Cholestyramine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• 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. "

• judy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I've had stomach issues my entire life, complained about this to so many doctors and taken so many ineffective drugs. Finally found the right doctor who prescribed the right medication. I wish it hadn't taken so long. It's amazing to feel normal."

• Relief
• 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 turn around. 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."

• Livin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 20, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I'm 55 and have had stomach issues since my early twenties. It became worse after my ileum resection. I've been a prisoner of the bathroom for so long, avoiding outings and trips, having many embarrassing "accidents" stories. Well, it got so bad that I had severe diarrhea for 3 months straight and couldn't eat anything. After many tests and visits to different doctors, a miracle happens and its name is Cholestyramine. It made me wonder why was it kept a secret for so long? I have such a happy life now! I can eat salad and vegetables, I can drink coffee, and so many other things that used to bother my stomach! I just have to go easy on whole wheats and lactose. Bathroom? Once or twice a day, that's it! The only side effect I've had was when I used one whole packet. I had a severe headache every time I took it. I'm down to 1/2 and I'm fine. Thank you to the doctor who prescribed it!"

• Happily...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2020

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "Love this medicine..after years of gallbladder and diarrhea problems finally had gallbladder removed and still continued to be bathroom bound. My Dr. Put me on this medicine cholestryramine and I fell in love. I finally could eat what I wanted and enjoy life again without constant stomach problem.."

• 5Anon...
• October 16, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I've been living with IBS-D for 10+ years and symptoms got much , much worse within the last several years. I had my gall bladder removed and tested positive for many food sensitivities. I thought I would just have to live with this the rest of my life. My Dr recently prescribed this drug and started taking it a month ago. I take it with food in the morning and with food at night mixed in a glass of water and it doesn't taste bad, it's like Tang. The results are miraculous!!! I have normal BMs, and have started eating foods I previously avoided and I've been fine!! It's still shocking to me that this works so well. I only wish I would've known about it sooner."

• AJano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2020

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I mix 1Tbs cholestyramine with apple juice 2x's daily and it works for the severe diarrhea I had after having my gallbladder removed. This medication has been a life saver! It actually started working after the first couple of doses and actually keeps my bowels regular. That is something that I haven't had in MANY years, my bowels were never consistent until now."

• Mimi
• 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) l diagnosed as 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"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Post gallbladder surgery 1 month. Couldn't keep any food in me whatsoever. Went down to 94 pounds and was told this wasn't normal after gallbladder removal. Dr. wanted to run tests but I did research and found Questran. My Dr. did prescribe it and it has made a big difference. I tried to stop taking it when I felt a little better, but I can't. Mosty drink lots of fluid and have fiber or you can go the other way."

• Babyd...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 12, 2018

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I had gallbladder removed in 2017. Was prescribed prevalite but refused to take it because I wanted an “ All natural “ remedy for the horrific diarrhea. I lost 20-25 pounds and all of the natural remedy’s were not working. Started taking the meds 1x daily in the evening before dinner. I’ve gained back 10 pounds but I have so much gas and bloating. I also take a fiber supplement in the morning and am wondering if anyone else takes fiber along with the medicine? I’m beginning to think I’m sensitive to something I’m eating or the fiber itself is making me so bloated and gassy. Any comments or suggestions will be greatly appreciated."

• ranngib
• September 20, 2016

For Dumping Syndrome "I too had my gallbladder out 15 years ago and immediately following removal gained 30lbs in three months and had constant loose bowels (dumping syndrome). My doctor had told me the weight gain was because I was now able to eat. His comment annoyed me. It just wasn't true. I knew it had to be something more than that. I had never been over weight before and my digestion just seemed so out of wack. I stayed away from the doctor and tried my own things. Diet, exercise...nothing worked. 10 years later I went to a new woman Dr. and she prescribed Cholestyramine. It works great. I take it 1 x per day. What I do notice however, is it must be taken with a lot of water or I will get heartburn. If I skip a dose my problem returns immediately."

• Kriss
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have had chronic diarrhea (IBS-d)for the past 8 years! I had to quit my job and going out was a nightmare not only for me but my family cause I never wanna go out due to having an accident! I was prescribed cholestyramine yesterday! I've read most of people reviews and hope and pray I get the same out come! Will keep posted!"

• tj449
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Has worked extremely well since started, only reason for a 9 is eating too soon causes exhaustion and makes me go into a deep sleep for a couple hours. The pros outweigh the cons and I'm glad I can really eat my favorite foods again."

