Cholestyramine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• Liv...
• 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 happened and its name is cholestyramine. It made me wonder why it was 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!"

• jud...
• 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."

• Min...
• 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 have 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 I do get pain, but I am a happy person now who can live life."

• 5An...
• 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 gallbladder 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 I 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."

• ran...
• September 20, 2016

For Dumping Syndrome "I too had my gallbladder out 15 years ago, and immediately following removal gained 30 lbs 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 overweight before, and my digestion just seemed so out of whack. I stayed away from the doctor and tried my own things: diet, exercise...nothing worked. Ten years later, I went to a new woman doctor, and she prescribed cholestyramine. It works great. I take it 1x 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."

• 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. Mostly drink lots of fluid and have fiber or you can go the other way."

• Hap...
• 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 doctor put me on this medicine, cholestyramine, and I fell in love. I finally could eat what I wanted and enjoy life again without constant stomach problems."

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

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I had my 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 remedies 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."

• AJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2020

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I mix 1 Tbs cholestyramine with apple juice 2x daily, and it works for the severe diarrhea I had after having my gallbladder removed. This medication has been a lifesaver! 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."

• sal...
• 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 well toward the end anyway. Off to the doctor again!!!"

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

For Dumping Syndrome "Cholestyramine 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!"

• 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 1970s, I had been told I had irritable bowel 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 biopsies. Now if I have a flare-up, I use 1 tbsp of Cholestyramine powder in 8 oz of room temperature water before bedtime, and I'm good to go."

• Mag...
• 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 began 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."

• TTa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2016

For Post-Cholecystectomy Diarrhea "I've been in hell for over a year after having my 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 the diarrhea is gone, still have abdominal pain, and some nausea. I now have bloating and really bad nerve pain, muscle aches, and headaches. The relentless nerve pain wakes me several times a night, and I feel like I'm being stabbed with an ice pick 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 too far from the bathroom. Has anyone else had these side effects?"

• Aja...
• 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."

• sho...
• 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 the hospital. They said, no heart attack. Finally, I figured it out on my own, eliminating 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 gallbladder surgery as well as adhesion removal surgery. For those that are able to take it, I highly recommend it."

• tj4...
• 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 of hours. The pros outweigh the cons, and I'm glad I can really eat my favorite foods again."

• dan...
• 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 medication 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!)"

• Cee...
• 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 three 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 medication, and it scared me, and I decided not to take it. A couple of weeks ago, I woke up and felt like I was going to vomit from early morning until around 10 pm. 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 (i.e., back to how I used to live). I was advised to take two packets but am fine with one packet a day."

• 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!"

• dkc...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 2, 2015

For Crohn's Disease "I have been taking this product since the mid-1980s to help control my Crohn's disease symptoms. Works well, and I have had no adverse reactions. Great control of diarrhea and abdominal pain and cramps."

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

For Dumping Syndrome "I had my gallbladder out years ago, and immediately started 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 one 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!"

• 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."

• She...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 17, 2019

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 Questran Light."

• Jen...
• 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 to 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."