to the doctor again!!!"

• Minnie
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 30, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I started cholestyramine 2 years ago after years of terrible IBS- D, most days I was late into work or couldn't make it in at all? I had changed my diet and eliminated so many trigger foods but still so many accidents and pain. I am now living a normal life and not had one single accident since taking this miracle cholestyramine. I take 2 at night mixed with orange cordial. I still have to be careful what I eat as do get pain but I am a happy person now who can live life"

• Anonymous
• July 22, 2011

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Cholestyramine Powder has saved my life. In January of 2006 my Gastroenterologist was finally able to diagnose my stomach problem by taking biopsies during a colonoscopy. For years, starting in the early 1970's, I had been told I had irritable bowl syndrome and controlled my flare ups by changing my diet. But around 2002 my condition became so serious, I was fighting to keep 100 lbs. on my 5'2" frame. I looked like a skeleton covered by skin. My doctor and I tried various medications and I tried to control my stress. Nothing was working until my doctor did a colonoscopy with biospies. Now if I have a flare up, I use 1tbs of Cholestyraime Powder in 8 oz of room temperature water before bedtime and I'm good to go. "