• danie...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2020

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I was prescribed this medication for bile reflux gastritis which began shortly after my gallbladder surgery six months ago. The medicine seems to help a little and I have no issues with the taste or texture — it's really not that bad! However, after taking the medication, and lasting until the next day, I feel weak and shaky —particularly in my biceps and quads. I found this absolutely terrifying until I thought that perhaps it was a side effect from the medication I had just started. Sure enough, after stopping the Questran it stopped. And whenever the gastritis gets bad enough that I have to go back on it it comes back. I'm going to have to do blood tests and mention this to my doctor but it's a serious bummer. (I understand that this mediation can interfere with our electrolyte balance and deplete magnesium and potassium so that is my best guess at the moment for what might be going on when I take it!)"

• Ajay
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2020

For Dumping Syndrome "I took cholestyramine after my gall bladder was removed and at first it was great for dumping syndrome. Then ALL the side effects hit. Abdominal cramping, rectal bleeding, etc; it even made me have a period for 2 weeks. It took a month for my body to recollect itself after I stopped taking it. I know this helps a lot of people but it didn't help me."

• Shazza
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 21, 2020

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I have been taking this medication cholestyramine for 20 years once a day. It has improved my quality of life 100%. Finding it very difficult to get in Australia now and have been told nothing else like it in the market. Extremely worried about what this will do to me."

• TTaylor
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2016

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I've been in hell for over a year after having gallbladder removed, severe diarrhea, weight loss, got down to 90 pounds, extreme abdominal pain, and nausea. I couldn't function normally. I have been on cholestyramine for two months and diarrhea is gone, still have abdominal pain, and some nausea. I now have bloating, and really bad nerve pain, muscle aches, and headache. The relentless nerve pain wakes me several times a night,and I feel like I'm being stabbed with an ice pike all over my body. In the morning my muscles are painful and weak, which makes it hard to walk. The side effects are miserable, but I can't go back to having the severe diarrhea and being afraid to get to far from the bathroom. Has anyone else had these side effects?"

• Maggie
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2020

For Dumping Syndrome "Having suffered for many years, with the last nine months being totally debilitating, the doctor put me on cholestyramine. Within one day my life begin to turn around. I have been on the drug now for approximately 10 weeks and this has been the best 10 weeks that I have had in years and years. This drug is a lifesaver. I am not afraid to leave the house."

• short...
• September 16, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Great drug and works like a charm. The only problem I found is it depletes your magnesium and potassium and I got muscle cramps so bad I thought I was having a heart attack. Even was rushed to hospital. The said, no heart attack. Finally, I figured it out on my own eleminating things because all the doctors wanted to do was push more drugs on me. Cannot take the drug. I have had part of my large colon removed due to Diverticulitis and then gall bladder surgery as well as adhesion removal surgery. For those that are able to take it, I highly recommend it."

• Teacher...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 19, 2017

For Dumping Syndrome "I had my gall bladder out years ago, and immediately starting having problems with severe diarrhea. For years, I always needed to know where the bathroom was wherever I went. Traveling was a nightmare. I am a teacher, and I would not eat until I was done teaching for the day because of this issue. I heard about cholestyramine and talked to my doctor, who said it was worth a try. From Day 1 taking it, the diarrhea issues were solved! I have been taking it for about 7 years, and it helped me get my life back to normal. My prescription ran out and I am having to go for a couple of days without it, and I am scared of what will happen!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I've been having troubles with ibs-d symptoms for the last 10-12 years of my life (I'm only 22) about 2 years ago after I had my appendix removed it started becoming worse so I go back to my doctor for them to tell me I have gallstones a year later and my life has become extremely unbearable I can't eat, drink, or anything with out having to go to the bathroom almost immediately after. I believe I may also be lactose intolerant. But about a month ago I went to see my doctor who gave me this medicine and told me to take it 3x a day either an hour before my meal or 2 hours after. This is difficult because I also have to take a thyroid pill on an empty stomach. So most of my day I'm either waiting around to eat or to take my medicine."

• Ceecee
• September 14, 2018

For Dumping Syndrome "I had my gallbladder removed back in 2005. Since then, I had lived over a toilet. Constant nausea and bloating. At least 3 times a day I felt as if I were going to vomit, followed by bloating. Dizziness and instant fatigue. I went in to my doctor and finally explained all this and was prescribed two packets of cholestyramine a day. To be honest, I had read all of the information about this med and it scared me and decided not to take it. A couple weeks ago I woke up and felt like I was going to vomit from early morning until around 10pm. I had never experienced that and it resulted in me laying in bed all day sick. So, I decided to try it and MY GOODNESS IT HAS SAVED ME. No more bloating, no more running to the bathroom. I can go out to dinner and not frantically look for a bathroom! I only have to go to the restroom once a day and that's it. I have to say though if a dose is missed, there is hell to pay (ie back to how I used to live). I was advised to take two packets but am fine with one packet a day."

• Dee
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 12, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "The Best! I can now go outside my home with reasonable confidence. As long as I watch what I eat and stay to small portion meals all is well. So very grateful to my gastroenterologist who prescribed this for me. It's a lifestyle changer."

• 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."